“People are appalled by the truth”
I’m appalled. And sad. I hope you are too.
“People are appalled by the truth”
I’m appalled. And sad. I hope you are too.
From John Piper at desiringgod.org
This post is the first in a series of twelve. The content comes from “Twelve Appeals to Prosperity Preachers” found in the new edition of Let the Nations Be Glad.
Jesus said, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” His disciples were astonished, as many in the “prosperity” movement should be. So Jesus went on to raise their astonishment even higher by saying, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” They responded in disbelief: “Then who can be saved?” Jesus says, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:23-27).
This means that their astonishment was warranted. A camel can’t go through the eye of a needle. This is not a metaphor for something requiring great effort or humble sacrifice. It can’t be done. We know this because Jesus said, Impossible! That was his word, not ours. “With man it is impossible.” The point is that the heart-change required is something man can’t do for himself. God must do it—“. . . but [it is] not [impossible] with God.”
We can’t make ourselves stop treasuring money above Christ. But God can. That is good news. And that should be part of the message that prosperity preachers herald before they entice people to become more camel-like. Why would a preacher want to preach a gospel that encourages the desire to be rich and thus confirms people in their natural unfitness for the kingdom of God?
‘You are worthy, our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory and honour and power. You are worthy because you created all things. They were created and they exist. That is the way you planned it.’ Revelation chapter 4, verse 11
‘No-one is right with God, no-one at all. No-one understands. No-one trusts in God. All of them have turned away.’ Romans chapter 3, verses 10-12
‘People have to die once. After that, God will judge them.’ Hebrews chapter 9, verse 27
‘Christ died for sins once and for all time. The one who did what is right died for those who don’t do right. He died to bring you to God.’ 1 Peter chapter 3, verse 18
‘Give praise to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his great mercy he has given us a new birth and a hope that is alive. It is alive because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.’ 1 Peter chapter 1, verse 3
‘Anyone who believes in the Son has eternal life. Anyone who says no to the Son will not have eternal life. God’s anger remains on him.’ John chapter 3, verse 36