Introduction
As human beings, we all have the power of speech. Our words can inspire, encourage, heal, and bring hope to those around us. However, with this power also comes great responsibility. What we speak can either bring life or death, blessings or curses. This is why the topic of speaking things into existence has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in Christian circles.
The “Word of Faith” movement, also known as the “positive confession” movement, has gained a large following based on the idea that we can speak things into existence. According to this teaching, if we have faith in God and speak positive words, we can bring about whatever we desire. However, is this teaching biblical? What does the Bible actually say about the power of our words and the concept of faith?
In this blog post, we will explore this topic in-depth, examining the relevant biblical passages and their contexts. We will also examine the biblical concept of faith and the importance of aligning our beliefs with God’s word. By the end of this post, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of what the Bible teaches about speaking things into existence and the power of our words.
What is the “Word of Faith” Movement?
The “Word of Faith” movement, also known as the “positive confession” movement, teaches that believers can use their words to speak things into existence. This teaching is based on a misinterpretation of the biblical principle of faith. According to this teaching, if we have faith in God and speak positive words, we can bring about whatever we desire. This teaching is often accompanied by an emphasis on material prosperity and healing.
While this teaching has gained popularity in recent years, it is important to examine it in light of the whole counsel of scripture. As we will see, the Bible does teach the power of our words, but it is not in the way that the Word of Faith movement suggests.
The Power of Our Words
The Bible does teach the power of our words. Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” This verse emphasizes the importance of the words we speak. Our words have the power to bring life or death, blessing or cursing. James 3:3-6 also warns us of the power of the tongue, describing it as a small member that can set the whole course of our lives on fire.
However, it is important to note that these verses do not teach that we can speak things into existence. Rather, they emphasize the importance of the words we speak and their impact on our lives and the lives of others. Our words have the power to bring about change, but it is not a power that we possess in and of ourselves.
The Biblical Concept of Faith
To understand the biblical concept of faith, we must turn to Hebrews 11:1, which says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This verse tells us that faith is not simply a positive attitude or a declaration of our desires. Rather, it is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Faith is not something we can conjure up on our own. It is a gift from God that we receive through hearing and responding to His word (Romans 10:17). It is through faith that we can please God and receive His promises (Hebrews 11:6).
Biblical Examples of Faith
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of individuals who demonstrated faith in God. In Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “faith chapter,” we read about individuals like Abraham, who believed God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations (Hebrews 11:8-12), and Moses, who trusted God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Hebrews 11:23-29).
In each of these cases, faith was not simply a declaration of their desires. Rather, it was a response to God’s word and His promises. These individuals trusted in God’s character and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when the circumstances seemed impossible.
What Does the Bible Say About Speaking Things into Existence?
There are a few passages in the Bible that are often used to support the idea of speaking things into existence. One of the most commonly cited passages is Mark 11:23-24, which says, “For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore, I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”
At first glance, this passage seems to support the idea of speaking things into existence. However, a closer look at the context reveals that this passage is not teaching that we can speak anything into existence. Rather, it is emphasizing the importance of faith in prayer. The passage is preceded by Jesus cursing a fig tree that had no fruit, and the disciples marveling at the fact that it withered away (Mark 11:12-14, 20-22).
In response to their amazement, Jesus teaches them about the power of faith in prayer. He tells them that if they have faith and do not doubt, they can speak to a mountain and it will be moved. However, the emphasis is on faith, not on the power of their words. Jesus is teaching that when we pray, we must have faith in God’s ability to answer our prayers. We cannot simply speak something into existence based on our own desires.
Another passage that is often used to support the idea of speaking things into existence is Romans 4:17, which says, “As it is written, ‘I have made you a father of many nations’ in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.”
At first glance, this passage may seem to suggest that we can call things into existence by speaking them. However, a closer look at the context reveals that this passage is referring to God’s ability to bring about His promises, not our ability to speak things into existence. The context of this passage is Abraham’s faith in God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations, despite being advanced in age and his wife being barren.
The emphasis is not on Abraham’s ability to speak things into existence, but on God’s ability to fulfill His promises. God is the one who calls things that do not exist as though they did, and it is through faith in Him that we can receive His promises.
What Does the Bible Teach About Prosperity?
One of the common beliefs in the Word of Faith movement is that God wants us to be prosperous and successful in every area of our lives. While it is true that God desires to bless His children, it is important to understand that prosperity in the biblical sense is not limited to material wealth.
The Bible teaches that true prosperity comes from living in obedience to God’s word. Psalm 1:1-3 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”
This passage teaches us that true prosperity comes from delighting in God’s word and meditating on it day and night. When we live in obedience to God’s word, we will bear fruit in our lives and whatever we do will prosper. This does not mean that we will never experience hardship or difficulty, but it does mean that we can have the confidence that God is with us and will provide for us according to His will.
The Importance of Aligning Our Beliefs with God’s Word
As Christians, it is important to align our beliefs with the truth of God’s word. While the Word of Faith movement has gained popularity in recent years, it is important to examine it in light of the biblical principles of faith and the power of our words. As we grow in our understanding of God’s word, may we seek to align our beliefs and practices with His truth.
One way to align our beliefs with God’s word is by studying it diligently. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” By studying the Bible and rightly dividing the word of truth, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s will and purpose for our lives.
Another way to align our beliefs with God’s word is by testing everything we hear against the standard of scripture. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” As we hear different teachings and ideas, we must test them against the truth of God’s word. If they align with scripture, we can hold on to them. If they do not, we must reject them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Bible does not teach that we can speak things into existence through the power of our words. While the Bible does emphasize the importance of the words we speak and their impact on our lives and the lives of others, it is not a power that we possess in and of ourselves. The power of our words is a reflection of the condition of our hearts, and it is through faith in God and His promises that we can see change in our lives and in the world around us.
The biblical concept of faith is not simply a positive attitude or a declaration of our desires. It is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It is a gift from God that we receive through hearing and responding to His word. Faith is demonstrated by trusting in God’s character and His ability to fulfill His promises, even when the circumstances seem impossible.
As Christians, we must be careful to examine any teachings in light of the whole counsel of scripture. While the Word of Faith movement has gained popularity in recent years, it is important to examine it in light of the biblical principles of faith and the power of our words. As we grow in our understanding of God’s word, may we seek to align our beliefs and practices with His truth. By doing so, we can experience the true prosperity and blessings that come from living in obedience to God’s word.