Lord’s Library editors offer this brief gospel of success definition from the Scriptures to critique whether it is Biblical.
Often intertwined with the broader prosperity gospel, the gospel of success presents a view of Christianity that equates spiritual “success” with earthly achievements like wealth, status, and power. This false doctrine suggests that faith, particularly faith manifested in positive thinking and speaking, can result in personal and professional success. However, this interpretation goes against what the Scriptures say of salvation, the nature of God’s blessings, and the Christian life.
Scripturally, the notion that God guarantees earthly success to believers is unfounded. Ephesians 2:8-9 lays the foundation for New Testament Christian doctrine: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Here, one can see how these verses show that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, accessible through faith alone, and cannot be earned via works righteousness.
Gospel of Success Definition
Jesus Himself addressed the dangers of pursuing earthly wealth. See Matthew 6:24, where Jesus teaches: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” This directive makes it clear that devotion to wealth (mammon) interferes with a faithful relationship with the Lord.
What’s more, the gospel of success overlooks and even negates God’s Word on suffering and trials as part of God’s perfect plan for men. The Apostle Paul experienced intense hardships, which he discusses in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where he quotes the Lord’s Words: “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”
These revealing Scriptures show that spiritual strength in the Christian life are often realized through weakness rather than through success. This clearly contradicts the very essence of the gospel of success.
The Bible also warns against false teachers who would equate godliness with worldly gain. See 1 Timothy 6:5-6: “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.” Here, Paul explains godliness combined with contentment as great gain, which shifts the focus from earthly riches to spiritual wealth.
This Scripture-first perspective is vital as it highlights the danger of teachings that promote a misguided focus on material success as an indicator of one’s spiritual standing.
The gospel of success misrepresents the Biblical message of salvation and Christian living. The Scriptures affirm that real “success” in the Christian life is measured by faithfulness to God’s Will and the grace of Jesus Christ.
These heretical teachings thus call their followers to seek treasures of this world and not of the kingdom of heaven. As a result, the promise of the gospel of success is misleading, as it shifts focus from eternal salvation through Christ’s Blood Atonement to transient achievements.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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