Lord’s Library editors offer this brief name it and claim it movement meaning from the Scriptures to critique whether it is Biblical.
Often intertwined with the broader word of faith movement, name it and claim it promotes a concept that believers can “claim” prosperity, health, or personal success simply by speaking it into existence. This false theology asserts that verbal declarations can directly influence one’s reality, an idea that, while seemingly empowering, is flawed when examined against the backdrop of core Biblical teachings like salvation by grace through faith.
Central to this movement is the use of passages similar to Mark 11:24, where Jesus says: “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”
Proponents of “name It and claim it” interpret this to mean that any desire can be manifested through what they see as faith-filled declarations. However, this interpretation is a gross simplification and takes the verse out of its broader context in Scripture, which shows the alignment of our will with God’s Will, as Jesus foretells in the Lord’s Prayer. See Matthew 6:10: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Name It And Claim It Meaning
The name-it-and-claimers also frequently misapply passages like Proverbs 18:21: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” They use it to suggest that they can control life outcomes through their words alone. This selective reading ignores the Scripture on humility, reliance on God’s grace, and the sovereignty of God over all aspects of life.
James 4:13-15 offers a clear counterpoint: “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.”
This verse from James reminds us of the folly in boasting about tomorrow without acknowledging that life itself is subject to God’s Will.
The theological foundation of “name It and claim it” is incompatible with the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. This is most notably articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9: “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.”
This passage highlights that salvation—and by extension, all gifts from God—cannot simply be spoken into existence but are given only through God’s grace. The movement’s focus on man’s ability to “manifest” reality through speech not only undermines the necessity of grace but also the very nature of faith as trust in God rather than in one’s own works righteousnes.
The actual Biblical narrative includes many such instances where the outcomes believers face, including great suffering, serve greater purposes in God’s plan to each reliance on Him rather than one’s own desire. Paul’s experience with the “thorn in his flesh” is a testament to this. See 2 Corinthians 12:7-9: “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 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.”
As one can see, God’s response to Paul’s pleas for relief was not the removal of the thorn but a reminder that the Lord’s grace was enough. This would certainly seem to challenge the “name it and claim it” doctrine that suggests faith can always alter circumstances to our personal liking.
We hope it is clear how the “name it and claim it” movement acts as a misunderstanding of the power of speech and faith. It misrepresents the Scriptures on God’s sovereignty, the nature of prayer, and the doctrine of salvation. The Christian acknowledges that while prayer changes things, it is ultimately God’s Will that prevails, and our faith should be placed not in the power of our words but in the grace and sovereignty of God who works all things for good for those who love Him, amen. We leave you with Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
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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