| Biblical Perspectives Magazine, Volume 28, Number 1, December 28, 2025 to January 3, 2026 |
Many Christians assume that wealth is a sign of divine favor or spiritual superiority. But the Bible tells a different story—one that challenges our assumptions and invites us into a deeper understanding of holiness, especially regarding money. Let's explore financial holiness through the lens of Scripture and Church tradition, uncovering truths often overlooked.
The starting point is the call to preach truth faithfully, regardless of worldly outcomes. As Ezekiel reminds us:
"When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning...but if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn...he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul." (Ezekiel 3:18–19, NKJV)
Our responsibility is to convey God's truth. Whether others heed it or not, the obligation is ours.
Understanding God accurately is essential. Christ warned against empty worship:
"In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:7, NKJV)
True faith demands not just devotion but correct understanding. Misguided assumptions about wealth can mislead believers, creating envy, pride, or unjust discrimination in Christian communities.
Scripture recognizes that God grants wealth and honor:
"Both riches and honor come from You, And You reign over all." (2 Chronicles 29:12, NKJV)
Yet worldly success is not proof of faithfulness. Unbelievers may prosper, while devout Christians may remain humble or even impoverished. Christ's temptation on the mountain illustrates this:
"The devil said to Him, 'All this authority I will give You...if You will worship before me, all will be Yours.'" (Luke 4:5–7, NKJV)
God does not operate like the devil, offering wealth in exchange for worship.
Wealth distribution in Scripture is not based on spiritual merit:
Thus, riches are not indicators of spiritual favor.
Psalm 73 warns of the prosperity of the wicked:
"For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end." (Psalm 73:3–17, NKJV)
Wealth and health are not universal signs of God's blessing. Only God knows who is faithful.
The promise of Abraham, often cited by prosperity gospel proponents, pertains to the Millennial reign and not present-day wealth:
"cursed shall be he who shall curse you, and blessed shall be he who shall bless you. Genesis 27:28-29 If any one, then, does not accept these things as referring to the appointed kingdom, he must fall into much contradiction and contrariety, as is the case with the Jews, who are involved in absolute perplexity…The predicted blessing...belongs unquestionably to the times of the kingdom, when the righteous shall bear rule upon their rising from the dead." (Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies, Book 5, Ch. 33)
Christ confirms that seeking God's kingdom ensures spiritual treasure, not necessarily earthly riches (Matthew 6:19–20, 33; Luke 12:31–35).
The New Testament emphasizes generosity over accumulation:
"Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom?" (James 2:5–6, NKJV) "Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great." (Luke 6:35, NKJV)
Financial holiness involves giving, avoiding usury, and practicing integrity (Deuteronomy 23:19–20; Ezekiel 18:12–17; Luke 11:41).
Wealthy Christians face higher accountability:
"Command those who are rich...to do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come." (1 Timothy 6:17–19, NKJV)
Financial holiness requires living the "Charity Doctrine," sharing resources to benefit others rather than hoarding for self-indulgence.
Abraham's example reveals true spiritual wealth:
Church Fathers confirm Abraham's charity-centered faith:
Abraham exemplifies that spiritual richness comes from charity and obedience, not earthly wealth.
Financial holiness is a lifelong pursuit:
As Jeremiah reminds us:
"Let him who glories, glory in this, that he understands and knows Me." (Jeremiah 9:24, NKJV)
True wealth is measured not by riches, but by how closely our lives reflect God's righteousness.
Ramachandran, Jonathan. Essays in Early Christianity: Chiliasm Prophecy Model and Non-Elect Salvation Possibility. Cambridge, OH: Christian Publishing House, 2025. ISBN 9781949586435. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1949586421.
Holy Bible, New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 2007.
Clement of Rome. First Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 10. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://ccel.org/ccel/clement_rome/first_epistle_to_the_corinthians/anf01.ii.ii.x.html.
Justin Martyr. Dialogue with Trypho, chapter 56. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/01285.htm.
Irenaeus of Lyons. Against Heresies, IV.16.2. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://www.ccel.org/fathers2/ANF-01/anf01-05.htm.
Clement of Alexandria. Stromata IV.21. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/02094.htm.
Origen. Homilies on Genesis and Exodus, Homily IV. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://www.scribd.com/document/722452177/Origen-Homilies-on-Genesis-and-Exodus.
Ambrose of Milan. De Abraham, Book I, chapter 5. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://archive.org/details/deabrahamabramo0000ambr.
Ephrem the Syrian. Hymns on Abraham, Hymn III. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://archive.org/download/syrarch334903/St.%20Ephrem%20the%20Syrian%20-%20Hymns%20on%20Paradise%20%28Sebastian%20Brock%29.pdf.
St. Irenaeus of Lyons. Against Heresies, Book 5, Chapter 33. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0103533.htm.
Shepherd of Hermas. Similitude Fifth, Chapter 3. Accessed September 28, 2025. https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/02013.htm
| This article is provided as a ministry of Third Millennium Ministries(Thirdmill). If you have a question about this article, please email our Theological Editor |
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