[30] “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. [31] Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? [32] For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live.” (Ezekiel 18:30–32)
I learned first-hand as a parish pastor that the so called “Prosperity Gospel” could wreck a Christian’s faith. When a recent study found Protestants are increasing buying into this false Gospel, it seemed time to raise a caution flag.
One key teaching of the Prosperity Gospel is a “cause and effect” relationship with God. For example, if a Christian is financially generous, then God will financially bless that same Christian. The problem is that God does not make this specific financial promise in Scripture. Christians who buy into this false teaching are at risk for becoming disappointed or disillusioned with God when such material blessings do not materialize.
The Prophet Ezekiel describes a biblical version of “cause and effect.” Ezekiel says that God’s people would be judged according to their actions and attitudes. God ruled that all have sinned and fallen short of his glory. This caused God the Father to send Jesus to live the lives we couldn’t live, to give his life in our place. The effect of Jesus’ death and resurrection is the forgiveness of the sins of the world.
There is another biblical example of “cause and effect.” The cause is personally receiving the forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal condemnation. The effect is being deeply grateful to receive this grace from God. This grace moves us to joyfully live the lives God desires us to live.
(A Second Look devotions are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)
Kevin Wilson 360 