“I hear people talking about the ‘Gospel of Wealth’ in 2026. Is this a biblical teaching or a modern invention?”
The “Gospel of Wealth” is a philosophy that gained prominence in the late 19th century, suggesting that material riches are a sign of divine favor and that the wealthy have a responsibility to redistribute their surplus for the “public good.” While it sounds noble on the surface, the “defense of the truth” requires us to see it for what it is: a humanistic attempt to justify the accumulation of mammon. It often creates a “forensic” confusion between worldly success and spiritual fruit. The Bible warns us against such a perspective, reminding us: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
“Doesn’t the Bible say that God wants us to be prosperous? Where do we draw the line?”
Scripture indeed speaks of God’s provision and the “blessings of the Lord,” but the biblical definition of prosperity is far removed from the “Gospel of Wealth.” The world defines prosperity by the size of the barn; the Bible defines it by the state of the soul. We draw the line at the heart’s affection. The “costly grace” of the believer is found in holding loosely to the things of this earth. The Lord’s warning is firm: “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” (Matthew 6:24).
“What is the ‘Verdict’ on the idea that the wealthy are ‘stewards’ of their riches for society?”
While stewardship is a biblical command, the “Gospel of Wealth” often places the emphasis on human philanthropy as a means of secular salvation. It treats the rich man as the savior of the poor, rather than Christ. In the “Scriptural Exhibit” of the rich young ruler, we see that wealth can often be the very weight that prevents a person from following the King. Jesus did not ask him to become a philanthropist; He asked him to sell what he had and follow Him. True biblical stewardship is not about building libraries or museums to one’s own name, but about using every resource to advance the Kingdom while awaiting the Great Day of the Lord.
“If we shouldn’t pursue the ‘Gospel of Wealth,’ what should be our attitude toward money in these latter days?”
Our attitude must be one of “excellent spirit” and radical detachment. We are pilgrims in a strange land, and our true treasures are laid up in heaven where moth and rust do not corrupt. We must be found content with such things as we have, for He hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). As we see the economic shifts of 2026, the remnant must stand fast against the temptation to find security in a bank account. Our security is in the Covenant, and our inheritance is the King who is at the door.