“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines
the course of your life.” ~ Proverbs 4:23
“Matters of the Heart” is a weekly blog that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart, the issues we all face but sometimes don’t want to talk about. The heart is the programming center of our lives. What is programmed into our heart will affect every area of our lives. Learn how to examine your heart and how to program your heart for success.
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A new heresy has infiltrated the Church. I call it “outcome-based theology.”
What is outcome-based theology?
Simply put, it is a false theological position that states that the truth of Scripture depends on the results we get when we pray.
For example, if I pray for healing and I don’t get healed, then something is wrong with the Bible. Perhaps healing is not for today. Perhaps God doesn’t want everyone to be healed. Perhaps God has specific qualifications for healing.
Perhaps. Perhaps. Perhaps.
Outcome-based theology is but another instance of Satan’s original question to Eve: Did God really say? (Genesis 3: 1).
Well, yes! God DID really say! And we would do well to take at face value what He said and believe it!
For instance, God said this about healing:
___”By the stripes of Jesus you were healed” (1 Peter 2: 24). WERE healed. We are ALREADY healed!
___”Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases….” (Psalm 103: 2-3). ALL our diseases. Not SOME, but ALL!
___”As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one” (Luke 4: 40). Jesus healed EVERY ONE!
God says what He means and means what He says. If we are not receiving what God has already given us through Christ, then the problem is on our end, not His!
If we are not experiencing the blessings God promised us in the Atonement, then we need to ask Holy Spirit to reveal to us the true reason. Maybe it has to do with a lack of knowledge (Hosea 4: 6). Maybe it has to do with a misunderstanding we have of a particular Bible verse. Worst of all, maybe it has to do with our doubt and unbelief.
“God is not a man, so he does not lie” (Numbers 23: 19). He says what He means and means what He says. It is high time we believe Him.
Outcome-based theology makes man the final authority for Scriptural truth. It exalts man’s reason over God’s Word.
In short, outcome-based theology makes man God.
Outcome-based theology is the result of false teaching. I urge you to examine everything you hear from the pulpit, everything you hear on TV or the radio, and everything you read. Measure it by the Word of God. If it does not agree with God’s Word, it is a lie.
Remember this truth: God’s Word is our final authority, no matter what we feel or think, and no matter what anyone else feels or thinks or says.
Prayer for Today: Lord God, keep us from the deception of outcome-based theology. Keep us from all deception. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
Now, it’s YOUR turn: Are you guilty of outcome-based theology? If so, repent and believe God. Please share your insights in the Comments box below. Thank you!
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If you found this post helpful, please forward it to a friend. Thank you! You may also be interested in reading the following popular posts:
“Are You on the Verge of Giving Up?”
“How to Stay Sane in an Insane World”
“Is Regret Stealing Your Joy?”
“How to Recognize a Controlling Spirit”
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Excellent post, MaryAnn. Heard a pastor say years ago, “As society goes, so does the church.” That has become more evident in the last few decades. Thank you for the encouragement. I desire to walk and operate in His word, fully and completely.
Thank you, karen. Interesting quote by the pastor you mentioned. Yes, the truth of his words has become quite evident. Sadly, it should be the other way around.
Thank you so much for you valuable input. I always enjoy hearing from you. May our Lord continue to bless you in Ephesians 3: 20 ways. 🙂