Do the Blessings of Abraham Apply to Christians, and Do They Include Financial Wealth? Question 17.

Jonathan Shuttlesworth, in his book and YouTube blog 35 Questions for Those Who Hate the Prosperity Gospel, asserts that the blessings of Abraham, promised to believers through faith in Christ, include financial wealth. He asks:

“Do you think the Devil gave you your home? Do you think the Devil gave you air conditioning and food?”

Quoting Galatians 3:6-9, 13-14, and 3:29, Shuttlesworth argues that the blessings of Abraham, now accessible to all Christians, include material prosperity. This blog critically evaluates his claims, examining the biblical context of these passages and the broader theological implications.

1. The Blessings of Abraham in Galatians 3

The Texts Shuttlesworth Cites

Galatians 3:6-9: “So also Abraham ‘believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’ So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.”
Galatians 3:13-14: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.’ He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
Galatians 3:29: “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

Shuttlesworth’s Interpretation

Shuttlesworth argues that the blessings of Abraham, now available to all Christians, include financial wealth. He connects this interpretation to the removal of curses in Deuteronomy 28, claiming that material prosperity is a key aspect of redemption through Christ.

2. Contextual Analysis of Galatians 3

Paul’s Main Argument

Paul’s focus in Galatians 3 is on justification by faith, not material wealth. He highlights:

The Gospel Foreshadowed: Abraham’s blessing is primarily spiritual, emphasizing justification by faith and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s covenant people.
The Promise of the Spirit: The ultimate blessing is the gift of the Holy Spirit, not material riches (Gal. 3:14).
Redemption from the Law: Christ’s work on the cross frees believers from the curse of the law, enabling them to inherit spiritual blessings through faith.

The Blessings of Abraham

The blessings of Abraham include:

Justification by Faith: As Abraham was credited with righteousness through faith, so are believers (Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:3).
A Global Family: All nations are blessed through Abraham’s seed, Jesus Christ, fulfilling God’s promise (Gen. 12:3).
Spiritual Inheritance: The primary blessing is eternal life and reconciliation with God, not financial wealth.

Deuteronomy 28 and the Curse of the Law

Paul’s reference to redemption from the curse of the law (Gal. 3:13) does not equate to a promise of financial prosperity. The curses in Deuteronomy 28 were specific to Israel’s covenantal disobedience, and their removal through Christ applies to spiritual redemption, not necessarily material gain.

3. Shuttlesworth’s Misapplication

Misinterpreting the Blessings of Abraham

Shuttlesworth’s interpretation conflates Abraham's spiritual blessings with financial wealth. While Abraham was materially blessed (Gen. 13:2), these blessings were part of God’s covenantal plan to establish Israel, not a universal promise of wealth for all believers.

Equating Prosperity with Redemption

By linking the removal of curses in Deuteronomy 28 to financial prosperity, Shuttlesworth overlooks the New Testament’s emphasis on spiritual riches:

Ephesians 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”
Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

4. A Balanced View of Prosperity

God’s Provision

The Bible teaches that God provides for His people, often in material ways, but this provision is not the focus of the gospel:

Matthew 6:33: “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Warnings Against Wealth

Scripture consistently warns against the dangers of wealth:

1 Timothy 6:9-10: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires.”

Spiritual Priority

While material blessings are not inherently wrong, the Bible emphasizes spiritual prosperity and eternal rewards over earthly riches:

Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

5. Theological Concerns with Prosperity Theology

Distorting the Gospel

In Playing with Holy Fire, Dr. Michael Brown critiques prosperity theology for focusing on material blessings at the expense of the gospel’s spiritual priorities. Costi Hinn, in God, Greed, and the (Prosperity) Gospel, warns that prosperity teachings often manipulate Scripture to promote a transactional view of faith.

Neglecting the Warnings

By emphasizing wealth, prosperity theology risks ignoring biblical warnings about greed, idolatry, and the love of money. These teachings can lead believers into spiritual harm and disillusionment.

6. Biblical Prosperity: A Holistic View

True Blessings in Christ

The blessings of Abraham, as fulfilled in Christ, are primarily spiritual, including justification, reconciliation, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Material blessings may be part of God’s provision but are secondary to the eternal riches believers inherit in Christ.

Faithful Stewardship

Believers are called to steward their resources wisely, using them to glorify God and advance His Kingdom. Prosperity should be viewed as an opportunity for generosity, not a guarantee of personal wealth.

Conclusion: Are the Blessings of Abraham for Christians, and Do They Include Financial Wealth?

The blessings of Abraham, as described in Galatians 3, are spiritual in nature, focusing on justification by faith and the gift of the Holy Spirit. While God may bless believers materially, this is not the primary focus of the gospel.

Shuttlesworth’s interpretation conflates spiritual and material blessings, risking a distortion of the biblical message. True prosperity is found in knowing Christ, being reconciled to God, and stewarding His blessings for His glory and purposes.

Author: Evg. Bradley Sliedrecht BCL, M.Div. ✝️📖✨

(PhD Student)