By Oyewole O. Sarumi
In recent years, we have witnessed a disturbing trend in many Christian communities, an overwhelming emphasis on miracles, prophecies, and other supernatural experiences that are often marketed as the primary markers of true Christianity.
This shift in focus has led to a widespread misunderstanding of the true nature of the Christian faith, turning Christianity into a consumer-driven religion where prophetic utterances, anointed objects, and healing services have become the centerpiece.
The message of the gospel has been distorted, with God’s Word often taking a backseat to miracles and sensational experiences. Churches are increasingly being commercialized, with offerings for prayer oils, holy water, anointed mantles, and even “investment opportunities”. Many believers are now being led astray, seeking spiritual fulfillment in things that the Bible never intended to be at the center of the Christian faith.
But the Bible is clear: Christianity is not about prophetic utterances, miracles, or material gain. The heart of Christianity is found in believing in Christ and obedience to His Word. In this article, we will examine the dangers of placing emphasis on miracles and prophecies as the sole measure of true Christianity and discuss the biblical call to obedience and faithfulness to Christ as the path to eternal life.
The Rise of Deception in Modern Christianity
Christianity: A Business or a Sacred Calling?
The commercialization of Christianity is perhaps one of the most alarming developments in the modern church. Churches that were once places of worship, prayer, and fellowship are now transforming into business centers, social clubs, and battlegrounds for spiritual marketing. Prosperity-driven motives have crept into the church, and many preachers are now offering material blessings as incentives for faithfulness.
The concept of giving to receive has become a dominant theme, with promises of financial prosperity and physical well-being associated with acts of generosity.
This is not Christianity. Christianity is not about peddling spiritual goods or capitalizing on faith. It is about salvation through the grace of God, living a holy life, and obedience to Christ.
The apostle Paul warned against false teachings that distort the gospel for personal gain. In 2 Corinthians 2:17, he writes: “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17, ESV)
Paul’s words are a sharp rebuke to those who seek to profit from the gospel. The message of salvation should never be reduced to a transactional business or a means of financial enrichment. It is holy, and it demands sincerity and truth in its proclamation.
The New Age of Miracles and Prophetic Utterances
Today, many churches have turned their focus toward prophecies and miracles as a way to validate the truth of the gospel. These supernatural events are often presented as signs of spiritual power or as evidence of God’s approval. Yet, the Bible does not say that miracles or prophetic utterances are the markers of true Christianity. In fact, the Bible warns against **seeking after signs and wonders at the expense of obedience to God’s Word.
Jesus Himself warned about the danger of placing too much importance on miracles and prophecies. In Matthew 7:21-23, He said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and cast out demons in your name and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23, ESV)
In this passage, Jesus clearly states that miracles and prophecies are not the criteria for salvation. Instead, obedience to God’s will, living according to His Word, is the accurate measure of faithfulness. Many will be deceived by signs and wonders, but faithful followers of Christ are those who obey His Word and live in obedience to His teachings.
The True Gospel: Salvation Through Christ and Obedience to His Word
Salvation is Found in Christ Alone
At its core, the gospel is the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is the good news that God sent His Son to save humanity from sin, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. The essence of Christianity is not in miracles, prophecies, or earthly rewards, but in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins.
Jesus Himself said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”* (John 14:6, ESV)
The heart of Christianity is faith in Christ, trusting in His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. Christianity is not about seeking signs and wonders; it is about believing in Christ and obeying His Word. Jesus called His followers to be disciples, people who learn from Him, follow His teachings, and live according to His commands.
Obedience: The Key to Salvation
The Bible teaches that obedience to Christ is the key to true Christianity. In Luke 6:46-48, Jesus says: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who digs deep and lays the foundation on rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.” (Luke 6:46-48, ESV)
In these verses, Jesus teaches that true discipleship is not just about hearing His words, but also about doing them. The foundation of a believer’s life must be built on obedience to Christ’s teachings. Miracles, prophecies, and signs may come and go, but it is the obedient believer who stands firm in their faith.
True Prosperity: Living in Obedience to Christ
True prosperity is not found in material wealth, health, or earthly success. The Bible teaches that spiritual prosperity, a life of obedience to Christ, is the accurate measure of wealth. Godliness with contentment is the most significant gain, as Paul teaches in 1 Timothy 6:6: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6, ESV)
Spiritual prosperity comes from knowing Christ and living in accordance with His will. It is not about acquiring wealth, but about growing in holiness and faithfulness. True wealth is measured by the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Deception of Following Men Instead of Christ
A Warning Against False Teachers
The Bible warns against false teachers who mislead believers by twisting the gospel for their own gain. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul writes: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, ESV)
False teachers often present a watered-down gospel that promises earthly rewards, such as health, wealth, and success, rather than calling people to repentance and obedience to Christ. These teachers appeal to the flesh, promising what people want to hear rather than what they need to hear. The true gospel, however, calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Christ.
The Call to Stand Firm in the Truth
In a world where many are chasing after signs, wonders, and material prosperity, the true Christian life calls us to stand firm in the truth of the gospel. We must remain faithful to Christ, knowing that salvation is found in Him alone and that obedience to His Word is the key to eternal life.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, Paul warns that God may send a delusion to those who reject the truth: “Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, so that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12, ESV)
The delusion of false prosperity teachings leads many to follow after the lies rather than the truth of the gospel. As Christians, we must hold fast to the truth of Christ and avoid being led astray by the allure of false teachings.
Conclusion
Christianity is not about miracles, prophecies, or material prosperity. It is about faith in Christ, obedience to His Word, and living a holy life in His service. The gospel calls us to repentance and faith, and to follow Christ in all areas of our lives.
The true Christian life is marked by obedience, contentment, and spiritual growth. It is not a life of seeking earthly rewards but one of pursuing Christ and His Kingdom.
May we, as believers, stay faithful to the gospel of Christ, reject false teachings, and live out our faith with obedience to His Word, knowing that in Him alone we find true prosperity, the riches of salvation, and eternal life.
