“It is ironic, then, that Christians who denounce the prosperity gospel have in recent years touted its sexier, if subtler, form: the sexual prosperity gospel…. [The Sexual Prosperity Gospel] holds that God will reward premarital chastity with a good Christian spouse, great sex and perpetual marital fulfillment.”

-Katelyn Beaty in “Joshua Harris and the sexual prosperity gospel“

How many here believed “the sexual prosperity gospel” prior to their marriage’s implosion?

This false gospel was taught to Millennials and later generations as a way to address the thorny topic of sexual ethics for teenagers and young adults. The damage of such bad theology is still being felt in the church.

People are walking away from the false god of “the sexual prosperity gospel” thinking–incorrectly–this god is the God of the Bible.

We know the god of “the sexual prosperity gospel” is not the true God for many reasons. In general, I like to look to fruit when it comes to discerning the presence of my God (see Matthew 7:17-20, Galatians 5:22-23).

The god of “the sexual prosperity gospel” rules through fear and false promises:

-How many of us once lived in terror of their sexual desires as if they were a wild animal itching to destroy and damn one’s soul in a moments notice?

-How many believed only dating “Christians” and certainly, only marrying a “Christian” would guarantee a lifelong, happy marriage only to be let down?

-How many thought God would give them a mind-blowing wedding night as a reward for remaining pure only to be disappointed and confused?

-How many dealt with judgment and condemnation for your divorce because people believing this false gospel assumed God must be punishing you for some sin?

God does not rule through fear (see 2 Timothy  1:7). The “fruit” of this false gospel is contrary to the fruit experienced by those living in the Lord (see I John 4:17-19).

The good news with the exposure of this false god of “the sexual prosperity gospel” is how it clears the way to know the true God.

⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

-Psalm 23:4, KJV

God does not promise an easy life for those who walk with Him. We do not get to go around the valley of the shadow of death.

The promise God gives us is one of His Presence as we walk through the valley.

He will walk with us. In my experience, that does not mean we will always feel His Presence. Nevertheless, God is still walking with us as He has promised to never forsake us (see Hebrews  13:5).

The opposite of fear is the safety of knowing you are loved unconditionally and will be okay because God has already written the ending and is able to see you through to it. This is good, true news that will not disappoint!

  *A version of this post ran previously.