Perversion of Gods Blessings

The Truth About the Hundred Fold Return and Other Money Issues
There are those who strongly support the hundred fold return, which according to them, refers to receiving 100 times more of everything they give. Is this really in Scripture? Jesus did indeed talk of the hundred fold return. But the passage is not exactly as stated by some. Rather than flaunt money and riches to His disciples, as many preachers seem to do today, He warned severely of the consequences of having much money. This warning was so strong that His disciples wondered who could be saved. 16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? 17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. 18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do not murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, 19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, then for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 25 When his disciples heard it they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? 26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:16-26 Before Jesus got around to mentioning the hundred fold return, He made a strong point of the seduction and deception of riches. He said if you will be perfect; and is not this what the world, and indeed, christians seek? To be perfect? How hard it is to be rich in this life and also to serve Jesus! If this young man did as Jesus stated then he would have built up treasure in heaven. Note that it specifically says treasure in heaven, not treasure on earth! Giving on this earth to the poor and to the kingdom of God will give us much in heaven. It is not so

Perversion of Gods Blessings

we can be rich in this life! 27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? 28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my names sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first. Matthew 19:27-30 In these verses which teach the hundred fold return it is important to note that Jesus is answering a question of Peter of what they will have because we have forsaken all. This passage is interpreted by many to be about giving money, but it is clearly about forsaking all. The disciples gave up all things. They left their houses and families. They traveled on the road without knowing where their next meal would come from. It was totally on faith and the provisions of Jesus miracles. As an example of forsaking all: if you had three houses and gave one up, it is not forsaking all, you still have two houses. If you gave away two, you are still not forsaking all; you still have one to live in. It is when you have given up all that you have forsaken all. This passage is not speaking about giving money, but about giving up everything for Jesus sake. The disciples all had jobs or businesses before they left to follow Jesus. So they did not just give some money to Jesus work, they gave up all sources of their money! They will be blessed a hundredfold. Look at verse 28. Jesus states that this occurs in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory. So while we may receive many blessings on this earth because of Jesus love for us, we will not fully receive this hundred fold until after Jesus return! With this understanding verse 30 makes more sense. Those that have given up many things for Christs sake will be last on this earth, but first in heaven! Now lets look at another verse dealing with money issues:

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Perversion of Gods Blessings

3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes or words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I Timothy 6:3-11 Now this lays it on the line! Gain in this world is not godliness! So much for the prosperity gospel, as I call it. Godliness, according to verse 6 is contentment with what you have. Those that seek riches will drown themselves in destruction! Gain with God is being content with food and clothing, and your basic needs. I wonder what those who have sought after money are going to say when they stand before the judgment seat. They have erred from the faith! They now have many sorrows! Riches are a trap! Hoarding of material things is totally of this world and has nothing to do with God and holiness! Gods blessings cannot be reduced to the money system of man. There are those who try and make the Word of God into some kind of money machine. But this is not so! We are to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. These things are true godliness! Articles, books, prophecies, and other materials are available from the web site, The Prophetic Word: prophetic-word.org To contact Thomas S. Gibson: <tsgibson@telusplanet.net>, 1125 - 6 Ave, Wainwright, AB T9W 1G2, Canada. copyright 2006 by Thomas S. Gibson. The contents of this document is absolutely copyrighted against any altering! You are encouraged print, copy, or republish this document.

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