Who’s in Control—God or Your Words?

Unpacking Manifesting, New Thought, and Word of Faith Theology

by Marci Julin

While waiting to check out at a store recently, two cashiers discussed the fact that their colleague was late, AGAIN, and the girl she was set to replace was anxious to leave. Her friend suggested she manifest reality by speaking to the “universe” –that the late worker should walk through the door. With a sense of authority, the impatient cashier did so, but, alas, the disinterested universe refused to manifest the missing cashier. Oh, well; surely it was worth a try. (wink, wink)

Although odds are good the cashiers didn’t actually expect their missing coworker to manifest immediately, such New Thought ideas have become commonplace and, sadly, have infiltrated the church as Word of Faith teachers attempt to Christianize pagan beliefs.

Because my ministry, writings, and teachings address the topics of health, illness, and healing, I often encounter comments and questions by well-intentioned Christians who have unknowingly incorporated beliefs that aren’t quite as biblical as they imagine. For example, in the past few weeks two separate people told me they believed the Bible says they can speak life or death over themselves, thereby bringing healing or destruction. Another individual questioned whether the idea of speaking affirmations over yourself in the form of positive thinking or even Scripture was appropriate and beneficial to healing.

Perhaps you have thought or heard similar teachings and ideas and wonder whether the Bible indeed gives you such power and authority. In this post, I hope to unpack manifesting, New Thought philosophies, and Word of Faith theology through the lens of Scripture. Let’s begin by defining our terms, first with the pagan philosophies and then with the “Christianized” versions before moving to a careful consideration of whether these are just different ways of talking about faith—or something fundamentally different.

Manifesting, at its core, is the belief that:

• Your thoughts, words, or beliefs create reality.

• You can attract outcomes (health, wealth, success) through alignment of mind and speech.

• The spiritual realm operates on impersonal laws (like the “law of attraction”).

Consider some quotes from proponents of New Thought beliefs. Rhonda Byrne speaks of the Law of Attraction when she says, “If you see it in your mind, you’re going to hold it in your hand.”  “Every thought of yours is a real thing—a force.” And “See the things that you want as already yours.”[1]

Another manifesting guru, Bob Proctor, says, “See yourself living in abundance and you will attract it.”[2] Proctor begins his article with quotes from Buddha and J.K. Rowling: “What you think you become, what you feel you attract. What you imagine you create.” [3] “We do not need magic to transform our world. We carry all of the power we need inside ourselves already.”[4]

I could go on and on, but you get the idea: Thoughts create reality. Feelings attract outcomes, and the universe responds to internal states.

Contrast New Thought with Word of Faith Theology

Now, compare those quotes with those from the pastor of the largest “church” in America, Joel Osteen, in his best-selling book, Your Best Life Now.

“You will produce what you’re continually seeing in your mind… If you develop an image of victory, success, health, abundance, joy, peace, and happiness, nothing on earth will be able to hold those things from you… You must conceive it in your heart and mind before you can receive it… You must make room for increase in your own thinking, and then God will bring those things to pass” “You must conceive it and believe it is possible if you ever hope to experience it”[5]

Unlike Osteen who is typically devoid of Scripture, Andrew Wommack attempts to spiritualize the teachings by connecting them to faith and prayer:

“The moment you prayed, BOOM! It’s already done. It’s a reality in the spiritual world. And then if you don’t see it manifest, don’t doubt that God has done what His Word said that He did. You believe that you receive when you prayed. And then as you continue to pray, don’t pray and ask for it anymore, but rather take authority…”[6]

As you may have noticed, teachers within the Word of Faith movement often reframe New Thought philosophies using biblical language, while subtly shifting the focus from the will of God to human declaration. To determine if this is a problem, let’s consider the core premises taught and the biblical defense the proponents claim.

Core Premises of Word of Faith Theology:

• Words have creative power.

• Faith is a force that activates outcomes.

• God has already provided blessings—you must “claim” or “decree” them.

• Negative speech brings negative results; positive confession brings blessing.

• Believers can “speak things into existence.”

Okay, you might think; surely there’s nothing wrong with “redeeming” the world’s ideas? Perhaps, New Thought simply stole or corrupted the truth of God. So, what is the biblical defense of these premises? (At this point, I will shift to using a great deal of Scripture because God’s Word, not mine, are key to understanding the topic at hand.)

Core Scriptures Used in Support:

The most prominent Bible verse used to support the biblical reframing of manifesting is found in Proverbs 18:21, which says, Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. This is used to suggest that our literal words have great power, and that we can literally speak life or death over ourselves and others. They suppose our words create reality and have creative power, just like God’s; whose very word created things from nothing. As Romans 4:17 says, God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

Do believers indeed have the same creative power as God?

Principles of Interpreting Scripture:

Before moving on to other passages used to support Word of Faith theology, I’d like to camp out here for a bit. Scripture must be understood in context of the greater passage. Furthermore, understanding the intended meaning of one passage may require a closer look at the larger context and teachings of the Bible as a whole. Because God doesn’t contradict Himself, if two passages appear contradictory, we can assume that we have incorrectly interpreted one or the other passage. With this in mind, consider the last two passages again.

• What is the immediate context of death & life through the power of the tongue?

• What is the larger context of words from the Bible as a whole?

The book of Proverbs speaks much of the power of the tongue for good or evil. Numerous examples of words that bring hope and healing are given such as a good message from an envoy (13:7), wise counsel (12:18) or pleasant words (17:24). Most enlightening, though, is how 19:21 contrasts the power of God with the thoughts of man--Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. We also read the same contrast in 16:9, The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. God NOT man.

From the context of these passages, we realize that the death and life spoken of in 18:21 refers to the impact of speech on others—relational and moral benefits or consequences—not metaphysical creation. Most importantly, God’s will and sovereign control is not thwarted or manipulated because of the thoughts, intentions, or words of man.

Whose Word has Power?

As to God’s power and authority to speak things into being, let us remember that He IS the WORD. John 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus IS the Logos (the Word). We are not. Nothing in Scripture suggests that our word has the power to create. Some might concede to this point, but then argue that our faith, spoken in prayers to God, invokes the power of His Word. So, let’s consider further passages that are used to support this position.

In Mark 11:23-24, Jesus says to the disciples,

 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Wommack and others extrapolate from this that faith guarantees any desired outcome, and to continue asking rather than acting in certainty is sinful.

But let’s again consider these verses in the context of the passage, as well as the entirety of the Bible. These words were spoken specifically to the disciples whose task was to spread the Gospel in new territories. Their words needed confirmation through power to show the Gospel message was from God (1 Thessalonians 1:5). The intent was not for personal gain or comfort but that the Gospel might go forth.

If we also consider a similar but much more lengthy passage in John, where Jesus teaches on prayer, we notice that He elaborates on two key elements necessary for receiving that for which we ask. First, we must abide in His love.

2 Important Requirements:

1.      How does Jesus say we abide in His love—through obedience to His commands (15:9-10). John 14:14-16 say plainly, “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever… In these verses, Jesus promises to give us, not everything we think, feel, or desire but the Holy Spirit who will help us to walk in obedience.

2.      Additionally, 1 John 5:14 gives us the second qualification for receiving what we ask in Jesus’ name-- And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. We should not suppose that Jesus issued a carte blanche promise for anything we desire if we just have faith. God is not a genie in a bottle that we can pop the cork and let Him out through prayer for the fulfillment of our wishes.

Another passage that is used to support the idea of “decreeing” outcomes is found in Job 22:28. It says, You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways. It’s critical to realize that these words were spoken by Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends—whose theology God later rebukes (Job 42:7). Once again, context is king!

Real Prayer is Sabotaged

We have all been in situations where we prayed for something and the answer was “no” or “wait.” Was this because we failed to declare our faith with the magic words that would put God on the hook? Or perhaps we negated our faith with doubts or negative words and so the desired outcome failed to manifest? No. Scripture is full of people of great faith who were told “no” or “not now.” Abraham waited 25 years for the promised son. Paul asked three times for a thorn in the flesh to be removed, only to have God respond, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. (2 Cor. 12:9)

Faith is not to be in faith itself or in the words spoken, but in God as we submit to HIS WILL, even if it runs counter to ours. Isaiah 46:9-10 puts God’s sovereignty and power in its proper place: “I am God, and there is no other…declaring the end from the beginning…saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’”

Jesus set the example for us as He humbly cried out in agony to the Father, “Not my will but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Consider also the words of James:

• You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. (James 4:3)

• Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that (James 4:13-15).

Dangerous Spiritual Waters

By misinterpreting a few passages of Scripture, Word of Faith theology makes a subtle but significant shift in spiritual focus. Instead of, “your will be done,” it becomes “my words determine outcomes.” Instead of the Almighty holding all power to act according to what He in His infinite wisdom knows is best, a finite person can will God to act. Prayer becomes transactional and outcome driven rather than relational (communion with the Father) and transformative (aligning our hearts with His). It seeks to replace God’s authority with human control.

To assume such power and authority is to place oneself on dangerous footing with God. Consider carefully the warning about pride and speech in Proverbs 8:13b: Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. And Psalm 59:12, For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride.

We’re told of how Satan’s pride caused him to seek equal footing with God and was therefore cast out of heaven. And, what did he then do? —tempt Eve with the lie that she could be like God (Genesis 3:5). Satan similarly sought to tempt Jesus. The method employed in those 3 attempts—the deceiver quoted Scripture. Yes, he quoted Scripture, word for word, but out of context to twist the meaning of the truth. In the same way, Word of Faith teachers attempt to mislead the church.

Additionally, those who fall for Satan’s lie that we are like God in our ability to speak life and death, instead create guilt and fear in abundance. When prayers and decrees of health, wealth, and prosperity go unanswered, condemnation arises because the fault must lie in a lack of faith or through some wayward negative thought that crept in. Struggles with fear naturally develop because one can’t be honest in thought, word, or feelings because that creates reality. Rather than following the biblical advice and abundant examples to pour out one’s heart in prayer (think of David in the Psalms), one is instead dependent on unceasing positivity reframed as faith.

Positive Thinking & Affirmations

Some may avoid prominent New Thought and Word of Faith beliefs but then confuse positive thinking and affirmations with biblical teachings of renewing the mind through truth. Science shows the profound impact of thoughts on physiology, altering neuropathways, thereby influencing health for good or bad. The Bible spoke of this reality long before science had the tools to verify it. A heart at peace gives life to the body but envy rots the bones.[7]

We can gain great benefits for our health upon recognizing and applying the biblical truth that peace in our hearts, which our thoughts and words reveal, gives or takes away life. (This is a primary focus in my book Life to the Body.) Can such life-giving peace, however, be found through repetition as a mantra or declaration?

Biblical renewal of the mind by truth begins with taking thoughts captive and replacing them with truth rightly applied.[8] Through prayer, not declarations, the promise becomes a reality that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.[9] The Spirit brings peace, not our words.

When we believe positive but untrue statements (i.e., I don’t have cancer, when I do.), we may not create the reality we desire because there is a limited physical benefit to positive thinking. Falsehood or Scripture out of context only “works” as long as you believe it, which is why the powerful placebo effect eventually wears off in its effectiveness.

One might conclude the biblical approach is to speak truth (the literal Word of God) over oneself rather than positive statements that might not be true. However, the Bible doesn’t instruct us to speak the Word over ourselves. It says to believe in the Word and to submit to His perfect will, knowing He works all things for our good. We have no authority or power to speak anything over ourselves, so we place our faith in the One who does.

In Conclusion

Whether presented as manifesting through the universe or as faith-filled declarations within Christian language, the underlying message is the same: that our words hold the power to shape reality. The whole of Scripture says otherwise. As Paul the Apostle warns in Colossians 2:8, we must be on guard. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

[1] 31 “Rhonda Byrne Quotes on The Law of Attraction,” by Susan Pham, May 21, 2023, https://manifestaire.com/rhonda-byrne-quotes.com

[2] 210 Powerful Law of Attraction Manifestation Quotes, July 15, 2024, https://thesouljourney.com/law-of-attraction-manifestation-quotes.com

[3] Buddha

[4] J.K. Rowling

[5] Joel Osteen, Your Best Life Now, p.4-5, requoted in https://www.apprising.org/2012/10/25/joel-osteen-and-the-prosperity-gospel.com

[6] Andrew Wommack, “You Have Already Got It and It Is in The Spirit” transcription, https://www.newcovenantfellowship.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Andrew-WommackIt-is-in-the-spirit-transcription-document.pdf.com

[7] Proverbs 14:30

[8] 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

[9] Philippians 4:7