Pastor Robert Hammond

Recently, a well-meaning man sent a note in which he stated, "I decree and declare that God will multiply" blessings toward me. While I don't doubt the good intentions of that man, I was concerned enough about his theology that I asked him to explain his statement. He replied to confirm his understanding that Christians have the authority to "decree and declare" our intentions into existence. And he provided his proof text:

Job 22:28 "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways."

Here's my concern: Job 22:28 is part of a speech by Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's friends. It is important to understand the context and who is speaking in this passage. Eliphaz was offering his perspective on why Job was suffering, wrongly suggesting that Job's trial was due to sin and that if Job repented, he could expect blessings and favor from God. However, the Bible later reveals that, in the case of Job, the counsel of Job's friends, including Eliphaz, was flawed (see Job 42:7).

Because this verse is spoken by Eliphaz, whose understanding and theology are not endorsed by God, it would be incorrect to interpret it as a doctrinal promise that Christians today can "declare" or "decree" our desires into existence.

In Psalm 37:4, the Bible does teach “delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” However, Scripture nowhere teaches that believers have the authority to declare or decree their desires into existence by their words alone. Instead, Scripture emphasizes prayer, submission to God's will, and trust in His sovereignty.

Indeed, 1 John 5:14 states, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." And James 4:15 teaches, "… ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."

Importantly, we should also be aware that the "decree and declare" practice can be traced to the unbiblical Word of Faith movement, which emerged in the mid-20th century. More recently, New Age philosophies have promoted the idea that individuals can manifest their desired reality through spoken affirmations or declarations. In my opinion, this practice bears striking similarities to the practise of casting spells in witchcraft.

In summary:

Scripture encourages making humble petitions, not decrees and declarations;
Biblical prayer seeks alignment with God's will, whereas "decree and declare" often focuses on the individual's desires alone;
Biblical prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty, while "decree and declare" overestimates the authority of believers.

Lord, give us a heart to pray as Christ prayed — "nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39).