Charismatic Movement

Should Christians "Decree and Declare" Our Desires?

Pastor Robert Hammond (Originally Published September 2024)

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.  This practice bears striking similarity 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).

See related articles at other websites:

Are People Receiving New Revelation From God?

Pastor Robert Hammond

This short article is offered in love regarding those who believe they are receiving new revelation from God. 

I received a note from a man who made the following claims:

  • "God has given me the gift of prophecy..."

  • "This is the voice of the Lord..."

  • "I gave ...a word yesterday from the Lord."

Is any of that biblical?

That man’s claim regarding the gift of prophecy has a biblical basis — but must be understood biblically.  In Romans 12:6, Paul writes:

““Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.””
— Romans 12:6

What does that mean today?

The gift of prophecy that Paul described involves proclaiming the written words of God  rather than receiving and revealing new revelation from God. Today, this gift is exercised primarily through preaching. This gift of prophecy in no way involves receiving new messages from God.  In fact, the Bible plainly warns against adding to or subtracting from the written words of God: 

““For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ”
— (Revelation 22:18-19).

The LORD has further warned prophets who "speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" (Jeremiah 23:16).  He states, "But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak... even that prophet shall die." (Deuteronomy 18:20).

Thankfully, we don't need any additional revelation from God!  The Bible states that the completed canon of Scripture is sufficient: 

““All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
— (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Conclusion
Today, people are not receiving new revelation from God. God has warned against adding to his words. The canon of Scripture is complete — and it is sufficient.

Biblical counsel for those who claim to receive new revelation from God:

  1. Confess the sin of this false practice. Agree with the LORD that this is false.  Repent (turn) from the sin and forsake it (leave it behind);

  2. Turn your focus to the written words of God. Hebrew 4:12 states, "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

  3. Ask the Lord to help you yield to him.  Ask him to help you focus on Scripture.  And ask him to help you practically apply his words — as he desires.