In the writings of "Pastor to America" Robert Tilton we can see a common theme of the Faith teachers. That theme is: In the alleged revelations God gives to these teachers, God Himself consistently promotes a "Faith" teaching and practice. Thus, as if he were a Faith teacher himself, God warns people against "walking in the natural" and promises them "supernatural abundant miracles" by using "faith as a force."
Tilton teaches that God gave him his beliefs which include the idea that "an untapped and unlimited treasury of dreams, visions, and inspired ideas is within your spirit...All you must do is speak forth this treasure. Your words release what is in your spirit, whether it is good or bad...Words have both substance and influence." For example, speaking positively about what one desires releases its substance -- as well as angels -- to bring it about.
Thus, God allegedly told Tilton to give the world this message: "I am sending out a message to wake up My people to be willing and obedient to My Word...yes, for I have come today to sup and to live within thee. To live BIG within thee. As you say YES to the good things I have for you, they will be attracted towards you...So acknowledge that health and prosperity are here. As you acknowledge [this] ...it will acknowledge you and come forth in thy life NOW."
Tilton further claims that "...there are no limits, no restraints, and no restrictions to what God will do in you, through you and for you if you simply believe and do what God has asked me to tell you."
Although Tilton, like Copeland, confesses the failures of the Faith movement, he also acts and teaches in the following manner.
Tilton claims that "the Spirit of God is upon me the same way the Spirit of God was on the Lord Jesus Christ"; thus, he thinks that the inspired thoughts and words he gives out "are the word of God."
Tilton prophesies money into existence to the readers of his books and he promises a hundredfold return to believers through their "faith" -- especially if they tithe to his ministry. For example, he promises that by giving money to his ministry, people can release God's power to that, in return, God will give them money and other nice things.
Tilton claims that faith is the spiritual substance and/or power that underlies the universe. Thus, he claims that through faith he can supernaturally manipulate his environment. For example, he believes he can declare and decree future events into existence and also "release God's Spirit and presence" into another person's life. Indeed, any man or woman can manipulate the creation if they follow Tilton's techniques: "The Creator lives inside you and wants to create through you...You have the Word of God that created everything in your mouth. Speak it out!...God created His world through faith. He gave you the means of His faith so that you could create your world." This is supposedly true because everything a person needs is already existing in the spirit realm and in order to obtain it one only need appropriate the proper spiritual laws, for example, "The name of Jesus activates the promises."
Tilton also thinks man is "a god" who determines his own destiny: "The nature of deity" is "deposited and implanted within a believer." Thus, Tilton boldly commands angels to do his will. Further, "The Lord spoke these words to me: 'I cannot loose from heaven what you don't loose on earth.'" But "Thoughts are things, and the corresponding action of faith will cause those things hoped for to come to pass and become realities in your life...You are a God-kind of creature...We succeed because...we have worked the Word...we are a new species here upon the earth. We are like super-men."
Tilton also interprets the Atonement of Christ as undergirding the "Faith" message. Thus, referring to success, happiness, peace of mind, health, and prosperity, Tilton teaches that Jesus "purchased them at Calvary." For example, he argues that "God will heal all the time, by faith...--100% guaranteed!"
Nevertheless, on his national television programs, Tilton will speak forth the thoughts of his own mind -- and yet preface them with a, "Thus sayeth the Lord." That they are his own thoughts is obvious because what Tilton proceeds to teach is frequently a blatant misinterpretation of the Bible and could not possibly be something from God's own mind. Still he confesses, "I won't change what I am preaching."
(from The Facts on the Faith Movement by John Ankerberg & John Weldon)
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