In a previous post I wrote that Christians should not be declaring and decreeing things over their lives. While I did give some specific examples of the types of declarations I had in mind, some people responded to me rightly noting that there are some cases where Christians can legitimately declare certain biblical truths over their lives. I agree.
I am, nevertheless, concerned that many Christians who claim to declare “what the Bible promises” aren’t really declaring things that the Bible promises for them as individuals.
The Bible is not a List of Declarations
The Bible is not a God-given list of verses to declare over yourself. If it were, then why not declare over yourself
Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you shall be utterly despised.” (Obadiah 1:2)?
Or why not declare over yourself,
You have put me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths” (Psalm 88:6)?
Of course we wouldn’t declare such things over ourselves because they aren’t God’s promises to us. But all the good things written in the Bible aren’t always God’s promises to us either.
Context, Context, Context
We have to consider the meaning of each Bible verse in context to determine if it is a general promise, or if it is something that God intended for a particular person or group of people.
Consider, for example, the often quoted text from Jeremiah 29:11.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This verse is not a promise for each individual person. Instead, it was God’s promise specifically to Israel in the midst of their exile in Babylon. The Bible makes this clear just a few sentences earlier in verse 4. Moreover, it wasn’t even God’s promise for Israel for that very day, but for the future, after “seventy years” of exile (verse 10). Yikes! Similarly, when it comes to our lives today, it is possible that God might actually be against a person for a time.
Like the above verse, we should not assume when God said, “I will send wild animals against you, and they will rob you of your children” (Leviticus 26:22), that this was God’s intent for every individual. Instead, the verses surrounding this one make clear that this was a warning for ancient Israel, should they choose to disobey God’s commandments.
We should not just decide to claim one verse and not the other simply because one makes us feel good. But we actually shouldn’t claim either of these verses, because God didn’t mean for us to claim either of them.
Now, this doesn’t mean that we can’t apply Jeremiah 29:11 to our lives. BOTH Jeremiah 29:11 AND Leviticus 26:22 (and the rest of Scripture) are applicable to people today in some way. But we can’t just “claim” those verses without adequately considering what they meant in their original context.
Biblical Declarations
There actually isn’t a lot in the Bible about declaring things about ourselves. Instead we read of people declaring the praises of God: “I will declare that your love stands firm forever” (Psalm 89:2).
And yet, I do think there is some value in claiming or declaring over ourselves some of the general truths of Scripture, when they are properly understood as actually applying to us. We need to realize, though, that these declarations don’t make God act or do anything. By contrast, my concern is that many people who practice “declaring” things are actually trying to “decree” things—the former simply affirms what is already true, whereas the latter is a futile attempt to try to shape the future with one’s words.
Rather than changing our circumstances, legitimately biblical declarations are for our own benefit. They are a means of replacing falsehood with truth, they are a way we can encourage ourselves, and they can serve as of a means of being “transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).
10 Scriptures You Can Legitimately Declare Over Yourself
All this being said, here are 10 Scriptures you can justifiably declare over yourself if you are a Christian:
- “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
- “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2)
- “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)
- “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
- “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
- “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matthew 6:26)
- “So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27)
- “But he gives all the more grace; therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’” (James 4:6)
- “Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)
One thing strikes me as I read these verses. If these realities and promises are true, then I really don’t even need to declare them (even though there is nothing wrong with that). And I certainly don’t need to decree them (not that I could). Instead, I could just thank God for these things. And thankful, we should be.
Give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4).
Question: What are some other Bible verses that Christians can legitimately declare as true about themselves? Leave a comment below by clicking here.
You might also be interested in these posts:
- Is God For You…Not Against You?
- Should Christians Declare or Decree Things over Their Lives?
- How to Break Generational Curses
Andrew K. Gabriel, Ph.D., is the author of Simply Spirit-Filled: Experiencing God in the Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit as well as three academic books, including The Lord is the Spirit. He is a theology professor at Horizon College and Seminary and serves on the Theological Study Commission for the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. You can follow him on Facebook or on Twitter.
Psalm 139:14 ESV
[14] I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
I started making declarations over my life several years ago, adding Matt 21:22. They have ALL come to pass. God is good and it is true: life and death is in the POWER of the tongue, just as Jesus said. I ask God to put His Words in my mouth. I am living proof that what Jesus said is true: you can make declarations over your life!
Thanks for your comment. Where did Jesus say you could make declarations? I see you mentioned Matt 21:22, but there Jesus speaks of asking in prayer, not making declarations. Did you have another verse in mind?
In Luke 10, verse 5, we see Jesus tell the seventy two to say “Peace be in this house!” in every home they entered. This is Jesus exhorting them to make an active declaration, almost a decree. It goes on to say that the peace will either return to them or rest on the homeowner, depending on them.
And it’s not really a question of Jesus saying whether you “can or can not” make a declaration, like you stated in your blog, a declaration is just a statement of something that is true. And there is certainly nothing against speaking what is true. John 4:24 “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth”.
That’s a helpful observation, Luke. I would say the same thing about “blessings” in general. At the same time, I notice that the verse following the one you mention does have a condition to it: “If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you” (Luke 10:6). So even then, the result isn’t simply tied to one person’s words.
where did Jesus tell us not to make declarations? And Jesus made decalarations and we are called to be like Him. We will do what he did and even greater things we will do.
have you not tried it and seen results? Most Christians who do try See results. I remember little things like when I had a horrible migraine and a neighbors dog would not stop barking or they were having a party and music was blasting and I spoke to shut the dog up or for silence and within minutes or even seconds, it was so. Now it is no guarantee because God causes some things and allows some bad things to strengthen our patience and Godliness. BUT it sure is not hurting to declare bible truths, AND many times it will work. For out of the heart flows the issues of life, out of the heart the mouth speaks. So when we make truthful declarations we are changing the way we think in our heart to be positive and not negative. We are told to call things that are not seen as though they are, that is the definition of a declaration and we are told to do it. ‘Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.’ and further on down it says God is a rewarder of those who seek after him’ SO what is wrong with declaring (which reminds or renews our mind of Gods truth) this? And there are many examples that we can and should be doing daily, renewing our mind that what God declares to us we can declare we received in faith before we see it come to pass. That is the working of our faith, ———————————>>and nothing that is seen would be seen at all without first a Word spoken!!! by the Word and we are to be imitators of the Word. God bless.
i cant comment on one of your replies but you were showing that bad things happen to Christians (being stoned and cut in two) YES sometimes when Gods will overlaps our will, He will always do his first. So some were predestined to me martyrs and one man blind, by the will of God, the disciples asked who sinned this man or his parents? that taught us that SOMETIMES God does things for His own purpose/will, BUT Generally speaking, we can expect things to be as the Word declares over us. I can think of another exception, a righteous man was dying and God sent an angel to get him, and he asked for more time, and God made an exception and gave him 15 more years. Now most ppl wouldnt get that (But some do, my dad got 12 extra years of life when the doctors said he has 0% chance of living, and a hole in his heart was healed and the doctor who was not a believer, called it a miracle because he had no medical explanation of what happened, hearts do not just rebuild themselves over night, there was a hole (nothing) and suddenly there was matter {(Something) call those things which be not as if they are, AND that is what was done, healing was declared over him and it worked and he lived an extra 12 years) now if faith and the Word of healing was not declared over him, would he have lived the extra time?? of course not, he was doomed, the best doctors in the country declared him dead. BUT GOD…nothing is impossible for God. And God LISTENS for us to declare His Word so He can move (forgot where that is written) and in the example I gave of moving mountains, the KEY is just before that, ‘HAVE FAITH IN GOD FOR IF YOU SAY…..’Without faith it is impossible to please God.
You shall DECREE a thing and IT shall come to pass
and light will shine upon your ways.
Jon 22: 28
His word said to ” remind him of his promises ” and when our savior said to the devil when he was tempted in the wilderness, man shall not live by bread alone but by EVERY WORD that proceed out of the mouth of God. Yes I know God spoke in context at times but he is the same God yesterday today and forever more. And I know he is the God of abraham isaac and Jacob and he’s also the God of me and he is never changing and he is an impartial God. We trust him because of his character which is limitless. As we obey his Laws and commands that are stated in his word. Live by his precepts and principles his word declares he is going to show up for me just as he showed up in Esters, Daniel, Jehoshaphat, the Israelites and all the other men of god lives. So while I consider what you are saying to a point his word is what I believe and he said man shall live by EVERY word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.
Hi Amanda, Where does it say in the Bible that we are to “remind him of his promises?” It looks like you are quoting something, but I don’t know what verse you have in mind. Thanks.
Yes, God often shows up in miraculous ways. And praise God that this is true! But, even though God’s character doesn’t change, God doesn’t always show up in the same way. Note that the Bible also declares that many women and men of faith “were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword” (Hebrews 11:37). And these people “were all commended for their faith” (Heb 11:39).
yes Isaiah 43:26 Remind Me. let us reason
@Lizan. Thanks for your comment. If you read the verses before and after Isaiah 43:26, you wills see that God is not asking Isaiah (or anyone) to remind God of his promises. There is nothing related to promised in those verses.
I sometimes get confused and discouraged, Because there are so many different things out there when it comes to living for God it sometimes makes me feel like if it’s even the right choice!.
✳️✳️✳️
Hello dear friend 👋🏽
Please don’t be discouraged. Sometimes people think because they have a degree, a title or many letters behind their names that they have God all figured out .
Please continue to read God’s word .
Believe what He says about you and who you are in Him .
Believe that He is for you and not against you.
Trust the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you into ALL truth .
You can never go wrong speaking God’s Word and Promises over your life .
It IS that simple !!
Blessings to you 🙏🏽💯
✳️✳️✳️
God is not the author of confusion, man’s thoughts and opinions are. If my daily life consists of dwelling on His goodness, my life grows into peace and contementment. Never forget, the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul mind and strength and other people as yourself. Doing this can never bring confusion only peace. It is impossible to be dwelling on God and have confusing thoughts at the same time. God’s word is not confusing, man’s words make it such.
I believe Every scripture applies in one way or the other to our lives. The will of God is to teach us the ways of Obedience From time in memorial. Nothing has changed. When God chose Israel, He ment to set it as an example and yes Even Jeremiah 29:11 can apply to every individual. He is the creator, He knows our tomorrow better than our yesterday and that is why Even Solomon in his wisdom wrote “people May plan all kinds of things , but only the will of the Lord will be done in the end”; Proverbs 19:21. We also read in Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” When we follow the different accounts in the bible, we See people calling out to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (1 Kings18:36) or Psalms 77:14-16… we call upon the God That has done it Before in the past and Can still Do it on this day. The Bible tells us That – For the word of the Lord is right and true;
he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:4
Hi Dr. Andrew,
Thank you for the balance and caution in your article. I like declaring the NT in Christ Scriptures over my life. That habit has made me aware of who I am in Christ. I also have declared Numbers 6: 24–27 over myself and those I am blessing. Given the context and that we are royal priests.
I also have listened to Derek Prince on this topic. He presents a balanced side as well. Have you ever heard him?
I would like to hear your response.
Peace
Philip Edwards
Philip – Good comment on scriptures about who we are in Christ.
Yes, I have heard some of Derek Prince’s teaching, but not on this topic. He has some good things to say. I did address some concerns I have about his demonology in another post, however. See here: https://www.andrewkgabriel.com/2017/04/18/demons-legal-rights/
Thank God your theological adventure has given the Holy Spirit parameters within which to operate and relate with the believer.
You may consider 1Cor 2:12-14…
Indeed, the Holy Spirit can take us on wonderful theological adventures, just as the Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures.
As the Scripture is Spirit-inspired, we must take care in how we interpret it. So, for example, if you read the beginning of 1 Cor 2, it becomes clear what Paul is referring to at the end of the chapter.
While I can appreciate your point of view, I think ones relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit determines how they feel about declarations and what the Spirit may prompt them to do. I’ve recently been introduced to the concept that I may be taking scripture out of context which I absolutely would never do intentionally (I’ve read the end of the book…hello…), so I’ve really just tried to be open to what God is saying and seeing how He is moving. I’ve asked Him to reveal His truths and not what I or man in general would make of it.
That being said, Holy Spirit prompted me July 29, 2014 while in prayer to speak Isaiah 54:17 over my family. There are multiple instances in scripture when God tells us to put him into remembrance. Some translations say to remind God of His word, which some go on to call “word” promises. I feel a personal connection to our Lord and that I can remind Him of His word when we come together. So anyway, I felt the need and began to speak “I thank you father that No weapon formed against us will prosper, Isaiah 54:17”. The very next morning my husband was robbed at gunpoint right outside our front door. A man stuck a gun in my husbands rib cage and just two days before, my mother gave him a $100 bill for his birthday which is the only cash he had on him. My husband normally doesn’t carry cash.
If decreeing and declaring things over our life is taking the Bible out of context, then why does Jesus command us to ask anything in his name promising that He will do it (John 14:13-14)? By hiding God’s promises to Israel, Abraham, (insert any old testament nation or person favored by God) in our heart, He can call them to our remembrance and we can know the heart of God.
We can know the Bible frontwards and backwards, we can hold a PhD in Old Testament studies, New Testament studies, Christian Theology from the best collages or seminary schools around, but if the scripture doesn’t change our life, what is any good of the rest? If we don’t have a relationship with Jesus and give Him the full reign to do what He wants when He wants in our lives (by laying down our free will) then what good is any of it? If His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8), if our theology puts God in a box, what good is our religion? Is the spirit of religion not what Jesus fought against (the scribes and the pharisees)?
colleges * Not sure how to edit. I realize there are several grammar mistakes as I was multi-tasking in writing my response. Obviously I do not have a degree in English. 🙂
God bless you. It caring about grammatical errors you wrote the truth. Amen!
I will declare and decree the word and will of God as I walk in the Spirit and I take my authority as a son of God and as a prophet to proclaim the word of God. I do sit in heavenly places far about all principalities and power. I wage warfare in the power of His might while wearing the full armor of God. I do not fear man but am totally submitted to God. And among other things right now I declare and decree over this nation according to Proverbs 14:19 that evil and evil people will bow at the feet of the righteous. I pray Gabriel that you will know God in your heart and spirit and not just in your head. I pray that the living God will speak to you and you will harken.
This is good. I believe when we declare God’s promises that it strengthens us. We know our identity in Christ.The enemy wants to kill steal and destroy. But by declaring God‘s truths and his promises over our lives the enemy can’t and won’t succeed. God wants us to be strong. God wants us to know who we are we are chosen we are his children. He gives us authority to trample on serpents and scorpions. There is much power in the tongue you can give life or death.
Sooo true..I declare the word of God and it has power to create..In Genesis..1 it says..And God said and it became.. He made us in His imsge in my layman’s terms I am a co creator of my world..I say and stuff become… I was in an abusive marriage snd I started to declare peace over my hubby and peace I got.. I was broke and would barely meet my needs …I made declarations and I am now giving the needy bread.. When I desire to do any project I declare …I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me…my favourite is The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want…and thus one has done me good…I love to fear God and make declarations..
If people do not want to make declarations or don’t want to pray that is okay; that is their choice. But to discourage people from making declarations and making statements of faith, that is not okay.
I totally agree reading this article didn’t do me any justice it kinda made me assume decreeing the word is pointless😔….but the comments….Oh my! What a revelation!!! I’m so thankful to read all of these inspirational responses I love what you wrote that decree is powerful 🤩 I’m going to write it down In my study journal if you don’t mind🙃 And try to say that everyday along with prayer 🙏🗣anyways whoever comes across my reply please say a quick prayer for me 😏 my name is Anthony if you want to be specific I would really appreciate it… I LOVE YOU ALL My wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ #ONEBODY
It is unbelievable to me to read how offensive people become when they read something they don’t agree with. While I enjoy making “declarations” and confessions (because it reminds me of who I am in Christ and the power and authority given to us over the enemy), during bible study, I have noticed the context, realizing that God was addressing something specific, and have wondered if we are confessing the verse over ourselves and others just because it sounds good and offers hope. I think one concern is that it could make someone think they could “name it and claim it” (which we know doesn’t work). Let’s face it… bad things happen to good people; not everyone will be healed from cancer no matter how much they declare or decree that by Jesus’ stripes they are healed. So if making declarations works for you (mentally), that’s great…, continue on. Just be careful in relating to others that that’s what they “have” to do, because there is no recipe and God won’t be put in a box. We must be careful because people can get discouraged and turn away from God when their declarations don’t come to pass. Declarations (which should be more like proclamations) on our identity in Christ are important for our faith because, just like the Israelites, we tend to forget “who we are” and start entertaining fears, deceit, our flesh, etc. Let’s be led by the Holy Spirit and not get angry or offensive and feel we have the right to question anyone’s relationship with God; this does not glorify God. Thank you Dr. Gabriel for your article; it was very insightful. While I will continue to “speak life” over certain circumstances, taking authority over the enemy and trust/yield to God and His will, I will also ask for the Holy Spirit to continue to impart wisdom over which verses are 100% applicable as confessions (versus ones that were warnings, prophesies, etc.). May God continue to bless you and use you (and all of us) for the furtherance of His kingdom.
Thanks for sharing. I very much share your concern that “people can get discouraged and turn away from God when their declarations don’t come to pass.” They can feel like they “aren’t doing it right” or that they “aren’t good enough” Christians and thereby forget the grace and sovereignty of God.
The bible says that faith comes through hearing, and how are things heard? When they are spoken. The more you hear God’s word, the more your faith will grow. If you are afraid people will become discouraged if they don’t feel that God’s word is true for them (which is what you are basically saying, when you say that declarations will discourage them), the answer is not less declarations, but more. The answer to discouragement IS declarations because THAT is how God’s word is heard, and that is how faith grows according to the scripture. I can understand this concern, or fear, that people might falter, but I think it’s misguided. No one is saying that people “HAVE” to declare God’s word, but that they definitely should.
I get that it’s easier to develop a faith that can never be challenged, but living this way will always keep you in infancy. And it’s a total false starter, because our faith should never be in circumstances or results anyways, but in God! Of course your faith won’t be effective if it’s based in circumstances rather than the character of God. If you are believing for healing you should only have faith that God is a healer, regardless of the state of your body. If someone is discouraged while declaring something, tell them to instead declare things about God, because chances are they were trying to declare something about their circumstance.
Luke, we are in agreement to some extent: as you say, “chances are they were trying to declare something about their circumstance.” I think that is pretty common. And that is more the concern I was trying to address in the above comment. That is some people’s “declarations don’t come to pass” (my words) regarding circumstances or desires that a person has, but which God hasn’t necessarily said will happen.
AMEN!!!! I agree fully. There is too much false teaching about declaring anything and not enough of hoping Gods grace and mercy be upon Gods servants. “THE LORD IS MY SHEPARD I SHALL NOT WANT”
That’s your opinion and it is going to help a person’s faith why not.❤
I just found you! And this is so exciting! Thank you for sharing your writings. I’m looking forward to reading everything ! You make so much sense.
I am the apple of God eyes
AMEN!! God’s word has creative ability the world was framed by the word of God. The word does the same thing for our lives/situation.
I had very low self-esteem and it was declaring God’s word over my life that spoke of how He sees me that brought deep healing to me. I was very broken.
Earlier this year I shared with this lady my testimony she was a very broken person with low self-esteem. I shared Psalm 139:14 with her and she called me several times just saying thank you for that she has been experiencing inner healing. She use to feel depressed a lot because of how she saw herself.
So many times the Holy Spirit leads me to a verse I wasn’t looking for it and it speaks directly to my situation. I meditate on it, pray it declare.
I find verses on whatever situation that applied to the challenges I am going through and meditate on it until it becomes life to my spirit and declare it until my thoughts feelings situation lines up with the truth of the word of God.
Mark 11:22
Have faith in God.
Mark 11: 23
Whoever shall SAY to this mountain be removed..
I am one of the WHOEVER as a child of God so I will say/declare…
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luke 10:19
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord , and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord .
Isaiah 54:17
I love this part
“This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord , and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord ”
Isaiah 54:17
Umm yes Gods word can be taken out of text, and specifically applied into our life, for His word is life and as we speak and believe so we are. ESPECIALLY JERAHMIAH 29:11, if the saved dont take the verses and words of God a d speak them and receive them as they are, then the yoke of slavery,the chains of the world will remain, and Jesus came to give life abundantly and to set the captives free. We are free through the word of God revealed only through revelation by the Holy spirit. The helper came to clothe us with power from on high places. Stop making crooked the true path way to freedom in Christ, only believe what Jesus says in John 14:12
Very truly I tell you, whoever BELIEVES in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Mark 16:17
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 AND THESE SIGNS WILL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
LETS NOT FORGET, JESUS TOLD HIS DISCIPLES TO STAY AND DO NOTHING UNTIL THEY WERE CLOTHED IN POWER!!! why? Because signs need to follow us, when we speak the living word of God. Without signs people wont believe, if they do they end up with a religion. Gods kingdom is POWER, and IS AT HAND, meaning we have full access to Heavenly things.
Romans 8:30: And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified [edoxasen].
Ephesians 2:6: …and raised us up [synegeiren] with him and seated us [synekathisen] with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
Colossians 3:1: If then you have been raised [synegerthete] with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
Gods kingdom is power and is at hand ❤️Yes
Thank you again Andrew for a thoughtful message. I agree that ALL scriptures “are applicable to people today in some way.” But when can we declare them true of ourselves? Well, simply, whenever God declares them true of ourselves!
So which ones are they? You list of 10 is great, but you have avoided the grey area and given non-controversial, solid NT examples. I think there are lots more NT examples, as I am sure you would agree, but there are also lots in the OT, which is where some self-appointed prophets seem to get into trouble. I realy enjoyed studying this and came up with the following somewhat obvious observations:
We can and should claim:
1. the unconditional, eternal truths that God himself declares.
Ex: The Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.
2. Factual Truths and Direct Promises he makes, applicable to everyone.
Ex: The wicked will perish like the grass, but the righteous will flourish; You shall reap what you sow.
3. Conditional Promises or imputed, applicable only to those who meet the criteria
If you
4. Inherited Promises to those who are the heirs of His Promises.
Ex: It is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants.
5. Holy Spirit, prophetically revealed promises that apply new promises to His children, like when Paul used unexpected verses from the Torah and applied them to Christians.
Ex: The righteous shall live by faith. (Hab)
Ex: But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; (Rom)
Who would take issue with this? This is the area where we may have to lovingly accept the strong faith of someone who declares in the name of the Lord and listen for the Holy Spirit’s confirmation.
Thanks again for your writings. Looking forward to more.
A blessing or a curse is a thing of power in declaring it.
What are your thoughts on this? I agree with you for the most part on what you’ve written but as we pray in The Spirit he causes us to declare His intentions.
Andy, Thanks for your question. I do believe that blessings matter and that they are not just empty words. It is something I need to give more thought too, though.
At the same time, I’m thinking they aren’t necessarily automatic. For example, in the Old Testament there were false prophets who were essentially “blessing” people, but there words didn’t change anything. I have in mind, for example, Jeremiah 6:14: “‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace.”
Were the bible verses Jesus used against the devil when he was tempted specifically written for him to use or for everybody.
I would say they are for everyone. BUT, I would add that they were not declarations, at least not in the way that most Christians think of declarations. Note, for example, that he even quotes one of the commandments.
As a Christian, one text I’d not use from your list is 1 Jhn.1:9. IMO the aorist tenses are to non-Christian folk within the church, influenced by (probably) proto-gnosticism, who had some philosophical aorist denial of personal sin. To them, unlike the genuine Christians of the indicatives-saying about (eg walking in the light; ongoing cleaning), John said that a one-off emphatic confession of sin would lead to a one-off emphatic forgiveness (shorthand for conversion into God’s family).
I’d also have problems with 2 Corinthians 5:20, in that IMO that was Paul talking about he & his colleagues being ambassadors to the Christians within the church—surely “you” (same verse) are the recipients of Paul’s letter? Too easily do we evangelicalise his pastoral words, I think. In line with your generally wise words, of course, church leaders might need to declare & decree to themselves that they are ambassadors to their errant sheep.
I happily agree with your main approach, that is, to challenge the noncontextual selectivity of many declare & decree folk.
Very refreshing article!The greatest deception of the enemy is to have you stop praying God’s will and start declaring your own.
Great point.
The bible is not for isrealites but for believers ,If Jeremiah 29:11 belongs specifically to the Jews then the whole bible belongs to the Jews only ,wake up my brother God have a plan for all that he created not only Jews
That is why people don’t get bible knowledge by reading a random verse a day , send to them by someone , rather a study by topic make sense
Dear Andrew. There is nothing more powerful than the inspired Word of God, and text and context. I appreciate your way of reason (1 Pet 3:15).
How did I stumble upon this as the first result in DDG? Dear author (Andrew K. Gabriel with his Ph.D), I see you conveniently have this on your about page:
I really love Andrew Gabriel.
– JESUS CHRIST
How do you want to have it? Both ways I see according to this post, both heads and tails. We all know that quote there is true for all people, but there is zero scripture for that matches word for word what you said, so again how can you declare that based on what you wrote above? So where are you declaring this from? Did Jesus call you by your full name? Or did He just call you Andrew? Again, I have no qualm with what you wrote on your about page, just pointing it out in light of this article. Nice to benefit from something but slam it shut in everyone else’s face.
For the rest that find this blog, I leave the following words to ponder on deeply (using NKJV):
John 14:12-14
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
2 Corinthians 1:20
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
For those who came across this article in their search, here are some more verses:
Rom 5:16, Psa 21:6, Isa 43:1-4, Eph 3:20, Psa 17:8, Deu 28:13
This is such an excellent article and so appreciated! Thank you!
That’s a good idea of balancing Scriptures, according to James 4:6. God opposes proud, but gives grace to the humble. But the problem for this generation is to bring proud into the word of God.thank you
the power of life and death are in the tongue. I do HEAR what you are saying, and YES we need to know context for sure BUT which is better to say ‘By His stripes I am healed’ or ‘I am sick and dying’ which declaration will lead to a good outcome? We are made in the image and likeness of God who SPOKE the worlds into existence. He said ‘let there be light, and millions of miles away a huge giant ball of fire came into being that was not there before He spoke.
Again I agree we need to understand context but there are 100s of scriptures (in context) that can be declared because they are For you. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, MY God will supply all my need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus’. etc.
Hi Kevin, true, there are many Scriptures we can declare.
You might find this blog post of mine helpful, which is about the power of our tongues: https://www.andrewkgabriel.com/2020/02/25/power-tongue/
some that come to mind ‘God rewards those who seek him’ With God nothing is impossible’ ‘I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus’ ‘God prepares a table for me in front of my enemies’ ‘I am the lender not the borrower I am the head not the tail’ (for we are grafted into the family and blessings of Abraham) ‘God has plans for my good and not my harm’ ‘God will supply all my need according to my riches in Christ Jesus’ ‘God is not mocked for what ever a man sews that he will reap (this is looked on a negative way but it also work in the positive for those who sow good) ‘I am a new creation in Christ Jesus all old things have passed away’ ‘I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus…There is therefore no condemnation for my who is in Christ Jesus’ ‘I will prosper even as my soul prospers’
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and we can not ignore what Jesus said, and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.’ He literally said these Words I speak (there are a few declarations He made here) BUT THIS next,
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And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. (A declaration that actually was SEEN to happen by the disciples and Jesus responds to them with this) ….For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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So can man do great things like Jesus did??? Well, did not Peter walk on water? He made a declaration first, ;if it is you Lord tell me to come to you and I will, and he did. He got distracted but he is the only person I know that actually walked on water besides Christ. As God declares His word will not return to him without it doing what it was set out to do, we can expect (with less success) we can do the same, IF we are walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh. God will give us the desires of our heart when we are walking in spirit and truth and living holy.
did the tree not obey the Words spoken to it? And Jesus said we have that same power at work in us because He abides in us, and us with him. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.
and we can not ignore what Jesus said, and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.’ He literally said these Words I speak (there are a few declarations He made here) BUT THIS next,
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And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. (A declaration that actually was SEEN to happen by the disciples and Jesus responds to them with this) ….For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
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Again He told them this saying because they questioned him about the fig tree that He made a declaration to and it worked!!! Jesus is saying why are you surprised? with the amount of faith as a mustard seed, you can SAY to this mountain….and it will happen.
So can man do great things like Jesus did??? Jesus declared even greater things will we do’. Well, did not Peter walk on water? He made a declaration first, ;if it is you Lord tell me to come to you and I will, and he did. He got distracted but he is the only person I know that actually walked on water besides Christ. As God declares His word will not return to him without it doing what it was set out to do, we can expect (with less success) we can do the same, IF we are walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh. God will give us the desires of our heart when we are walking in spirit and truth and living holy.
did the tree not obey the Words spoken to it? And Jesus said we have that same power at work in us because He abides in us, and us with him. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.
and in your examples , number 7 about God feeding the birds, in context that is NOT to the church but to the Jews because Jesus says do not be like the pagans. at the time Jesus said that, every other nation was without God and doomed, Even Jesus called one a dog after He and the disciples ignored her request to heal her daughter. it is what she SAID that changed and moved Jesus to grant her request. She said ‘true Lord but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the masters table’ her Words were faith, also the centurion, a true enemy of the Jews who wanted a servant healed, He SAID just speak the WORDS and my servant will be healed. (that is a declaration) he will be healed, and Jesus had to stop and marvel at the faith of this soldier of the enemy of the Jews. Jesus declared that he had not seen faith like that in all of Israel.
the woman with the issue of blood, she declared ‘if I just touch the hem of his garment I will be healed’ and that is what happened and again Jesu told her that her Faith made her whole. AND the WORD they declared is tied to her faith in all these cases including Jesus himself saying to the fig tree. Blessings.
and your point number 8, is why we can declare things in faith. Because we are made in Gods image and likeness. For the same reason we can love, and hate and be angry, or happy, etc, is the same reason we can declare/say unto this mountain and it will happen according to our words of faith.
Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways” (Job 22:28). in context Job is praying to GOD (Talking to God) and fulfilling his vows (things he declared)
degrees and declarations are biblical. As long as they are in line with the truth. AND IF we are walking in spirit and not in the flesh, they will be established and come to pass. (With the RARE exception IF God decides His will needs to overrule ours to fulfill his bigger will/purpose) but we can expect in faith IF we SAY unto this mountain and we believe in our hearts that what we SAY will come to pass. now isf we are in the flesh and seeking selfish ungodly things, that will most likely not come to pass but it might because we do have that power working in us, so we can declare BAD things and they will also come to pass, IF you declare you are sick, you surely will not be healed. or ‘I am always broke, living paycheck to paycheck’ you will never be a lender but always a borrower. etc. Blessings.
Hi Kevin, Thanks for giving some thought to this. If you check the context of your reference to Job, it isn’t really helpful here, because you are referring to words from Eliphaz. Later in Job God says to Eliphaz, ““My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has” (Job 42:7). So, this appears to be another example of a verse taken out of context. Job is certainly a tricky book to read!
Hi Andrew.
I like John 15:26-27 “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning.”
I like this verse because of the order: Holy Spirit, then us also. When I am testifying for Christ, I want to be following the Holy Spirit who has gone first into the situation.
And since Jesus says it is the Holy Spirit who will convict the world regarding sin, righteousness and judgment, I can rest in the fact that conviction is not my job. My job is to testify. But it is my job to testify “also.”
I don’t suppose it is much of a declaration, but more of a reminder. “Hey, Dave. Don’t try to convict. Testify also. That’s what Jesus said you would do.”
So I’m thinking I’ll start praying, “Holy Spirit, here is a situation that I’d like to testify in. Can you please go before me and testify first?”
I John 1:8
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us”
Thanks for the insight
Praise God
Thank you for the word of God.
I love to be receiving more word from you
Amen! Thank you for this explanation. I have been fighting off the decree and declare crowd more and more. There is a fine line of new age and witchcraft in much of it.
It seems that the words, “apply” and “declare” used in the setting of Christianese seem to fall somewhere out side of their English definitions, unless they are used to describe one’s faith or what they believe. If this was the intended use of either application or declaration then would it not be acceptable to do either? Jesus quite often said to people, “According to your faith be it unto you.”