The entire concept of manifesting revolves around oneself; what you think and feel is what you attract. It is simply thinking positively, and you will attract whatever you need; money, love, and success. Those who believe in manifestation believe that the universe gives you what you wish for. However, what does the scripture actually say about manifesting? Is manifestation a sin?
Bible scholars posit that manifestation is a sin as it goes against God’s teaching and God Himself. They argue that manifestation ignores that God is the creator of everything and controls everything. When you believe in the law of attraction, that you can make all your desires into being, you do not need God to make things happen in your life. This is because the whole concept of manifestation is simply creating your reality.
So, does the Bible teach about manifestation? What are the reasons why Christians believe that manifestation is a sin? How does the law f attraction contradict the Bible? Read on to find the answers to these questions and more.
Does the Bible teach about manifestation?
The scripture does not explicitly mention manifestation, but some biblical principles guide us regarding the concept of manifesting. The Bible teaches against relying on ourselves but putting our trust in God, for He knew us when we were still in our mother’s womb, and he knows our end and beginning.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Manifestation contradicts biblical teachings as manifesting makes one rely on themselves to make things happen. Some people refer to manifestation as the law of attraction. This law often uses mantras, affirmations, and meditations to turn our desires into being.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “we can make our plans, but God determines our steps.” This verse implies that the law of attraction does not acknowledge the sovereignty of God and his ability to control everything. This law goes against the core teachings of the scripture that we should not depend on ourselves but surrender everything to God.
However, it is essential to note that just like how manifestation encourages positive feelings and thoughts, so does the Bible. Provers 17:22 reads, “A joyful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” However, manifestation does not acknowledge that God knows our beginning and end.
Four reasons why some Christians believe that manifestation is a sin
Manifestation does not acknowledge God’s sovereignty
A core reason Christians believe that manifestation is a sin is that it does not acknowledge the sovereignty and power of God. The law of attraction does not recognize that it is God who lets things happen the way they do. And if this law recognizes any supernatural power, it is simply the force of universal energy. It teaches one to rely on themselves to make things happen rather than putting their trust and faith in God.
Manifestation contradicts the Bible’s teachings.
As mentioned earlier, the Bible strongly condemns one believing and depending on themselves. The scripture notes that we plan, but God determines. Proverbs 16:9 says, “we can make our plans, but God determines our steps.” Manifestation teaches that we define our path, future, and what we attract by thinking, feeling, and vibrating. That is against the teachings of Christ, as He noted that we ask for whatever we what in prayer, and God will answer us.
Manifestation emphasizes wealth and money.
Manifestation emphasizes wealth and money, which the Bible terms the root of all evil. As Christians, our lives should be centered on Christ, and everything we do should glorify God. That is the opposite of what manifestation stands for. The Bible notes that all the riches belong to God in heaven. On the other hand, the law of attraction is based on the universe rewarding our wishes because we believe that we are the creator of our reality, which is sinful.
Manifestation rejects the existence of God.
Manifestation does not only fail to recognize the sovereignty of God, but it also rejects the existence of God. And if God exists in the law of attraction, he is nothing more than a universal power that can be easily manipulated by thoughts and feelings to fulfill our wishes. God is wise and cannot be fooled. He gives us what we want through answered prayers and not by what we feel and think. Mark 11:24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Therefore, Christians have enough reasons to believe that manifestation is a sin and that everything that it stands for is against the principles and teachings of the scripture.
How does the law of attraction contradict the Bible?
The law of attraction contradicts the Bible as it relies on our thoughts and feelings to create our reality. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths.” God warns us against relying on our own understanding are requires us to put our trust in Him.
Another major belief in the law of attraction is that how we think and feel directly impacts our physical health. Though it has been medically proven that high-stress levels and worry tend to impact our physical health negatively, the line of thinking for the manifestation concept goes against God’s teachings.
The Bible generally agrees that happiness and peace help keep our physical health in good condition and help in the healing process. Proverbs 17:22 says, “a cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Psalms 32:3 says, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through groaning all day long.”
Proverbs 15:30 says, “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
So, we can all agree that how we feel and think impacts our health. But this is solely because God, the creator of everything, designed us to be so and not because our thoughts and feelings connect with a universal energy that acts upon how we think or feel.
Another contradiction between the law of attraction and the Bible is its emphasis on wealth and money. Provers 13:11 says, “Dishonest money dwindles, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Proverbs 17:16 goes ahead and says, “Of what use is money in the hand of a fool since he has no desire to get wisdom?”
Therefore, the only positive impact the law of attraction can have on us is motivating one to work hard. However, its principles and line of thought greatly contradict the teachings of the scripture. Ecclesiastes 5:10 says, “Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.”
Additionally, the law of attraction does not acknowledge the existence of God, and if He does exist, he is compared to nothing more than a universal energy force. The law of attraction does not believe in the idea of a sovereign God who is in control of everything.
References
What is “The Secret”? What is the law of attraction?
What is Manifesting, and is it a Sin?
Manifestation: What Does the Bible Say About It?
What Does the Bible Say About Manifestation?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
