Library of Christian Doctrines — IntelligenceReport.info
Doctrine of Money
Money was designed as a medium of exchange. Coined money was unknown until seventh century B.C. Before coins, valuable metal was measured in terms of ingots or rings. Croesus, king of Lydia, was the first to preserve his money in the form of coins. When Cyrus the Great conquered Lydia, he adopted the concept of coinage. Cyrus spread the concept throughout the Persian Empire and beyond.
Monetary transactions are a legitimate function of life (Gen. 23:9; Jer. 32:44).
The giving of money is an expression of the believer's priesthood (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8–9; Heb. 13:15–16).
Materialism lust makes money a god and enslaves a person to the details of life (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:9, 11, 13). Money is a useful and helpful servant, but a harsh and cruel master.
The dangers of money to the unbeliever
Salvation cannot be purchased with money (Mark 8:36–37). Salvation has been paid in full by the blood (spiritual death) of Christ (1 Pet. 1:18–19).
Money can cause the rich man to put his trust in the wrong things (Mark 10:23–25).
Money can hinder the unbeliever from seeking salvation (Luke 16:19–31).
Money has no credit with God (Prov. 11:4, 28; 13:7, 11).
The danger of money to the believer
Money can become a part of slavery to the details of life (Eccl. 5:10–6:2).
Love of money becomes the root of all kinds of evil (1 Tim. 6:6–12, 17–19).
Money can destroy grace orientation and contribute to reversionism (Acts 5:1–10; James 4:14–5:6).
Money is a means of happiness. For the believer there is no happiness from the details of life, including money. The believer's happiness is built on the intake of doctrine, spiritual growth, and spiritual maturity.
Money is a means of security. Grace provides a security for which there is no substitute (Matt. 6:24–33).
Money can buy anything. There are many things which money cannot buy: salvation, love, happiness, stability, or tranquility.