Shalom – Peace and well-being for the total person
Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, in ‘Pursuit of His Presence’ say, concerning our salvation:
“The word salvation includes a whole lot more than being born again and going to heaven when you die. It actually means “material and temporal deliverance from danger and apprehension; preservation, pardon, restoration, healing, wholeness and soundness.”
The atoning sacrifice on the cross provided for our entire being, not just our spirit, but our soul and our body as well.
The Bible says that “the chastisement of OUR peace was UPON HIM”. The word ‘peace’ in this verse from Isaiah 53 is the Hebrew word “shalom”. It includes not only our spiritual state, but our total being; our health, prosperity, peace, safety, security, welfare and wholeness. All of these were provided for in the very same sacrifice made for our sins.
Salvation through Christ is a total makeover: Spirit, soul and body.
In the same way we receive our redemption from sin’s power and penalty through simple faith in Christ’s blood, we receive our healing. The same blood that washes away sin, heals and eradicates sickness and disease.
It’s my understanding Kenneth Copeland teaches a prosperity gospel. That may be right, actually, but I’m skeptical. Having said that, I do agree there is a lot more to the term “salvation” than the church historically has taught. I applaud you for expanding that thought process, because all blessings come through faith. Without hearing alternate possibilities beyond that which is commonly thought, no one would know any different.
Kenneth and Gloria do teach prosperity, based on the atonement. Scripture tells us that Jesus became poor that we might be made rich (2 Cor 8:9). Poverty never was sand never will be a blessing to anyone! Admittedly, some have taken this idea and clothed it with man’s greed. I truly believe that it is essential for us to grasp the reality that there is good news for the poor, the sick and the lost – and it is that they no longer need to be poor, sick and lost – all because of what our Lord jesus has done! I also believe that we must interpret Scripture with Scripture to come to a proper and balanced doctrine. Regarding prosperity I have made a couple of posts along this line that you may enjoy. http://www.jesuschrist.co.uk/category/jesus-christ/jesus-our-provider/