The first statement is true. Jesus did say this. The second statement is false. It is an interpretation made ignoring the context of the verse. I have heard some poor Bible teachers actually say that there are no incorrect interpretations. That is absurd. God has a reason for His Word. He has a purpose for His Word. It is not our job to interject our own desires but rather to discern His. Jesus is talking about the Kingdom of God. He is not talking about a firm belief in God's Word that give us courage to say "I have it!." This is the text book reason why you cannot take a Bible verse out of context. Prince however would continue to misuse the Bible to support his pre-conceived objective:
When you need something, God says that you are to ask of Him. And when you ask, believe that you receive it. (Mark 11:24) Say you already have it even if you don't see it in the physical realm yet, and one day, you will see it!
Prince now shifts to the Gospel of Mark where we find this verse:
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. - Mark 11: 24 (NIV)
Prince puts forth three principles here that he claims are supported by this verse from Mark. The three principles are:
- When you need something, ask God.
- When you ask, believe that you will receive it.
- Say you already have it and one day you will see it.
What is missing from this quasi-word-faith equation? How about the sovereignty of God? John Gill's Exposition of the Bible has the following note for this section:
