Concerns Regarding Joyce Meyer's Teachings: Deviations from Biblical Truth
- David Campbell Jr.
- Feb 3
- 6 min read
Concerns Regarding Joyce Meyer's Teachings: Deviations from Biblical Truth
Joyce Meyer remains one of the most influential Christian speakers and authors today, focusing her ministry on practical faith, emotional healing, and overcoming life's challenges. Her messages have inspired many people. Nonetheless, critics—including theologians, apologetics groups, and biblical scholars—have historically pointed out several areas where her teachings seem to differ from traditional Christianity, especially concerning Christology (the doctrine of Christ), soteriology (salvation), and the sufficiency of Scripture. These concerns often originate from her early ties to Word of Faith teachings.
Many of her most criticized statements originate from her 1990s materials, including the booklet "The Most Important Decision You'll Ever Make" (published in 1991/1993) and various audio teachings. Although Meyer has publicly recognized imbalances in some areas, such as prosperity teachings, she has not entirely withdrawn certain earlier assertions. Below are the main concerns, supported by direct quotes and cited sources.
Today, it is estimated that Joyce Meyer is valued at over $100 million. This article aims to advise readers to exercise discernment when listening to her. As shown below, some of her past writings and teachings conflict with scripture. While she has shared helpful insights, understanding the problematic areas is crucial. The article highlights specific concerns about her teachings, notably regarding Jesus Christ and events after the cross, which she has not retracted. At the end, a list of women who effectively teach the Bible with sound doctrine is provided, and I encourage exploring their ministries.
The Atonement: Jesus Suffering in Hell and Being "Born Again"
Traditional Christianity teaches that Jesus' atoning work was completed on the cross (John 19:30: "It is finished"; Hebrews 9:12, 10:14). However, Meyer has taught that Jesus' suffering extended into hell, where He paid for sins further and was "born again" as the first regenerated human.
"The minute that blood sacrifice was accepted, Jesus was the first human being that was ever born again. Now that was real - it happened when he was in Hell." (The Most Important Decision You'll Ever Make)
"He became our sacrifice and died on the cross. He did not stay dead. He was in the grave three days. During that time, he entered hell, where you and I deserve to go (legally) because of our sin. He paid the price there…Jesus paid on the cross and went to hell in my place." (The Most Important Decision You'll Ever Make, 1993 edition, p. 35; cited in CARM.org and Christian Research Institute)
"God rose up from His throne and said to demon powers tormenting the sinless Son of God, 'Let Him go.' Then the resurrection power of Almighty God went through hell and filled Jesus…He was resurrected from the dead—the first born-again man." (The Most Important Decision You'll Ever Make, 1993 edition, p. 36; cited in CARM.org and Endtime-Prophets.com)
Critics argue this diminishes the cross's sufficiency and adds unbiblical elements, such as torment by demons in hell.
She has also tied belief in this narrative to salvation: "There is no hope of anyone going to Heaven unless they believe this truth I am presenting. You cannot go to Heaven unless you believe with all your heart that Jesus took your place in Hell." (The Most Important Decision You'll Ever Make)
When Jesus died on the cross, He proclaimed, "It is finished." The suffering Christ endured at Calvary was complete when He made this declaration. In the upcoming weeks, we will examine what happened to Jesus after His death on the cross. However, He did not descend into hell nor suffer at the hands of demons.
When Jesus gave up His spirit, the curtain in the holy of holies was torn in two. The will of the Father was fulfilled. The price was paid.
Joyce Meyer's teaching on this matter is heretical and not biblical. She has not retracted her position, and her book on this topic remains in circulation. The idea that Jesus suffered in hell at the hands of demons originated from the word of faith movement and is promoted by many within that movement, including Kenneth Copeland.
Jesus Ceasing to Be the Son of God
Meyer has suggested Jesus temporarily lost His divine sonship by becoming sin.
"He could have helped himself up until the point where he said I commend my spirit into your hands, at that point he couldn’t do nothing for himself anymore. He had become sin, he was no longer the Son of God. He was sin." (Audio teaching, quoted in CARM.org and Berean Research)
This contradicts the immutability of Christ (Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever") and the eternal nature of the Son.
Claims of Sinless Perfection or No Longer Being a Sinner
Meyer has taught believers can reach a state where they are no longer sinners in practice.
"I am not poor. I am not miserable and I am not a sinner. That is a lie from the pit of hell. That is what I was and if I still was then Jesus died in vain… I didn’t stop sinning until I finally got it through my thick head I wasn’t a sinner anymore." (Audio sermon "What Happened from the Cross to the Throne," quoted in CARM.org)
This appears to promote sinless perfection, opposing 1 John 1:8 ("If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves") and the ongoing struggle with sin in Romans 7.
There is never a moment on this earth when we become entirely sinless. Our sins are forgiven, but throughout our lives, we follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We depend on God's grace. However, there are times when we may sin because, despite the Holy Spirit residing within us, our sinful nature still remains.
1 John was directed to believers, and in 1 John 1:8-9, the Holy Spirit inspires John to say: 8 "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." 9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." As we develop in Christ, our spiritual maturity grows, and the process of sanctification unfolds throughout our lives. However, it demands daily dependence on the Holy Spirit, moment by moment.
The Prosperity Gospel and Imbalanced Faith Teachings
Meyer has been linked to prosperity teachings, where faith guarantees health and wealth.
Early views implied problems result from insufficient faith: "Every time somebody had a problem in their life, it was because they didn’t have enough faith. If you got sick, you didn’t have enough faith. If your child died, you didn’t have enough faith." (Sermon clip, quoted in Premier Christianity and The Gospel Coalition)
Many from the Word of Faith movement, including Meyer, believe their declarations determine their condition. They fear speaking about being sick, even when it’s true, because they think their words hold power. However, true power and authority are found in Jesus Christ. Sometimes, God permits painful and difficult situations in our lives. Loss or health issues don’t always result from insufficient faith; often, God’s ways and thoughts are higher and different than ours.
It is reported in 2019, she publicly corrected this: "I’m glad for what I learned about prosperity, but it got out of balance. I’m glad for what I learned about faith, but it got out of balance… There’s nowhere in the Bible where we’re promised that we’ll never have any trouble. I don’t care how much faith you’ve got. You’re not going to avoid ever having trouble in your life." (reported in Premier Christianity, The Gospel Coalition, and CBN News)
This represents growth, though some critics see lingering emphasis on material blessings.
My hope is that many of these will recognize the error of their extrabiblical teachings, genuinely repent, and use the platform they have to correctly disciple those in the body of Christ.
Reliance on Extra-Biblical Revelation
Meyer has claimed teachings come via direct revelation beyond Scripture.
"The Bible can't even find any way to explain this. Not really. That's why you've got to get it by revelation. There are no words to explain what I'm telling you. I've got to just trust God that He's putting it into your spirit like He put it into mine." (Audio teaching, quoted in CARM.org and Christian Reformed Ink)
This highlights concerns about the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) and the potential for subjective error. All beliefs and actions must be rooted in God's word. Claiming to receive revelation that isn't supported by Scripture is risky and often leads to cult formation and error. Does the Holy Spirit reveal, lead, and guide us into all truth? Yes. However, everything from the Holy Spirit is grounded in God's word and never opposes Scripture.
Conclusion
Joyce Meyer's ministry has helped many with practical encouragement, and her recent self-corrections on faith and prosperity show humility. However, the earlier teachings cited—particularly on Christ's atonement, nature, and required beliefs for salvation—raise serious questions when measured against Scripture. Believers are urged to test all teachings against God's Word (Acts 17:11) and exercise discernment. As with any teacher, alignment with core biblical truths remains essential.
Sound Women Who Teach The Bible
The purpose of this article is to encourage anyone who listens to Joyce Meyer to use discernment and caution. There are some good things Joyce Meyer has taught, but there are other things that are highly questionable and, as you see above, are against God and His word. Here are some women who have a public platform and teach the Bible soundly; I would encourage you to check them out.
Jen Wilkin
Lisa Harper
Alisa Childers
Melissa Dougherty
Priscilla Shirer
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