10 Unbiblical Phrases Christians Must Stop Using
Fair warning: this is going to unsettle some religious comfort zones—and that’s okay. If you get upset with me, take it to God. This is not my perspective; this is the Word of God. What He says stands—regardless of what you’ve been taught, what you think it says, or how you feel about it (2 Tim. 3:16–17; John 17:17).
Instead of getting angry, pray: “Lord, reveal Your Word to me inwardly, where it matters most.” And if you realize you’ve thought or acted otherwise, humbly receive His grace and forgive yourself for being misled (Ps. 139:23–24; 1 John 1:9).
Why Confronting These Phrases Matters
This isn’t about who’s right or who’s wrong—it’s about abiding in Truth instead of living in error. I would rather be corrected than be comfortable and wrong. Living in error is stranger danger to the soul.
The Danger of Popular but Unbiblical Language
Make no mistake—what follows is biblical. You don’t twist Scripture to fit ideology; you let Scripture shape you. Scripture over tradition. Truth over preference. God’s Word over our own desires.
So here are ten things many believers have been told are “okay.” I’m going to give you Scripture-based evidence showing why they’re not—and then show you what we are called to do as faithful witnesses of the Kingdom of God.
10 Unbiblical Phrases Christians Must Stop Using
Let’s walk through them one by one.
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1. “Name it and claim it”
Why it’s unbiblical:
This comes from the “Word of Faith” movement, which teaches that you can speak something into existence simply by declaring it. Scripture never gives us the authority to demand our will over God’s will. God alone decrees, and our prayers must be in alignment with His will.
Biblical truth:
* 1 John 5:14 (NKJV) — “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”
* James 4:3 — “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
Biblical alternative:
Pray according to God’s will and submit desires to Him. (Luke 22:42 — “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”)
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2. “Profess it and possess it”
Why it’s unbiblical:
This is a repackaged version of “name it and claim it,” making faith a tool to gain possessions or outcomes, rather than trust in God’s sovereignty.
Biblical truth:
* Hebrews 13:5 — “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”
* Matthew 6:33 — “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Biblical alternative:
Profess Christ, not worldly desires (Romans 10:9).
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3. “Blab it and grab it”
Why it’s unbiblical:
It mocks the same error as above: using speech as a mystical power to get what you want.
Biblical truth:
* Proverbs 19:21 — “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the LORD’s counsel—that will stand.”
Biblical alternative:
Speak the Word to encourage and edify, not to manipulate reality (Ephesians 4:29).
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4. “I declare and decree”
Why it’s unbiblical:
In Scripture, it is God who decrees (Job 22:28 is often misused; context shows it was Eliphaz speaking wrongly, later rebuked by God). We are never told to decree outcomes — we pray, and God decides.
Biblical truth:
* Psalm 2:7 — “I will declare the decree: The LORD has said to Me…” (Only God’s decree stands.)
* Ecclesiastes 3:14 — “Whatever God does, it shall be forever.”
Biblical alternative:
Request, intercede, and give thanks in prayer (Philippians 4:6).
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5. “I release the Anointing”
Why it’s unbiblical:
No human has authority to “release” God’s Spirit at will. The Spirit moves as God wills (John 3:8).
Biblical truth:
* 1 John 2:20 — “But you have an anointing from the Holy One…” (It is given, not released by us.)
* Acts 1:8 — The Spirit empowers as God gives it, not as we command.
Biblical alternative:
Be led by the Spirit already given (Romans 8:14).
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6. “I release the Blessings”
Why it’s unbiblical:
Blessings come from God’s sovereign choice, not human control.
Biblical truth:
* James 1:17 — “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights…”
* Numbers 6:24–26 — Blessing is requested from God, not dispensed at will.
Biblical alternative:
Pray for God to bless according to His will.
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7. “I open the Heaven”
Why it’s unbiblical:
We have no authority to open or shut heaven. This is God’s prerogative alone.
Biblical truth:
* Deuteronomy 28:12 — “The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens…”
* Revelation 3:7 — Jesus holds the key; no one else can open or shut.
Biblical alternative:
Pray for God’s favor and timing, trusting His authority.
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8. “I bind satan” (notice I dont even give it place in my grammar?)
Why it’s unbiblical:
The power to bind satan directly is not given to believers; even Michael the archangel said, “The Lord rebuke you” (Jude 1:9). We are told to resist the devil, not bind him.
Biblical truth:
* James 4:7 — “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
* 1 Peter 5:8-9 — Stand firm in faith, resist him.
Biblical alternative:
Stand in God’s armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) and call on the Lord to deal with the enemy.
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9. “I command the Angels”
Why it’s unbiblical:
Angels obey God, not us (Psalm 103:20). Nowhere in Scripture are humans told to give orders to angels.
Biblical truth:
* Psalm 91:11 — “For He shall give His angels charge over you…” (God gives the command.)
* Hebrews 1:14 — Angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation,” sent by God.
Biblical alternative:
Pray for God to send help, not command angels ourselves.
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10. “Holy Spirit I give you permission”
Why it’s unbiblical:
God alone is sovereign and does not need our “permission” to act. This in our souls diminishes His authority subconsciously. God is God. We are not gods. In fact per scripture God IS Spirit. Therefore you are convinced that you can command Him? Or grant Him God the Creator the One permission? Hmm
Biblical truth:
* Psalm 115:3 — “But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.”
* Romans 9:20 — “But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God?”
Biblical alternative:
Invite God to work in you by submission, not granting Him “permission” (Psalm 139:23-24).
And side note, He is not a he.
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Returning to Scripture: Truth That Restores
Summary Biblical Practice
Instead of making self-centered declarations, the Bible commands:
Pray according to God’s will (1 John 5:14).
Submit to God’s sovereignty (James 4:7).
Be led by the Spirit (Romans 8:14).
Use Scripture as the basis of prayer (John 15:7).
Intercede for others humbly (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Truth is Truth.
Grace & Peace
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Dr. John Roberts THD