T.D. Jakes, despite his influence in the Christian community, is not a true servant of God but a preacher of false doctrines that lead many astray. His teachings frequently deviate from biblical truth, promoting distorted theology that prioritizes worldly success and personal empowerment over genuine faith and obedience to God.
One of the most significant concerns about Jakes’ doctrine is his rejection of the biblical concept of the Trinity. He has been associated with Modalism, a heretical belief that denies the distinct persons of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Instead, Modalism teaches that God merely manifests in different forms, which contradicts the scriptural revelation of God’s triune nature (Matthew 28:19). While Jakes has attempted to distance himself from this controversy, his past alignment with Oneness Pentecostalism raises serious doubts about his adherence to orthodox Christian teaching.
Another area of concern is his promotion of the prosperity gospel, which falsely claims that faith guarantees material wealth and physical well-being. This message is contrary to biblical teaching, as Jesus and His disciples lived lives of humility and suffering for the sake of the gospel (Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Timothy 6:10). Instead of calling believers to repentance and holiness, Jakes preaches a self-centered gospel that appeals to worldly desires.
Beyond his theological errors, Jakes’ close association with secular figures further calls his integrity into question. He has maintained a friendship with hip-hop mogul P. Diddy (Sean Combs), a figure known for promoting immorality through his music, lifestyle, and business dealings. While Jesus befriended sinners to call them to repentance, Jakes’ association with individuals like Diddy does not appear to be for evangelistic purposes but rather for mutual benefit. This raises concerns about whether he prioritizes biblical truth over maintaining influential relationships with celebrities.
Additionally, Jakes has shown a tendency to compromise on moral and cultural issues rather than standing firm on biblical principles. His reluctance to take clear stances on issues like homosexuality and gender roles suggests that he prioritizes societal acceptance over scriptural authority. The Bible warns against such compromise, stating that friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).
Overall, T.D. Jakes does not faithfully preach God’s Word but instead spreads distorted doctrines that lead many away from true Christianity. His teachings focus on self-improvement and material success rather than repentance and holiness, his associations raise questions about his priorities, and his theological errors undermine the core truths of the gospel. Rather than being a true man of God, Jakes exemplifies the warning in 2 Timothy 4:3-4 about teachers who tell people what they want to hear instead of proclaiming sound doctrine.