“empty burial tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea”
I guess ol’ Joseph of Arimathea is going to hell because he was rich, right?
“Sure God wants us to improve our lives but only for emptying itself out for Him. “
Actually, we are supposed to prosper and then use our prosperity to help the poor (the financially poor and the poor in spirit) and promote the gospel.
“I wish above all things that you prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers”. I’m sure you are familiar with this very clear statement in the NT. This theme is consistent throughout the Old and New Testaments. It is talking about prospering of the soul, which is the mind, will, and emotions, and how GOd wants us to prosper in finances, in health, and all aspects of our lives.
Prosperity is not just about money, it’s about improving all aspects of our lives so we can serve others. Look at the divorce rate in the US. Certainly prospering in our family relationships, for example, is something we are called to do.
By your logic God should have set an example to all of us and had the Son of Man born as a wealthy King and generously distributed his goods to the poor.
“Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20).