Sunday, October 11, 2015

The Place of a Modern Prophet

What is the gift of prophecy?

“If there be a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.” Numbers 12:6

“For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:21

“But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” Galatians 1:11, 12

A prophet's scope of impact:
  • The writings of some prophets have been nearly universally available (Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Paul).
  • The availability of some prophetic writings has been limited (1 Chronicles 29:29; Colossians 4:16).
  • Some prophets produced no prophetic writings (Enoch, Elijah, Elisha).
  • Many prophets existed of whom we know little or nothing (1 Samuel 10:5).

What is the difference between a prophet in the Bible and a prophet today?

A modern prophet:
  1. As always, must be tested by the standard of the previous prophetic writings.
    • 1 Corinthians 14:32; Isaiah 8:20
    • Jesus Himself was tested — John 1:45; Luke 24:44
    • Paul was tested — Acts 17:10, 11
  2. Has a limited scope of impact, compared to canonical prophets.
  3. Lacks universal recognition.
    • 1 Corinthians 14:22
  4. Presents no new truths.
      Ecclesiastes 1:9; 3:15
  5. The message of a non-canonical prophet has the same authority as that of canonical prophets.
    • Nathan — 2 Samuel 12
    • Huldah — 2 Chronicles 34:20-28
    • Micaiah — 1 Kings 22