I was having a discussion with members of my Sunday school class about prophets. Are there prophets that exist in today's world aside from having the gift of prophecy? Or are they one in the same?
I will start with a rather general statement that as we get closer to the time of the end and the Antichrist; there will be more and more apparent prophecies that come true as to specific things that happen but the conclusion that he is Christ or some great person of course will be a lie.
In my assessment therefore the scriptures used whether in a false or true prophecy bring an element of truth of something that ultimately will be fulfilled; hence as I say the poison always is most effective with something good mixed in. With all the similar manifestations in the last days such as fire coming out of the sky mimicking the work of the 2 Prophets; as well as the apparent "resurrection" of Antichrist we see how Satan both imitates or is a substitute for Christ but his character is totally against it.
In the spiritual dimension demons can be involved with nations; institutions or individuals and thus cause an apparent "self fulfilling" prophecy as God permits to delude men. The Lord in His Word has prophecies which often have more than one phase of fulfillment before the end and general things which characterize the end of the age in the birth pang timeframe. Such things are predicted by true and false prophets themselves. I would also say that until the end of the church age the Lord is holding back very definite things which may begin to show up as a foreshadowing of the Tribulation (such as plagues; warfare; etc.) People have debated for instance the prophecy of Agabus and how much church preparation avoided a crisis. We could legitimately have insight in a conditional sort of thing which is of course also scriptural as a general TENET. I often warn people that certain sins cause us to reap what we so which in a way is prophetic; perhaps more like a word of knowledge.
With all the proven falsehoods of almost all the so called popular prophets I lean closer to a cessationist mindset; but will not have the audacity to say God can't do something.
"Are there prophets that exist in today's world aside from having the gift of prophecy? Or are they one in the same?
I believe if one "must" have the gift of prophecy to be a Prophet.
No the question is, are Prophets around today.
I would say No.
Here's what Paul in Ephesians 2:20 says about the Church of God.
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Before the Canon of scripture was completed the prophet proclaimed a message from the Lord in the OT and to the early believers.
Today we have the completed revelation from God in the Bible.
Does God reveal truth to someone in a way and enable that person to deliver that message to others? Yes! He does this to all of us.
However, That doesn't make us a foretelling Prophet.
Compare what is said to what the Word of God says. If it contradicts the Bible, throw it out. If it agrees with the Bible then it us written before hand and it's not a foretelling supernatural message.
Hebrews 1:1-2 reads, " God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,
In my assessment therefore the scriptures used whether in a false or true prophecy bring an element of truth of something that ultimately will be fulfilled; hence as I say the poison always is most effective with something good mixed in. With all the similar manifestations in the last days such as fire coming out of the sky mimicking the work of the 2 Prophets; as well as the apparent "resurrection" of Antichrist we see how Satan both imitates or is a substitute for Christ but his character is totally against it.
In the spiritual dimension demons can be involved with nations; institutions or individuals and thus cause an apparent "self fulfilling" prophecy as God permits to delude men. The Lord in His Word has prophecies which often have more than one phase of fulfillment before the end and general things which characterize the end of the age in the birth pang timeframe. Such things are predicted by true and false prophets themselves. I would also say that until the end of the church age the Lord is holding back very definite things which may begin to show up as a foreshadowing of the Tribulation (such as plagues; warfare; etc.) People have debated for instance the prophecy of Agabus and how much church preparation avoided a crisis. We could legitimately have insight in a conditional sort of thing which is of course also scriptural as a general TENET. I often warn people that certain sins cause us to reap what we so which in a way is prophetic; perhaps more like a word of knowledge.
With all the proven falsehoods of almost all the so called popular prophets I lean closer to a cessationist mindset; but will not have the audacity to say God can't do something.
Welcome to the site!
You asked;
"Are there prophets that exist in today's world aside from having the gift of prophecy? Or are they one in the same?
I believe if one "must" have the gift of prophecy to be a Prophet.
No the question is, are Prophets around today.
I would say No.
Here's what Paul in Ephesians 2:20 says about the Church of God.
"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Before the Canon of scripture was completed the prophet proclaimed a message from the Lord in the OT and to the early believers.
Today we have the completed revelation from God in the Bible.
Does God reveal truth to someone in a way and enable that person to deliver that message to others? Yes! He does this to all of us.
However, That doesn't make us a foretelling Prophet.
Compare what is said to what the Word of God says. If it contradicts the Bible, throw it out. If it agrees with the Bible then it us written before hand and it's not a foretelling supernatural message.
Hebrews 1:1-2 reads, " God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,
I hope this helps.
God bless.
This comment thread is locked. Please enter a new comment below to start a new comment thread.
Note: Comment threads older than 2 months are automatically locked.
Do you have a Bible comment or question?
Posting comments is currently unavailable due to high demand on the server.
Please check back in an hour or more. Thank you for your patience!
Report Comment
Which best represents the problem with the comment?