"Why would we need prophecy today?" someone asks. "We have a completed Bible." * * * The question reflects a common misunderstanding that the purpose of the ordinary Christian grace-gift (charisma) of prophecy is the production of Scripture. Yet that was not even its purpose in the first-century church. Canonical Scripture serves the whole People of God, concerning the entire scope of faith and godliness, until the End of the world. Christian prophecy, on the other hand, usually serves a local church, concerning some particular circumstances, for an immediate and limited time. Look with … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2012
CHRISTIAN PROPHECY
"Does God still speak directly to his people today?" someone asks. "Does the prophetic gift belong to the Christian age?" * * * Yes, God still speaks directly to his people, as it pleases him to do so. Receiving and communicating such a word from God is the exercise of the Christian grace-gift (charisma) of prophecy. As the Christian era formally began, the Apostle Peter announced that it would be characterized by God's outpouring of the prophetic gift on his people in general and without discrimination (Acts 2:16-18, quoting Joel 2:28-29). "Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy," said … [Read more...]
WHAT ORDINARY CHRISTIAN PROPHECY IS (Prophecy – 6)
We have seen that ordinary Christian prophecy does not result in new Scripture, new doctrine or new commands from God. It does not necessarily mean foretelling the future. It is not an infallible word from God. It is not the same ministry as preaching or teaching. If it is not all these things, just what is ordinary Christian prophecy -- that gift which Paul says we should especially desire and which Peter says God gives to his people in general during this era of messianic salvation and the Holy Spirit? As presented in the New Testament, ordinary Christian prophecy is a message that … [Read more...]
WHAT PROPHECY IS NOT (Prophecy – 5)
According to both the Old Testament (Joel) and the New Testament (Peter), one manifestation of God's Spirit in this messianic era is the widespread gift of prophecy -- not through a select few as in past ages but through God's children in general -- men and women, young and old, servant and master alike. Because God bestows this gift so indiscriminately, I refer to it as "ordinary Christian prophecy." Before we try to describe ordinary Christian prophecy in a positive way, it is helpful to note some things it is not. First, it has nothing to do with producing new Scripture. The Bible is … [Read more...]
HEBREW PROPHETS AND CHRISTIAN APOSTLES (Prophecy – 4)
Ordinary Christian prophecy comes through ordinary Christian people -- "your sons and daughters," to use Joel's words which Peter quoted on Pentecost (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:17-21). As we learn more about ordinary Christian prophecy we will learn also not to confuse this kind of revelation with the "Thus says the LORD" messages given through Moses, Elijah, Isaiah and Jeremiah. The great prophets of the Old Testament spoke authoritatively and delivered the precise words of God (Jer. 1:9). What they predicted would certainly come to pass (1 Sam. 9:6). What they commanded, God's people were … [Read more...]
THE BIBLE IS NOT ‘PERFECTION’ (Prophecy – 3)
We will see later that ordinary Christian prophecy is fragmentary, time-oriented, specific and local. For all those reasons it is "in part," and it will cease "when perfection comes." Then we shall "see face to face" and "know fully" even as we are fully known (1 Cor. 13:8-12). Some believers think this text refers to the time when the last New Testament book was written and the Bible was completed. However, we have seen that "perfection" here refers to the fullness of God's saving purpose and the complete maturity of Christ's people when Jesus returns. Even if we did not know that, there are … [Read more...]
THE END OF A GOOD THING (Prophecy – 2)
Ordinary Christian prophecy is a hallmark of the Christian era and a particularly desirable gift (Acts 2:16-21; 1 Cor. 14:1). Yet when prophecy has fully served its purpose, it will come to an end. The Apostle Paul explains: "We know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. . . . Now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known" (1 Cor. 13:9-12). One day, when Jesus returns, God's plan will reach its full and perfect goal. Meanwhile, as Paul notes early in this … [Read more...]
A SIGN OF THE TIMES (Prophecy – 1)
It is the Jewish Feast of Weeks (also known as Pentecost), a festival celebrating the harvest's firstfruits and also the giving of the Law. Some 120 of Jesus' disciples are together, expectantly waiting the coming of God's Spirit as Jesus had recently promised before he ascended to heaven. Suddenly supernatural manifestations fill the room -- a sound like a mighty wind, fire-like phenomena that separate and spread upon them all. Jesus' followers begin to speak in languages they have never learned, reciting the mighty deeds of God. Word spreads and a huge crowd quickly gathers. Some say these … [Read more...]
HOLINESS, PENTECOSTAL, CHARISMATIC
A gracEmail subscriber writes, following a gracEmail fun quiz on "Holiness, Pentecostals, Charismatics," asking what the similarities and differences are in those three groups. * * * John and Charles Wesley were present at a prayer meeting on Fetter Lane in London when, about 3:00 o'clock in the morning of January 1, 1739, the power of God was poured out in what later came to be known as "the Methodist Pentecost." In the beginning, the Methodists or Wesleyans were very expressive in their religious fervor (some others referred to them as "shouting Methodists") and deeply committed to "Bible … [Read more...]
MIRACULOUS SIGNS
Someone asks: "What is the point of the signs that Jesus says will follow those who believe (Mk. 16:17-18)? Is this promise still applicable today?" . . . In some manuscripts of Mark's Gospel, this promise is part of Jesus' parting commission to his followers before he went back to heaven. Jesus promises that "signs" will follow "those who believe" -- expelling demons, speaking with new tongues, healing the sick and immunity from snake-bite and poisonous drinks. Who are "those who believe" in this promise? When we consider the Apostles' own persistent unbelief and hardness of heart following … [Read more...]