Are Prophets for Today or has Prophecy Ceased?
No, there are no prophets today because genuine Prophets are mentioned in the Bible – they were the foundations of the church and secondly the gift of prophecy has ceased.
The office of Prophet and Apostle was temporary…
and only necessary for the church before the completion of the Bible. The actual foundation of the church was built UPON the Prophets and Apostles (with Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone).
Ephesians 2:19-22
19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,20 having been built ON THE FOUNDATION of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
The role of the prophet in the Old Testament was to foretell the future and truths about God and the coming of His Son Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ was the LAST and GREATEST Prophet
Hebrews 1:1-2
1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
The gift of prophecy has ceased.
1 Corinthians 13 (Amp)
8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].
9 For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).
10 But when the complete and perfect (total) comes, the incomplete and imperfect will vanish away (become antiquated, void, and superseded)
The ‘perfect’ spoken about in verse 10 above is the Bible itself. Here we are told that when the Bible would be written and complete, prophecy would no longer be needed, neither would tongues for that matter as the Bible is Perfect in every way and the church will use the Bible instead because it contains all the prophecy you need.
But someone might say,” but what about 1 Corinthians 14:3 where it speaks about prophesying.
Well let me explain.
1 Corinthians 14:3 (AMP)
3 But [on the other hand], the one who prophesies [who interprets the divine will and purpose in inspired preaching and teaching] speaks to men for their upbuilding and constructive spiritual progress and encouragement and consolation.
This is not prophecy spoken by a Prophet my dear readers, this is the gift of inspired preaching and teaching that results in edification, exhortation, and encouragement. This is FORTH TELLING of the truth of the Word of God, not FORETELLING the future.
Once again do you see how just the smallest twisting of scripture can create an entire false religion and lead millions upon millions of people astray.
Today we have millions of false prophets running around telling churches that they have ‘heard from the Lord, this’, or ‘God has told them, that” but they speak from their own imaginations.
Jeremiah 23:16
16 Thus says the LORD of hosts: ” Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the LORD.
Jeremiah 14:14
14 And the LORD said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.
Sometimes some of these false prophets prophecies come true, but it’s not due to the fact that they are Godly men or woman, oh no! Many of these prophets dabble in occultism and Satan can make things go his way that they correspond with the said prophecy. In fact you find prophets in all religions. Satan is also not stupid, his intelligence far exceeds mans and he knows how to play mankind and get them right where he wants them. A so called prophet within todays ‘Christian’ circles is non other than a soothsayer and they are an abomination unto the Lord.
Deuteronomy 18:9-13
9 “When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations.10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.
YvZ wrote:
The word “apostle” means follower. We should all be followers of or apostles of Christ. As for the prophet part I guess God has to reveal to each of his children who is or isn’t a prophet. God does still speak to those who will listen and a true child of God will always hear the word of God.
Dear Stephen
>> The word “apostle” means follower. We should all be followers of or apostles of Christ. As for the prophet part I guess God has to reveal to each of his children who is or isn’t a prophet. God does still speak to those who will listen and a true child of God will always hear the word of God.
You say a “a true child of God will always hear the word of God.” ok Stephan pay attention to the Word of God and listen:
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, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? (Hebrews 1:1-5)
What you say Stephan is not true. Jesus Christ was the last prophet – Tom says, “If William Branham was the seventh angel in Revelation 10 as the Branhamites erroneously believe, then he could not have been a prophet, let alone the last prophet to prepare the people for Christ’s Second Coming. Why? – because Jesus Christ is the only Prophet for the last days and his office as a Prophet supersedes that of the angels (including William Branham who supposedly was the seventh angel in Revelation 10).” See comment here: https://www.discerningtheworld.com/2009/05/09/william-branham-false-prophet-2/#comment-447079
Hi Stephen, thanks for your explanation. Hmmm… ok, why is it then that only some people introduce or advertise themselves as an apostle, we are all Christians, should we all give ourselves the title of apostle to proof that we are Christians? Some people make the word apostle sound like a title they earned.
>> God does still speak to those who will listen and a true child of God will always hear the word of God.
I guess I was wrong then thinking I am a born again, Bible reading child of God, as I never hear His audible voice, or found a note somewhere from Him speaking to me, except for the scriptures in my Bible. Or maybe he just speaks to the charismatic, pentecostal, fire calling, faith healing, revival movements, where most of these ‘prophets’ are found.
Another guy said to me, he saw this vision in the sky… (I stopped listening right there, lol).
If someone comes to you and say – You know, God spoke to me today, and said you are now a prophet for Him. Would you really believe them? Why would God not tell you Himself? How do you know if they really serve the same God as you? You might just end up being a prophet for another god.
Nah, I am totally with DTW on this one. There is absolutely no way you can know for sure, that God commanded you to be a prophet – Mat 7:22-23
Another popular title teachers use to advertise themselves these days is Revivalist. Where was someone in the Bible called a revivalist??? Revival for what?
I never said anyone was or was not a prophet. The question was asked what does apostle mean I answered the question I never said anyone was a seventh angel seventh messenger or anything else I just simply answered a question Then I stated that a true child of God will always listen and hear God I never said audible voice I said listen and hear God. If you cannot hear God speaking to you and that still small voice of your heart Then pray more. I never said audible voice I said listen and hear God. Again not in an audible voice like you would speak.
Stephen,
The apostles were eye witnesses of Jesus Christ’s miracles, his death, burial and resurrection and his ascension into heaven. There are no longer apostles. Do you always listen and obey God? Yes, we are supposed to do it but do we in fact listen and obey Him? If we do we can claim sinlessness. Are we? I have already explained in one of my previous comments that there are no longer prophets in the sense that they can predict the future. Jesus is our last Prophet. who has already given us enough insight into the things that are to come in the Book of Revelation. We don’t need more than that. Beware of the freaks who tell you, “The Holy Spirit, or Jesus or God told me to tell you this or that.” Is God unable to talk to you directly from his Word?
Hi Stephen, I just meant that all born again Christians have the Holy Spirit guiding them to the Word of God. If you have a feeling something is not right, that is probably the Holy spirit warning you and He will direct you to the truth in the scriptures in the Bible.
Ministers who give themselves titles like prophet, apostle and revivalist choose to believe what their own hearts desires, NOT the Word of God.
I agree with you Thomas:
>> The apostles were eye witnesses of Jesus Christ’s miracles, his death, burial and resurrection and his ascension into heaven.
I search the scriptures regarding the apostles, and this is also the answer I came up with. Thanks Thomas!
>> Beware of the freaks who tell you, “The Holy Spirit, or Jesus or God told me to tell you this or that.”
Just the other day a ‘prophet’ told me “Holy Spirit told me…” something he had to say to me. This was not even backed up with any scripture. How can I be sure that this guy’s message was not from another god?
We as Christians must be very careful who we listen to and what we believe, especially from people who claim they are apostles, prophets or whatever. This is exactly what these people are – freaks. If you look at how they became a ‘prophet’, and do a little background check, you will see things are not as sound as you think they are.
I just think that most people have been listening to false teachings for so long that their whole brain needs to be rewired to the Word of God again. And I am not excluding myself from this.
Deborah DTW,
I’ve read through some of your articles and exposition and pretty impress with your insight, and in many things you expound is in line with God’s Word and pretty much a confirmation to what I’ve asked God long ago, and that include all these, prophecy signs and wonders thingy you’ve expound for us. Great. So I’m with you in many of these cases, HOWEVER, it also seemed to dawn on me, sorry to sound offensive t, i can’t help but detect that you seemed to know-it-all when it comes to Biblical Truths. You seemed to have answers for almost every Biblical dilemma /situation….which is ODD if not downright contradictory to God’s Word. Coz for even you yourself has quoted in :
(scroll up above)
The world is anti-Truth and has ZERO tolerance for complete Truth and whoever that embodies complete Truth (the WHOLE ) is PURE ENEMY of this world and would be already killed /removed. Don’t believe me? Look what they did to The Whole TRUTH 2000 years ago? They nailed Him on the Cross!! The only thing was due to His DIVINE Nature He resurrected and conquered Death.
One can ONLY do that when one have ‘perfect & complete Truth’ which God clearly said none of us humans do. Yes there will be those who will possess more Truths or less Truth (depending on their sincerity to seek the Truth, how long , etc..but none will have complete Truth to have seemingly have answers to every Biblical dilemma / exposition).
So folks, be careful of people who seemed to have answers to every or almost all Biblical dilemma or exposition . I’m not saying they are all out to trap you or malevolent, some are, but some are sincere Christ followers but somehow they have UNINTENTIONALLY gone a bit over their own head without realizing it. Just saying.
Dear Anti-Beast-Anti-Serpent
Let me just help you out a bit, if you don’t mind:
1) I do not and have never said I know it all. However on certain subjects I have taken the time to research thoroughly, I might be missing info even in these subject but it in no way changes the truth I have expounded on. Now in order for you to tell me that you think I am a know it all, it would just sound reasonable that you think you know what I supposedly don’t in order to tell me I am wrong? right? 😀
2) You quoted “1 Corinthians 13: 9 (Amp)For our knowledge is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect), and our prophecy (our teaching) is fragmentary (incomplete and imperfect).”
The Apostle Paul said this at a time when they the Apostles and Prophets knowledge was incomplete and imperfect, until such time as God revealed all to them through the Holy Spirit and it was penned down in the Word of God for all of us to have a complete and perfect Bible :thumbsup:
Or do you believe the Word of God is incomplete and imperfect and can’t tell us everything we need to know therefore we need extra revelation over and above scripture?
You said “So folks, be careful of people who seemed to have answers to every or almost all Biblical dilemma or exposition . I’m not saying they are all out to trap you or malevolent, some are, but some are sincere Christ followers but somehow they have UNINTENTIONALLY gone a bit over their own head without realizing it. Just saying.”
Instead of attacking me personally, because it’s obvious you think I am malevolent and out to trap people, why don’t you tell me what it is that is wrong so we can discuss it?
What church do you go to by the way?
Dear Dear Anti-Beast-Anti-Serpent
Waiting :wait:
Epesians 4:11 describes the 5 offices of ministry
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;”
These are separate from the gifts of the spirit as stated in 1 Corinithians
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-11)
Those who operate in the gift of of prophecy regularly are not prophets. They are watchmen.
Those who are in the office of prophet go up against the prophets of Ba’al, they carry the burden of the Father’s heart for the sins of His people, they contend over false doctrine, and man made traditions. They can also disciple and teach. They’re chosen from birth and lead extemely grueling lives restricted by the Lord.
The verses cited in this article are about false prophets.
If we examine Revelation 10:7, the Lord is raising up prophets as we speak for the last days.
“but in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets.”
This article is completely wrong so please remove it.
Chantal Duvier.
You are the one who is completely wrong because you are reading into a verse which is not there. It is called eisegesis. You wrote:
He is not raising up prophets in these days as we speak because the sounding of the angel refers to the seventh trumpet which introduces the seven bowl judgments of God’s wrath in Revelation 16. It forms part of the seven-year tribulation with the Antichrist reigning as God over the entire world. The church (Bride of Christ) won’t be here then as she will have been raptured prior to the tribulation. The prophets spoken of here are Old Testamnet prophets whom God inspired to predict the final consummation of the mystery of God. This mystery is not a hidden truth but the final fulfilment of many Old Testament prophecies which refer to Chrit’s Second Advent to the earth (not the Rapture) and the inauguration of his glorious Kingdom of a 1000 years of peace on earth.
So, who gives you the right to command us to remove the article when you are in wrong and not us?
Addressing to Deborah….
“All the answers are in the BIBLE David, but it would appear you have now found it redundant to continue to find the answers…all because I said that is clear you don’t know your bible, what a cop-out.”
Deborah, are you very sure that ALL the answers are in the Bible? Care to explain, because it sounds to me as if you see that the Bible has ALL the answers to life or such topics from A to Z – really? For an instance, Jesus said, “If”, it does not mean a direct answer, so please enlighten to why your comments, “All the answers are in the Bible” are coming like this?
Ulf Dieter wrote:
You seem to be a contextually orientated person, which is good. Therefore, it surprises me that you do not seem to believe this: