What You Need to Know About Biblical Prophecy
What is Prophecy?
Prophecy is the communication of divine revelation from God to chosen individuals, whether male or female. This spiritual gift allows individuals to proclaim God’s messages, which are often intended to provide guidance, warn against dangers, and serve as edification for the community of believers. As the Bible states in Amos 3:7, “For the Lord GOD does nothing until he has revealed his secret to his servants, the prophets.”
The Gift of Prophecy
The gift of prophecy is considered one of the superior spiritual gifts mentioned in the Bible. According to 1 Corinthians 14:1, “Seek charity. Also aspire to spiritual gifts, but especially to that of prophecy.” This passage emphasizes the importance of desiring spiritual gifts, with prophecy holding a preeminent role. It is given by the Holy Spirit and is vital for the spiritual edification of the church. However, possessing the gift of prophecy does not inherently designate someone as a prophet. Instead, being a prophet requires maturity in exercising this gift.
Characteristics of Prophecy from God
It is crucial to identify the characteristics of a prophecy that comes from God. The Bible, particularly in 1 John 4:1, advises believers to “test the spirits” to ensure they are from God. Authentic prophecies will align with biblical teachings and reflect God’s nature. There are three primary facets of genuine prophetic messages: they originate from God, comply with Scripture, and are not contradictory to past revelations. For example, any prophecy claiming an end date for the world should be approached with skepticism, as it contradicts God’s nature and previous teachings.
Distinguishing True and False Prophets
The presence of false prophets is a significant concern in scripture. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” The Bible guides believers to discern the source of any prophetic message properly. Observing the individual’s life and the consistency of their message with God’s Word is essential in evaluating their authenticity.
Author : Donald SORO
