About prophecies - briefly
brief notices
{see the notice below}
In the New Testament, there's ademocratization plurality of gifting, incl. prophecy (eg. common prophetic practice in the believer's community) —the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers at Pentecost, fulfilling Joel's prophecy that sons and daughters, young and old, would all prophesy (Acts 2:17-18).
"you can all prophesy one by one" . He wrote in the famous 1Cor 13 that godly love has infinite meanings while gifts have temporary purpose - we should grow up together:
According to Hebrews 1:1-2,God spoke to our fathers through the prophets in many ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son —indicating that final revelation has come through Christ and is recorded in the New Testament.
In the New Testament, prophecy serves as confirmation of what the Holy Spirit is already speaking to believers internally (and shaping his/her heart), rather than providing brand new directive revelation. . This is also a test for the "itinerary or guest prophets" in the Church. See: Act 21:10-14
A New Testament prophetic ministry is a servant ministry designed to equip the church (including warnings) and empower others to hear from God.
Old VS New Testament prophets
Authority and Infallibility
In the Old Testament, prophets spoke with absolute divine authority as God's direct mouthpieces, and their words were considered infallible and equal to Scripture itself. False prophets in the OT were to be put to death if their predictions didn't come true (Deuteronomy 18:20-22){see the notice below}
Primary Purpose
Nearly every Old Testament prophet pointed forward to Christ, revealing the mystery of God that had been hidden from the foundation of the world. OT prophets served as covenant prosecutors, reformers calling Israel back to faithfulness, and the conscience of the nation.Access and Distribution
In the Old Testament, prophets had the singular role of bringing God's word directly to His people, who did not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them.In the New Testament, there's a
Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.
1Cor 13:8-11
He plainly wrote about pluralism in spiritual activity in 1Cor 14:36:
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child.
1Cor 13:8-11
Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
1Cor 14:36-38
If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized.
1Cor 14:36-38
⚠️ Important note:
For instance,
For instance,
"I’ve heard it taught that when a prophet prophesies over a believer the believer is obligated to obey the prophecy to the letter and that church leaders are to hold him or her accountable to it." (It’s been known to happen, typically in Pentecostal churches that adopt a false authoritarian spirit.)
"This is obviously a form of bondage. It’s using the gift of prophecy for the purpose of manipulating people. Manipulation like this is condemned in the New Testament. It’s a form of authoritarian abuse where the prophet’s words are viewed as the spoken Word of God to which the believer cannot disagree." {Fountain of Life ministry}.
This (mainly charismatic- pentecostal) practice has a specific source-cluster of USA based /founded /supported ministries. They maintain their authoritarian culture, developing false "judeo-Christian" belief system that disregards the apostolic teachings found in Romans 8 and Galatians 4. And I haven't even mentioned the basic statements in Hebrews 7:11-19, which form the backbone of this blog.
"This is obviously a form of bondage. It’s using the gift of prophecy for the purpose of manipulating people. Manipulation like this is condemned in the New Testament. It’s a form of authoritarian abuse where the prophet’s words are viewed as the spoken Word of God to which the believer cannot disagree." {Fountain of Life ministry}.
Relationship to Scripture
In the Old Testament, those who wrote Scripture were primarily called prophets, and their prophecies often became part of the canon. In the New Testament, those with authority to write God's words were called apostles, not prophets.According to Hebrews 1:1-2,
Practical Function
A New Testament prophetic ministry is a servant ministry designed to equip the church (including warnings) and empower others to hear from God.
Old VS New Testament prophets
