What Does the Bible Say About Modern Day Prophets?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

The Bible’s take on modern day prophets is an intriguing topic. It acknowledges the role of prophets in biblical times, conveying God’s messages to people. However, regarding modern day prophets, the Bible advises caution. It doesn’t outright dismiss the possibility but warns about false prophets. The key is discernment – testing any prophetic message against biblical truth and God’s character.

It’s crucial to remember, the Bible stresses that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. Post-New Testament, prophecy is viewed more as speaking God’s truth into specific situations rather than predicting the future.

Interested in exploring this more? Dive into the rest of the article for a deeper understanding of what the Bible says about modern prophets and the role of prophecy today.

What Does the Bible Say About Modern Day Prophets?

When it comes to modern day prophets, the Bible provides guidance that is both insightful and cautionary. The role of prophets in the Bible was significant. They were God’s spokespersons, delivering divine messages, often including foretelling future events or calling people back from sin.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. He is seen as the ultimate revelation of God’s truth. Post-Jesus, the role of prophecy takes on a different tone. It’s more about edifying and guiding the church rather than introducing new revelations or foretelling the future.

The Bible, particularly the New Testament, cautions about false prophets. It advises believers to test prophetic messages against the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Any prophecy that contradicts the essence of the Gospel or the nature of God as revealed in the Bible is to be rejected.

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God’s view on modern prophets, as gleaned from the New Testament, seems to focus on edification, exhortation, and comfort rather than new doctrinal revelations or future predictions. Prophets are expected to operate within the boundaries of biblical truth and the overarching message of the Gospel.

The gift of prophecy is acknowledged in the New Testament as one of the spiritual gifts bestowed upon believers. However, it’s crucial to remember that all prophetic utterances are subject to scrutiny and should align with the teachings of Jesus and the apostolic doctrine.

In summary, while the Bible doesn’t explicitly endorse or forbid the existence of modern day prophets, it provides clear guidelines for discernment. The focus is on ensuring that any prophecy aligns with the established truths of the Bible and builds up the church in faith and love.

Bible Verses About Modern Day Prophets

  1. Matthew 7:15-16 – “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits.” Jesus warns about false prophets and gives criteria for discerning them.
  2. Deuteronomy 18:22 – “When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken.” This Old Testament guideline for testing a prophet’s authenticity is still relevant.
  3. 1 Corinthians 14:3 – “On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation.” Paul’s teaching on prophecy in the church emphasizes edification over foretelling future events.
  4. 1 John 4:1 – “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” John advises discernment in accepting prophetic messages.
  5. Acts 2:17-18 – “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.” This passage suggests a continuation of prophetic gifts but within a New Testament context.
  6. 2 Peter 2:1 – “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.” Peter warns of the ongoing risk of false prophets.
  7. 1 Corinthians 14:29 – “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said.” This instruction from Paul highlights the communal and accountable nature of prophecy in the church.
  8. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 – “Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good.” Paul encourages not to dismiss prophecy outright but to test and retain what is true.
  9. Revelation 22:18-19 – This passage warns against adding to or taking away from the prophetic words of the book, highlighting the closed nature of biblical revelation.
  10. Jeremiah 23:16 – “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.’” This verse from the Old Testament echoes the New Testament warnings about false prophets who do not speak God’s truth.
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In conclusion, the Bible’s stance on modern day prophets is nuanced and requires careful discernment. It recognizes the continuation of spiritual gifts, including prophecy, but places strong emphasis on testing and validating these prophecies against biblical teachings and the character of God as revealed through Jesus Christ.