Prophecy is one of the most fascinating topics in the Bible.
Throughout Scripture, God spoke through prophets, revealing His plans, warning people of coming events, and offering hope for the future.
Many wonder if prophecy is still relevant today.
Does God still speak through prophets?
How can believers discern true prophecy from false predictions?
Understanding what the Bible says about prophecy helps us recognize God’s voice and His plan for humanity.
Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about prophecy, its purpose, and how it applies today.
What Is Prophecy?
The word prophecy means a message from God.
A prophecy can be a prediction about the future, but it is not always about things that haven’t happened yet.
Sometimes, prophecy is simply a divine message meant to correct, encourage, or guide people.
In the Old Testament, prophets were messengers of God who spoke on His behalf.
In the New Testament, prophecy continues through Jesus, the apostles, and the Holy Spirit working through believers.
2 Peter 1:21 explains the source of true prophecy.
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
This means that real prophecy does not come from human wisdom but from God’s Spirit.
It is not based on guesses, intuition, or personal opinions.
It is a direct message from God, meant to reveal truth.
Prophecy in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, prophets played a key role in guiding God’s people.
God called men like Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel to deliver His messages.
These prophets warned of judgment, encouraged obedience, and revealed God’s plans.
One of the most famous prophecies in the Old Testament is Isaiah 7:14.
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.
This prophecy, given hundreds of years before Jesus was born, foretold the coming of the Messiah.
Another example is found in Micah 5:2, which predicted Jesus’ birthplace.
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.
These examples show that Old Testament prophecy pointed to God’s ultimate plan of salvation.
Prophets were not just predicting future events.
They were revealing God’s plan to redeem the world.
Jesus and Prophecy
Jesus fulfilled many Old Testament prophecies, proving that He was the promised Messiah.
But Jesus was also a prophet Himself.
He spoke about the future, warned people about judgment, and revealed the coming kingdom of God.
One of Jesus’ most well-known prophecies is found in Matthew 24.
He predicted the destruction of the Jerusalem temple, which happened in AD 70.
In Matthew 24:2, He said:
Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.
Jesus also spoke about the end times, describing signs that would occur before His return.
Matthew 24:6 warns about global conflicts.
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.
These things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Jesus’ prophecies were not meant to scare people.
They were meant to prepare believers to stay faithful and trust God’s plan.
Prophecy in the New Testament Church
After Jesus’ resurrection, prophecy continued through the apostles and the early church.
Acts 2:17-18 quotes the prophet Joel, showing that prophecy would not end with the Old Testament.
In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
This passage shows that prophecy was not just for ancient times.
It would continue as God’s Spirit worked through His people.
1 Corinthians 14:3 explains the purpose of prophecy in the church.
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
Prophecy was meant to build up believers, not to confuse or divide them.
It was a gift of the Holy Spirit, used to bring wisdom and guidance.
How to Recognize True and False Prophets
The Bible warns that not all who claim to speak for God are true prophets.
False prophets have always existed, spreading lies and leading people away from God’s truth.
Jesus warned about this in Matthew 7:15.
Watch out for false prophets.
They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.
False prophets often appear righteous, but their message does not align with God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 18:22 gives a clear test for identifying true prophecy.
If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken.
This means that true prophecy will always come to pass.
False prophets may speak impressive words, but if their predictions fail, they are not from God.
1 John 4:1 gives another test for discerning truth.
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
The Bible urges believers to compare every prophecy with Scripture.
If it contradicts God’s Word, it is not from Him.
End Times Prophecy
Many people are fascinated by end-times prophecy.
The Bible speaks about the return of Jesus, the final judgment, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
Revelation is the main book that describes these future events.
Revelation 22:12 records Jesus’ promise.
Look, I am coming soon.
My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.
While there are many interpretations of end-times prophecy, the main message is clear.
Jesus will return.
Evil will be defeated.
God’s people will be with Him forever.
Because of this promise, believers should live in faithfulness and readiness.
Is Prophecy Still Happening Today?
Many Christians wonder if prophecy still happens today.
Some believe that prophecy ended with the completion of the Bible.
Others believe that God still speaks through prophecy today, but always in alignment with Scripture.
The key is to test all things against the Bible.
God will never give a prophecy that contradicts His written Word.
If a prophecy glorifies a person instead of God, it is not from Him.
If it leads people away from Jesus, it is false.
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 gives wise advice.
Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test them all; hold on to what is good.
Believers should be open to God’s guidance but always careful to test everything against Scripture.
The Purpose of Prophecy
God uses prophecy for many reasons.
It reveals His plans.
It encourages and strengthens believers.
It calls people to repentance.
It points to Jesus as the Savior.
Revelation 19:10 declares that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
This means that all true prophecy ultimately points back to Christ.
Prophecy is not meant to create fear or confusion.
It is meant to bring people closer to God and prepare them for what is to come.
Final Thoughts
The Bible is full of prophecy, revealing God’s plans and promises.
From the Old Testament prophets to Jesus’ teachings and Revelation’s end-times message, prophecy shows God’s sovereignty over history.
True prophecy always aligns with Scripture, glorifies God, and strengthens believers.
While false prophets exist, the Bible gives clear ways to test their words.
Most importantly, prophecy is not just about predicting the future—it is about pointing people to Jesus.
By studying God’s Word, seeking His guidance, and staying faithful, believers can trust that God’s plans will always come to pass.