Judging Prophecy

**The Gift of Prophecy: A Biblical Perspective**

**Definition of Biblical Prophecy**

**Old Testament Perspective:**

In the Old Testament, prophecy refers to the divine communication of God's messages, instructions, warnings, and revelations to His chosen prophets. Prophets were individuals chosen by God to serve as His mouthpieces, conveying His will to His people. Biblical prophecy in the Old Testament often included predictions of future events, declarations of judgment against sin, calls to repentance, and promises of blessings for obedience. Prophecy played a crucial role in guiding the nation of Israel, shaping its history, and preparing the way for the coming Messiah.

**New Testament Perspective:**

In the New Testament, prophecy retains its essential function as divine communication but takes on a broader scope within the context of the Church. While prophecy still involves forthtelling (speaking God's truth) and foretelling (predicting future events under the guidance of the Holy Spirit), it is no longer limited to a select group of individuals but is accessible to all believers through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. In the New Testament, prophecy is primarily intended for the edification, encouragement, and consolation of the Church (1 Corinthians 14:3). It may include exhortations, words of wisdom, knowledge, or revelation, but always aligns with Scripture and exalts Jesus Christ as Lord. The exercise of prophecy in the New Testament Church is governed by principles of order, accountability, and discernment, ensuring that it contributes to the building up of believers and the advancement of God's kingdom.

**Conclusion:**

In both the Old and New Testaments, biblical prophecy serves as a vital means of communication between God and His people. While the manner of prophecy and its recipients may differ between the two eras, its central purpose remains unchanged: to reveal God's truth, guide His people, and glorify His name. Whether through the lips of ancient prophets or the hearts of present-day believers, prophecy continues to be a tangible expression of God's presence and activity in the world.

The gift of prophecy is one of the spiritual gifts mentioned in the New Testament, and its importance and relevance to the Church have been debated throughout history. In this article, we will explore the biblical references to the gift of prophecy and discuss whether it still exists in the Church today.

### Biblical References to the Gift of Prophecy

1. **1 Corinthians 12:10:** "To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues." This verse lists prophecy as one of the spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit to believers.

2. **1 Corinthians 14:1:** "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy." Here, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to desire the gift of prophecy, indicating its importance in the life of the Church.

3. **1 Corinthians 14:3:** "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." Prophecy is described as a gift that builds up, encourages, and comforts believers.

4. **1 Corinthians 14:29-31:** "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted." This passage outlines the guidelines for the exercise of the gift of prophecy in the Church, emphasizing order and accountability.

5. **Acts 2:17-18:** "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy." This prophecy from Joel, quoted by Peter on the Day of Pentecost, foretells the widespread distribution of the gift of prophecy among believers.

6. **Acts 21:9:** "And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy." This verse mentions Philip the evangelist's daughters, who were known for their gift of prophecy.

### The Continuation of Prophecy in the Church Today

While some argue that the gift of prophecy ceased with the completion of the New Testament canon, many believers and theologians maintain that prophecy continues to operate in the Church today. They point to several reasons to support this belief:

1. **The Nature of God:** God is unchanging, and His desire to communicate with His people has not diminished. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect that the gift of prophecy would continue as a means of divine communication.

2. **The Purpose of Prophecy:** Prophecy is intended for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of believers (1 Corinthians 14:3). As long as the Church exists and believers need encouragement and guidance, the gift of prophecy remains relevant.

3. **Scriptural Precedent:** Throughout the New Testament, we see examples of prophecy being exercised in the Church. If prophecy was essential for the early Church, it stands to reason that it would continue to be relevant for believers today.

4. **Personal Testimony:** Many Christians testify to experiencing or witnessing prophetic words that have brought confirmation, encouragement, or direction in their lives.

### Conclusion

The gift of prophecy is a valuable spiritual gift given by the Holy Spirit for the building up of the Church. While opinions may differ on its operation in the present day, the biblical references to prophecy and the testimonies of believers around the world attest to its continued relevance and impact in the Church today. As believers, let us seek to cultivate a spirit of discernment and humility as we navigate the gift of prophecy in our lives and in the life of the Church.