Are there prophets in the church today?

The topic of whether there are modern day prophets in the church is one that generates much debate among Christians. To understand this issue, we must first look at what the Bible says about prophets and prophecy.

In the Old Testament, prophets played a key role in God’s relationship with His people. God would speak to the prophets and give them messages to deliver to the Israelites. These messages often involved calling the people to repentance, warning of coming judgment, or foretelling future events. Some of the major Old Testament prophets included Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel.

In the New Testament, John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah as a prophet to prepare the way for Jesus (Luke 1:17). Jesus Himself was the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy about the coming Messiah. He is called the greatest prophet (Luke 7:16). The book of Acts records examples of prophets in the early church, including Agabus who foretold a famine (Acts 11:28) and the apostle Paul’s traveling companions (Acts 21:10).

So in both the Old and New Testaments, we see God speaking through prophets. However, some Christians believe the office of prophet, along with apostle, was foundational to the early church and passed away over time (Ephesians 2:20). They point to passages indicating that the full revelation of God has now been given through Jesus and the completed Scriptures (Hebrews 1:1-2, Jude 1:3).

On the other hand, some Christians do believe there are modern day prophets. They point out that prophecy is one of the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:10). They also highlight the following biblical evidence for ongoing prophecy:

• Paul encouraged Christians to eagerly desire spiritual gifts like prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1).
• He gave instructions for how prophecy should function in church gatherings (1 Corinthians 14:29-33).
• The prophet Agabus displayed his gift after the early church was established (Acts 11:28, 21:10-11).
• Paul mentions prophets as an ongoing ministry gift Christ gave to the church (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Those who believe in modern day prophecy emphasize that true prophets will not contradict God’s word or introduce new doctrine. Their prophecies must be tested and affirmed by the church (1 Corinthians 14:29, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21). Any prophet who leads people away from the truth is condemned (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).

Views on whether prophecy continues tend to divide between the continuationist perspective (the miraculous gifts have continued) and the cessationist perspective (the miraculous gifts ceased). But Christians on both sides of this debate affirm the sole authority of the Bible and the need to test all prophecies against Scripture.

Some additional considerations around the ongoing gift of prophecy include:

• There are different understandings of what prophecy means. Some see it as inspired preaching, others as foretelling future events, others as receiving direct revelation from God for a specific situation.
• Prophets may not hold formal leadership positions but function to encourage and strengthen the church (1 Corinthians 14:3-4).
• Prophecies must not contradict or go beyond biblical revelation, but illuminate how biblical truth applies to current circumstances.
• Words of wisdom, knowledge, exhortation, and comfort can come through prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:3), but prophets are not infallible authorities.

In conclusion, there are good biblical arguments on both sides of this issue. Whether the office and gift of prophet continues today or not, all Christians should seek to hear God’s voice through His word and allow His truth and wisdom to guide them. Any modern prophecies must align with Scripture, point people to Jesus, and build up the church in her mission and understanding of God’s revelation. Discernment, wisdom, and testing of prophecies against God’s word are essential.

While disagreement exists on the exact nature and function of prophecy today, Christians affirm the authority and sufficiency of God’s written word. By God’s grace, the Holy Spirit continues to bless and instruct His people through the Scriptures.

Common Arguments Against Modern Day Prophets

Here are some of the most common arguments against the idea of modern day prophets in the church:

• The Bible indicates prophecy would cease when the perfect comes – taken to mean the completed revelation of Scripture (1 Corinthians 13:8-10).
• The foundation of the church has already been laid, with Christ as the cornerstone and the apostles and prophets as the foundation (Ephesians 2:20).
• Prophets played a unique role in recording Scripture, but that role ended when the biblical canon was completed.
• The gift of prophecy in the New Testament was different than the prophetic office. It was not necessarily foretelling the future or receiving new revelation.
• There are no longer signs and wonders to accompany true prophets, as in the biblical accounts.
• Allowing ongoing revelations through modern prophets can open the door to false doctrine and misleading “revelations.”
• The test of a true prophet was 100% accuracy, a standard unattainable today.
• Adding to the biblical revelation with modern prophecies undermines the doctrine of sola scriptura (Scripture alone).
• The timing of Agabus’ prophecies in Acts shows he was part of the early, foundational church (Acts 11:28, 21:10).

These arguments caution against easily accepting modern day prophecies due to concerns about biblical authority, false teaching, and even people claiming to speak for God who really are not. This view holds that while we can gain wisdom and insight from gifted teachers today, there are no longer prophets with an authoritative, infallible voice on par with Scripture.

Common Arguments For Modern Day Prophets

Here are some common arguments made in favor of the ongoing gift of prophecy in the church today:

• Scripture exhorts believers to earnestly desire spiritual gifts like prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1), suggesting they are available to all generations.
• The Holy Spirit distributes gifts to believers as He chooses, and prophecy is listed among those gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). There is no indication this would cease.
• The book of Revelation refers to the testimony of Jesus as the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). In some sense, all Spirit-filled preaching testifies about Jesus.
• Prophecy in the early church did not always involve foretelling events, but often provided encouragement, strengthening, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). This kind of prophecy can continue.
• Every believer has access to the Spirit of truth who communicates God’s heart (John 14:26, 16:13). Prophecy can be part of discerning His voice.
• Prophets are included in the gifts Christ gave to equip the church, along with pastors and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). There is no indication these would be temporary.
• Paul’s instruction about prophecy assumes it was practiced and expected in the early church (1 Corinthians 14).
• Agabus prophesied years after Pentecost, showing prophecy continued at least for a period after the foundation was laid.

These arguments emphasize that prophecy has been part of God’s dealing with His people throughout history, and claim there is no convincing evidence it has ceased. However, they stress any modern prophecies must be tested against Scripture to prevent false teaching.

Key Biblical Passages

Several key biblical passages shed light on this topic of prophecy continuing or ceasing in the church age. Here is a brief overview:

1 Corinthians 13:8-13

In this passage, Paul contrasts the permanence of faith, hope, and love with the temporariness of gifts like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. He says the partial (or imperfect) will pass away when the perfect comes. Some argue this “perfect” refers to the completed canon of Scripture that makes the revelatory temporary gifts unnecessary. Others claim it refers to Christ’s return and the culmination of God’s purposes.

Ephesians 2:20

Here Paul describes the church having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. Some believe this refers specifically to the early apostles and Old Testament prophets through whom God’s revelation came. The foundation has now been laid, so apostles and prophets in that sense are no longer needed.

1 Corinthians 14:1-40

This lengthy passage provides Paul’s instructions for how prophecy and tongues should operate in church gatherings. Some see this as evidence these gifts continued after the early church was established. Others claim prophecy had a unique role in the earliest church that passed away after the Scripture was completed.

Ephesians 4:11-16

Paul lists prophets among the equipping gifts Christ gave the church, along with apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Specifically prophets and apostles are said to be foundational. Those who believe prophecy continues today claim there is no indication these gifts were temporary. Those opposed suggest apostles and prophets laid the foundation once-and-for-all.

As we can see, each of these passages lends support to one perspective or the other. But interpreters on both sides aim to develop their views based on Scripture as a whole. This brief survey demonstrates why theologians differ on this issue.

Principles for Discerning Modern Day Prophecy

Given these differing perspectives on the gift of prophecy, what principles should guide us in discerning modern day prophecies? Here are a few key biblical guidelines:

• Test every prophecy against the authoritative, revealed word of God (Isaiah 8:20). Anything contradicting or adding to Scripture must be rejected.
• Prophecies should exalt God and His Son Jesus Christ, not the prophet (Revelation 19:10).
• Prophets’ lives should display the fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, etc. (Matthew 7:15-23).
• Prophecies that lead to fear, confusion, or immorality are not from God (1 John 4:1-3).
• Prophecies should be weighed and judged by the church leadership and other believers (1 Corinthians 14:29).
• Even prophets who are genuine can make mistakes at times (Acts 21:4, 21:10-14). Their words should not be taken as infallible.
• What God speaks through prophets will often align with what the Spirit has already impressed on the broader body of believers.

Above all, the purpose of prophecy – in any generation – should be to illuminate God’s word already revealed in Scripture, convict people of sin, comfort the hurting with God’s promises, and direct people’s eyes to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Any words failing to accomplish those faithful ends should be rejected.

Cautions Regarding Modern Day Prophets

While some believe prophecy continues today, all Christians acknowledge the potential dangers of wrongly elevating or submitting to those claiming prophetic authority. Scripture offers cautions applicable to any generation:

• Test prophecies carefully, not gullibly (1 John 4:1-3).
• False prophets can perform signs and wonders to deceive (Matthew 24:24).
• Prophets committing unrepentant sin invalidate their ministry (Jeremiah 23:14).
• Beware prophets who contradict God’s word or each other (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
• God’s people must reject false prophets, even if they were once genuine (2 Peter 2:1-3).
• False prophets tell people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear (Isaiah 30:9-10).
• The deception of false prophets will increase in the last days (Matthew 24:11).

Regardless of one’s view on modern prophecy, these warnings remind us toexercise great care. Claims of prophetic authority must not supersede the authority of Scripture under any circumstances.

Balancing Views on Prophecy

Sincere Christians interpret the biblical evidence differently when it comes to modern prophecy. This brief overview shows some key perspectives to consider:

• Cessationist view – The “revelatory gifts” like prophecy ceased after the apostolic age once the foundation of the church was laid and the Scriptures completed. Today, prophecy might involve Spirit-empowered preaching, but not new revelation.
• Continuationist view – The gift of prophecy continues today, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s heart in a given situation or equip His people through inspired words. But these prophecies must align with Scripture.
• Middle ground – While no longer authoritative like the biblical prophets, prophecy through Spirit-led insight may continue to edify and strengthen the church. But all prophecies must be weighed carefully and tested against God’s word.

Christians holding these various perspectives can still affirm core truths together – the supremacy of God’s word, the need for discernment given potential deception, and belief in an authoritative biblical “faith once for all delivered” (Jude 1:3).

Our common ground is greater than the issues dividing us. With humility, we must continually examine Scripture together, while also allowing freedom for different biblical interpretations on secondary matters like this one.

Conclusion

The debate over modern day prophecy will likely continue across generations of the church. But rather than divide over it, we would do well to exhibit charity in disagreement and unite around the doctrines clearly outlined in God’s authoritative word.

Where Christians affirm Scripture alone as the ultimate standard and test all prophecies against the Bible, the body of Christ is protected. Even in our diversity of interpretation on spiritual gifts, we must follow the Spirit’s guidance to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3).

Our great God who spoke through the prophets of old still speaks today through His sufficient and eternal word. With humble and prayerful study, the Spirit will lead Christ’s followers into greater understanding and application of that word.