Prophecy
Summary
Prophecy is the declaration of God's message through divinely inspired human messengers, encompassing both foretelling future events and forthtelling God's will.
☩Nature of Prophecy
Prophecy originated not by human will but as holy men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Prophets received revelation through visions, dreams, and direct divine communication. True prophecy was authenticated by fulfillment and conformity to previous revelation. All Scripture is God-breathed, including the prophetic writings.
☩Messianic Prophecy
The prophets testified in advance of the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. From the seed of the woman in Genesis to Malachi's messenger, prophecy anticipated the Messiah. Jesus declared that all the Scriptures testified of Him, and the apostles demonstrated from the prophets that Jesus was the Christ.
☩New Testament Prophecy
Prophecy continues in the church as a spiritual gift, though subordinate to apostolic teaching. The gift involves speaking God's word for edification, exhortation, and comfort. Prophecies must be tested, with believers holding fast to what is good. The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
Related Verses591 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Prophecy," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VIII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).