Are Prophets for Today?

by Paul Mays

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭1:1-2‬).

Either that is right or the self-proclaimed prophet is right.

God used to speak by prophets now He speaks through Jesus. Jesus is the word.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (‭‭John‬ ‭1:14‬).

Either God is right that the Bible completely equips us:

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (‭‭II Timothy‬ ‭3:16-17‬).

Or we need modern-day “prophets.“

Either God is right that the faith was once delivered for all:

“Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:3‬).

Or He’s still speaking today through modern-day “prophets.”

Either God is right that He’s already given us all things that pertain to life and godliness:

“as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (‭‭II Peter‬ ‭1:3‬).

Or we need people who think God is speaking directly to them.

Either God is right that once His perfect will came the miraculous knowledge ceased:

“Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away” (‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭13:8-10‬).

Or some people have a direct line to miraculous knowledge.

And this is how you can spot a false teacher. Compare what they are saying to the authority of the word. God’s authority is completely revealed to us in His completely sufficient word.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (‭‭I John‬ ‭4:1‬ ).

“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (‭‭Acts‬ ‭17:11‬).

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭16:17‬).

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:11‬).