05/12/2024
There Are No True Prophets in the Present-Day Church
Ladies and gentlemen, the question before us is whether true prophets exist in the present-day church. I argue that they do not, and that those who call themselves prophets today and claim to hear directly from God are charlatans. Let me present my case.
The Nature of Biblical Prophets
Biblical prophets were a distinct group chosen by God to deliver His divine message. These prophets, such as Moses, Elijah, and Elisha, were endowed with specific authority and unmistakable authenticity. Their words carried the weight of divine truth and were often accompanied by undeniable signs and wonders that validated their calling. Importantly, their role in history was unique and purposeful. They were the conduit for God’s will, bringing revelation in a time when Scripture was still being revealed.
The Completion of Prophecy in Scripture
God, in His infinite wisdom, ensured that the words of the prophets were recorded in the Bible. This allows us to interact with their messages as a "living word." The Bible provides a complete and sufficient record of God's communication with humanity. As stated in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Scripture is "profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
If the Bible is sufficient for all matters of faith and practice, what need is there for new prophets? The prophetic office served its purpose in history, and its legacy is preserved in the written word.
The Dancehall Analogy
To further illustrate my point, let us consider the analogy of reggae music. Reggae is a distinct and original genre, much like biblical prophecy. Reggae musicians like Bob Marley delivered timeless messages that resonated with their audiences.
Today, we have dancehall music, which may have some traits or hints of reggae but is undeniably a different genre. Dancehall artists might claim to play reggae, but true reggae purists know the difference. Dancehall lacks the authenticity and depth of reggae’s roots. Similarly, today’s so-called prophets may mimic traits of biblical prophecy—speaking eloquently, claiming divine insight, or predicting events—but they fall short of the authenticity, purpose, and authority that characterized true biblical prophets.
The Donkey Analogy
To extend this analogy further: a donkey, no matter how closely it may resemble a horse, is not a horse. A mule is neither a donkey nor a horse—it is something entirely different. In today’s church, we have donkeys and mules claiming to be horses. These self-proclaimed prophets may look and sound like their biblical predecessors, but they lack the divine appointment, authority, and authenticity that marked true prophets.
Charlatanism in Modern-Day Prophecy
The church today is rife with individuals who exploit the title of "prophet" for personal gain. These so-called prophets often appeal to emotion, manipulate followers with vague or generalized predictions, and focus on prosperity and self-promotion rather than delivering a message consistent with biblical truth. The Bible warns against such individuals:
* Jeremiah 14:14: “The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them.”
* Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”
If there were genuine prophets in today’s church, their words would align perfectly with Scripture, and their lives would demonstrate humility, integrity, and a focus on God’s glory—not self-promotion.
True prophets, as described in the Bible, served a specific purpose in God’s redemptive plan. Their role was fulfilled, and their messages were preserved for all generations. While we may desire new revelations or signs, God has given us everything we need through His word in the Bible.
Today’s so-called prophets are not heirs to the legacy of Moses, Elijah, or Isaiah. They are the dancehall artists to reggae’s pioneers, the donkeys pretending to be horses. Let us remain rooted in the Word of God, which is living, active, and sufficient for all our spiritual needs.
Proff Ex