We need to keep this in context. The New Testament was being written at that time, but only a fraction was available to the churches. Therefore the gift of prophecy was operational until about 100 AD. The correct meaning of prophecy is divine supernatural revelations directly from the Holy Spirit for all of God's people (2 Peter 1:19-21).
Now that we have the complete Bible and the last book is the last book of prophecy, there have been no genuine prophecies since about 100 AD. Paul already saw the cessation of prophesies, tongues, and supernatural knowledge (1 Cor 13:8).
It is a lot of work for me to look up numbers due to my lack of sight.
If you would cut and past your question's references I could read them with my text aloud feature. God bless you.
Let me clarify something:Utter Twaddle!
2Peter 3v16!
We are referring to mankind, so my response is of course a person is saved wh believes Jesus, the only Begotten of the Father.Posthuman's question was in this comment:
"interesting question about that:
does this count as 'confessing that Christ has come in the flesh' ?
When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying,
“What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”
(Matthew 8:28-29)"
and you said "Yes it does." So I was just wondering why you agree with that.
In 1 Cor. 14:1, Paul writes "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. " Encouraging all members of the church to desire the spiritual gifts, but especially the ability to prophesy.
The gift of prophesy is a spiritual gift that only God can control. He has the ability to impart spiritual gifts to people and we should desire. Prophesying is used for the purpose of God's glory and it isn't something everyone can just do. God has to enable this ability within church members.
I would suggest that those who are following after charity and genuinely desiring the spiritual gift of prophesy are more likely to receive this gift, per the simple text in 1 Cor. 14:1. I believe the kind of prayer that God wants to answer are those that are seeking after His glory. From that genuine state of heart we can request spiritual gifts.
Before I continue, I want to address a some points. Those with the gift of prophecy can receive messages from entities other than God, such as the devil, demons, and angels. This is why 1 Cor. 14:29 says " Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge." The reason for this is to root out any possible false doctrines, false gospels, or ungodly messages.
What Paul wrote in Gal. 1:8 was literal, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Paul stated point blank it's possible to receive a message from an angel. Furthermore, Paul also said that it's possible to receive messages from seducing spirits and demons in 1 Tim. 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
That is why it is best to be careful when prophesying. It is necessary to know the Bible well. The Spirit that speaks expressly in 1 Tim. 4:1 will not contradict the Bible. We cannot know what contradicts the Bible unless we know the Bible. Those who do not know the Bible can be easily deceived, led astray, confused, become a false prophet, and more.
A simple test for a prophet to confirm who they are talking to is mentioned in 1 John 4:3. "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God..." A prophet can possibly pick up on a lot of sweet words, clever ideas, things that seem right and sound good, but ultimately are crafted to shipwreck a prophet's faith or break their spirit. A simple test is to literally ask "Do you confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh?" if they deny it then you know who you're talking to.
2 Cor. 11:4 is also literal, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." This is for the purpose of getting a foot in the door and gradually supplanting the truth with false doctrines and lies.
Above all, every Christian needs to seek after the literal guidance of God's Holy Spirit to help them understand the Bible, follow charity and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy.
1 Thess. 5:20 says "Despise not prophesyings." and it is as simple as that. No matter what anyone says, the Bible does not say the spiritual gifts have ceased. There is overwhelming evidence to actually continue to desire spiritual gifts and to even ask God for them directly.
I have an open mind on @posthuman 's question. How does Matt. 8:28-29 relate to 1 John 4:2?
I believe this verse also fits as well:Not exactly.
I see how, at first glance, it appears Matthew 8:28-29 is a nod to 1 John 4:2, but it isn't. Remember, "even the demons believe and tremble." The key difference is that they don't acknowledge Jesus Christ as the savior of the world nor do they generally come proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.
Yep, bible is consider the the document of the gift of prophecy and still use knowLet me clarify something:
My comment of "Utter Twaddle" is directed ONLY at the comment that the gift of prophecy ceased at the end of the 1st century (100 AD)!
Which it certainly didn't!
Just want to say 1cor 12 through 14 where Prophesying is used has nothing to do with being a prophet.
Prophesying = speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit also known as preaching which should do some very telling things
Prophesying and tongues with interpretation both are forms of prophesying. as 1cor chapter 14:3-5 STATES
- confirm the word of God already written
- comfort
- edify
- exhort
- bring glory to God not man
3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
well, the demons are talking to Jesus Christ, in the flesh - and they call Him 'Son of God'
so when John says any spirit that does not confess Christ has come in the flesh is not from God, how do these demons fit that?
when they call Him 'Son of God' they also ask if He is going to 'torment' them 'before the time' -- which tells us they know there is an appointed time they will be judged. it also tells us they know He has authority to judge them, and they expect torment.
but Jesus has mercy on them, sending them into a herd of pigs, which they promptly murder by sending into the sea.
when they call Him 'Son of God' what do they mean by it? do they understand He is God Himself, having humbled Himself to be manifest in the flesh, as a servant? or do they think He is an annointed man who has been given power and authority in the Spirit?
would a demon dare attack Isaiah, for example? and Job - even Satan dared not try to touch him without going first to God for permission, saying, God's hedge is around him - an hedge that Satan himself cannot penetrate.
are they accusing Him of evil, when they ask if He is going to torment them at the wrong time?
are they serious in that question or is it mocking?
they clearly fear Him - they ask Him to have pity on them. they recognize that He can do with them however He wills.
the men they posessed were attacking everyone that came near - it says, no one could pass by that way because of them. but they grovel before Christ! no demon dared attack Him. they know immediately that they cannot possibly overcome Him - but does that mean they know who He really is or just that they know He is extremely powerful?
this is an amazing account very difficult to understand -- even more amazing and complex when we add in what John tells us about how we may test spirits
What Paul wrote in Gal. 1:8 was literal, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Paul stated point blank it's possible to receive a message from an angel. Furthermore, Paul also said that it's possible to receive messages from seducing spirits and demons in 1 Tim. 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
Well think about Moses, he is one the best known prophets in history but how often did you see him prophesy? why was he called a prophet when he was mainly used by God to free instruct and guide his people? he was a teacher an instructor a guide to the straight and narrow pathDid you look up what prophesying means in 1 Corinthians 14:1? It's about foretelling events, speaking under divine inspiration, and exercising the prophetic office: that's what prophets do.
I have a feeling you should probably known that and don't need me to teach you this. Do you just want to contradict the Bible? I am honestly a bit puzzled how you reached your false conclusion.
I think if you look at the scripture the point of this is clear.Greetings, Runningman.
You make some good points I agree with, but now, on the issue of forbidding prophesy if it comes through an angel, that's not actually Biblical. Some of Daniel's prophecies came through an angel, such as mentioned in Chapter 10:
10 Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
I think if you look at the scripture the point of this is clear.
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
It says if we or an angel preach any other gospel unto you. That's why it pays to know the Word of God. Anything that comes preaching anything other than the Word of God is not from God.
I think if you look at the scripture the point of this is clear.
"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed."
It says if we or an angel preach any other gospel unto you. That's why it pays to know the Word of God. Anything that comes preaching anything other than the Word of God is not from God.
And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14You got it before I could. Yes that's correct. It's not about angels preaching
that is a problem, it's about false gospels being preached that is the problem.
Yeah, this is key to not being deceived.So yes. It does indeed pay to know the word of God, and be a true servant of God, so as not to be deceived and then used by the enemy.