Do God's prophets exist today? - Bible Study Framework

Many today claim to be God’s prophet. In fact, there is a wide belief in what is referred to as the prophetic ministry. Statements like “The most urgent need of the modern church is for the restoration of the prophetic ministry“ and “We all need the prophetic voice to come into the earth that we might have a “living word” imparted to our lives.“ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) are founded on men like Brigham Young and Joseph Smith that claim to be God’s prophets.

With these claims, “God’s prophets” are claiming to be God’s spokesperson on earth. That was the main role of the prophets of God that we see in Scripture. The question is, do God’s prophets really exist today? Instead of letting a man (or woman) make the claim – which of course, literally anyone could do – let’s see what God has to say through His word.

how Scripture answers "Do God’s prophets exist today?"

Prophets of God, being direct spokesmen for God, played a specific and needed role in disclosing to mankind God’s will^1,4,7. In fact, they were serving Christian’s today with their predictions⁵. However, prophesies were only a part or portion^3,6 of God’s message. When the time came that all of God’s message was revealed they would no longer be needed^3,5.

God’s revelation to mankind was completed with the coming of Jesus (the “cornerstone”⁷) and his full gospel message^1,3,4,5,6 (a complete “foundation”⁷). By the time of Peter’s letters, God’s prophets had apparently all past, replaced by teachers² which were similar in nature (but didn’t literally speak God’s words). Therefore, prophets of God do not exist today. Any “prophet of God” could only be a false prophet.

the answer above is built on and footnoted with the following scripture-blocks

1

Ephesians 3:4-5

When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.

What does it say?

Paul disclosed “the mystery of Christ” to the Ephesians through his letter; a mystery that was not known by men in former times, but was revealed to his (Christ’s) “holy apostles and prophets” through/by the Holy Spirit.

What is the context?

Paul goes on to discuss his ministry of the gospel (the “mystery”) to the gentiles and that through it all are “members of the same body” (vs 6). It was given to him to preach, bringing “the light to everyone” and carried forward by the church (vss 9,10). While “the mystery” is known in Scripture as the gospel (

), in this context he is highlight the specific point that it (the gospel) is for the Gentiles as well (vs 6).

How does it apply here?

Emphasizes the special role that the apostles and prophets had in the 1st century and implies the temporary nature as “the mystery” is revealed.

2

2 Peter 2:1-3

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

What does it say?

Just like false prophets were, greedy false teachers will arise among you and act in secret (infiltrate) to malign the truth, even going so far as to deny Jesus, which will bring them swift destruction. Many will be persuaded and because of them the gospel message will be blasphemed. Their greed will cause them to take advantage of you by telling lies. Don’t be deceived; their destruction is certain.

What is the context?

All three chapters of 2 Peter are really confronting false teaching. Chap 1 confirms the “truth” they already learned and confidence in “all scripture”. Chap 2 further describes false teachers as “bold” and “willful” and their condemnation in the worst ways. In Chap 3 he addresses Paul’s teachings that they will “twist to their own destruction.”

How does it apply here?

Prophets and teachers are joined in terms of mission/objective, but also contrasted in terms of time (prophets were and teachers will be).

3

1 Corinthians 13:8b-10

As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.

What does it say?

[Unlike love], prophecies, tongues and knowledge [certain miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit] will all come to an end. Our knowledge and prophesying is only partial right now, so when it’s complete that which is partial will no longer be needed.

What is the context?

Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth. He has just expounded on what Godly love and acts like making the final point that love as he’s defined it (e.g. Godly) never ends. In the immediate context, Paul is clearly speaking of those miraculous gifts from God (prophecies, tongues and [special] knowledge) that are “partial” and “will pass away” when “the perfect [complete] comes.” He goes on to invoke the logic of a man that gives up childish things as he grows up and matures (vs 11). He also illustrates with the analogy of looking into a mirror that is currently only dimly lit as opposed to seeing something “face to face” or eye to eye (vs 12).

How does it apply here?

Prophesying provided “a part” of God’s revelation. Therefore, when the perfect or complete revelation came prophesying would no longer be required.

4

Zechariah 13:2

And on that day, declares the Lord of hosts, I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, so that they shall be remembered no more. And also I will remove from the land the prophets and the spirit of uncleanness.

What does it say?

A day will come when God will remove idols and prophets.

What is the context?

This is in the midst of a long series of “on that day” prophecies (broader context) that spans from chapter 8 through 14. When we collect the descriptors and characteristics of these successive “that day” references, we see what appears to be metaphorical descriptions of judgement day. Consider:

God “will not deal with the remnant of this people as in the former days” (8:11) – new covenant
a “sowing of peace” (8:12) – new covenant
“many peoples and strong nations…seek the Lord” (8:22) – Gentiles added
king coming with “salvation…humble and mounted on a donkey” (9:9) – Jesus
God will “save them, as the flock of his people” (9:16) – Jesus
“From him shall come the cornerstone” (10:10) – Jesus
God “became the shepherd of the flock doomed” (11:4) – Jesus
annul the covenant with wages of “thirty pieces of silver” (11:13) – Jesus
“feeblest…shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God” (12:8) – joint heirs with Jesus
pour out a “spirit of grace” (12:10)
mourning when “they look on me, on him whom they have pierced” (12:10) – Jesus
a fountain opened “to cleanse them from sin” (13:1) – redemption
“every prophet will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies” (12:4) – prophecy ceases
Lord “king over all the earth” (14:9) – Jesus risen, at right hand of God

How does it apply here?

Several “prophet” statements are made in the midst of an extensive series of “in that day” or “on that day” descriptors — including several that were interpreted by New Testament writers to be fulfilled by Christ or the church in the 1st century. It seems difficult not to conclude that Zechariah was pointing to a time — specifically the 1st century — when God would “not deal with the remnant” by removing the prophets.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

5

1 Peter 1:10-12

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

What does it say?

The prophets prophesied about the salvation through Christ (or, “grace that was to be yours”) and wondered themselves about the timing and person that would be Jesus as they predicted His sufferings and glories. Yet, they were told they were serving someone else with the things (prophesies) that have now been fulfilled (“announced”) in the revelation of the gospel by the Holy Spirit.

What is the context?

Peter’s letter(s) of encouragement to the saints that were facing great persecution and longing for their reward in Christ Jesus. He goes on to tell them to be prepared for “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (vs 13).

How does it apply here?

Peter is speaking of the fulfillment of the prophets’ mission and objective. Their “work” was for the benefit of the Christians at that time, therefore their work was complete (also clear in how Peter writes).

6

Hebrews 1:1-2

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

What does it say?

In a previous time God spoke to man through the prophets, but now (“these last days”) He has spoken through His son, Jesus Christ. Additionally, God appointed Him heir of all things and through Him created the world.

What is the context?

Opening to the letter of Hebrews, written to Jews that had believed and obeyed the gospel. The writer is beginning his argument and evidence for why everything is better in Jesus by pointing to the prophets (and angels) that had, in times past, delivered God’s message.

How does it apply here?

God’s Son was the fulfillment of God’s message to mankind. Prophets had played a part, but only a part.

7

Ephesians 2:19-22

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

What does it say?

You are no longer set apart, but now are fellow citizens with the saints of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Jesus, Himself is the chief cornerstone, in whom the entire building joins together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Christ, you also are adding together to form a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

What is the context?

Paul is pointing out to the Ephesians and Gentile Christians, that though they were at one time “called the uncircumcision by the circumcised” (vs 11), they are now part of the inheritance in Christ as a result of the “peace” that has been preached (vs 18).

How does it apply here?

God’s prophets were the “foundation” to a “building” that was already built in the first century, as Christians of that day and since are a part of it.

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Do God’s prophets exist today?

how Scripture answers "Do God’s prophets exist today?"

Ephesians 3:4-5

What does it say?

What is the context?

2 Peter 2:1-3

What does it say?

What is the context?

1 Corinthians 13:8b-10

What does it say?

What is the context?

Zechariah 13:2

What does it say?

What is the context?

1 Peter 1:10-12

What does it say?

What is the context?

Hebrews 1:1-2

What does it say?

What is the context?

Ephesians 2:19-22

What does it say?

What is the context?

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