The Spirit of Prophecy - NCCG.ORG Ning Network Archive 2008-10

Many believers are rightly concerned about the many so-called 'prophetic voices' speaking in the Name of 'God'. I used to be on a Pentecostal prophecy mailing list some years ago and at least once a week a 'prophecy' would be issued. It was all non-specific and general, rebuking wickedness and extolling Yahweh's love. After a few emails it became boring and monotenous, much like modern music which is just a rehash of the same inaneness.

However, it must be pointed out that prophecy, in the classical biblical sense, is dual in nature (prediction, if you like). On the one hand it can be, and often is, foretelling - relating the future as it will be. Of this kind of prophecy there are always two types: unconditional (in which the prophecy will come to pass no matter what) and conditional: "If you do this or that, then the following will happen...." I have experienced both. Of the first, I have sometimes seen prophetic events. Of the second I am often able to 'see' into the person and know the disposition and choices facing that person, as well as 'see' the two (or more) possible outcomes based on the choices that that disposition will inevitably lead that person into. To this must be added that thing called 'experience' in which one can make a pretty good guess, without inspirational input, based on what one has witnessed of people. It can be very general: "If you do evil, unhappiness will follow" or it can be specific: "If you go and rob that bank, you'll get into trouble". Most we would call common sense (especially the latter). There appears to be a spectrum of prophecy and often admixtures of common sense, combination of inspiration and common sense, and finally an input which is not human at all, bypassing the experiences. And yet, as we know, when the biblical prophets write their prophecy, their writing retains their style - it's not as though Yahweh has a singular mode. Thus in the last OT prophet, Malachi, we find the use of the rehetorical question (used of Yahweh), never before used in Scripture. Thus the same truth or revelation can be presented in many types of verbal vessel, reflecting the revelator's or prophet's personhood, and remain inerrant. It's what we call conceptual revelation as opposed to verbal-plenary revelation.

But by far the most common form of prophecy in the Bible is undoubtedly forthtelling. As we read in the book of Revelation, all those who have the testimony of Yah'shua have the spirit of prophecy. Whoever has had a supernatural revelation that Yah'shua is the Messiah, as Peter did, is a prophet, and when he or she bears witness of this revelation, he prophesies. So it would be a mistake, and reflective of a biased stance, if we were to demand foretelling and dismiss forthtelling. Both have their place in the divine initiative.

It is easy to come with certain 'expectations' regarding prophecy. Yes, if a prophet foretells an event and it doesn't happen (within the specified time-frame), then you know something is wrong and can dismiss the pretender to the gift. And under the Mosaic Covenant, the penalty was death. Today that penalty has been paid for by Yah'shua which is probably why there are so many claimants to the prophetic office getting away with whatever they want. Certainly the likes of Benny Hinn, Kenneth Hagin and other charismaticas are. At the same time people can woffle in the forthtelling way and not do anyone any harm. Some may be moved by pomposity and have a wrong heart, others may simply be expressing the joy of Yah'shua in the hearts with no ill-intent. Personally I tend to go-easy on the forthtellers so long as their doctrinal content is accurate.

I know a man who is terrified of dogs because he was bitten by one once. Now he won't go anywehre near a dog. However, most dogs are safe. We must approach those with, or appearing to have, the gift of prophecy in the same way and not live in fear. If the truth is in us, we will know what is, and what is not, of Yahweh. And if we don't know, we can just give these prophecies to Him and leave them with Him. We are not obliged to make an instant judgment. I have a whole library on the back burnder waiting for Him to judge. At any rate, I live in peace and don't worry about all the fraudsters.

Copyright (c) 2006 MLT - All Rights Reserved

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