Pastor Robert Hammond
This short article is offered in love regarding those who believe they are receiving new revelation from God.
I received a note from a man who made the following claims:
"God has given me the gift of prophecy..."
"This is the voice of the Lord..."
"I gave ...a word yesterday from the Lord."
Is any of that biblical?
That man’s claim regarding the gift of prophecy has a biblical basis — but must be understood biblically. In Romans 12:6, Paul writes:
““Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.””
What does that mean today?
The gift of prophecy that Paul described involves proclaiming the written words of God rather than receiving and revealing new revelation from God. Today, this gift is exercised primarily through preaching. This gift of prophecy in no way involves receiving new messages from God. In fact, the Bible plainly warns against adding to or subtracting from the written words of God:
““For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ”
The LORD has further warned prophets who "speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" (Jeremiah 23:16). He states, "But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak... even that prophet shall die." (Deuteronomy 18:20).
Thankfully, we don't need any additional revelation from God! The Bible states that the completed canon of Scripture is sufficient:
““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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Conclusion
Today, people are not receiving new revelation from God. God has warned against adding to his words. The canon of Scripture is complete — and it is sufficient.
Biblical counsel for those who claim to receive new revelation from God:
Confess the sin of this false practice. Agree with the LORD that this is false. Repent (turn) from the sin and forsake it (leave it behind);
Turn your focus to the written words of God. Hebrew 4:12 states, "the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Ask the Lord to help you yield to him. Ask him to help you focus on Scripture. And ask him to help you practically apply his words — as he desires.