Topical Bible: Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Cessation of

◄ Prophecy: (Respecting Individuals, See Under Their Names): Cessation of ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Prophecy, as a divine communication from God to humanity, has played a significant role throughout biblical history. It served as a means for God to reveal His will, guide His people, and foretell future events. However, the concept of the cessation of prophecy is a topic of considerable discussion within Christian theology.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides several passages that are often cited in discussions about the cessation of prophecy. One key text is found in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians: "Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed" (1 Corinthians 13:8). This passage suggests that the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are temporary and will eventually come to an end.

Another relevant passage is found in the book of Hebrews: "In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe" (Hebrews 1:1-2). This indicates a shift from the prophetic revelations of the Old Testament to the ultimate revelation through Jesus Christ.

Historical Context

In the early church, prophecy was a vital gift for edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophets played a crucial role in the establishment and growth of the early Christian communities. However, as the canon of Scripture was completed and the apostolic foundation was laid, the need for new prophetic revelation diminished.

Theological Perspectives

The cessation of prophecy is often associated with the completion of the biblical canon. With the full revelation of God's will contained in the Scriptures, some theologians argue that the need for ongoing prophetic revelation has ceased. This view holds that the Bible is sufficient for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Others maintain that while the foundational role of prophecy has ceased, the Holy Spirit may still impart prophetic insights to individuals for personal edification and guidance. However, such insights are always subject to the authority of Scripture and must align with its teachings.

Conclusion

The cessation of prophecy is a complex topic that involves understanding the transition from the Old Testament prophetic tradition to the New Testament revelation in Christ. While the foundational role of prophecy in revealing God's will and establishing the early church is acknowledged, many believe that the completion of the biblical canon marks the end of new prophetic revelation. Nonetheless, the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in guiding and illuminating believers remains a vital aspect of the Christian faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Lamentations 2:9
Her gates are sunk into the ground; he has destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... All that we can discover respecting the commencement of ... of God" we find the names
of individuals widely differing ... though it was the wildest prophecy current at ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

The Second Theological Oration.
... or some other ineffable form of prophecy, I cannot ... lulled to rest, as though respecting
its neighbour ... agility of their nature...different individuals of them ...
/.../lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxviii the second theological.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... For if private individuals are permitted, in a grave ... consummated until the fulfilment
of the prophecy of Isaiah ... except those restless men, does not see what the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Extracts No. viii.
... to say on the subject of prophecy; ie to ... elective grace wrought in certain individuals,
in an ... I have set down his eleven propositions respecting the scriptures ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no viii.htm

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... work in Rome: he drove out prophecy and he ... in his more rigoristic period under the
influence of Montanism he denounced most vehemently; see preceding extract ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm