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

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Prophecy, within the biblical context, refers to the divinely inspired communication delivered by individuals chosen by God to convey His messages to humanity. This communication often includes foretelling future events, providing guidance, or delivering divine judgment. The role of a prophet is central to both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a conduit for God's will and revelation.

Nature of Prophecy

Prophecy is fundamentally inspired by God. The prophets, as instruments of divine communication, spoke not from their own understanding but as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. As stated in 2 Peter 1:21 , "For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." This underscores the belief that true prophecy originates from God and is not a product of human invention.

Purpose of Prophecy

The primary purpose of prophecy is to reveal God's will and to guide His people. Prophets were often called to address the spiritual and moral state of the nation of Israel, calling them to repentance and obedience. Prophecy also served to provide hope and assurance of God's faithfulness, as seen in the promises of restoration and the coming of the Messiah.

In the New Testament, prophecy continues to play a vital role in the early church. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:3 , describes the purpose of prophecy as being for "edification, encouragement, and comfort." This highlights the role of prophecy in building up the church and strengthening believers.

Characteristics of True Prophecy

1. Divine Origin: True prophecy is inspired by God and aligns with His character and revealed word. It is consistent with the teachings of Scripture and does not contradict God's established truth.

2. Fulfillment: A hallmark of genuine prophecy is its fulfillment. As stated in Deuteronomy 18:22 , "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come to pass, that is a message the LORD has not spoken."

3. Moral and Spiritual Integrity: Prophets were expected to live lives of integrity and faithfulness to God. Their message was often validated by their character and commitment to God's commands.

Prophets in the Bible

The Bible records numerous prophets, each with a unique role and message. Some of the most prominent include:

- Moses: Considered the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, Moses delivered God's law to Israel and led them out of Egypt.
- Isaiah: Known for his prophecies concerning the coming Messiah and the salvation of the Lord.
- Jeremiah: Called the "weeping prophet," he warned of the impending Babylonian exile and urged repentance.
- Daniel: Noted for his apocalyptic visions and interpretations of dreams.
- John the Baptist: The forerunner of Christ, he called for repentance and prepared the way for Jesus.
- Jesus Christ: The ultimate fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus is both the subject and the source of divine revelation.

Conclusion

Prophecy remains a profound aspect of biblical revelation, serving as a testament to God's sovereignty and His ongoing relationship with humanity. Through inspired prophecy, God communicates His purposes, calls His people to faithfulness, and reveals His redemptive plan for the world. As believers seek to understand and apply prophetic messages, they are encouraged to test all things against the truth of Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

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Isaiah 28:22
Now therefore be you not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord GOD of hosts a consumption, even determined on the whole earth.
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Luke 1:70
As he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:
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2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
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2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
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Library

That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired.
... contrary to the faith of prophecy, they crucified ... And yet there are simple individuals,
who think ... again, makes a similar revelation respecting Jerusalem, saying ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter i that the scriptures are.htm

The Extraordinary Teachers of the Apostolic Church; and Its ...
... that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us ... court consisted of at least seventy
individuals, every one ... were taught to consult together respecting all matters ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the extraordinary teachers.htm

The Book of Enoch
... his day, or citing merely a prophecy preserved by ... consisting of a writing of Enoch
respecting the reward ... Here we find individuals and the nation oppressed by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... The doubts of individuals, it is true, were still expressed respecting certain books
of ... without the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy connected with it ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... delivered orally to the individuals concerned, or to ... and simultaneous continuation
of Isaian prophecy. ... interesting critical inquiries respecting the component ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

The Second Theological Oration.
... or some other ineffable form of prophecy, I cannot ... and lulled to rest, as though
respecting its neighbour ... drawing the observations of many individuals into one ...
/.../lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxviii the second theological.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ...
... There is one fact respecting him, which happened near the ... or from the benefactions
of individuals, or by ... in Charleston, SC, were published under the patronage ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

The Council of Jerusalem.
... The argument from the prophecy is plainly this, that ... no light upon the question
respecting its duration ... it; and the interference of the individuals who happened ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xvi the council of.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

How Much is the Bible Worth?
... accept the rabbinical theories of inspiration respecting the Old ... of this Book in
the individuals and the ... and hints and refracted lights of prophecy, breaks at ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter xiii how much is.htm