Topical Bible: Prophecy: A Gift of Christ

◄ Prophecy: A Gift of Christ ►

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Prophecy, as a spiritual gift, holds a significant place within the Christian faith, serving as a means through which God communicates His will and guidance to His people. This gift is bestowed by Christ through the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to speak forth messages that edify, exhort, and comfort the church.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides a clear framework for understanding prophecy as a gift of Christ. In Ephesians 4:11-12 , the Apostle Paul writes, "And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, some to be pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for works of ministry and to build up the body of Christ." Here, prophecy is listed among the gifts given by Christ to equip and strengthen the church.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the role of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 12-14. In 1 Corinthians 12:10 , he identifies prophecy as one of the manifestations of the Spirit: "to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in various tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues." Paul emphasizes the importance of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:1 , urging believers to "Pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy."

Purpose and Function

The primary purpose of prophecy is to edify the church. In 1 Corinthians 14:3 , Paul states, "But the one who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort." Prophecy serves to build up the body of Christ, providing spiritual insight and encouragement to believers. It is a means through which God reveals His heart and intentions, offering guidance and direction.

Prophecy also plays a role in convicting and convincing unbelievers of the truth of the Gospel. In 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 , Paul explains, "But if an unbeliever or uninstructed person comes in while everyone is prophesying, he will be convicted and called to account by all, and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, 'God is truly among you!'"

Guidelines and Discernment

The exercise of the gift of prophecy requires discernment and order within the church. Paul provides guidelines for the use of prophecy in 1 Corinthians 14:29-33 : "Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. And if a revelation comes to someone who is seated, the first speaker should hold his peace. For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace."

Prophecy must align with the truth of Scripture and the character of God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 , Paul advises, "Do not treat prophecies with contempt, but test all things. Hold fast to what is good." This testing ensures that prophetic messages are consistent with biblical teaching and the nature of God.

Historical and Contemporary Context

Throughout church history, prophecy has been recognized as a vital aspect of Christian life and ministry. The early church fathers acknowledged the continuation of spiritual gifts, including prophecy, as a means of divine communication. In contemporary times, many Christian denominations and movements continue to embrace the gift of prophecy, recognizing its role in edifying the church and advancing the Kingdom of God.

While the expression of prophecy may vary across different traditions, the core understanding remains that it is a gift from Christ, intended to build up the body of believers and reveal God's purposes. As such, prophecy remains a dynamic and integral part of the Christian experience, inviting believers to seek and discern the voice of God in their midst.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 4:11
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 11:3
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three score days, clothed in sackcloth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy?
... OF THE GRACE OF CHRIST AS AN INDIVIDUAL MAN (THIRTEEN ARTICLES) Whether
in Christ there was the gift of prophecy? Objection 1: It ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether in christ there was 4.htm

The Prophecy of Christ's Godhead and Manhood, Contained in the ...
... The prophecy of Christ's Godhead and ... A Child is born," and, when they saw the star,
declared, "A Son is given to us." On the one hand, a gift from earth ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii the prophecy of.htm

Whether the Gift of Tongues is More Excellent than the Grace of ...
... CXLI]: "On this day Thou gavest Christ's apostles an unwonted gift, a marvel to
all time": whereas prophecy is more pertinent to the Old Testament, according ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the gift of tongues.htm

Prophecy was not Only from the Father and the Son but Also from ...
... recover." [1224] You see the Father and Christ also set ... is given through the Spirit
the gift of healings ... divers kinds of tongues, to another prophecy." [1225] So ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiii prophecy was not.htm

Of the Prophecy of the Three Prophets, Haggai, Zechariah, and ...
... I accept a gift at your hand," cannot deny that their sacrifice has ceased, why
do they still look for another Christ, when they read this in the prophecy, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 35 of the prophecy of.htm

Whether by this Imprinted or Infused Knowledge Christ Knew all ...
... Divine revelation, whether they belong to the gift of wisdom or the gift of prophecy,
or any other gift of the Holy Ghost; since the soul of Christ knew these ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether by this imprinted or.htm

Whether the Degrees of Prophecy Change as Time Goes On?
... 3: Further, our Lord said (Mat.11:13): "The prophets and the law prophesied until
John"; and afterwards the gift of prophecy was in Christ's disciples in a ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the degrees of prophecy 2.htm

Whether the Gift of Understanding is Found Also in those who have ...
... But there can be prophecy without sanctifying grace, as evidenced by ... Therefore whoever
has the gift of understanding, cometh to Christ, which is ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the gift of understanding 4.htm

The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many Things ...
... about Christ is seeking to deprive the chorus of the prophets of the greatest gift
they have; for what office of equal importance would be left to prophecy, ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/28 the prophets bore witness.htm

Whether a Good Life is Requisite for Prophecy?
... the friends of God, and prophets." Others, however, receive the gift of prophecy
merely for the ... things, but either to the invoking the name of Christ, or to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether a good life is.htm