Topical Bible: Prophecy: God is the Author of

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Prophecy, as understood within the biblical context, is a divine communication from God to humanity, often delivered through chosen individuals known as prophets. The Bible consistently affirms that God is the ultimate author of prophecy, emphasizing His sovereignty and omniscience in revealing His will and future events to His people.

Divine Origin of Prophecy

The Scriptures assert that prophecy originates from God, who imparts His messages through the Holy Spirit. In 2 Peter 1:20-21 , it is written, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. 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 passage underscores the divine source of prophecy, highlighting that it is not a product of human invention or interpretation but a revelation from God Himself.

God's Sovereignty in Prophecy

God's role as the author of prophecy is further illustrated by His control over history and future events. In Isaiah 46:9-10 , God declares, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.’" This passage reveals God's unique ability to declare future events with certainty, affirming His sovereign authority over time and history.

The Role of Prophets

Prophets serve as God's chosen vessels to convey His messages to the people. In the Old Testament, figures such as Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel were called to deliver God's word, often addressing the spiritual and moral state of Israel and foretelling future events. In Deuteronomy 18:18 , God promises Moses, "I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him." This highlights the divine commissioning of prophets to speak on God's behalf.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

The fulfillment of prophecy serves as a testament to its divine origin. Throughout the Bible, numerous prophecies have been fulfilled, confirming God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word. For instance, the prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah, as seen in passages like Isaiah 53 and Micah 5:2, find their fulfillment in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 5:17 , Jesus Himself affirms, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them."

Prophecy in the New Testament

In the New Testament, prophecy continues to play a vital role in the early Church. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 14:1 , encourages believers to "Pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." This indicates the ongoing significance of prophecy as a means of edification, exhortation, and comfort within the Christian community.

Conclusion

The Bible consistently presents God as the author of prophecy, revealing His will and purposes through chosen individuals. Prophecy serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the unfolding of His divine plan throughout history.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 44:7
And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them show to them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 45:21
Tell you, and bring them near; yes, let them take counsel together: who has declared this from ancient time? who has told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior; there is none beside me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ...
... IV Chapter XXXIII."Whosoever confesses that one God is the author of both ... prophets,
who, without having received the gift of prophecy from God, and not ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxiii whosoever confesses that one.htm

That one God was the Author of Both Testaments, is Confirmed by ...
... XXXII."That one God was the author of both ... be firmly established; [4252] and contained
a prophecy of things ... that man might learn that God has foreknowledge ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxii that one god was.htm

Refutation of the Arguments of the Marcionites, who Attempted to ...
... attempted to show that God was the author of sin ... 1. "But," say they, "God hardened
the heart of Pharaoh ... may not understand; in order that the prophecy of Isaiah ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxix refutation of the arguments.htm

God's Reply to These Assumptions.
... The inspired author of the gospel of Matthew had a ... of the Holy Spirit's agency in
giving prophecy to the ... Hence, in giving the history of God's gracious and ...
/.../concerning the assumptions of destructive criticism/vii gods reply to these.htm

Prophecy was not Only from the Father and the Son but Also from ...
... the prophets." [1210] And the Wisdom of God said: "I ... 1212] Therefore, according to
the Apostle, prophecy is not ... that the Spirit also is the author of prophecies ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xiii prophecy was not.htm

The Fulfilled Prophecies of the Bible Bespeak the Omniscience of ...
... In Genesis 22:18 we have the second distinct Messianic prophecy. ... was enacted that
the Son of God, the King ... of the Bible bespeak the omniscience of its Author. ...
/.../the divine inspiration of the bible/chapter five the fulfilled prophecies.htm

The Author and the End of Theology
... and the Father through the Son were the Author of the ... As God by his Word, (which
is his own Son ... the Holy Ghost who is "the Spirit of Prophecy," from efficiency ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration ii the author and.htm

Assumptions Concerning the Book of Isaiah.
... his birth, is made in the face of the fundamental fact already stated that God inspired
the writer, and is therefore the author of prophecy, "declaring the end ...
/.../vi assumptions concerning the book.htm

Interpretation of Holy Scripture. --Inspired Interpretation. --The ...
... Types, intended by the Author of Scripture to be types: Prophecy with sometimes ...
shouldest deny "every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.". ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon v interpretation of holy.htm

Author's Preface.
... The aim has been to make a companion book to the author's "The Bible Book by Book."
The twenty one periods ... Noah God's chosen man. ... Noah's shame and prophecy. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tidwell/the bible period by period/authors preface.htm