Topical Bible: Prophecy: Receive in Faith

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Prophecy, within the biblical context, is a divine communication or revelation given by God to individuals, often referred to as prophets, who are chosen to deliver His messages to others. The reception of prophecy in faith is a critical aspect of understanding and responding to God's revelations. This entry explores the biblical foundation for receiving prophecy in faith, the role of faith in interpreting and applying prophetic messages, and examples from Scripture that illustrate this principle.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving and understanding prophecy. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul highlights the role of prophecy within the church and encourages believers to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, especially prophecy (1 Corinthians 14:1). Faith is essential in discerning and accepting prophetic messages, as it aligns the believer's heart with God's will and purposes.

Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are crucial when receiving prophecy, as prophetic messages often pertain to future events or spiritual truths that are not immediately visible or understandable. Faith enables believers to trust in God's promises and His sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem contrary.

Role of Faith in Prophecy

Faith plays a pivotal role in interpreting and applying prophetic messages. When a prophecy is received, it requires discernment and spiritual insight to understand its meaning and implications. The Apostle Paul advises believers to "test all things" and "hold fast to what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21), indicating that faith involves a process of evaluation and confirmation through the Holy Spirit.

Moreover, faith in prophecy is not passive but active. It calls for a response that aligns with God's revealed will. James 2:17 states, "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Thus, receiving prophecy in faith often requires obedience and action, as demonstrated by biblical figures who responded to God's prophetic word with trust and commitment.

Examples from Scripture

Numerous biblical examples illustrate the principle of receiving prophecy in faith. One notable instance is the response of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to the angel Gabriel's announcement of the virgin birth. Despite the extraordinary nature of the prophecy, Mary responded in faith, saying, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). Her faith exemplifies a willing acceptance of God's plan, even when it defies human understanding.

Another example is found in the life of Abraham, who is often referred to as the "father of faith." God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, despite his old age and Sarah's barrenness. Romans 4:20-21 describes Abraham's faith: "Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised." Abraham's unwavering faith in God's prophetic promise serves as a model for believers in receiving and trusting prophetic words.

The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk also provides insight into receiving prophecy in faith. Faced with impending judgment on Judah, Habakkuk questioned God's justice but ultimately chose to trust in God's wisdom and timing. Habakkuk 2:4 declares, "Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the righteous will live by his faith." This statement underscores the necessity of faith in navigating the complexities of prophetic revelation.

Conclusion

The reception of prophecy in faith is a vital aspect of the believer's spiritual journey. It requires trust in God's character, discernment through the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to act in accordance with His revealed will. Through faith, believers can embrace the prophetic word, confident in the assurance of God's promises and His sovereign plan for their lives.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 20:20
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall you prosper.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 24:25
Then he said to them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

March 31. "What Things Soever Ye Desire when Ye Pray, Believe that ...
... "What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them and ye
shall have them" (Mark 11:24). ... Faith turns the promise into a prophecy. ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /march 31 what things soever.htm

Of the Fact that the Mystery of a Mediator was Made Known to those ...
... whether of angels or of men, receive wisdom except ... us at once the (centre of the)
said faith in things ... kingdom and priesthood, was revealed by prophecy to the ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xxxv of the fact that.htm

Claiming.
... the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the ... blessing, it
is the Christian's privilege to "claim," to "receive" by faith the thing ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter xiii claiming.htm

The Prayer of Faith.
... that could be applicable, no providence of God, no prophecy, no teaching ... rule laid
down in the text, that a man shall receive whatsoever he asks in faith? ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture v the prayer of.htm

The Excellence and Utility of Faith.
... the case that teaching is reliable when faith on the ... part of the learner, not even
of prophecy, when there ... For dry twigs, being ready to receive the power of ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the excellence and utility.htm

Prophecies Fulfilled.
... A portion of Ezekiel's prophecy also was a source of strength and comfort ... raised
up a church, there were some who professed to receive the faith, but who ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /22 prophecies fulfilled.htm

Prophecies Fulfilled
... A portion of Ezekiel's prophecy also was a source of strength and comfort ... raised
up a church, there were some who professed to receive the faith, but who ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 22 prophecies fulfilled.htm

V. ...
... matter as respects the Gospel that we should receive and hold ... But why does he say
we have a sure word of prophecy? ... to come; for as we, through the faith of our ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v 2.htm

Concerning Faith of Things Not Seen
... is, rose again: Who through the same prophecy in another ... this very thing which I
assert, receive ye after ... although they should not have in faith, whence they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /

Faustus Repels the Insinuation that the Prophecy of Paul with ...
... Augustin justifies this application of the prophecy, and shows ... of Paul: "Some shall
depart from the faith, giving heed ... by God that we might receive them, while ...
/.../faustus repels the insinuation that.htm