Last-Day Prophets: Last-Day Prophets: Bogus or Biblical?Bogus or Biblical?

Can There Be Genuine Prophets after Bible Times?

Three Questions:Three Questions:

Does the Bible permit prophets in modern times?

If so, does the Bible predict genuine prophets in the last days?

How could we tell a genuine prophet if one came along?

1. Bible 1. Bible PermitPermit Modern Gift? Modern Gift?

Prophecy is one of the Spiritual Gifts1 Corinthians 12, esp. v. 28

– No time limit or expiration– Spirit is the source of gifts (v. 8)– Spirit gives gifts “as He wills” (v. 11)

1. Bible 1. Bible PermitPermit Modern Gift? Modern Gift?

Ephesians 4:8, 11-15– Prophets are among the gifts– No termination date– Till the end of time (vv. 13, 14)

2. Bible 2. Bible Predict Predict Modern Gift?Modern Gift?

Joel 2:28-32– Happens just before “day of the Lord”

Revelation 6:12-17, “sixth seal”– Leads up to second coming, “day of wrath”

Matthew 24:29-31– Places these events around Second Coming

Prophecy in End Time?Prophecy in End Time?Bible ParallelsBible Parallels

Joel 2:28-31Prophecy, dreams,

visions

Matt. 24:29-31 Rev. 6:12-17

Sun darkened, moon to blood

Sun darkened, moon no light

Sun black, moon like blood

Stars fall Stars fall

Tribes of earth mourn

Hide in caves and rocks, mtns.

Prophecy in End Time?Prophecy in End Time?Bible ParallelsBible Parallels

Joel 2:28-31Prophecy, dreams,

visions

Matt. 24:29-31 Rev. 6:12-17

Day of the Lord Son of Man comes

Day of wrath of Lamb

Remnant delivered

Angels gather elect

“Who is able to stand?”

When do these events happen?When do these events happen?

Are they all in the future, as some claim?– Alcazar: prophecies were all fulfilled in past– Ribera: prophecies are all for the distant future– Today, liberal Protestantism follows Alcazar– Evangelical Protestantism follows Ribera– SDAs follow Reformers: prophecies cover the

sweep of Christian history

When do these events happen?When do these events happen?

Great earthquake: Lisbon, Nov. 1, 1755Sun darkened = Dark Day, May 19, 1780Stars falling: Nov. 12-13, 1833Next event under 6th seal: Second Coming

When do these events happen?When do these events happen?

Revelation 12: Sweep of Christian history– vv. 6, 14: 1260 “days,” A.D. 538-1798– v. 17: Wrath against “remnant”

When do these events happen?When do these events happen?

Rev. 12:17: Two characteristics of remnant:– Keep the commandments of God– Have the testimony of Jesus

Rev. 19:10— “Spirit of prophecy” Rev. 22:9— “The prophets”

What Is the What Is the Testimony of Jesus?Testimony of Jesus?

Revelation 19:10See that you do not do

that!

I am your fellow servant

and of your brethren

who have the testimony of Jesus.

Worship God!

Revelation 22:9See that you do not do

that!

I am your fellow servant

and of your brethren

the prophets.

Worship God!

When do these events happen?When do these events happen?

Rev. 12:17:– Remnant after 1798 have “testimony of Jesus”– Rev. 19:10, 22:9, they have “Spirit of prophecy”– Have a prophet or prophets among them, through whom

Jesus will bear testimony

Both Joel and John point to 19th Century and onward for prophetic gift to be active in remnant

Questions:Questions:

Does the Bible permit the gift of prophecy in the end times? Yes.

Does the Bible predict the gift of prophecy in the end times? Yes.

Paul’s counsel in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21:“Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything; hold fast what is good.”

Third Question:Third Question:

How would we know the genuine gift if it came?

Bible Tests of a ProphetBible Tests of a Prophet

Isaiah 8:20. Agrees with previous revelation.Deut. 18:21, 22. Predictions are fulfilled.

Jer. 18:7-10. Can be conditional.1 John 4:1-3. Gives truth about Jesus.Matt. 7:15, 20. Known by fruits.

Role of Last-Day ProphetRole of Last-Day Prophet

Add to the Bible?No. The Bible itself tells us of many

genuine prophets whose writings did not become part of the Bible.

But God is instructing, guiding; His people should pay heed.

Uriah Smith’s “Pilot” story: RH 1-13-1863

Ellen G. White’s StatementEllen G. White’s Statement

I recommend to you, dear reader, the Word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged. God has, in that Word, promised to give visions in the “last days”; not for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of His people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth.

Early Writings, p. 78