The Gift of Prophecy in Scripture and History

Foreword

Seventh-day Adventists are a prophetic people, living in a prophetic time, and delivering a prophetic message to a world bereft of hope and salvation. To fulfill our unique role in trying times, we must depend upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit as never before. The gift of prophecy, one of many charisms showered on the people of God by the Holy Spirit, represents God’s effort to communicate to and through human beings as He prepares a people to meet Him in peace. GOP 7.1

True prophecy—that of predicting the future, as well as its many other facets—is impossible for human beings to produce, but not for God. It falls neatly within His portfolio of divine responsibilities. It was the prophet Amos who declared: “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7, NKJV). Beginning first in Eden with the pronouncement of the proto-gospel (Gen. 3:15) and onward to the present day, God has not left His people without a sure prophetic word. Peter continues the theme in his now-famous explanation of the divine/human nexus of prophetic discourse: GOP 7.2

We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Peter 1:19-21). GOP 7.3

The apostle Paul states, in no uncertain terms, that one of the prized gifts that God bestows for the edification of His church and unity in the faith (Eph. 4:13) is the gift of prophecy (1 Cor. 12:10). Paul further urges us to “pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1, NKJV). Centuries before Paul, the prophet Joel revealed that in the last days God would pour out His “Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28, NKJV). These messages should fill our hearts with eager anticipation as we see the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to complete God’s mission and hasten the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. GOP 7.4

Yet how are we to determine when the Spirit is working in the life of one whom God calls? Amid the din of spiritual background noise, how do we differentiate the called from those who simply call out? This important volume, which you hold in your hand, is designed to answer these and other critical questions about the inauguration and exercise of the gift of prophecy. GOP 7.5

While not completely comprehensive, The Gift of Prophecy in Scripture and History traces God’s use of men and women to comfort, guide, warn, and at times pronounce judgment on His people and the nations around them. As you read this work you will learn the distinguishing marks of God’s messengers while marveling at His willingness to use flawed individuals in His great plan of redemption. GOP 7.6

You will also see that God did not cease to call prophets with the close of the New Testament canon. Indeed, Seventh-day Adventists believe that Ellen G. White represents a modern-day manifestation of the gift of prophecy. She never called herself a prophet—though she did not quibble with those who chose to refer to her that way—yet the insights God gave her have proven the authenticity of her calling. She saw herself as a messenger of the Lord, summoned—not unlike other noncanonical prophets—to lead God’s people back to His Word as their rule and practice. Her Christocentric message of God’s love for humanity, coupled with plaintive appeals for repentance and faithfulness, still challenge God’s people today. GOP 8.1

It is our hope and prayer that as you read this seminal text on the gift of prophecy in Scripture and history, you will see in it much more than scholarly considerations of esoteric matter. We pray that you will leave with a settled belief in God, His prophets, and the sure word of prophecy that will usher in our Savior’s soon return. GOP 8.2

—G. T. Ng
Chair, Ellen G. White Estate Board
Secretary, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists