The Gift of Prophecy

Can an Old Testament Prophet Err?

It’s not as simple to answer this question as it might seem. Can a biblical prophet make a mistake, go astray, get it wrong, or say or teach something that is not right? We would like to have a straight answer, either yes or no. For some even to suggest such a possibility or ask such a question borders on a denial of truth and seems like heresy. So we need to clarify and explain what we mean by it, because it is a legitimate question, as will be demonstrated below. This study dealing with this important issue of prophetic erring is divided into seven categories. GOP 33.4

The basic premise is that the answer to our provocative and challenging question must be given on the basis of the biblical text. We need to let the Scripture decide it, and we have to be careful not to impose on the life of prophets our own understanding, ideas, concepts, or wishes. This is why the examples will be taken from the rich prophetic scriptural record. This biblical investigation may be supported by the helpful opinion of scholars or theologians, but their views are not our primary focus. GOP 33.5

I have a very high regard for the Holy Scriptures. I believe that the Bible is the Word of God— not that the Bible only contains the Word of God or becomes the Word of God under specific conditions (1 Cor. 2:13; 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21). I adhere that the Holy Scripture has the highest authority in matters of faith and practice; it provides the standard for truth and morality. I concur with the sola Scriptura principle, which means that all things must be judged “by Scripture alone.” The Bible is foundational and normative, as well as the highest judge in matters of beliefs, behavior, and ethics. GOP 33.6

With this background, our basic question remains: Can a prophet make mistakes? Our first answer to this question is yes. Of course, I need to qualify what I mean by it. In what sense can one speak about prophetic erring? There is a difference between a mistake and a mistake. Not all mistakes have the same value and consequences. Let’s carefully consider different categories of mistakes. GOP 34.1

In Personal Life

Prophets may make mistakes, commit sins, or err in their personal behavior. Unfortunately, the Bible gives many examples. Consider the following prophets: GOP 34.2

A. Abraham (Gen. 12-25), who did not always trust God, lied about his wife and asked her to lie (twice), and married Hagar. However, he grew in the Lord, and after his death made an astonishing declaration about him: “Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws” (Gen. 26:5, ESV). GOP 34.3

B. Moses (Ex. 2:14; Num. 20:11, 12; Deut. 32:51) murdered an Egyptian guard and twice struck the Rock (instead of talking to it). However, God in His enduring love proclaimed about him: “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face” (Deut. 34:10). GOP 34.4

C. David (2 Sam. 11; 12), for example, committed adultery and murdered his close friend to cover his sin. However, God gave the most incredible testimony when He communicated with King Jeroboam: “I tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it to you, but you [Jeroboam] have not been like my servant David, who kept my commands and followed me with all his heart, doing only what was right in my eyes” (1 Kings 14:8). GOP 34.5

D. Balaam (Num. 22-25) is a very negative example because of his love of money, his selfishness, and his evil advice—a true prophet who apostatized! GOP 34.6

On the other hand, we need to carefully observe the lives of the prophets Enoch, Joseph, and Daniel because there are no records of their mistakes (Gen. 5:22-24; 50:19-21; Dan. 6:4, 5, 22)! An important reflection comes out from this brief summary, namely, that true prophets are human in the sense that they can sin and make mistakes in their private lives, but they do not stay in sin! One of the best representations of the true repentance is David (see Pss. 32, 51, and 139; cf. Dan. 9:4-20). GOP 34.7

In Personal Advice

Can a prophet err in giving personal advice? Mistakes may occur in a prophet’s personal statements. However, in these circumstances, they have not used the formula “Thus says the Lord.” A model example of this category of mistake is recorded in 2 Samuel 7 when David encounters the prophet Nathan and expresses his wish to build the Temple for the Lord. GOP 34.8

Nathan responded to David’s deep and sincere desire: “Go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you” (2 Sam. 7:3). This advice seemed reasonable, but note carefully that Nathan did not say to David that this was God’s declaration. This admonishing was the personal counsel of the prophet Nathan to King David, but because it was a serious mistake, God immediately corrected it. “That night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: ‘Go and tell my servant David, “This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?” ’ ” (verses 4, 5). GOP 35.1

The prophet Nathan had to humbly change his previous instruction, but this time with a solemn introductory formula stressing the divine origin of his speech. GOP 35.2

In Grammar and Spelling

Prophets can make grammatical mistakes (unless we would blame later copyists for all the mistakes, but this is highly unlikely) and misspell words. When one faces a grammatical problem, the principle is to study the purpose, intention, overall message, and theology of such prophetical statements. GOP 35.3

Today we live a great distance in time from the biblical writers in order to understand their language, geography, customs, habits, and culture fully. We also know that some prophets used literary help. The classical example is Jeremiah, who worked closely with Baruch. See the whole story in Jeremiah 36, especially verses 4-10, and 28. GOP 35.4

In Quoting by Memory

Biblical writers may quote by heart other books of the Old Testament and may not mention all sources. Could some details have slipped from their memory? Two examples suffice to support this observation: 1. Mark 1:2, 3 are quotations from Malachi 3:1 and Isaiah 40:3, but are not only from Isaiah, as the Gospel according to Mark states. However, the NKJV has an alternative translation built on the Textus Receptus: “As it is written in the Prophets: ‘Behold, I send My messenger . . .” (Mark 1:2). 2. Matthew 27:9 is a clear quote from Zechariah 11:12, 13 (with some elusive allusions to Jeremiah 19:1-13 or 18:2-12 or 32:6-9), but not from Jeremiah, as Matthew claims. GOP 35.5

In Historical Details

Can prophets or biblical writers speak about events and not record all the details with precision? Can a prophet err in reporting stories and writing narratives? Two types of errors may be found: GOP 35.6

A. One may detect plain numerical mistakes and speak of incidental discrepancies. The following three examples are recognizable: GOP 35.7

1. According to 2 Samuel 10:18, David defeated the Arameans killing 700 charioteers and 40,000 horsemen. In 1 Chronicles 19:18 the numbers given are 7,000 charioteers and 40.000 foot soldiers. GOP 36.1

2. In 1 Kings 4:26, ESV, we are told that Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses, while in 2 Chronicles 9:25, ESV, we read that he had 4,000 stalls. GOP 36.2

3. Jehoiachin was 18 years old when he became king according to 2 Kings 24:8, ESV, but in 2 Chronicles 36:9, ESV, the age given is 8. GOP 36.3

It is quite obvious that these numerical discrepancies can be explained as scribal errors. GOP 36.4

B. One may see specific historical inaccuracies in details: GOP 36.5

1. Inscription on the cross with its charge against Jesus. GOP 36.6

a. “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews” (Matt. 27:37). GOP 36.7

b. “The King of the Jews” (Mark 15:26). GOP 36.8

c. “This is the King of the Jews” (Luke 23:38). GOP 36.9

d. “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” (John 19:19). GOP 36.10

Even though one can observe discrepancies in specifics, nevertheless, the main point is preserved. Each Gospel mentions the inscription from a theological perspective. In addition, they were written in three languages—Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. GOP 36.11

Gospel writers sometimes are not interested in providing specific historical details. History is important for them as the background; therefore some discrepancies between the Gospels can be explained from the theological perspective and emphasis of the author. GOP 36.12

2. How many demon-possessed men did Jesus heal? Were there one or two persons? GOP 36.13

a. Matthew 8:28-34—Two demon-possessed men are mentioned. GOP 36.14

b. Mark 5:1-20—0ne man with an evil spirit is described. GOP 36.15

c. Luke 8:26-37—0ne demon-possessed man is given. GOP 36.16

3. One or two blind persons healed near Jericho? GOP 36.17

a. Two blind people were healed when Jesus went out of Jericho (Matt. 20:29-34). GOP 36.18

b. One blind person was healed when Jesus was leaving the city, and his name is given as Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52; see also Luke 18:35-43), but Mark mentions that it happened
when Jesus was approaching Jericho. GOP 36.19

One crucial observation needs to be plainly stated: all these historical inaccuracies are minor, and they do not destroy the overall picture nor distort the message or main point of the narrative. Each case of seeming discrepancy needs to be carefully studied and evaluated. GOP 36.20

Many critics of the Bible would like to claim that the Scriptures are not a trustworthy source of truth. According to critical scholarship, the Bible allegedly contains many historical inaccuracies and mistakes. In reality, it has been proven time and again that the Word of God is historically reliable and truthful. For example, in the introduction to the book of Daniel it is stated that “in the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure house of his god” (Dan. 1:1, 2). The Babylonian Chronicles describe the very first years of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign with a very accurate picture. The Battle of Carchemish, which occurred in May/June 605 B.C., is described, in which Necho, pharaoh of Egypt, clashed with Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon. Surprisingly, the Egyptian pharaoh Necho was defeated, and this victory opened Syro-Palestine territory to Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel 1:1, 2 perfectly fits the whole description with amazing accuracy. ⁷² GOP 37.1

The fall of Babylon occurred in October 539 B.C. According to Daniel, 5 Belshazzar was the king in Babylon, a fact denied by historical-critical scholars. ⁷³ However, we know that Nabonidus entrusted Belshazzar with the kingship when he left for Teman, where he stayed for 10 years. According to Daniel 5, Nabonidus offers to Daniel the third-highest position in the Babylonian kingdom, obviously third in power after Nabonidus and Belshazzar. Historical records reveal that Nabonidus was not in the city when it fell. Only an eyewitness could present with such historical precision all the details as it is recorded in Daniel 5 (for historical extrabiblical details, see Nabonidus Chronicles and Verse Account of Nabonidus).⁷⁴ GOP 37.2

In Predicting the Future

One of the many characteristics of God’s prophets is that their prophecies are to be fulfilled: “If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the Lord does not take place or come true, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously, so do not be alarmed” (Deut. 18:22). GOP 37.3

Fulfillment of the prophecy is important. It is one of the characteristics of knowing that the prophecy is genuine. The prophet is vindicated by the event. But consider the following text: GOP 37.4

If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder of which he has spoken takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. . . . It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere (Deut. 13:1-4). GOP 38.1

False prophets’ predictions can occur as stated, and they can be even accompanied by miracles. These predictions can be fulfilled, but if they lead away from the living God and His truth, these prophets should not be listened to. A3 classical prophetic example is the great opposition of many false prophets against the prophet Jeremiah. GOP 38.2

The story recorded in Jeremiah 27-28 happened around 593 B.C. during the reign of Zedekiah (597-587/6), the last king of Judah. He was put on the throne by Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and swore allegiance to him. Even though Babylon was a dominant power at this time, Judah rebelled against Babylon and turned for help to Egypt. Jeremiah’s message to Zedekiah, king of Judah, was powerful: Be faithful to God and submit to Babylon. But this message was interpreted as political treason! GOP 38.3

Jeremiah experienced a constant battle with false prophets. He had to strongly unmask them: “So do not listen to your prophets, your diviners, your interpreters of dreams, your mediums or your sorcerers who tell you, ‘You will not serve the king of Babylon.’ They prophesy lies to you that will only serve to remove you far from your lands” (Jer. 27:9, 10). Jeremiah performed a symbolic action: “This is what the Lord said to me: ‘Make a yoke out of straps and crossbars and put it on your neck’ ” (verse 2). “I gave the same message to Zedekiah king of Judah. I said, ‘Bow your neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon; serve him and his people, and you will live’ ” (verse 12). GOP 38.4

Afterward Jeremiah went to the temple, and there he met Hananiah, a false prophet. Hananiah said to Jeremiah in the presence of the priests and other people: GOP 38.5

This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two years [593-591 B.C.] I will bring back to this place all the articles of the Lord’s house that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon removed from here and took to Babylon [605 B.C.]. I will also bring back to this place Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and all the other exiles from Judah who went to Babylon,” declares the Lord, “for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon” (Jer. 28:2-4). GOP 38.6

Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah before the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the Lord. He said, “Amen! May the Lord do so! May the Lord fulfill the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the Lord’s house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon. Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people: From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms. But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the Lord only if his prediction comes true” (verses 5-9). GOP 38.7

Hananiah took the yoke off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck and broke it in a spectacular way and said: “This is what the Lord says: ‘In the same way I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon off the neck of all the nations within two years.’ At this, the prophet Jeremiah went on his way” (verse 11). Then came God’s genuine Word to Jeremiah: “Go and tell Hananiah, ‘This is what the Lord says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but in its place you will get a yoke of iron. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will put an iron yoke on the necks of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him’ ” (verses 13, 14). After this Jeremiah predicted: “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies. Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because you have preached rebellion against the Lord’ ” (verses 15, 16). GOP 39.1

If you lived in those times, how could you know that God was speaking through Jeremiah and not through Hananiah? You could wait and see the result: “In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet died” (verse 17). What would be Zedekiah’s decision? Zedekiah rebelled against Babylon, and thus against God, His message, and His messenger! Tragic results came in 587/6 B.C.: Jerusalem was completely destroyed, the Temple burned down, people deported into Babylonian captivity, and the nation ceased to exist—national catastrophe par excellence. Then comes Zedekiah’s personal tragedy (2 Kings 25:5-7): Zedekiah was captured and brought to Riblah, where his two sons were killed before his eyes, and he was then blinded, put in shackles, and taken into the Babylonian captivity. What a personal tragedy! If only he had trusted the Lord; if only he had listened to His prophet; if only he had obeyed His word! GOP 39.2

Two questions impose themselves: GOP 39.3

A. Must true prophecies be fulfilled? GOP 39.4

Yes! The Scripture is eloquent on this point: “When all this comes true—and it surely will—then they will know that a prophet has been among them” (Eze. 33:33). GOP 39.5

“Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sins, to make reconciliation for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy” (Dan. 9:24, NKJV). To seal up the vision and prophecy means to authenticate the prophetic vision. It refers to the fulfillment of the 70-week prophecy. If these dates referring to the coming, mission, and death of the Messiah were fulfilled, this would provide for the reader a confidence that the rest of the prophecy would also be fulfilled, namely the prophecy about the 2300 evenings and mornings (Dan. 8:14). Fulfillment of the 70-week prophecy is the proof that the larger prophecy of the 2300 evenings and mornings will take place too. GOP 39.6

Only God can really predict the future: “This is what the Lord says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come—yes, let him foretell what will come” (Isa. 44:6, 7). GOP 39.7

B. Must all true prophecies be fulfilled?

No, because some prophecies are conditional (for details, see the second part of this study, on the conditionality of the prophetic voice). GOP 40.1

In Doctrinal Matters?

Observe judiciously that all six previous categories of examples have nothing to do with doctrinal teachings or ethical commands of the biblical writers. The crux of the matter is the question related to prophetic erring in doctrine, matters of faith, or ethical teaching. Can a biblical author mislead in doctrine or in presenting the plan of salvation? My answer is categorically no; prophets do not make doctrinal mistakes. GOP 40.2

Why not? Because (1) there are no examples that would convincingly demonstrate that prophets made mistakes in doctrines or ethics; and (2) the Holy Spirit protected and guarded this domain of faith and practice. The Spirit of the Lord is the ultimate author of the biblical message and preserved it from these kinds of errors (2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21). It was done by the supernatural work of God. This fact we accept by faith, and our spiritual life totally depends on it. This is why the Bible has the highest authority for our beliefs and behavior! He led and watched over the process of the transmission of His Word. This is why we believe that God’s Word is infallible. The reason lies in its inspiration by God. GOP 40.3

God’s design and purpose is clear: The Bible is the norm and the highest judge in matters of doctrine and life. Otherwise the church tradition or the teaching office of the church (the Magisterium) or we personally or corporately as the church or as a specific group of believers would determine and decide what to believe and what not to believe, and how to behave. It would be based on our own subjective understanding. However, we as believers in God are always under the ultimate judgment of God’s Word! We believe that the Bible is the objective revelation of God for matters of faith and life. Thus, the crucial principle can be formulated in the following way: Prophets do not err in matters that determine doctrine and practice! GOP 40.4

I am not aware of any example in which prophets made prescriptive mistakes when their words apply universally. They can personally do things that we can disagree with and that we should not follow today, because they are only descriptive. We should follow what biblical authors command or admonish—if it has a universal application—when it is prescriptive! This is a crucial distinction—we need to recognize what is descriptive and what is prescriptive. Sometimes their method to achieve things could be inappropriate, and we always need to apply sound hermeneutical and exegetical principles in order to interpret such instances. GOP 40.5

A suitable example is provided in the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah wanted to reform his people, because their children were not able to speak Hebrew. We read what Nehemiah did in this situation: GOP 41.1

In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people. And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves” (Neh. 13:23-25, ESV). GOP 41.2

“And one of the sons of Jehoiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was the son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I chased him from me” (verse 28, ESV). This is not what the teachers of Hebrew or pastors should do. It has a descriptive and not a prescriptive value. Another example could be the prophet Elijah on Mount Carmel who, after God’s spectacular intervention and demonstration that He is the true living Lord, went and killed all the false prophets (1 Kings 18:16-40), or how he asked for fire from heaven to destroy groups of soldiers (2 Kings 1; compare with Luke 9:51-56). GOP 41.3

Can a prophet grow in his understanding? Absolutely! Moses (Ex. 19-34); Daniel (Dan. 7:28; 8:27; 9:2); Peter (Acts 10; 11; Gal. 2:11-16; 2 Peter 3:15); Paul (God’s revelation; three years in Arabia; see Gal. 1:11-24); and disciples of Jesus (Acts 1:6-8) all had learning curves. However, growing in understanding does not mean that prophets previously said wrong things relating to creation, sin, and salvation, but only that they would be able to explain things more fully. Peter explains: GOP 41.4

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look (1 Peter 1:10-12, ESV). GOP 41.5

Two questions intrude themselves: Can an inspired author use literary sources when speaking for God, or does that author receive everything directly from God? Can extra biblical material be employed when the words of God are uttered? Behind these questions is an implied issue, namely, whether utilization of noninspired writings by the biblical author negates inspiration. GOP 41.6

The biblical model of inspiration is a thought model (also referred to as the incarnation theory of inspiration), where the divine is put into human form; the divine truth is expressed in our human language under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the divine and human are put together, but in such a way that the result is the firm Word of God. This is a stand of faith that calls for further explanation. ⁷⁵ Prophets were children of their time, place, and culture. ⁷⁶ God’s message was given in different literary forms (including nonverbal through symbolic acts), such as narrative, prose, poetry, stories, songs, genealogies, prayers, parables, prophecies, dialogues, laws, and praises, and everything was stated in a human language. In other words, what we have in the Bible did not fall directly from heaven, and it is not expressed in a divine or angelic language! It went through a process. GOP 41.7

There is no difficulty in accepting that prophets used thoughts of other inspired prophets. There are many examples of how later authors quote, paraphrase, conceptualize, or allude to the work of the previous writers (compare, for example, Micah 4:1-3 with Isaiah 2:1-4; Psalms 96, 105, and 106 with 1 Chronicles 16; Hosea 11:1 with Exodus 4:22; Ezekiel 38:2 with Revelation 20:8). The author of Chronicles used several sources, and a number of them are mentioned in the text. For instance, reference is made to “the account of the chronicles of King David” (1 Chron. 27:24, NKJV) and “the book of the kings of Judah and Israel” (2 Chron. 25:26). These are most probably court records to which the biblical writer had access and from which information was obtained in the composition of the biblical book. The author speaks of additional books: “As for the events of King David’s reign, from beginning to end, they are written in the records of Samuel the seer [rō’ēh], the records of Nathan the prophet [nābî’] and the records of Gad the seer [chozeh]” (1 Chron. 29:29). GOP 42.1

The real issue is whether a prophet can borrow some thoughts from uninspired sources. Can the biblical author quote or use non biblical written material? ⁷⁷ It should not be a shock for the student of the Bible to realize that biblical authors used extra biblical sources in their books. ⁷⁸ They borrowed key vocabulary, used similar literary concepts and structures such as chiasms or biblical covenants, implemented some features from common laws and known literature, and performed similar ceremonies, such as tithe, prayer, and circumcision (see Luke 1:1-3; Acts 17:28; Jude 14, 15; Rev. 1:17, 18). ⁷⁹ Are prophets human? Of course they are. I have never heard of a divine prophet (except for the Prophet Jesus Christ). Does the prophet’s human fragility negate his/her message that goes beyond their circumstances and culture? The principles they present are relevant for all times. Many of those who stress that prophets are human usually have their own agenda. Behind such reasoning is often the assumption that there are no absolutes. They usually claim that the revealed truth is relative and one needs to interpret the message of the Bible according to contemporary cultural understanding. GOP 42.2

Is the biblical message culturally conditioned? Yes and no! Biblical writers are children of their time and culture; and even though they express their message through cultural means, such as language, grammar, syntax, thought patterns, metaphors, symbols, and pictures, their message is transcultural because it comes from above, and not from the Sitz im Leben context or perspective. God’s message is given in our human expressions so we can understand it as He wishes to communicate effectively with us. For example, see the Decalogue, which is expressed in specific cultural terms (e.g., “out of Egypt”; “within your gates”; no wife is mentioned in the fourth commandment), but the principles are eternal. Or the structure of biblical covenants is similar to the suzerain-vassal Hittite treaties, but the content is new and of divine origin. GOP 43.1

Similarly, the biblical creation accounts have anti-mythological elements. God’s command to Moses articulates the cultural element of how to show respect: “Take off your sandals.” In that time this categorical expression taught reverence for God (Ex. 3:5; see also Josh. 5:15). Even though God’s revelation is stated in a particular culture, its message transcends our human experience, because God’s truth is above culture! God expresses in and through our culture His universal truth, purposes, and eternal principles under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There is a danger in interpreting God’s message: we can put our reason above God’s revelation. We can dissect, reconstruct, divide, and accept only things we think may apply or fit to our world of understanding, and thus we become selective. We need to interpret Scripture, but when doing it, we need to remember that our reasoning and our best interpretation of the prophetic message is only preliminary and never final. We are always under the judgment of God’s Word, and He has the last word! We need to humbly accept God’s message and bow down before the I AM! “But this is the one to whom I will look [declares the Lord]: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word” (Isa. 66:2, ESV). GOP 43.2

13965 GOP The Gift of Prophecy [{"para_id":"13965.2","title":"Foreword","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0001_eng_f_foreword_13965_11.mp3#duration=282&size=1956405"},{"para_id":"13965.24","title":"Introduction","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0002_eng_f_introduction_13965_24.mp3#duration=291&size=2011445"},{"para_id":"13965.35","title":"Acknowledgments","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0003_eng_f_acknowledgments_13965_35.mp3#duration=142&size=1114835"},{"para_id":"13965.43","title":"Part I\u2014Biblical Studies","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0004_eng_f_part_i_biblical_studies_13965_43.mp3#duration=266&size=1857121"},{"para_id":"13965.55","title":"Categorization of Prophets","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0005_eng_f_categorization_of_prophets_13965_55.mp3#duration=205&size=1493314"},{"para_id":"13965.62","title":"Appearance in Crises and Crucial Moments of Salvation History","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0006_eng_f_appearance_in_crises_and_crucial_moments_of_salvation_history_13965_62.mp3#duration=116&size=961613"},{"para_id":"13965.66","title":"Who Is an Old Testament Prophet? ","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0007_eng_f_who_is_an_old_testament_prophet_13965_66.mp3#duration=2151&size=13172327"},{"para_id":"13965.149","title":"Conditionality of the Prophetic Voice","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0009_eng_f_conditionality_of_the_prophetic_voice_13965_149.mp3#duration=603&size=3882659"},{"para_id":"13965.180","title":"Can an Old Testament Prophet Err?","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0010_eng_f_can_an_old_testament_prophet_err_13965_180.mp3#duration=1269&size=7880248"},{"para_id":"13965.272","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0012_eng_f_conclusion_13965_272.mp3#duration=347&size=2344167"},{"para_id":"13965.284","title":"Chapter 2 \u2014 The Prophetic Voice in the New Testament: An Overview","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0013_eng_f_chapter_2_the_prophetic_voice_in_the_new_testament_an_overview_13965_284.mp3#duration=54&size=589589"},{"para_id":"13965.288","title":"Prophetic Ministry in the New Testament: The Vocabulary","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0014_eng_f_prophetic_ministry_in_the_new_testament_the_vocabulary_13965_288.mp3#duration=1066&size=6661319"},{"para_id":"13965.346","title":"New Testament Prophets Who Are Not Directly Called \u201c Prophet\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0015_eng_f_new_testament_prophets_who_are_not_directly_called_prophet_13965_346.mp3#duration=266&size=1857669"},{"para_id":"13965.356","title":"Summary","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0016_eng_f_summary_13965_356.mp3#duration=285&size=1971487"},{"para_id":"13965.368","title":"The Relation Between Old Testament Prophecy and New Testament Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0017_eng_f_the_relation_between_old_testament_prophecy_and_new_testament_prophecy_13965_368.mp3#duration=132&size=1056397"},{"para_id":"13965.375","title":"Elements of Discontinuity","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0018_eng_f_elements_of_discontinuity_13965_375.mp3#duration=252&size=1778662"},{"para_id":"13965.392","title":"Basic Continuity","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0019_eng_f_basic_continuity_13965_392.mp3#duration=1095&size=6836798"},{"para_id":"13965.449","title":"Summary","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0020_eng_f_summary_13965_449.mp3#duration=83&size=762673"},{"para_id":"13965.452","title":"Nature, Role, and Functions of Prophecy\/Prophets","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0021_eng_f_nature_role_and_functions_of_prophecy_prophets_13965_452.mp3#duration=1750&size=10766856"},{"para_id":"13965.537","title":"Summary","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0022_eng_f_summary_13965_537.mp3#duration=144&size=1129000"},{"para_id":"13965.544","title":"The Prophetic Message of the New Testament","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0023_eng_f_the_prophetic_message_of_the_new_testament_13965_544.mp3#duration=381&size=2548176"},{"para_id":"13965.566","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0024_eng_f_conclusion_13965_566.mp3#duration=83&size=762881"},{"para_id":"13965.571","title":"Chapter 3 \u2014 Revelation\/Inspiration and the Witness of Scripture","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0025_eng_f_chapter_3_revelation_inspiration_and_the_witness_of_scripture_13965_571.mp3#duration=66&size=659911"},{"para_id":"13965.574","title":"Biblical Evidence","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0026_eng_f_biblical_evidence_13965_574.mp3#duration=1042&size=6514616"},{"para_id":"13965.610","title":"Ellen G. White and Revelation\/Inspiration ","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0027_eng_f_ellen_g_white_and_revelation_inspiration_13965_610.mp3#duration=423&size=2802686"},{"para_id":"13965.627","title":"The Phenomena of Scripture and Inspiration","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0028_eng_f_the_phenomena_of_scripture_and_inspiration_13965_627.mp3#duration=201&size=1472080"},{"para_id":"13965.672","title":"Incidental Discrepancies","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0030_eng_f_incidental_discrepancies_13965_672.mp3#duration=160&size=1222863"},{"para_id":"13965.677","title":"Passages Difficult to Understand","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0031_eng_f_passages_difficult_to_understand_13965_677.mp3#duration=225&size=1612911"},{"para_id":"13965.685","title":"The Prophet\u2019s Development in Understanding","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0032_eng_f_the_prophet_s_development_in_understanding_13965_685.mp3#duration=295&size=2035228"},{"para_id":"13965.692","title":"Summary and Conclusions","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0033_eng_f_summary_and_conclusions_13965_692.mp3#duration=144&size=1126519"},{"para_id":"13965.698","title":"Chapter 4 \u2014 The Use of Scripture by Bible Writers","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0034_eng_f_chapter_4_the_use_of_scripture_by_bible_writers_13965_698.mp3#duration=128&size=1032661"},{"para_id":"13965.704","title":"Unity of Scripture","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0035_eng_f_unity_of_scripture_13965_704.mp3#duration=74&size=709816"},{"para_id":"13965.706","title":"Historical","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0036_eng_f_historical_13965_706.mp3#duration=162&size=1238307"},{"para_id":"13965.713","title":"Citations of Scripture by Bible Writers","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0037_eng_f_citations_of_scripture_by_bible_writers_13965_713.mp3#duration=1547&size=9547147"},{"para_id":"13965.769","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0038_eng_f_conclusion_13965_769.mp3#duration=257&size=1805734"},{"para_id":"13965.777","title":"Chapter 5 \u2014 The Hebrew Prophets and the Literature of the Ancient Near East","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0039_eng_f_chapter_5_the_hebrew_prophets_and_the_literature_of_the_ancient_near_east_13965_777.mp3#duration=241&size=1709045"},{"para_id":"13965.784","title":"Literary Allusions","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0040_eng_f_literary_allusions_13965_784.mp3#duration=1309&size=8117483"},{"para_id":"13965.822","title":"Theological Allusions","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0041_eng_f_theological_allusions_13965_822.mp3#duration=1112&size=6937266"},{"para_id":"13965.868","title":"Hermeneutical and Theological Implications","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0042_eng_f_hermeneutical_and_theological_implications_13965_868.mp3#duration=774&size=4910228"},{"para_id":"13965.891","title":"Summary and Conclusions","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0043_eng_f_summary_and_conclusions_13965_891.mp3#duration=138&size=1088736"},{"para_id":"13965.899","title":"Chapter 6 \u2014 \u201cMy Heart Is Fainting in Me\u201d (Jeremiah 8:18): Emotions and Prophetic Writings in the Bible","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0044_eng_f_chapter_6_my_heart_is_fainting_in_me_jeremiah_8_18_emotions_and_prophetic_writings_in_the_bible_13965_899.mp3#duration=177&size=1324920"},{"para_id":"13965.906","title":"The Wholistic Nature of Humanity","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0045_eng_f_the_wholistic_nature_of_humanity_13965_906.mp3#duration=88&size=793155"},{"para_id":"13965.911","title":"Toward a Definition of Emotions: How Emotions Work","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0046_eng_f_toward_a_definition_of_emotions_how_emotions_work_13965_911.mp3#duration=321&size=2190958"},{"para_id":"13965.925","title":"Emotions and the Question of Revelation and Inspiration","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0047_eng_f_emotions_and_the_question_of_revelation_and_inspiration_13965_925.mp3#duration=131&size=1047243"},{"para_id":"13965.930","title":"Prophetic Emotional Responses","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0048_eng_f_prophetic_emotional_responses_13965_930.mp3#duration=887&size=5587553"},{"para_id":"13965.975","title":"Instead of a Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0050_eng_f_instead_of_a_conclusion_13965_975.mp3#duration=210&size=1523300"},{"para_id":"13965.987","title":"Chapter 7 \u2014 Ellen White\u2019s Insights Into Scripture in Light of the Original Biblical Languages","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0051_eng_f_chapter_7_ellen_white_s_insights_into_scripture_in_light_of_the_original_biblical_languages_13965_987.mp3#duration=388&size=2589631"},{"para_id":"13965.1003","title":"Genesis 1:26, 27: Imago Dei","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0052_eng_f_genesis_1_26_27_imago_dei_13965_1003.mp3#duration=102&size=874559"},{"para_id":"13965.1007","title":"Genesis 2:25: Garments of Light and Glory","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0053_eng_f_genesis_2_25_garments_of_light_and_glory_13965_1007.mp3#duration=124&size=1009730"},{"para_id":"13965.1012","title":"Genesis 3:7: Nakedness of Soul","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0054_eng_f_genesis_3_7_nakedness_of_soul_13965_1012.mp3#duration=128&size=1031764"},{"para_id":"13965.1019","title":"Genesis 4:1: The Expectation of Adam and Eve That Cain Would Be the Messiah","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0055_eng_f_genesis_4_1_the_expectation_of_adam_and_eve_that_cain_would_be_the_messiah_13965_1019.mp3#duration=182&size=1358133"},{"para_id":"13965.1026","title":"Genesis 4:7: Insights Into the Cain-Abel Narrative","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0056_eng_f_genesis_4_7_insights_into_the_cain_abel_narrative_13965_1026.mp3#duration=396&size=2639512"},{"para_id":"13965.1043","title":"Exodus 20: The Decalogue","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0057_eng_f_exodus_20_the_decalogue_13965_1043.mp3#duration=211&size=1528608"},{"para_id":"13965.1050","title":"Exodus 25:9, 40: The \u201cMiniature Model\u201d of the Heavenly Sanctuary","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0058_eng_f_exodus_25_9_40_the_miniature_model_of_the_heavenly_sanctuary_13965_1050.mp3#duration=180&size=1343496"},{"para_id":"13965.1056","title":"Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28: The Fall of Satan and the Rise of Evil in the Universe","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0059_eng_f_isaiah_14_and_ezekiel_28_the_fall_of_satan_and_the_rise_of_evil_in_the_universe_13965_1056.mp3#duration=532&size=3454250"},{"para_id":"13965.1072","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0060_eng_f_conclusion_13965_1072.mp3#duration=177&size=1323270"},{"para_id":"13965.1080","title":"Chapter 8 \u2014 The Meaning of \u201cto Prophesy\u201d in 1 Corinthians 14","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0061_eng_f_chapter_8_the_meaning_of_to_prophesy_in_1_corinthians_14_13965_1080.mp3#duration=9&size=315366"},{"para_id":"13965.1082","title":"Can We All Prophesy?","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0062_eng_f_can_we_all_prophesy_13965_1082.mp3#duration=280&size=1946665"},{"para_id":"13965.1095","title":"Pursuing What Is Better\u2014Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0063_eng_f_pursuing_what_is_better_prophecy_13965_1095.mp3#duration=408&size=2712846"},{"para_id":"13965.1120","title":"Prophets, Prophecy, and Prophesying","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0064_eng_f_prophets_prophecy_and_prophesying_13965_1120.mp3#duration=482&size=3155314"},{"para_id":"13965.1134","title":"Limitations of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0065_eng_f_limitations_of_prophecy_13965_1134.mp3#duration=672&size=4293717"},{"para_id":"13965.1155","title":"Prophecy and the Eschatological Remnant","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0066_eng_f_prophecy_and_the_eschatological_remnant_13965_1155.mp3#duration=469&size=3074966"},{"para_id":"13965.1171","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0067_eng_f_conclusion_13965_1171.mp3#duration=368&size=2469833"},{"para_id":"13965.1187","title":"Chapter 9 \u2014 The \u201cSpirit of Prophecy\u201d in the Revelation of John","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0068_eng_f_chapter_9_the_spirit_of_prophecy_in_the_revelation_of_john_13965_1187.mp3#duration=65&size=653548"},{"para_id":"13965.1191","title":"\u201cThe Testimony of Jesus\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0069_eng_f_the_testimony_of_jesus_13965_1191.mp3#duration=342&size=2317875"},{"para_id":"13965.1203","title":"\u201cThe Spirit of Prophecy\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0070_eng_f_the_spirit_of_prophecy_13965_1203.mp3#duration=612&size=3933781"},{"para_id":"13965.1233","title":"The Spirit of Prophecy in Revelation","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0071_eng_f_the_spirit_of_prophecy_in_revelation_13965_1233.mp3#duration=370&size=2485164"},{"para_id":"13965.1244","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0072_eng_f_conclusion_13965_1244.mp3#duration=295&size=2035212"},{"para_id":"13965.1255","title":"Part II\u2014Historical Studies","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0073_eng_f_part_ii_historical_studies_13965_1255.mp3#duration=133&size=1060184"},{"para_id":"13965.1262","title":"Apostolic Fathers\u2014Where Is the Spirit of God?","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0074_eng_f_apostolic_fathers_where_is_the_spirit_of_god_13965_1262.mp3#duration=829&size=5240001"},{"para_id":"13965.1281","title":"Taming the Spirit","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0075_eng_f_taming_the_spirit_13965_1281.mp3#duration=418&size=2768946"},{"para_id":"13965.1292","title":"Spirit, Scriptures, and Church Leadership","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0076_eng_f_spirit_scriptures_and_church_leadership_13965_1292.mp3#duration=482&size=3157046"},{"para_id":"13965.1303","title":"The Gift of Prophecy\u2014A Working Definition","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0077_eng_f_the_gift_of_prophecy_a_working_definition_13965_1303.mp3#duration=603&size=3882726"},{"para_id":"13965.1323","title":"Who Received Which Spirit?","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0078_eng_f_who_received_which_spirit_13965_1323.mp3#duration=448&size=2953432"},{"para_id":"13965.1336","title":"Prophetic Voices? Spiritual Manifestations in the Middle Ages","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0079_eng_f_prophetic_voices_spiritual_manifestations_in_the_middle_ages_13965_1336.mp3#duration=742&size=4717354"},{"para_id":"13965.1358","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0080_eng_f_conclusion_13965_1358.mp3#duration=243&size=1720854"},{"para_id":"13965.1368","title":"Chapter 11 \u2014 The Reformers and the Gift of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0081_eng_f_chapter_11_the_reformers_and_the_gift_of_prophecy_13965_1368.mp3#duration=96&size=840883"},{"para_id":"13965.1373","title":"The Gift of Prophecy During the Reformation","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0082_eng_f_the_gift_of_prophecy_during_the_reformation_13965_1373.mp3#duration=1001&size=6268170"},{"para_id":"13965.1407","title":"The Gift of Prophecy During the Reformation: An Adventist Perspective","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0083_eng_f_the_gift_of_prophecy_during_the_reformation_an_adventist_perspective_13965_1407.mp3#duration=482&size=3156182"},{"para_id":"13965.1429","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0084_eng_f_conclusion_13965_1429.mp3#duration=192&size=1418252"},{"para_id":"13965.1435","title":"Chapter 12 \u2014 Dreams and Visions in American Religious History","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0085_eng_f_chapter_12_dreams_and_visions_in_american_religious_history_13965_1435.mp3#duration=164&size=1248142"},{"para_id":"13965.1442","title":"Evangelicalism and Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0086_eng_f_evangelicalism_and_prophecy_13965_1442.mp3#duration=543&size=3519503"},{"para_id":"13965.1462","title":"Antebellum Innovations","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0087_eng_f_antebellum_innovations_13965_1462.mp3#duration=172&size=1295647"},{"para_id":"13965.1467","title":"Spiritualist Cults","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0088_eng_f_spiritualist_cults_13965_1467.mp3#duration=233&size=1662298"},{"para_id":"13965.1474","title":"Mormons","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0089_eng_f_mormons_13965_1474.mp3#duration=165&size=1252373"},{"para_id":"13965.1479","title":"Quakers and Shakers","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0090_eng_f_quakers_and_shakers_13965_1479.mp3#duration=87&size=784741"},{"para_id":"13965.1481","title":"Restorationists","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0091_eng_f_restorationists_13965_1481.mp3#duration=127&size=1026996"},{"para_id":"13965.1486","title":"Adventists","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0092_eng_f_adventists_13965_1486.mp3#duration=759&size=4819339"},{"para_id":"13965.1507","title":"Conclusions","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0093_eng_f_conclusions_13965_1507.mp3#duration=210&size=1522012"},{"para_id":"13965.1515","title":"Chapter 13 \u2014 How Early Sabbathkeeping Adventists Accepted Ellen G. White as a True Prophet","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0094_eng_f_chapter_13_how_early_sabbathkeeping_adventists_accepted_ellen_g_white_as_a_true_prophet_13965_1515.mp3#duration=141&size=1107842"},{"para_id":"13965.1522","title":"Accepting the Prophetic Gift: The Years Leading up to 1850","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0095_eng_f_accepting_the_prophetic_gift_the_years_leading_up_to_1850_13965_1522.mp3#duration=1159&size=7216219"},{"para_id":"13965.1557","title":"Defending the Prophetic Gift, 1851-1862","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0096_eng_f_defending_the_prophetic_gift_1851_1862_13965_1557.mp3#duration=1397&size=8647389"},{"para_id":"13965.1605","title":"Affirming the Prophetic Gift, 1863-1872","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0097_eng_f_affirming_the_prophetic_gift_1863_1872_13965_1605.mp3#duration=631&size=4051421"},{"para_id":"13965.1626","title":"Conclusions","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0098_eng_f_conclusions_13965_1626.mp3#duration=287&size=1984694"},{"para_id":"13965.1634","title":"Chapter 14 \u2014 The Foundational Orientation of Ellen White\u2019s Prophetic Ministry","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0099_eng_f_chapter_14_the_foundational_orientation_of_ellen_white_s_prophetic_ministry_13965_1634.mp3#duration=409&size=2719582"},{"para_id":"13965.1649","title":"Part I: Ellen White\u2019s Passion for the Love of God in Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0100_eng_f_part_i_ellen_white_s_passion_for_the_love_of_god_in_christ_13965_1649.mp3#duration=1094&size=6828559"},{"para_id":"13965.1696","title":"Summary","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0101_eng_f_summary_13965_1696.mp3#duration=102&size=877621"},{"para_id":"13965.1702","title":"Part II: Ellen White and Scripture","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0102_eng_f_part_ii_ellen_white_and_scripture_13965_1702.mp3#duration=364&size=2450161"},{"para_id":"13965.1718","title":"Ellen White\u2019s Understanding of Her Writings and Scripture","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0103_eng_f_ellen_white_s_understanding_of_her_writings_and_scripture_13965_1718.mp3#duration=759&size=4820270"},{"para_id":"13965.1756","title":"Summary","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0104_eng_f_summary_13965_1756.mp3#duration=116&size=958287"},{"para_id":"13965.1759","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0105_eng_f_conclusion_13965_1759.mp3#duration=99&size=857824"},{"para_id":"13965.1765","title":"Chapter 15 \u2014 Sola Scriptura and Ellen G. White: Historical Reflections","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0106_eng_f_chapter_15_sola_scriptura_and_ellen_g_white_historical_reflections_13965_1765.mp3#duration=157&size=1206879"},{"para_id":"13965.1772","title":"The Roman Catholic Church: True Interpreter of Scripture?","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0107_eng_f_the_roman_catholic_church_true_interpreter_of_scripture_13965_1772.mp3#duration=147&size=1144748"},{"para_id":"13965.1777","title":"The Protestant Response: Sola Scriptura as Principle","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0108_eng_f_the_protestant_response_sola_scriptura_as_principle_13965_1777.mp3#duration=360&size=2423486"},{"para_id":"13965.1789","title":"Sola Scriptura: New Hermeneutical Alternatives","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0109_eng_f_sola_scriptura_new_hermeneutical_alternatives_13965_1789.mp3#duration=237&size=1685052"},{"para_id":"13965.1798","title":"Ellen White\u2019s Emphasis on Sola Scriptura","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0110_eng_f_ellen_white_s_emphasis_on_sola_scriptura_13965_1798.mp3#duration=440&size=2902401"},{"para_id":"13965.1821","title":"Ellen White\u2019s Use of the Sola Scriptura Principle","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0111_eng_f_ellen_white_s_use_of_the_sola_scriptura_principle_13965_1821.mp3#duration=152&size=1178020"},{"para_id":"13965.1828","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0112_eng_f_conclusion_13965_1828.mp3#duration=113&size=941363"},{"para_id":"13965.1834","title":"Chapter 16 \u2014 Ellen G. White\u2019s Use of Scripture","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0113_eng_f_chapter_16_ellen_g_white_s_use_of_scripture_13965_1834.mp3#duration=53&size=581695"},{"para_id":"13965.1839","title":"Ellen G. White Uses Scripture as the Authoritative Word of God","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0114_eng_f_ellen_g_white_uses_scripture_as_the_authoritative_word_of_god_13965_1839.mp3#duration=135&size=1072394"},{"para_id":"13965.1843","title":"Ellen G. White Uses the Sola Scriptura Principle in Biblical Interpretation","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0115_eng_f_ellen_g_white_uses_the_sola_scriptura_principle_in_biblical_interpretation_13965_1843.mp3#duration=1183&size=7364613"},{"para_id":"13965.1903","title":"A Prophetic Use of Scripture","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0117_eng_f_a_prophetic_use_of_scripture_13965_1903.mp3#duration=123&size=1000470"},{"para_id":"13965.1908","title":"A Practical Use of Scripture","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0118_eng_f_a_practical_use_of_scripture_13965_1908.mp3#duration=217&size=1563303"},{"para_id":"13965.1916","title":"Echoes of Scripture and Allusions to Scripture","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0119_eng_f_echoes_of_scripture_and_allusions_to_scripture_13965_1916.mp3#duration=107&size=906761"},{"para_id":"13965.1921","title":"Theological and Exegetical Use of Scripture","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0120_eng_f_theological_and_exegetical_use_of_scripture_13965_1921.mp3#duration=363&size=2441606"},{"para_id":"13965.1933","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0121_eng_f_conclusion_13965_1933.mp3#duration=158&size=1208805"},{"para_id":"13965.1940","title":"Chapter 17 \u2014 Ellen G. White\u2019s Use of Extrabiblical Sources","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0122_eng_f_chapter_17_ellen_g_white_s_use_of_extrabiblical_sources_13965_1940.mp3#duration=80&size=744398"},{"para_id":"13965.1943","title":"A Concise History of Adventist Scholarship","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0123_eng_f_a_concise_history_of_adventist_scholarship_13965_1943.mp3#duration=296&size=2041620"},{"para_id":"13965.1953","title":"Seven Facts About Ellen White\u2019s Use of Sources","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0124_eng_f_seven_facts_about_ellen_white_s_use_of_sources_13965_1953.mp3#duration=1733&size=10661859"},{"para_id":"13965.2018","title":"Exhibits of How Ellen White Used Her Sources","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0125_eng_f_exhibits_of_how_ellen_white_used_her_sources_13965_2018.mp3#duration=358&size=2410362"},{"para_id":"13965.2039","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0126_eng_f_conclusion_13965_2039.mp3#duration=169&size=1280276"},{"para_id":"13965.2046","title":"Chapter 18 \u2014 Ellen G. White and Adventist Mission","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0127_eng_f_chapter_18_ellen_g_white_and_adventist_mission_13965_2046.mp3#duration=636&size=4081417"},{"para_id":"13965.2072","title":"From America to \u201cAll Parts of the World\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0128_eng_f_from_america_to_all_parts_of_the_world_13965_2072.mp3#duration=732&size=4655953"},{"para_id":"13965.2094","title":"Strengthening Mission: The Fruits of Experience","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0129_eng_f_strengthening_mission_the_fruits_of_experience_13965_2094.mp3#duration=714&size=4550472"},{"para_id":"13965.2115","title":"An Apocalyptic Imperative for Action","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0130_eng_f_an_apocalyptic_imperative_for_action_13965_2115.mp3#duration=382&size=2552880"},{"para_id":"13965.2127","title":"Embodying Christ\u2014to All People","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0131_eng_f_embodying_christ_to_all_people_13965_2127.mp3#duration=384&size=2569490"},{"para_id":"13965.2141","title":"Enlightening the Whole Earth","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0132_eng_f_enlightening_the_whole_earth_13965_2141.mp3#duration=474&size=3109017"},{"para_id":"13965.2158","title":"Conclusion","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0133_eng_f_conclusion_13965_2158.mp3#duration=442&size=2917365"},{"para_id":"13965.2175","title":"Chapter 19 \u2014 Ellen G. White\u2019s Dedicated Hands","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0134_eng_f_chapter_19_ellen_g_white_s_dedicated_hands_13965_2175.mp3#duration=162&size=1238201"},{"para_id":"13965.2184","title":"Hands That Knit","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0135_eng_f_hands_that_knit_13965_2184.mp3#duration=174&size=1308386"},{"para_id":"13965.2193","title":"Hands Wrung With Regret","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0136_eng_f_hands_wrung_with_regret_13965_2193.mp3#duration=139&size=1095288"},{"para_id":"13965.2200","title":"A New Vision to Write","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0137_eng_f_a_new_vision_to_write_13965_2200.mp3#duration=274&size=1907380"},{"para_id":"13965.2208","title":"Frugal Hands","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0138_eng_f_frugal_hands_13965_2208.mp3#duration=509&size=3317038"},{"para_id":"13965.2232","title":"Hands That Help to Heal","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0139_eng_f_hands_that_help_to_heal_13965_2232.mp3#duration=309&size=2117198"},{"para_id":"13965.2242","title":"Hands That Remained Faithful to the End","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0140_eng_f_hands_that_remained_faithful_to_the_end_13965_2242.mp3#duration=438&size=2893411"},{"para_id":"13965.2266","title":"Chapter 20 \u2014 Making Ellen White Relevant to Third Millennials","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0141_eng_f_chapter_20_making_ellen_white_relevant_to_third_millennials_13965_2266.mp3#duration=196&size=1437270"},{"para_id":"13965.2276","title":"Millennials","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0142_eng_f_millennials_13965_2276.mp3#duration=283&size=1964159"},{"para_id":"13965.2290","title":"Contextualization","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0143_eng_f_contextualization_13965_2290.mp3#duration=207&size=1507441"},{"para_id":"13965.2300","title":"Millennials and Their Metanarrative","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0144_eng_f_millennials_and_their_metanarrative_13965_2300.mp3#duration=632&size=4058363"},{"para_id":"13965.2327","title":"Millennials and the Metaphysical","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0145_eng_f_millennials_and_the_metaphysical_13965_2327.mp3#duration=234&size=1665967"},{"para_id":"13965.2338","title":"Millennials and Their Methods","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0146_eng_f_millennials_and_their_methods_13965_2338.mp3#duration=541&size=3507386"},{"para_id":"13965.2360","title":"Does It Matter?","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0147_eng_f_does_it_matter_13965_2360.mp3#duration=204&size=1490094"},{"para_id":"13965.2370","title":"Summary","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0148_eng_f_summary_13965_2370.mp3#duration=78&size=730709"},{"para_id":"13965.2374","title":"Contributors","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0149_eng_f_contributors_13965_2374.mp3#duration=377&size=2526047"},{"para_id":"13965.2823","title":"Appendix A \u2014 The Gift of Prophecy in the Fundamental Doctrines of Seventh-day Adventists","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0150_eng_f_appendix_a_the_gift_of_prophecy_in_the_fundamental_doctrines_of_seventh_day_adventists_13965_2401.mp3#duration=14&size=345771"},{"para_id":"13965.2403","title":"1872\n\u2014 XVI \u2014","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0151_eng_f_1872_xvi_13965_2403.mp3#duration=50&size=565312"},{"para_id":"13965.2405","title":"1889","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0152_eng_f_1889_13965_2405.mp3#duration=51&size=566396"},{"para_id":"13965.2408","title":"1931","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0153_eng_f_1931_13965_2408.mp3#duration=22&size=394928"},{"para_id":"13965.2410","title":"198017. The Gift of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0154_eng_f_1980_17_the_gift_of_prophecy_13965_2410.mp3#duration=33&size=460312"},{"para_id":"13965.2412","title":"200518. The Gift of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0155_eng_f_2005_18_the_gift_of_prophecy_13965_2412.mp3#duration=33&size=461095"},{"para_id":"13965.2414","title":"201518. The Gift of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0156_eng_f_2015_18_the_gift_of_prophecy_13965_2414.mp3#duration=32&size=454983"},{"para_id":"13965.2420","title":"Appendix B \u2014 Affirmations of Confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0157_eng_f_appendix_b_affirmations_of_confidence_in_the_spirit_of_prophecy_13965_2420.mp3#duration=18&size=373565"},{"para_id":"13965.2423","title":"1867Spiritual Gifts","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0158_eng_f_1867_spiritual_gifts_13965_2423.mp3#duration=20&size=383660"},{"para_id":"13965.2425","title":"1869Spiritual Gifts","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0159_eng_f_1869_spiritual_gifts_13965_2425.mp3#duration=43&size=523467"},{"para_id":"13965.2428","title":"1870Spiritual Gifts","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0160_eng_f_1870_spiritual_gifts_13965_2428.mp3#duration=142&size=1114562"},{"para_id":"13965.2437","title":"1871","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0161_eng_f_1871_13965_2437.mp3#duration=17&size=364992"},{"para_id":"13965.2440","title":"1873","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0162_eng_f_1873_13965_2440.mp3#duration=28&size=433642"},{"para_id":"13965.2442","title":"1877","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0163_eng_f_1877_13965_2442.mp3#duration=17&size=362798"},{"para_id":"13965.2444","title":"1878","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0164_eng_f_1878_13965_2444.mp3#duration=51&size=570888"},{"para_id":"13965.2448","title":"1879","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0165_eng_f_1879_13965_2448.mp3#duration=180&size=1344214"},{"para_id":"13965.2459","title":"1881","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0166_eng_f_1881_13965_2459.mp3#duration=53&size=580136"},{"para_id":"13965.2464","title":"1882","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0167_eng_f_1882_13965_2464.mp3#duration=31&size=448062"},{"para_id":"13965.2466","title":"1886","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0168_eng_f_1886_13965_2466.mp3#duration=45&size=535936"},{"para_id":"13965.2470","title":"1889","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0169_eng_f_1889_13965_2470.mp3#duration=50&size=564254"},{"para_id":"13965.2473","title":"1891","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0170_eng_f_1891_13965_2473.mp3#duration=20&size=382860"},{"para_id":"13965.2477","title":"1926Circulating Mrs. E. G. White\u2019s Books","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0171_eng_f_1926_circulating_mrs_e_g_white_s_books_13965_2477.mp3#duration=43&size=521348"},{"para_id":"13965.2480","title":"1936\u201cTestimonies for the Church\u201d","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0172_eng_f_1936_testimonies_for_the_church_13965_2480.mp3#duration=152&size=1177119"},{"para_id":"13965.2490","title":"1946The Spirit of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0173_eng_f_1946_the_spirit_of_prophecy_13965_2490.mp3#duration=668&size=4271620"},{"para_id":"13965.2514","title":"1954The Spirit of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0174_eng_f_1954_the_spirit_of_prophecy_13965_2514.mp3#duration=313&size=2144522"},{"para_id":"13965.2532","title":"1962Resolution on Spirit of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0175_eng_f_1962_resolution_on_spirit_of_prophecy_13965_2532.mp3#duration=300&size=2065444"},{"para_id":"13965.2552","title":"1966Spirit of Prophecy Writings","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0176_eng_f_1966_spirit_of_prophecy_writings_13965_2552.mp3#duration=135&size=1072412"},{"para_id":"13965.2562","title":"1970The Spirit of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0177_eng_f_1970_the_spirit_of_prophecy_13965_2562.mp3#duration=404&size=2690062"},{"para_id":"13965.2584","title":"1975The Spirit of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0178_eng_f_1975_the_spirit_of_prophecy_13965_2584.mp3#duration=313&size=2140292"},{"para_id":"13965.2598","title":"1980Prophetic Guidance for the Church","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0179_eng_f_1980_prophetic_guidance_for_the_church_13965_2598.mp3#duration=163&size=1240491"},{"para_id":"13965.2607","title":"1985Spirit of Prophecy Statement\u20141985 General Conference Session","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0180_eng_f_1985_spirit_of_prophecy_statement_1985_general_conference_session_13965_2607.mp3#duration=205&size=1495211"},{"para_id":"13965.2621","title":"1990Resolution on Spirit of Prophecy\u20141990 General Conference Session","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0181_eng_f_1990_resolution_on_spirit_of_prophecy_1990_general_conference_session_13965_2621.mp3#duration=211&size=1527086"},{"para_id":"13965.2631","title":"1995Statement of Confidence in the Spirit of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0182_eng_f_1995_statement_of_confidence_in_the_spirit_of_prophecy_13965_2631.mp3#duration=183&size=1362655"},{"para_id":"13965.2641","title":"2000Resolution on the Gift of Prophecy Through the Ministry of Ellen G. White","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0183_eng_f_2000_resolution_on_the_gift_of_prophecy_through_the_ministry_of_ellen_g_white_13965_2641.mp3#duration=339&size=2301149"},{"para_id":"13965.2662","title":"2005Resolution on the Spirit of Prophecy","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0184_eng_f_2005_resolution_on_the_spirit_of_prophecy_13965_2662.mp3#duration=111&size=931624"},{"para_id":"13965.2668","title":"2010143-10GS Resolution on the Spirit of Prophecy as manifested in the ministry and writings of Ellen G. White","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0185_eng_f_2010_143_10gs_resolution_on_the_spirit_of_prophecy_as_manifested_in_the_ministry_and_writings_of_ellen_g_white_13965_2668.mp3#duration=152&size=1177192"},{"para_id":"13965.2674","title":"2015Statement of Confidence in the Writings of Ellen G. White","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0186_eng_f_2015_statement_of_confidence_in_the_writings_of_ellen_g_white_13965_2674.mp3#duration=102&size=876524"},{"para_id":"13965.2684","title":"Appendix C \u2014 The Inspiration and Authority of the Ellen G. White Writings ","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0187_eng_f_appendix_c_the_inspiration_and_authority_of_the_ellen_g_white_writings_13965_2684.mp3#duration=89&size=798524"},{"para_id":"13965.2720","title":"Appendix D \u2014 \u201cBelieve His Prophets\u201d\u2014Why I Accept Ellen G. White\u2019s Prophetic Ministry, Sermon, Gift of Prophecy Symposium, October 17, 2015","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0192_eng_f_appendix_d_believe_his_prophets_why_i_accept_ellen_g_white_s_prophetic_ministry_sermon_gift_of_prophecy_symposium_october_17_2015_13965_2720.mp3#duration=41&size=508565"},{"para_id":"13965.2724","title":"Challenges of the Last Days","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0193_eng_f_challenges_of_the_last_days_13965_2724.mp3#duration=183&size=1363675"},{"para_id":"13965.2733","title":"My Personal Testimony","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0194_eng_f_my_personal_testimony_13965_2733.mp3#duration=142&size=1112476"},{"para_id":"13965.2739","title":"Contemporary Relevance","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0195_eng_f_contemporary_relevance_13965_2739.mp3#duration=164&size=1245596"},{"para_id":"13965.2746","title":"The Testimony of Jesus Christ","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0196_eng_f_the_testimony_of_jesus_christ_13965_2746.mp3#duration=145&size=1136305"},{"para_id":"13965.2754","title":"Counsels that Bear Fruit","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0197_eng_f_counsels_that_bear_fruit_13965_2754.mp3#duration=194&size=1428244"},{"para_id":"13965.2765","title":"Lifting Up Jesus","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0198_eng_f_lifting_up_jesus_13965_2765.mp3#duration=334&size=2267758"},{"para_id":"13965.2782","title":"Practical Reasons","mp3":"\/mp3\/13965\/0199_eng_f_practical_reasons_13965_2782.mp3#duration=604&size=3886931"}]