My Journey to Life - Daily Study Guide

Q5. Did the gift of prophecy cease to exist with the closing of the Biblical canon?

Picture: Q5. Did the gift of prophecy cease to exist with the closing of the Biblical canon? JTLD 293.1

Many Christians believe that the gift of prophecy ceased at the close of the apostolic era. But nowhere does the Bible say that God would withdraw spiritual gifts—including prophecy— before they had completed their purpose, as found in Ephesians 4:13. Thus, the need for the prophetic gift continues until Jesus comes. JTLD 293.2

The Bible indicates that as the end approaches, the gift of prophecy will be present to assist the church through those difficult times. Christ’s warning against false prophets indicates there will be true prophets, as well. JTLD 293.3

The canonical books of the Old and New Testaments are the authoritative voice of God and contain the test for every prophetic claim. Just as there were non-canonical prophets such as Nathan (2 Samuel 12:7-14), Gad (1 Chronicles 29:29), Ahijah and Iddo (2 Chronicles 9:29) who nonetheless were identified as prophets and bore their messages with God’s authority, so there could be non-canonical prophets in the post-apostolic era, who if tested by the Word of God, would also carry His authority. JTLD 293.4

• Bible Discovery: Joel 2:23, 28, 29; Matthew 24:14; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21
• Further Reading: Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 823.2; The Great Controversy, p. viii.1