The Purpose of Prophecy

Like all spiritual gifts, prophecy is intended “for the common good” of the church (1 Cor. 12:7) and should be used in “serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). Unfortunately, the gift of prophecy is one of the most misused and often abused spiritual gifts. Sometimes, proclaimed prophecy is used to veil hidden motives or to seek selfish gain. Christ warned “beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (matt 7:15). More often, however, I believe the misuse of the gift of prophecy is a product of good intentions and poor theology.

It is my opinion that the Bible clearly outlines the purposes for New Testament prophecy. First Corinthians chapter fourteen is the most chief discourse on NT prophecy. Verse three says “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.”

The first purpose of prophesy is to edify, or build up, the church. In verse four Paul says that “one who prophesies edifies the church.” And again in verse twelve he instructs that “since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.”

Prophecy is to be used to build up the body of Christ in love (Eph. 4:16). Love is the key ingredient. All Christians should speak the truth in love ( Eph. 4:15). In fact, Paul says “If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge… but do not have love, I am nothing.”

The second purpose of prophecy is exhortation and consolation. Prophecy should encourage, uplift, comfort, calm, and console. “For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted” (1 Cor. 14:31). Prophecy should have a positive result for the hearer. It should not be harsh and unloving, but peaceful and full of love.

Thirdly, prophecy is for a sign intended to convict sin and bring Godly repentance.

“prophecy is for a sign, not to unbelievers but to those who believe… But if all prophesy, and

an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.” (1 Cor. 14:22-25)

Notice that all of these purposes are all constructive. Nowhere does the Bible teach that prophecy should be used for rebuking or correcting. In fact, Paul teaches Timothy that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Tim. 3:16, see also 4:2). Also, in Colocians, Paul syas “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another…” (Col. 3:16). Clearly, God’s word (Scripture) should be used to teach, correct, admonish, ect. These are not the purposes of prophecy.

The purpose of prophecy is also not to institute new doctrines. Paul warned the Corinthian church not to recognize any prophesy that goes against what he himself has taught (1 Cor. 14:38, see also 1 Thess. 5:21 & 2 Thess 2:1-3). Prophesy is not a replacement (or substitute) for Scripture.

The Bible also has no reference to prophecy being the medium for God revealing His will to

NT believers. God’s will is clearly outlined in Scripture ( see 1 Peter 2:9, 2:13-15, 3:17; 1 Thess 4:3-7, 5:18; Eph 5:17-18). “Your word is a ^(A)lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105).

In conclusion, God’s purpose for NT prophesy is to edify, exhort, and comfort fellow believers. Prophecy should be conducted for, through, and in accordance with selfless love. It is imperative that we do not confuse these

purposes with the purposes of Scripture. Teaching doctrine, correcting, reproof, training in righteousness, and disclosing God’s will are all some of the roles of God’s written word. When used correctly, the NT gift of prophecy is a powerful means by which God edifies His church.