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We continue to seek a biblical case for cessationism. We will not find it here. Once again we find a cessationist who refuses to quote Scripture. It's truly astonishing that a supposed Bible teacher cannot bother to quote a single relevant Scripture.
Ms. Prata's premise is that those who listen to inner promptings risk being disobedient to Scripture or God. We might ask, does she think that do not treat prophecies with contempt (1Th. 5:20) should be obeyed? How about Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy (1Co. 14:1)?
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Do you believe that the Lord still speaks? That He has a fresh word? That you can receive individual directions for specific circumstances in your life? Get career advice, parenting advice, life advice, by becoming still and waiting for impressions, thoughts, impulses, and urges?
A lot of people believe these things. There's an entire cottage industry within Christian publishing telling us how to hear the whispers, voices, and mental impressions that you, too, can receive from God. There are additional books and guides telling you how to interpret them. Why wouldn't you believe this, if entire publishing houses are promoting it? Why dismiss this idea if local pastors are teaching from these studies and telling you to listen for God? Or telling you they have heard from God themselves, as many claim?
Whoa. Hold on. Take a breath.
If God is still speaking then what He says is authoritative. It's applicable to all of us. We would need to add blank pages to the end of our Bibles to write down these additional words. (This is astoundingly false. There is no Bible verse that says such a thing. There is no doctrine, no precept, no statement by God that such a thing must happen. But she will build her entire case on this non-biblical concept.
We know full well that the entirety of what God has said could not be contained in any book. The Scriptures themselves are quite clear.
Jn. 21:25 Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.And we note that many other things are not in the Bible. For example, what happened to the annals of Solomon?
1Kg. 11:41 As for the other events of Solomon’s reign — all he did and the wisdom he displayed — are they not written in the book of the annals of Solomon?Or the annals of Jehu?
2Ch. 20:34 The other events of Jehoshaphat’s reign, from beginning to end, are written in the annals of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the book of the kings of Israel.Why don't we have the letter written to Laodicea?
Col. 4:16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.We have two letters to the Corinthians. What about this other letter Paul references?
1 Cor 5:9 I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.And we also know that many, many prophecies, which by definition are words from God, are not recorded. King Saul prophesied to the extent that the people wondered if he was included among the prophets. Yet we don't have any of those prophecies:
1Sa. 10:10-11 When they arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came upon him in power, and he joined in their prophesying. 11 When all those who had formerly known him saw him prophesying with the prophets, they asked each other, “What is this that has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?”Agabus was a N.T. prophet of some note in the Church. It is interesting that only two of his prophecies were included in Scripture, while any other prophecies he might have spoken were omitted:
Ac. 21:10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.
Ac. 11:27-28 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world.Similarly, we don't have any prophecies from Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius, or Manaen:
Ac. 13:1-2 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. 2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”Nor do we have any from Judas or Silas:
Ac. 15:32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.And these twelve men prophesied, but we don't have a record of their prophecies:
Ac. 19:6-7 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.Philip's daughters prophesied, but that all we know:
Ac. 21:8-9 Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the Seven. 9 He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.
It would render Hebrews 1:1-2 moot. It would render Revelation 22:18-19 void. (Let's actually quote the Scriptures, since the author is reluctant to do so:
He. 1:1-2 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
Re. 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.As we can see, neither Scripture comes to bear on the author's assertion. The first one tells us God has spoken by His Son. It doesn't reference the Scriptures or the canon, it speaks of the Son's word. In fact, the very next verse says the Son is sustaining all things by his powerful word. Which of course means the Son is still speaking, and his Word is sustaining all things. All things includes the Church.
The second one isn't even relevant, since no one who believes in contemporary prophecy is adding to or taking away from this book of prophecy or any other book of the Bible.)
People try to refute this truth by saying, "Don't put God in a box! He spoke to the prophets and the apostles and He can speak to us!" (The author is apparently unacquainted with the great volume of work regarding the Scriptural explanations for the continuance of the prophetic. Those arguments cannot be reduced to a vapid "don't put God in a box" characterization.)
He can, but that is not how He promised to operate. I refer again to Hebrews 1:1-2 and Revelation 22.
They say, 'But...but...God is always speaking! He never stops because He is the same yesterday and today and forever!" In one way, that's true. He always speaks through His general revelation in creation (Romans 1:19-20) and that never stops. (The author backtracks her claim. Remember she earlier asked, If God is still speaking..., implying that He is not. Now we find out that He actually is still speaking, just not to us.)
But as for specific revelation, as in to the Prophets and Apostles, that did stop. (Undocumented assertion.)
Overall, through the course of 4000 years it took the Bible canon to be completed, it's unusual. In fact, it was the exception and not the norm. ("Specific revelation" is not unusual at all. It was widespread and common.
1Co. 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church.Everyone. Not just the apostles. Not just a select few. And Paul commands, all of these must be done. The author completely misrepresents the situation.)
Lastly, for 400 years God did not speak audibly, to anyone. He said not a word between the close of His message to Malachi and the advent of Jesus through His forerunner prophet, John the Baptist. Silence. There was no angel, no prophet, no voice, no fire, no smoke. Nothing but silence. (The author cannot know that God wasn't speaking. It's an Argument From Silence, i.e., that since we don't have anything written down, nothing was said.
And Jeremiah contradicts Ms. Prata:
So, God obviously operates in different ways. (This is interesting, since cessationists often demand the OT prophecy must be the same as NT prophecy, i.e., the nature of prophecy can't have changed. But apparently the way God does things can change.)
He always has. We know the Bible is sufficient for all our needs. (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible must be sufficient. (Again, let's quote the cited Scriptures:
Neither Scripture documents the author's claim.)
But I'm writing about a different reason to cling to the already-delivered word and not to seek a fresh word through an impression, impulse, or whisper.
Obedience. (Hmm. She finally gets to her topic.)
Expecting or desiring future revelation destroys current obedience. (I hope she documents this claim.)
People who sit around waiting for personal directions or individually crafted guidance are actually planning to be disobedient. (??)
These people do not believe the Bible is authoritative, because it is not final. (Hmm. Apparently it is not possible to accept the Bible's teaching on NT prophecy and still believe the canon is closed. But we have already demonstrated that this premise is completely false.
This is what her argument pivots upon. Therefore, if it is possible to have prophecy and still have a closed canon, the author's argument has nothing to stand on.)
For example, if one accepts additional revelation, then one can more easily think, 'I won't follow THIS command, because there could be another command later (that I like better).' (Continuing in her carefully constructed non sequitur, the author speculates on what hypothetical people are thinking.
She has a truly odd idea as to what constitutes prophecy, as if every person who believes God speaks today is picking and choosing commands from God. This generalization is not backed up with citations or examples.
As if cessationists don't pick and choose what Scriptures they will follow...)
If one is not obedient to study the word as it is now, (Another generalization. Who does this? On what basis does the author claim that these people do not study the Word?)
including submitting to the verses which show the canon is closed, (Most every Christian believes the canon is closed. Who is not submitting to these verses?)
then why would one be obedient to a personally delivered word? Because it satisfies the flesh. (This is truly inane. We're sorry for the harsh language, but the author jumps from one generalization to another in order to arrive at a completely specious conclusion.
Most egregiously, she hasn't cited a single example of what she fears is happening, or a Bible verse that documents her claims.)
When you read of whispers and direct revelations, it's usually along the lines of 'You're great.' 'You're cherished'. 'I have a great career in store for you.' (Again misrepresenting what actually happens in prophetic churches.
In addition, the author appears to be complete unacquainted with the teachings of Scripture. Ha she never read 1Co. 14:3? But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. The prophetic word in the congregational setting is intended to be uplifting.)
Did you ever hear of someone saying they received a direct revelation that announced 'You wretch, mortifly (sic) your flesh immediately!' Or, 'Your sin of adultery must end!' No. (Yes! All the time! Here's one. And another. And another. And another. And another.
And this one specifically addresses the issue the author raises. These corrective prophetic words are widespread and common. The prophetic call to holiness is prevalent in the charismatic circles.
Basically, the author is ignorant. She hasn't taken the time to find out what the nature of contemporary prophecy really is, preferring to make armchair accusations.
But most importantly, what happens today is not relevant to the biblical case. Even if every single contemporary prophetic expression was mistaken or false, this would say nothing about if there should be prophecy.)
Imagine receiving the word Isaiah received when he got his call from God in chapter 6. After Isaiah listened to the direct revelation, he asked of God, how long will this ministry go on? Yahweh replied:
Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant, Houses are without people, And the land is utterly desolate, (Isaiah 6:11).
Wow, quite the downer. This is quite a different revelation than, for example, Joanna Gaines, who said she heard God say very clearly, "Joanna, if you trust me with your dreams I will take Magnolia further than you can ever dream."
In fact, what was happening was that Joanna was unwilling to obey the already given biblical precepts for motherhood (staying at home raising kids) until she received a 'direct revelation' affirming that her inner desire to be a career woman would eventually be fulfilled. 'God' assured her that this will happen, so then she obeyed. This is a prime example of which I speak. (The author finds a shallow encouraging word, and thus concludes that every prophecy is the same.)
Jonathan Edwards said of personal visions and revelations: [emphasis mine] (Ah, so she can quote a reference. Unfortunately, not the Bible.)
XI. It is no sign that affections are right, or that they are wrong, that they make persons that have them exceeding confident that what they experience is divine, and that they are in a good estate.
Those that have had visions and impulses about other things, it has generally been to reveal such things as they are desirous and fond of... Neither is it any wonder, that when they have such a supposed revelation of their good estate, it raises in them the highest degree of confidence of it.
It is found by abundant experience, that those who are led away by impulses and imagined revelations, are extremely confident: they suppose that the great Jehovah has declared these and those things to them; and having his immediate testimony, a strong confidence is the highest virtue. Hence they are bold to say, I know this or that--I know certainly--I am as sure as that I have a being, and the like; and they despise all argument and inquiry in the case.
And above all things else, it is easy to be accounted for, that impressions and impulses about that which is so pleasing, so suiting their self-love and pride, as their being the dear children of God, distinguished from most in the world in his favor, should make them strongly confident; especially when with their impulses and revelations they have high affections, which they take to be the most eminent exercises of grace. Jonathan Edwards Religious Affections, part 2
Obey the word as it is given. Isn't it enough? (If Paul thought prophecy was required, that's good enough for us...)
Won't it take a lifetime and an eternity to plumb its depths? Ladies please don't seek further words. His word is sufficient, authoritative, and final. (All quite true. Unfortunately, this does not come to bear on NT prophetic expression.)
Jer. 32:20 You performed miraculous signs and wonders in Egypt and have continued them to this day, both in Israel and among all mankind, and have gained the renown that is still yours.But more to the point, the argument is actually irrelevant. Even if God wasn't speaking during that period, it still doesn't address what He might or might not be speaking at other times.)
So, God obviously operates in different ways. (This is interesting, since cessationists often demand the OT prophecy must be the same as NT prophecy, i.e., the nature of prophecy can't have changed. But apparently the way God does things can change.)
He always has. We know the Bible is sufficient for all our needs. (2 Peter 1:3; 2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible must be sufficient. (Again, let's quote the cited Scriptures:
2Pe. 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2Ti. 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness...The first Scripture does not mention the Scriptures, it tells us about His divine power. The second tells us all Scripture comes from God. It does not tell us that the Bible is all there is.
Neither Scripture documents the author's claim.)
But I'm writing about a different reason to cling to the already-delivered word and not to seek a fresh word through an impression, impulse, or whisper.
Obedience. (Hmm. She finally gets to her topic.)
Expecting or desiring future revelation destroys current obedience. (I hope she documents this claim.)
People who sit around waiting for personal directions or individually crafted guidance are actually planning to be disobedient. (??)
These people do not believe the Bible is authoritative, because it is not final. (Hmm. Apparently it is not possible to accept the Bible's teaching on NT prophecy and still believe the canon is closed. But we have already demonstrated that this premise is completely false.
This is what her argument pivots upon. Therefore, if it is possible to have prophecy and still have a closed canon, the author's argument has nothing to stand on.)
For example, if one accepts additional revelation, then one can more easily think, 'I won't follow THIS command, because there could be another command later (that I like better).' (Continuing in her carefully constructed non sequitur, the author speculates on what hypothetical people are thinking.
She has a truly odd idea as to what constitutes prophecy, as if every person who believes God speaks today is picking and choosing commands from God. This generalization is not backed up with citations or examples.
As if cessationists don't pick and choose what Scriptures they will follow...)
If one is not obedient to study the word as it is now, (Another generalization. Who does this? On what basis does the author claim that these people do not study the Word?)
including submitting to the verses which show the canon is closed, (Most every Christian believes the canon is closed. Who is not submitting to these verses?)
then why would one be obedient to a personally delivered word? Because it satisfies the flesh. (This is truly inane. We're sorry for the harsh language, but the author jumps from one generalization to another in order to arrive at a completely specious conclusion.
Most egregiously, she hasn't cited a single example of what she fears is happening, or a Bible verse that documents her claims.)
When you read of whispers and direct revelations, it's usually along the lines of 'You're great.' 'You're cherished'. 'I have a great career in store for you.' (Again misrepresenting what actually happens in prophetic churches.
In addition, the author appears to be complete unacquainted with the teachings of Scripture. Ha she never read 1Co. 14:3? But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. The prophetic word in the congregational setting is intended to be uplifting.)
Did you ever hear of someone saying they received a direct revelation that announced 'You wretch, mortifly (sic) your flesh immediately!' Or, 'Your sin of adultery must end!' No. (Yes! All the time! Here's one. And another. And another. And another. And another.
And this one specifically addresses the issue the author raises. These corrective prophetic words are widespread and common. The prophetic call to holiness is prevalent in the charismatic circles.
Basically, the author is ignorant. She hasn't taken the time to find out what the nature of contemporary prophecy really is, preferring to make armchair accusations.
But most importantly, what happens today is not relevant to the biblical case. Even if every single contemporary prophetic expression was mistaken or false, this would say nothing about if there should be prophecy.)
Imagine receiving the word Isaiah received when he got his call from God in chapter 6. After Isaiah listened to the direct revelation, he asked of God, how long will this ministry go on? Yahweh replied:
Until cities are devastated and without inhabitant, Houses are without people, And the land is utterly desolate, (Isaiah 6:11).
Wow, quite the downer. This is quite a different revelation than, for example, Joanna Gaines, who said she heard God say very clearly, "Joanna, if you trust me with your dreams I will take Magnolia further than you can ever dream."
In fact, what was happening was that Joanna was unwilling to obey the already given biblical precepts for motherhood (staying at home raising kids) until she received a 'direct revelation' affirming that her inner desire to be a career woman would eventually be fulfilled. 'God' assured her that this will happen, so then she obeyed. This is a prime example of which I speak. (The author finds a shallow encouraging word, and thus concludes that every prophecy is the same.)
Jonathan Edwards said of personal visions and revelations: [emphasis mine] (Ah, so she can quote a reference. Unfortunately, not the Bible.)
XI. It is no sign that affections are right, or that they are wrong, that they make persons that have them exceeding confident that what they experience is divine, and that they are in a good estate.
Those that have had visions and impulses about other things, it has generally been to reveal such things as they are desirous and fond of... Neither is it any wonder, that when they have such a supposed revelation of their good estate, it raises in them the highest degree of confidence of it.
It is found by abundant experience, that those who are led away by impulses and imagined revelations, are extremely confident: they suppose that the great Jehovah has declared these and those things to them; and having his immediate testimony, a strong confidence is the highest virtue. Hence they are bold to say, I know this or that--I know certainly--I am as sure as that I have a being, and the like; and they despise all argument and inquiry in the case.
And above all things else, it is easy to be accounted for, that impressions and impulses about that which is so pleasing, so suiting their self-love and pride, as their being the dear children of God, distinguished from most in the world in his favor, should make them strongly confident; especially when with their impulses and revelations they have high affections, which they take to be the most eminent exercises of grace. Jonathan Edwards Religious Affections, part 2
Obey the word as it is given. Isn't it enough? (If Paul thought prophecy was required, that's good enough for us...)
Won't it take a lifetime and an eternity to plumb its depths? Ladies please don't seek further words. His word is sufficient, authoritative, and final. (All quite true. Unfortunately, this does not come to bear on NT prophetic expression.)
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