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The author correctly describes revelation as "general" (the testimony of creation) and "special" (The things God speaks). However, he labors under the false idea that "special revelation" is synonymous with Scripture. This presumption, never documented, means he never gets to the point of even discussing the gift of prophecy.
First, what is revelation? Revelation, according to the Bible, is God communicating Himself and His plan to man. There are two types of revelation: Special and General. General revelation applies to the knowledge of God that comes from looking at nature and the universe. We can see God's handiwork in the universe and thus know that it was created by design. Where there is design there must be a Designer and thus we see that "The heavens declare the glory of God," (Psa. 19:1) The order and design of the universe prove they were created by someone with the power to do so.
Romans 1:18-25, states that all men can see God's handiwork and further that God reveals Himself through nature and therefore all men are with without excuse as to the knowledge of this existence of God the Creator.
Special revelation is God speaking directly to man, and that revelation being written under the "inspiration" of God, the Holy Spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:21) (This is incorrect. Let's quote the verses:
Further the Biblical Christian believes that although God is not speaking or giving new revelation today. (This is the matter to be demonstrated. We shall not permit the author to presume his premise.)
Romans 1:18-25, states that all men can see God's handiwork and further that God reveals Himself through nature and therefore all men are with without excuse as to the knowledge of this existence of God the Creator.
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen" (Rom. 1:18-25).
Special revelation is God speaking directly to man, and that revelation being written under the "inspiration" of God, the Holy Spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16, 2 Pet. 1:21) (This is incorrect. Let's quote the verses:
2Pe. 3:16 He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
2Pe. 1:21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Notice that neither verse tells us anything about "special revelation" being written down. We say this because God has given much "special revelation" [i.e. prophecy] that has not been written down [Agabus' prophecies, the prophecies of Philip's four daughters, King Saul's prophecies, the prophecies of Judas Silas, etc.].)
Special revelation is God's specific information and instructions to man. The sixty six books that comprise our Bible is special revelation from God. It tells us about God, His working with man throughout history, his past and future plans and, most of all, His plan of redemption which He has unfolded through the centuries in the coming of the Redeemer Jesus Christ. From the Bible we learn how the earth and universe came into being, who were the first man and woman, how sin came into the world, of Satan's destructive work, of what is sin, of God's plan for the Savior, of the history and purpose of God's chosen people, the nation of Israel, of Christ's coming, His life and atoning death, of the being of the institution of the local church, of its history and purpose and of the future events ending in a new heavens and earth.
The question is did God stop giving special revelation and if so when? (Indeed, this is the question as stated in the author's title. We hope he will answer this question, using the Bible.)
The question is did God stop giving special revelation and if so when? (Indeed, this is the question as stated in the author's title. We hope he will answer this question, using the Bible.)
Biblical Christians believe that God completed the progress of revelation with the writing of the Book of Revelation. They conclude that in the sixty six Books of the Bible, God has said everything to man He desired to say and God's revelation to man was completed by 95 A.D. when the Apostle John finished the Book of Revelation. (This is the matter to be demonstrated. We shall not permit the author to presume his premise.)
Further the Biblical Christian believes that although God is not speaking or giving new revelation today. (This is the matter to be demonstrated. We shall not permit the author to presume his premise.)
He is illuminating His written and preserved Word for believers. Illuminating means that God is giving understanding of the principles of the Bible and these principles are totally sufficient to guide men in all matters of life and in any decisions that believers need to make. Thus there is no need of further revelation because the Bible as 2 Tim. 3:16 says, is "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (This verse does not tell us anything about "further revelation.")
In other words the Bible is complete and adequate and reveals to us all God wants us to know. (This verse does not tell us anything about "all God wants us to know.")
It is vital to understand that because we have the written revelation of God, the Bible, we do not need current revelation. (This is the matter to be demonstrated. We shall not permit the author to presume his premise.)
The revelation God has given is totally adequate to instruct us in the things of God today. (True, but this is a different thing from what the author just asserted.)
Not having God giving modern revelation in no way means we are lacking anything from God. The Bible as will be seen is absolute and complete and covers any subject or circumstance a man might encounter addressing matters directly or through guiding principles.
(The following categories are essentially the same thing repeated.)
The Canonization of the Bible Speaks Against God Giving New Revelation.
One of the strongest evidences against God giving new revelation today is that the Bible was canonized by the early churches. The completeness of the Scriptures was recognized by the early Christians in the sixty six Books of the Old and New Testament. All other "supposed" scripture has been universally rejected as being the Word God.
(...)
One of the strongest evidences against God giving new revelation today is that the Bible was canonized by the early churches. The completeness of the Scriptures was recognized by the early Christians in the sixty six Books of the Old and New Testament. All other "supposed" scripture has been universally rejected as being the Word God.
(...)
(We redacted this portion because none of it speaks to the author's claim. Canonization does has nothing to do with the prophetic gift.)
The Statements Against Adding or Taking Away from the Bible Speaks Against God Giving New Revelation.
Another strong reason for rejecting that modern day revelation is from God is taken from His very Word, the Bible.
Note the following Bible passages that warn about adding or taking away from the Scriptures:
When the canon of Scripture from God was complete God had said all He needed to say to man. This was true throughout the process of revelation. When Moses finished the Pentateuch under the inspiration of God there was no need of further revelation at that time. They had the Law and God's instruction to live their lives by. As time went on God through the other prophets revealed more and more truth about Himself and His plan for the World.
This process of revelation continued until the whole of God's plan was completely revealed with the completion of the Book of Revelation. Some would try to limit the warning of not adding or taking away from the Scriptures to just that of the Book of Revelation. However, its place as the last Book of the Bible and its revealing of what was past, present and future makes this limitation implausible (Rev. 1:19). God not only revealed the truth of John's day in the Book of Revelation, but in 18 of its 22 Chapters reveals what the future will hold until the end of this age and to eternity future. (But, but... If the Bible forbids adding to Scripture, then why did the OT prophets ignore these prohibitions? Why did the gospels get added to Scripture if Scripture forbids it? Why did Paul's letters become Scripture when adding to the Bible is not allowed?
Another strong reason for rejecting that modern day revelation is from God is taken from His very Word, the Bible.
Note the following Bible passages that warn about adding or taking away from the Scriptures:
Deut. 4:2, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you."
Deut. 12:32, "What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it."
Prov. 30:6, " Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar."
Rev. 22:18-19, "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book."
When the canon of Scripture from God was complete God had said all He needed to say to man. This was true throughout the process of revelation. When Moses finished the Pentateuch under the inspiration of God there was no need of further revelation at that time. They had the Law and God's instruction to live their lives by. As time went on God through the other prophets revealed more and more truth about Himself and His plan for the World.
This process of revelation continued until the whole of God's plan was completely revealed with the completion of the Book of Revelation. Some would try to limit the warning of not adding or taking away from the Scriptures to just that of the Book of Revelation. However, its place as the last Book of the Bible and its revealing of what was past, present and future makes this limitation implausible (Rev. 1:19). God not only revealed the truth of John's day in the Book of Revelation, but in 18 of its 22 Chapters reveals what the future will hold until the end of this age and to eternity future. (But, but... If the Bible forbids adding to Scripture, then why did the OT prophets ignore these prohibitions? Why did the gospels get added to Scripture if Scripture forbids it? Why did Paul's letters become Scripture when adding to the Bible is not allowed?
We are thankful indeed that Peter, James, and Luke did not interpret these Scriptures in the way the author does. And because of this we are quite certain that modern day prophecy is also not subject to these prohibitions.)
The Completeness of the Bible Speaks Against God Giving New Revelation.
Another evidence for the completion of God's revelation is that the Bible is totally sufficient for all man's needs today. (The below cited verse says "profitable," not "totally sufficient.")
The Completeness of the Bible Speaks Against God Giving New Revelation.
Another evidence for the completion of God's revelation is that the Bible is totally sufficient for all man's needs today. (The below cited verse says "profitable," not "totally sufficient.")
There is no need of any further revelation from God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphatically attest to the completeness and all sufficiency the scriptures. There is not one situation where man needs direction from God that cannot be found in the revealed principles of the Bible. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Source of Modern Revelation speaks against it being from God.
Another evidence against accepting modern day revelation is the source of such purported revelation. In every case the man, group or denomination that supports accepting new revelation is in gross doctrinal error or a cult. It is a fact that every cult such as the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, or false religion such as Islam are based on modern supposed revelation. No true Bible believing individuals or churches are offering any new revelation, but are diligently and faithfully preaching what God has revealed in His preserved Word which is the sixty six books of the Bible. One unmistakable and recognizable trait of a false preacher or church is its acceptance of modern day revelation. In every case the new revelation leads men away from God's truth and thus into doctrinal error and away from God. (The author conflates "modern revelation" with the writing of new Scriptures. These cults wrote new Scripture, but the gift of prophecy does not involve writing Scripture.)
If new revelation is not from God then where does it come from? Clearly it comes from delusions of deceived men and false prophets, but ultimately and clearly modern revelation does have a supernatural origin. However, the subtle and gross doctrinal errors of modern revelation is proof positive that its origin is the father of lies, Lucifer himself. Those who follow and purport modern revelation all claim they speak for God, but in truth will not be following God, but serving the Devil all the while claiming to lead me to God. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus warned for these false teachers saying "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Deuteronomy 32:16-17, records how Israel rebelled against God and worshiped false gods. Verse 17, God says their offerings were sacrificed to devils and not to God. False revelation is false religion and false religion is of the Devil. Paul in the New Testament also plainly states this truth in 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, says, "But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils."
Thus for these reasons all true Bible believing individuals and churches unequivocally reject that God is giving to men new revelation today.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphatically attest to the completeness and all sufficiency the scriptures. There is not one situation where man needs direction from God that cannot be found in the revealed principles of the Bible. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
The Source of Modern Revelation speaks against it being from God.
Another evidence against accepting modern day revelation is the source of such purported revelation. In every case the man, group or denomination that supports accepting new revelation is in gross doctrinal error or a cult. It is a fact that every cult such as the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh Day Adventists, or false religion such as Islam are based on modern supposed revelation. No true Bible believing individuals or churches are offering any new revelation, but are diligently and faithfully preaching what God has revealed in His preserved Word which is the sixty six books of the Bible. One unmistakable and recognizable trait of a false preacher or church is its acceptance of modern day revelation. In every case the new revelation leads men away from God's truth and thus into doctrinal error and away from God. (The author conflates "modern revelation" with the writing of new Scriptures. These cults wrote new Scripture, but the gift of prophecy does not involve writing Scripture.)
If new revelation is not from God then where does it come from? Clearly it comes from delusions of deceived men and false prophets, but ultimately and clearly modern revelation does have a supernatural origin. However, the subtle and gross doctrinal errors of modern revelation is proof positive that its origin is the father of lies, Lucifer himself. Those who follow and purport modern revelation all claim they speak for God, but in truth will not be following God, but serving the Devil all the while claiming to lead me to God. In Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus warned for these false teachers saying "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Deuteronomy 32:16-17, records how Israel rebelled against God and worshiped false gods. Verse 17, God says their offerings were sacrificed to devils and not to God. False revelation is false religion and false religion is of the Devil. Paul in the New Testament also plainly states this truth in 1 Corinthians 10:20-21, says, "But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils."
Thus for these reasons all true Bible believing individuals and churches unequivocally reject that God is giving to men new revelation today.
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