Prophecy
God’s voice to His people — revealing His will, warning, and promise.
Original Word: נָבִיא (navi) / προφήτης (prophētēs)
Reference: Genesis 20:7
Meaning: Navi: one who is called or appointed to speak for God. Prophētēs: a foreteller, forth-teller, or spokesman inspired by God.
In Genesis 20:7, Abraham is called a prophet (navi), showing that prophecy involves speaking on God’s behalf, not only predicting the future.
Prophecy is God’s communication of truth, often through chosen messengers, to reveal His character, will, and future plans.
In the Bible, prophecy is not merely prediction; it also calls God’s people to faithfulness in the present.
Prophets spoke with authority from God, confronting sin, offering hope, and revealing what was to come.
Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, the Word made flesh, perfectly revealing the Father and fulfilling all God’s promises.
The Purpose of Prophecy
Prophecy reveals God’s heart and purposes, calling people to repentance, offering comfort, and assuring them of His promises.
It is meant to lead God’s people to trust Him, obey His Word, and hold fast to His covenant.
Prophecy in the Old Testament
God raised up prophets like Moses, Samuel, Isaiah, and Jeremiah to speak His word to Israel.
They warned against sin, called for justice and mercy, and pointed forward to the coming Messiah.
Prophecy in the New Testament
John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy.
In Christ, all God’s promises find their fulfillment, and the apostles continued to speak God’s revealed truth by the Spirit.
The Ongoing Role of Prophecy
While the prophetic office in Scripture was unique, God still gifts His people today to speak truth in line with His Word.
All prophecy must be tested against Scripture, the final and sufficient revelation of God.
Scripture References
- Genesis 20:7
- Deuteronomy 18:18–22
- Isaiah 7:14
- Isaiah 53
- Jeremiah 1:4–10
- Amos 3:7
- Matthew 11:9–14
- Luke 24:25–27
- Acts 2:16–21
- 1 Corinthians 14:1–5
- 2 Peter 1:19–21
- Revelation 19:10
Prophecy is God’s gracious act of making His truth known. It reminds us that He is not silent, but speaks to guide, warn, and encourage His people. In Jesus Christ, the ultimate Prophet, God’s word is fulfilled, and His purposes are revealed for all to see.
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