The Bible teaches that while God primarily speaks through His written Word and the person of Jesus Christ, He still communicates with His people today. However, the role of a “prophet” has shifted since the completion of the New Testament. Rather than bringing new doctrinal revelations or writing new Scripture, modern prophetic ministry involves speaking words of encouragement, correction, or direction that must always align perfectly with the Bible.
The Foundation of God’s Speech
To understand how God speaks today, we first need to look at how He has spoken throughout history. In the Old Testament, prophets were the primary mouthpiece of God, often delivering “thus saith the Lord” messages to kings and nations. These men and women were the guardians of God’s covenant. However, the book of Hebrews tells us that a massive shift occurred when Jesus arrived on the scene.
Hebrews 1:1-2 Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.
Jesus is the ultimate “Word” of God. Everything the Father wanted to say about salvation, holiness, and His own character was perfectly expressed in the life and ministry of Jesus. Because of this, we no longer look for new prophets to tell us how to be saved or how to define God. The “foundation” of the church was laid by the original apostles and prophets, and now we build upon that finished work by looking to Christ.
Understanding the Gift of Prophecy Today
While the office of a “canonical” prophet (those who wrote the Bible) is closed, the New Testament suggests that the “gift of prophecy” continues within the local church. Paul encouraged believers in the early church to desire this gift because it serves a very specific purpose. It isn’t about predicting the future like a crystal ball or adding new chapters to the Bible; it’s about building up the people of God.
1 Corinthians 14:3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.
Think of modern prophecy as “forth-telling” rather than “fore-telling.” It is often a timely, Spirit-led application of biblical truth to a specific situation. Someone might feel a “nudge” from the Holy Spirit to share a specific verse or a word of comfort with a friend who is grieving. This isn’t about being an infallible messenger; it’s about being a vessel that God uses to remind His children that He sees them and loves them in their current moment.
The Golden Rule: Test Everything
The biggest danger in discussing modern prophets is the risk of being misled by people who claim to speak for God but are actually following their own imaginations. Because we are human and “see things imperfectly” (1 Corinthians 13:12), any word claimed to be from God must be tested. We should never blindly follow a person just because they claim to have a “word from the Lord.”
The Bible is our final authority and the measuring stick for all spiritual experiences. If someone gives a “prophetic word” that contradicts the clear teaching of Scripture, that word is false. For example, if someone claims God told them it’s okay to leave their spouse for someone else, we know that isn’t from God because it goes against His Word. We are called to be discerning and wise, holding onto what is good and rejecting what is false.
How the Holy Spirit Guides Us
God’s primary way of speaking to you today is through the Holy Spirit illuminating the Bible. As you read the Scriptures, the Spirit often “highlights” a truth that applies directly to your life. This is a form of God speaking. He also uses the “still, small voice” in our conscience and the wise counsel of other believers to guide our steps.
Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would lead us into all truth. This means that God is not silent. He is actively involved in your life, guiding your decisions and shaping your character. Whether He uses a sermon, a prayer, or a specific “word” from a brother or sister in Christ, His goal is always the same: to point you closer to Jesus and help you live out your purpose in His kingdom.
The Takeaway
God does still speak today, but His voice will never contradict the Bible. While the era of writing new Scripture is over, the Holy Spirit still uses the gift of prophecy to encourage, comfort, and strengthen the church. Our responsibility is to stay deeply rooted in the Word of God so we can discern His true voice from the noise of the world.
