What is Biblical prophecy? In its simplest definition, it is speaking a message from God. Prophecy is the noun form, and prophesy is the verb form. To speak out a message from God, one must first hear from God.
Hearing from God is entirely Scriptural. Jeremiah 33: 2 This is what the Lord says—the Lord who made the earth, who formed and established it, whose name is the Lord: 3 Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come.[1] John 8: 47 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God. [2]
Old Testament Prophecy
During the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would come upon people for a time to enable them to get messages from God. These prophets heard a message from God for the kings and the people. Some only spoke the message. Others, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, wrote these messages down, and we have them as part of the Old Testament.
God had communicated something to the prophets, and they were speaking directly for Him. 2 Peter 1: 20 Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, 21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.[3] These messages were to foretell, encourage, give hope, and warn the people.
New Testament Prophecy
The way God spoke to His people changed after the death and resurrection of Jesus. This pivot point of the Kingdom allowed the coming of the Holy Spirit. Now, instead of the Spirit resting upon only a few, the Spirit resides in all believers. 1 Corinthians 3: 16 Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?[4]
Because of this, Jesus tells us that all believers can hear His voice. John 10: 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.[5] As we hear from God, we can also speak out His message to others. This ability is a gift of the Spirit. Romans 12: 6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. [6]
The Holy Spirit still speaks, though not to add to the Bible. 1 Corinthians 12-14 contains guidelines on how to use the gift of prophecy. God continues to speak to give us discernment about decisions in our everyday lives. Prophecy is not to be confused with the enemy’s fortune-telling. God still provides messages of encouragement, warning, and hope to strengthen us on our earthly faith journey.
What is Biblical prophecy? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/prophecy-of-messiah
[1-6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.