If the Israelite institution of prophecy began shortly after the creation of the David monarchy and ended a generation or two after its dissolution. ..... What are the reasons for the cessation of prophecy in the covenant community?
2006-10-31 14:30:59 · 9 answers · asked by smones g 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The role of a prophet is to be God's voice to the people. This may include some prediction of future events, but most of the time it is present truth for current situations. While it is true that the prophets as recorded in the Bible started around the time of David, the Bible reveals God's use of prophets much earlier than this. Noah was a prophet of God who predicted a flood, and built the ark to house all who would believe God's invitation of mercy. Abraham was a prophet. God spoke directly to Abraham, and Christ even met him at his tent to discuss the distruction of Sodom. There were many other prophets who lived well before the time of David. Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon etc.
The gift of prophecy was given to those who had faith in God and who kept His commandments. Thus, Noah believed God and was righteous. Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Abraham believed God and refused even to withhold his son from the Lord. The same could be said for the rest of the prophets. They had a combination of faith and obedience that opened the way for them to receive instruction from God. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekial, Daniel. The list goes on.
In the NT we see the same thing. Peter, Paul, John, James, Timothy and many others in the apostolic church were trusted with truths from God because of their faith in God and obedience to the Law of God. All the gifts of the Spirit were given to the church to extend down to the end of time. These gifts were given to nurture the church and bring it into full maturity, reflecting the character of Christ. Hence, because the church has not yet reached the full measure of Christ, we can be sure that all the gifts of the Spirit are still available to church, including the gift of prophecy.
Why then the drought of these gifts so needed by the church in end times? It seems that the gift of prophecy died out with the death of John, and there was a long period of spiritual darkness that fell on the church during the middle ages. This is not surprising when one considers that the doctrine of salvation by faith and faith alone was replaced by the Catholic doctrine of salvation by faith and works. No longer were Christians trusting wholly in God for salvation, but were taught to look to self. In addition, the Sabbath of the 10 Commandments was changed to Sunday, making obedience to the Law of God almost nonexistent. With an absence of true faith and a lack of obedience to the Law, the Spirit's guidance through the use of prophets was severely stunted.
The reformers rediscovered the doctrine of salvation by faith in the 16th century. In addition, obedience to all 10 of the commandments began to be preached again in the mid 19the century. Thus, God again had a people who have the faith of Jesus and keep the commandments of God, and the gifts of the spirit, including prophecy returned to the church.
2006-10-31 16:00:33 · answer #1 · answered by 19jay63 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prophesy started long before the line of David was established and who said it ended a generation or two after its dissolution?
Or did you mean the Line of Abraham?
I think you are confused.
2006-10-31 22:34:02 · answer #2 · answered by Paul S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some might say that prophets function to speak truth to power, and therefore a monarchy would be the proper place for a prophet to function, to make sure the king had the interests of the people in mind.
rev. B
2006-10-31 22:34:26 · answer #3 · answered by carwheelsongravel1975 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow, that made absolutely no sense to me. Good thing I'm Agnostic or I would be confused over this type of stuff everyday. Hope you find out the answer.
2006-10-31 22:33:05 · answer #4 · answered by SGT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prophecy began centuries earlier...
2006-10-31 22:36:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Disbelief,no belief.
2006-10-31 22:34:26 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would you think a priest has answers? Ask God.
2006-10-31 22:34:44 · answer #7 · answered by gwhiz1052 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, just the victim of one!
2006-10-31 22:32:13 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
whoaa!? your question need a higher religion person to answer.
2006-10-31 22:33:47 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋