Are All Prophets?
By Art Dmytriyev
Yancey County
The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:28 (KJV): “… God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” The first, second, and third categories are apostles, prophets, and teachers. Have you ever wondered why it is like this? It might be a subject for another time, but now let us turn our attention to the prophecy as a gift of the Holy Spirit.
The gift of prophecy is given by God for building up His church and the common good of all. This gift is given by the Holy Spirit. Just like all the spiritual gifts we can be given, the gift of prophecy is relevant and important for this current time. Having the gift of prophecy means a person receives messages or insight from God. It does not change who a person is.
Have you ever wondered if you or someone else you know has this gift? Perhaps, identifying it may be a challenge. Here are several Bible-based suggestions to test the true gift of prophecy.
First, it always goes along with the Bible. “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20 KJV).
Second, this gift uplifts Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer who became flesh and dwelled among us (John 1:14). In Revelation 19:10 (KJV), it states: “… for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Third, true prophets always practice what they preach. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:15–16 KJV).
Fourth, anyone with the prophetic gift always glorifies God! ”Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:13–14 KJV).
Finally, all prophecy about the future comes to pass as proof of the genuineness of the gift! “The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him.” (Jeremiah 28:9 KJV).
One of the most prominent co-founders of the Seventh-day Adventist church, Ellen G. White, demonstrated the gift of prophecy and also met the criteria of the above tests of a prophet. The book Great Controversy by this author has stood the test of time and brought many souls to the Saviour. (You may download it here for free: https://greatcontroversyproject.org/ ). Here’s a sample quote from this book: “In His word, God has committed to men the knowledge necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are to be accepted as an authoritative, infallible revelation of His will. They are the standard of character, the revealer of doctrines, and the test of experience.” (Page vii.1).
Dear reader, please delay no longer! Pray to the Father now about the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Perhaps, you already have it, then use it to God’s glory and for His Kingdom! May the Lord Bless You!
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Pastor Art Dmytriyev is originally from Siberia. He has traveled the world in Evangelism and pastoral ministry. He serves as a pastor in North Carolina, holds a Master of Divinity degree, and is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate. More information at: https://burnsvillenc.adventistchurch.org/pastors-blog
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