BIBLICAL BRIEFS 96
There are many believers who in all sincerity call themselves prophets, but unfortunately they are sincerely wrong in what they prophesy. A prophetic word in the new covenant is always consistent with God’s greater agenda, always correlating with the Bible and the character of God, always true, and never causes fear. One of the most important aspects of prophecy in the new covenant is that it is not like the prophecies in the old covenant, an era of law and judgment, of hail, fire and brimstone. One of the most important facts in regards to the new covenant is that the total capacity of the “God of vengeance” (Ps. 94:1) was completed in 70 AD, once and for all, with the terrifying judgment of the Jews (Matt. 3:7; 23:35-36; Luke 21:22-23) who rejected the Messiah. The passing of the old covenant, as well as the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem (Rev. 15:1: 1Thes. 1:16), were two of the pivotal signs of this calamity. We are, not now, nor ever in the future, at the receiving end of God’s revenge or anger. God does not punish with a tsunami or a drought – we are “saved by Jesus from the wrath” of God (Rom. 5: 9). Several Scriptures in the New Testament (e.g. Eph. 5:6 and Col. 3:6) refer to the event in 70 AD, and NOT to an undefined time in the future! Jesus saved us “from the wrath to come” (1Thes. 1:10). Remember – one can prove anything by means of Bible verses – the use of the Word does not necessarily prove that what you are trying to argue, is true. Back to prophecy – New Testament prophecy “speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation” (1Cor. 14: 3); it brings clarity and empowerment concerning God’s agenda, in order to attract the whole earth to Him through His goodness (Hos. 3: 5). Those who prophesy “presumptuously” (Deut. 18:22) do not prophesy in accordance with the new covenant reality – “they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them,’ declares the Lord.” (Jer. 29: 9). The Holy Spirit leads us in all truth (John 16:13). Do not allow every wind of teaching, doctrine or prophecy to toss you to and fro; we are not to drown in a sea of spiritual rumours.
Dr Tom Gouws
