What is the purpose of prophecy?

Prophecy is a fundamental aspect of the biblical narrative, woven intricately into the tapestry of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation. Understanding the purpose of prophecy requires a deep dive into its multifaceted role in the divine revelation and redemptive history. As a non-denominational Christian pastor, I will explore the purpose of prophecy by examining its biblical foundations, theological significance, and practical implications for believers today.

Prophecy as Divine Revelation

At its core, prophecy serves as a means of divine revelation. Throughout the Bible, God communicates His will, purposes, and plans to humanity through prophets. These prophets are chosen individuals who receive and deliver messages from God, often concerning future events, moral guidance, or divine judgment. The primary purpose of prophecy, therefore, is to reveal God's character and His sovereign plan for creation.

In the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel were instrumental in conveying God's messages to the people of Israel. For instance, Isaiah's prophecies about the coming Messiah (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7) reveal God's plan for salvation and the establishment of His kingdom. Similarly, the book of Revelation in the New Testament unveils the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through visions given to the Apostle John.

Prophecy as a Call to Repentance and Righteousness

Another significant purpose of prophecy is to call people to repentance and righteousness. Prophets often addressed the moral and spiritual failings of their contemporaries, urging them to turn back to God. This prophetic call to repentance is evident in the ministries of prophets like Jonah, who was sent to Nineveh to warn of impending judgment unless the city repented (Jonah 3:4-10).

The prophetic messages of judgment and hope serve as reminders of God's holiness and justice, as well as His mercy and grace. They underscore the importance of living in accordance with God's will and provide opportunities for individuals and communities to realign their lives with God's standards. The prophet Micah encapsulates this call to righteousness succinctly: "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (Micah 6:8, NIV).

Prophecy as Assurance of God's Sovereignty

Prophecy also serves to assure believers of God's sovereignty over history. The fulfillment of prophetic predictions demonstrates that God is in control and that His purposes will ultimately prevail. This assurance is particularly evident in the messianic prophecies fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For example, the prophecy in Micah 5:2 about the Messiah being born in Bethlehem was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:1-6).

The fulfillment of prophecy strengthens the faith of believers, providing evidence that God's word is trustworthy and reliable. It reassures us that, despite the uncertainties and challenges of life, God's plan is unfolding according to His divine timetable. This assurance is a source of hope and encouragement, especially in times of trial and tribulation.

Prophecy as a Foretaste of the Future

Prophecy often provides a foretaste of future events, giving believers a glimpse of what is to come. This aspect of prophecy is particularly prominent in apocalyptic literature, such as the books of Daniel and Revelation. These prophetic visions reveal the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, the final defeat of evil, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1-4).

The purpose of these future-oriented prophecies is not merely to satisfy curiosity about the end times but to inspire believers to live with a sense of urgency and purpose. Knowing that God's kingdom will ultimately prevail motivates us to remain faithful, to persevere in our faith, and to participate actively in God's mission in the world. As Jesus said, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come" (Matthew 24:42, NIV).

Prophecy as a Means of Encouragement and Comfort

Prophecy also serves to encourage and comfort believers, especially in times of difficulty and persecution. The prophetic promises of God's presence, protection, and ultimate victory provide strength and hope to those who are suffering. For example, the prophet Isaiah offers words of comfort to the exiled Israelites, assuring them of God's faithfulness and the promise of restoration: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10, NIV).

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of prophecy as a gift that builds up the church, providing encouragement and consolation: "But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort" (1 Corinthians 14:3, NIV). Prophetic words can bring reassurance and hope, reminding us of God's presence and His promises even in the midst of trials.

Prophecy as a Test of Faithfulness

Prophecy also serves as a test of faithfulness, both for the prophets themselves and for those who hear their messages. True prophets are called to deliver God's message faithfully, regardless of the personal cost. This often involves speaking unpopular truths and confronting powerful interests, as seen in the ministries of prophets like Elijah and Jeremiah. Their faithfulness to God's call, even in the face of opposition and persecution, serves as a model for all believers.

For those who hear prophetic messages, the challenge is to discern the truth and respond in faith and obedience. The Bible warns of false prophets who claim to speak for God but lead people astray (Jeremiah 23:16-17, Matthew 7:15). Believers are called to test prophetic messages against the truth of Scripture and the character of God. The Apostle John advises, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1, NIV).

Prophecy as a Witness to God's Redemptive Plan

Ultimately, prophecy serves as a witness to God's redemptive plan for humanity. From the promise of a Savior in Genesis 3:15 to the vision of the new creation in Revelation 21-22, prophecy reveals the unfolding story of God's salvation. This redemptive plan centers on the person and work of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and inaugurates the kingdom of God.

The prophetic witness to Jesus is highlighted in the New Testament, where the apostles frequently refer to Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate that Jesus is the promised Messiah. For example, Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost cites the prophecy of Joel to explain the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:16-21), and Philip uses the prophecy of Isaiah to share the gospel with the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:30-35).

Conclusion

In summary, the purpose of prophecy is multifaceted, encompassing divine revelation, a call to repentance and righteousness, assurance of God's sovereignty, a foretaste of the future, encouragement and comfort, a test of faithfulness, and a witness to God's redemptive plan. Prophecy reveals the heart and mind of God, calling us to align our lives with His purposes and to live in the hope of His promises.

As believers, we are invited to engage with prophetic Scripture, to discern its meaning, and to respond in faith and obedience. In doing so, we participate in the unfolding story of God's kingdom and bear witness to the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Prophecy, therefore, is not merely a distant or abstract concept but a living and dynamic aspect of our faith, shaping our understanding of God and our place in His redemptive plan.