In this chapter:
» The Character of the New Prophecy
» The New Prophecy's Message

Before examining the movement's new prophecy, it is important to lay a foundation about prophecy from God's word.

We are not talking about personal guidance or insight God gives us through His Holy Spirit and His word. We are not talking about the New Testament gift of prophecy- the ability to understand and explain what God has already revealed in the written scriptures. What they teach is called "restorationism" - that God has now "restored" the "office of prophet" to the present day church. In practice, they are bringing the position and function of the Old Testament prophet into the New Testament church.

Many have come forward claiming authority as 'prophets,' who speak in first person for God; men such as Rick Joyner, Paul Cain, Bob Jones (not the Bob Jones of Bob Jones University), John Paul Jackson, Marc Dupont, Francis Frangipane, and countless others who have now followed their lead.

Let's look at a few important concepts from the word to keep in mind as we go on:

1. We are forbidden to add new teachings that go beyond what God's word teaches:
   1Cor 4:6, Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to exceed what is written…

   2Jn 1:9, Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God…

   Deut 4:2, You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it…

   Prov 30:5-6, Every word of God is tested… Do not add to His words, Lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar.

   Rev 22:18, I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book…
   The book of Revelation takes us through all future events, to the end of time, and ends with this command. When the Bible was completed, God was finished revealing the unknown. Any new prophecy would have to fit within the time frame of the book of Revelation and would therefore add to its prophecy. The one who presumes to do so is given strong warning of the consequences!

2. God has warned us that false prophets will come to us: Are we prepared to recognize them?
   Mark 13:22-23, For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order, if possible, to lead the elect astray. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.
   The new prophets say God is giving new information we can't afford to miss. Jesus says He has told us everything in advance.

3. One false prophecy is all it takes to reveal someone as a false prophet:
   Deut 18:20-22, But the prophet who shall speak a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak... that prophet shall die. And you may say in your heart, `How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?' When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously.
   This passage is clear that, if a prophet is truly from God, he will be absolutely, 100% accurate. These new prophets are usually wrong when they prophesy about events- but they claim God told them (in a new prophecy) that this rule no longer applies.  (1) 
   Jesus said ''the scripture cannot be broken'' and ''Until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass away. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and so teaches others, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven.'' (Jn 10:35, Mt 5:18-19)

4. The 'office of Prophet' and 'Apostle' were for previous times:
   Heb 1:1-2, God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son.

   Eph 2:19-22, You are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets…

   1Cor 4:9 God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.

5. Prophecy may be a test of our faith:
   Deut 13:1-5, If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, `Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God is testing you to find out if you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
   The only way to know if prophecy is being sent as a test from God is to examine the content and compare it to the scriptures. If the message is not consistent with God's word -if the god presented is not absolutely consistent with the God of the Bible- we need to turn away to pass the test.
   God called the Berean Christians noble-minded because "they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so" (Acts 17:11). The way we know any idea 'is so' is by seeing what the scriptures say about it. They are the reference point for everything in the Christian life.

6. God's word is superior to new prophecies. It is completely trustworthy and meets every need:
   2Tim 3:13-17, But evil men and impostors will proceed from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. You, however, continue in …the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.