God has always spoken to His people through prophets. “Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). Prophecy did not end with the Bible. Joel foretold that in the last days God would pour out His Spirit and “your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28), and the New Testament lists prophets among Christ’s gifts to the church (Ephesians 4:11).
Revelation says God’s last-day people have “the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17), and “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). Seventh-day Adventists believe this gift was shown in the ministry of Ellen G. White (1827–1915). Her writings point people to Jesus and to the Bible, and they have guided the church in health, education and mission.
Her writings never replace the Bible. The Bible is the standard by which every teaching and every prophet is tested (Isaiah 8:20). God tells us not to despise prophecy, but to “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). In a world with many false prophets, that test keeps us safe. “Believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper” (2 Chronicles 20:20).
Key Bible verses
- Amos 3:7He revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
- Joel 2:28-29Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy.
- Ephesians 4:11-14Prophets given to the church.
- Revelation 12:17The testimony of Jesus Christ.
- Revelation 19:10The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
- Isaiah 8:20To the law and to the testimony.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Tap a reference to read it in the Bible.
Think about it
- How can we tell a true prophet from a false one, using the Bible?
- Why is it important that no prophet is ever placed above the Bible?
- 2 Chronicles 20:20 links believing God’s prophets with prospering. What does that mean for you?
