Last night I recorded a discussion with Adrian Warnock on cessationism. It will be available this coming Saturday — Premier Christian radio site will stream live on Saturday at 9:30am ET or 2:30pm UK.These are precisely my questions when I hear people claim, "God said to me," or "I felt God telling me..." Is Scripture not clear and sufficient? Has God promised to add to his authoritative and unerring word, a less authoritative, unclear, and possibly erring word?
As I hope the discussion will make clear, I know and understand that responsible continuationists affirm the doctrine of sola Scriptura. What I do not yet know, despite repeated questioning, is why they do.
My trouble is this. I have no category in my mind for prophecy lite, or Word of God kinda, or deutero-God-said.
If Henry Smith says, “God said x, y, and z to me,” that claim is either true or false. If it true, then what is the distinction in authoritative status between what God said to Henry Smith and what God said to Jeremiah? What possible basis could I have for taking one of them less seriously?
It is a serious question, and while I believe we had a robust and charitable discussion, I don’t believe it was addressed.
You may want to read my thoughts on Sarah Young's Jesus Calling.
5 comments:
Miss Young and new testament prophecy are 2 different categories.
Miss Young and new testament prophecy are 2 different categories.
I am not sure I understand your point. I disagree with Grudem on the gift of prophecy. But there is a strong connection between what Sarah Young claims and how Grudem explains the contemporary gift of prophecy. In both cases God's voice is not as authoritative or accurate as Scripture but is nevertheless God speaking. Troubling...
I see what you are saying Todd. I have not read Sarah Young, but just recently looked at Grudem and Carson on the gifts. They helpfully point out that there is an obvious difference in new testament prophecy vs. old testament prophecy. New testament prophecy is to be tested. Do we see that in the OLD? Also to disregard prophesy in our time is to make 1 corinthians 14 vs. 1 void don't you think. Or maybe Paul should have said "especially that you may prophesy, but only until the apostles die, then disregard".
Heath,
I do not accept Grudem's reading of those texts. There are very effective responses to his understanding of NT prophesy. What I am saying in the post is that Grudem's understanding of prophesy must accept the premise of "Jesus Calling."
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