I was in a few discussions before and have heard what they teach in many churches and what they teach in many seminary schools: "The Bible canon is 66 books and the books are sealed, with no new revelation to come." Where have we come up with this teaching? Is it biblical,traditional, or just an assumption? Is it accurate or deceiving? When asked to back such a statement up with scripture, two verses are famously quoted and interpreted, or should I say more accurately, paraphrased, misquoted and misinterpreted: 1st Corinthians 13:8-10, and Revelation 22:18-19.

Bishops, Pastors, and Teachers will readily tell you that 1st Corinthians 13:8-10 says/means that all prophecy is over and done with, that GOD is not doing prophetic utterances or any of the other Spiritual gifts anymore for that matter. This is called "Cessationism" and a false understanding of "Dispensationalism". Let us clearly see just what 1st Corinthians 13:8-10 says:

"Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."

They take the words "when that which is perfect comes then that which is in part shall be done away" to mean that the Bible is perfect already and so therefore we need not anymore prophecy. This couldn't be any further from the truth! Healing goes right along with idea, and yet the Apostle James spoke about healing in his epistle. Apostle Paul later talked about the Prophetic gifting in the next chapter in a manner that teachers us how to recognize and utilize prophecy not only in their time, but our time as well. Apostle Paul would not contradict scripture or himself for Prophet Amos stated something that is key:

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy? " - Amos 3:7-8

Yet today, teachers are doing exactly the wrong that GOD spoke of through HIS Apostle and Prophets:

"And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the LORD. But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not." - Amos 2:11-12

You would readily say "That was Old Testament, we live by the New Testament now". If that be so, then stop reading the Old Testament! JESUS was spoken of in the OT before He appeared in the NT. In fact, I dare to teach you something: The NT didn't start until the Holy Spirit Came in the Book of Acts. JESUS Himself lived and was under the Old Covenant law. The fulfillment of that covenant was the death burial and resurrection. The seal of the New Covenant is the giving of the Holy Spirit. The four Gospels that we read are the bridge to the gap of OT and NT, which is why you see four OT Prophets walking in the Gospels: Prophets Moses, Elijah, & John the Baptist, and Prophetess Anna (Gospel of Luke). We are still in the days of "The Acts of the Apostles". How is this seeing that it was a Bible book? If you take notice, the Book of Acts is the ONLY N.T. book that does not end with a proper benediction, indicating that since it is a "history of the Church" book, the book is STILL being written today by you and I. Now that we are still in the time of the Apostles, we are to still adhere to and even recognize Apostles. The Apostles spoke and said this concerning the Word of GOD:

1st Thessalonians 5:16-21- Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. "Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings". Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

REVELATION 2:17-He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the "hidden manna", and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

REVELATION 10:3-4-And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, "Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not.""

REVELATION 19:11-13-And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; "and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself." And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

These verse show here that there is yet still more to be revealed. If the Word of GOD is living, then it is ever growing and it is ever revealing. To put it bluntly, to say that there is no new revelation is to actually speak heresy.

You would argue that Revelation says "don't add to or take away from the Bible", however this is an inaccurate quote of the Bible verses. This is exactly what is said by Apostle John in the Book of the Revelation o JESUS Christ:

REVELATION 22:18-19- For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

This statement is exactly what the Prophet Moses stated concerning the Torah:

Deuteronomy 12:32- What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

By the definition of our teacher today, the Prophets are guilty of "adding to the Word". Are the Prophets guilty? No, and the reason is simple: Moses was only speaking of the Torah. Just the same, Apostle John was only referring to his Book of Revelation. In fact, there are references to book in the Bible that people have not read due to destruction or man's editing:

"book of the Wars of the Lord (Num. 21: 14)
book of Jasher (Josh. 10: 13; 2 Sam. 1: 18)
book of the acts of Solomon (1 Kgs. 11: 41)
book of Samuel the seer (1 Chr. 29: 29)
book of Gad the seer (1 Chr. 29: 29)
book of Nathan the prophet (1 Chr. 29: 29; 2 Chr. 9: 29)
prophecy of Ahijah (2 Chr. 9: 29)
visions of Iddo the seer (2 Chr. 9: 29; 2 Chr. 12: 15; 2 Chr. 13: 22)
book of Shemaiah (2 Chr. 12: 15)
book of Jehu (2 Chr. 20: 34)
sayings of the seers (2 Chr. 33: 19)
an epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, earlier than our present 1 Corinthians (1 Cor. 5: 9)
possibly an earlier epistle to the Ephesians (Eph. 3: 3)
an epistle to the Church at Laodicea (Col. 4: 16)
The Book of Enoch, known to Apostle Jude (Jude 1: 14).

It is interesting to understand just how we came about with our present canon. Church history shows us that the Apostles and early Apostolic Fathers regarded the Book of Enoch and other writings (excluding Gospel of Judas, Gospel of Mary, and the like), however the Council of Nicea came up with a canon for the WESTERN Church. It is important to note that the Eastern Orthodox Church, our brothers that we barely speak/know of, regard such ancient writings still.

(For more information on that, I will be wring a forum on Church History, or you can look it up yourself in a Book called Church History In Plain Language by Bruce L. Shelley)

Writing of Epistles by Apostles is not a thing of the past for the Bible says in Hebrews "JESUS Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever more". This brings up a good question: What exactly is an Epistle?

An Epistle (Latin- Epistola), when employed in official state/governmental matters, was an imperial letter that stated the will of the Emperor as the law of the land. It is interesting to note that Apostles not only "prophecy" GOD's word, but have the authority to "decree a thing" (Job 22). A decree is an order made by a head of state or government and having the force of law. It does not necessarily mean "thus saith the LORD", for thats prophecy. It says "I decree this by my authority and righteousness in JESUS", and so long as it does not violate GOD's authority and rule in the Kingdom, it shall come to pass. You require evidence? Look at Paul's epistles: half of them say "I received this from the LORD", but the rest basically and LITERALLY said "This is not from the lord, BUT FROM ME". Do we pick and choose which writings say that and just omit it from the rest of what Paul said, or do we follow it as GOD's will spoken through His servant? Joseph had such authority perfectly described to him by Pharaoh in Genesis 41:38-44:

"38And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

39And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:

"Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph's hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt."

If you do not believe such, I'm sorry, but you have just missed the point and peek of your authority in the Kingdom. THIS is what is truly called "Kingdom living" and "Apostolic".

Any and all comments are welcome........

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Your words are very true, Bro. Pierce. All of it is true in fact.

This discussion was to enter into something ALOT deeper than you think however, because all that we are talking about is surface. The key is found within my comment:

"You would argue that Revelation says "don't add to or take away from the Bible", however this is an inaccurate quote of the Bible verses. This is exactly what is said by Apostle John in the Book of the Revelation o JESUS Christ:

REVELATION 22:18-19- For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
"

I'm not talking about adding writings from the PAST, because any true Bible student can understand all the points that we have placed.....

I'm hinting at advancement! :)
I agree. In seminary, I received a copy of the Nag Hammadi and I often use it in my studies. There are plenty of first and second century extra-biblical writings that were cast away during the Nicean and Trent Councils. Even the Dead Sea Scrolls(those that have been fully released) are all viable source references. That being said however, the Bible (with the Apocryphya, Nag Hammadi, and Dead Sea Scrolls) are still considered closed. There has not been new revelations revealed about Christ, or God. There has been however a surge of doctrinal proponents (of which we all participate in one form or another) that have been presented as infallible truths although we have come to discover that they are not infallible.

I believe what men consider new, fresh manna, or revelation, is simply a restating of words from antiquity. Prophets who prophepsy blessings,money, etc, we know to be false, but is there true evidence of men and women who are prophetic judges, prophetic symbols (such as Ezekiel, Isaiah, Hosea and Jesus) or anything else that is biblically considered as prophetic. My issue is that many of the prophets who proclaim extra biblical statements do so in a way that contradicts what they claim to state. If the Bible is still open and there is new (and I emphasize) NEW revelation knowledge, then there would be a means of communicating that to the entire catholic body of christ (universal church) without much dispute. We find now what was happening then, people writing and saying something with the hopes of being authenticated by God only to find out God wasnt doing the authenticating but Man was. Hotep and Shalom
At a time such as this,a great revealation has fell upon you!We need to believe as christians,that our faith allows us to hear from God,despite the critics and so-called learnth man.Paul had visions that came upon him due to his FAITH.I;ve read the lost books and many other relavant christian writings that some say makes you a heretic,but know this the inspire word of the Lord comes from knowing your Heart,Soul and Mind is in the right place,guided by the Faith you have in Jesus Christ!many will condem,but only one sits at the right hand of the Father.Being afraid to respond to the word of God is the greatest sin any man can commit.We don;t know today,who really is or isn;t a prophet but to believe just on the word given to our fore-fathers,is saying we don;t believe in the Living God!
Galatians3:25 says,
AFTER THE FAITH IS COME TO US,WE ARE NO LONGER,UNDER A SCHOOL MASTER!
In all honesty, THIS is exactly what I was waiting for and why I wrote this blog in the first place! LOL!

Bro. Neal, you said : "That being said however, the Bible (with the Apocryphya, Nag Hammadi, and Dead Sea Scrolls) are still considered closed."

By WHOSE consideration? What scriptural reference do you have to stand on for this comment?

"Prophets who prophesy blessings,money, etc, we know to be false, but is there true evidence of men and women who are prophetic judges, prophetic symbols (such as Ezekiel, Isaiah, Hosea and Jesus) or anything else that is biblically considered as prophetic."

We understand that there are false prophets out there that speak what the enemy says, however, I have to disagree with you on this comment. The Prophet's office does not strictly deal with judgment, but blessings as well. Scripture after scripture, Apostles and Prophet have pronounced blessings that either came from a "thus saith the LORD", or an Apostolic decree. To stay within the realm of "thus saith...." is to not be an Apostle or Prophet, but merely a parrot.

"If the Bible is still open and there is new (and I emphasize) NEW revelation knowledge, then there would be a means of communicating that to the entire catholic body of christ (universal church) without much dispute."

I disagree with that one just as well. The O.T. Prophets didn't always have their writings readily accepted by the people of GOD, neither did the N.T Apostles (take note of the dispute in Acts 15). Like legislation in our government, things take time and careful consideration by the Apostles and Prophets. Lets look at the Apostle Matthias for a main example. When they cast their lots, two men came out to be worthy candidates, and that is as far as man's wisdom can go. If we do not allow the Holy Spirit into the matter, then we will always come as far being stuck between two opinions: AGREE, or DISAGREE.

Its is interesting to know that a person's agreement with the Word of GOD does not make it the Word of GOD, it just says "according to your faith, be it unto you". Likewise, a person's disagreement does not make it false, it just says that you will not benefit from it.
Great reply my friend. Understand that blessings are from God through prophets and apostles. I only question those who make predictions that 1) don't correlate with written scripture, 2) do not come to pass the way the person proclaimed it and 3) does not build up the body of Christ (even when it is a word of correction, rebuke or instruction).

I completely understand why you wouldn't agree with me because we come from two very different faith and educational backgrounds. When I look at the scripture you used to support your argument (Revelation), I look at it from a finished perspective, the metaphorical perspective and the apocalyptical perspective. Which means, that I understand that it was written figuratively and metaphorically against the oppressive Roman government and written as a means of encouraging believers of that time to look for God's ultimate judgment of all oppressive regimes and deliverance of his people. When I look from those perspectives, I see that God's ultimate work of redemption was done on the cross and there is still more to come in the way of empowering and enabling his people to wait til he returns.
The O.T. Prophets didn't always have their writings readily accepted by the people of GOD, neither did the N.T Apostles (take note of the dispute in Acts 15). Like legislation in our government, things take time and careful consideration by the Apostles and Prophets. This is a true statement. Understanding that both OT and NT prophets were oral traditions until recorded decades later. In both cases, there were synods of scribes who approved what was to be included and excluded (both in the 5th century BCE and in the fourth century CE). That being said, when I made the statement of being able to communicate without dispute I'm speaking in reference to our time and ability to receive information. When both testaments were being compiled, there were like minded people involved in the process. We dont have that today especially since any and everyone can start a church or ministry. There are far too many dissenting voices for people to truly discern what is and is not from God today. There are those speaking for the entire body who have no idea about the body outside of their tradition (and I use that word loosely LOL). The reason the church may fall for the great deception of the anti-christ and his false prophet will be because we are not intently listening as Christ has instructed "he that has an ear let him hear..." To be honest, we are in desperate need of a clarion voiced prophet that will do so. I am of the belief that there are men and women who are doin so and are as you suggest being drowned out by false prophets portraying themselves as true prophets.

In the case of Mathias, man chose to cast lots not by instruction, but because they felt they needed to maintain a certain number. When challenged with a similar issue with Paul and Barnabus, they were chosen not by casting lots, but by the Holy Spirit. Again the issue is that man chose first because of legislation and when legislation was limited, they relied on the Holy Spirit.

Please understand that I am not saying that God does not speak today, He does because each Sunday after I preach and someone tells me that message was for them, that is a clear indication that He still speaks. Again, My issue is with the persons who proclaim that He is saying something TOTALLY NEW outside of what has already been recorded. I do not believe that is happening.
By the way, I know that prophets spoke blessings. I'm just talking about those only concerned with material wealth and the likes thereof.
Would I call you for my plumbing if you were my barber? Do you call a tax lawyer for a murder case? Yes, the Prophet is well rounded in the Kingdom matters, and yes they do have alot on their plate, for GOD has alot to say to His people, however, there is a such thing as "specializing in certain areas". Its interesting to look at King Josiah. When faced with a word concerning his kingdom that he found in the book of the Law, the High Priest contacted Prophetess Huldah. She was choosen out of all the other Prophets of that day. The Priest even bypassed Prophet Jeremiah, who just so happened to be his own son!

Is GOD saying multiple messages? No, however we only "know in part, and we prophecy in part", so therefore I will have one portion while you'll have another. Together, we make a larger piece of the puzzle. Rarely do you get two Prophets that say the same exact thing, or even get the same exact word from GOD. Can either one be wrong? Not really, if GOD tells each one to focus on a certain portion. The four Gospels is your BEST example. Why is Apostle/Prophet John's gospel different from Apostle Matthew's? Flipping from one view point of the same thing to another is called a "paradigm shift". I have no problem with a Prophet that focuses on our finances so long as he/she is sent from/authorized by GOD and led/empowered by the Holy Spirit for that purpose. After that assignment, its onto the next project for them.
Brother Greene,I love how this stirred up those with an ear.Lots of people take words and twist them to fit thier own wisdom.Your response that this is Kingdom living,amen.I will be one of those who says God still has something more to share with us that is not written in the bible,and some will say,I'm saying God missed it NOWAY! To those who have the mind for true study investagate[HIDDEN MANNA}Rev.2:17 and all relavent reading that goes along with it.My conclusion is we are picking each other apart for compliance,and it ain't happening here.If any of us today reached the plato that Paul did when he was showed the 3rd heaven,all our conversation would be new relavation,and it wouldn't be God saying something new,it would be us christians reaching anew level of understanding through the Holy Spirt.God has this worlds destiny carved in stone,but some of us open to the Living Gods,way of doing things know we go through this world at such a pace,we're all missing something.So as I said before Gal 3:25,I stand on it!
There are quite a few that have reached that "plato" that you speak of. It isn't something that you totally work for; you can do all the right things and still not see that level of revelation. It STILL deals with the grace of GOD.
Thats my point,Brother Greene.My comment was to the fact that God isn't through speaking to us.And whoever is fortunate enough to receive a word from God will be considered a prophet if,that person isn't labelled anti-christ.My response was to the people that say God is done speaking to us,thats not true,He's a living God,and some people that HE is speaking to are afraid to say ,do to this religous enviroment we live in,that only certain people are qualified to receive His word.Basically I agree wholeheartedly with your blog and would encourage all to seek Him with all they have inside,and watch the grace turn to faith!
Amen my brother!
Bro. Neal, I'm gonna take time out to respond to your comment piece by piece:

"Great reply my friend. Understand that blessings are from God through prophets and apostles. I only question those who make predictions that 1) don't correlate with written scripture, 2) do not come to pass the way the person proclaimed it and 3) does not build up the body of Christ (even when it is a word of correction, rebuke or instruction)."

I question them just as well. Portion #1 is not excusable (take Steve Munsey for example). At the same time, even a true Prophet can miss it too, therefore #2, & #3 can come under grace. Apostles & Prophets are human, no matter how dynamic they are. Sin does not disqualify them from the Apostleship or Prophetic office. In fact, it is a constant reminder that they are only human. Apostle Paul recognized this when he mentioned the thorn in the flesh. Samuel, when anointing the next king after Saul, missed it 6 straight times, until finally getting it right on the seventh with David. The Proverb speaks well when it says "A righteous man can fall seven time and get back up again". Being that "7" is the number of perfection, this can also mean that a righteous man can "make one perfectly STUPID move, but recover." PLus, a Prophet's words may come out weird or seemingly wrong simply because the original message was misunderstood even by the Prophets themselves, causing a mix-up in delivery. A false prophesy like "JESUS will come in the next five minutes" is a lil different though.

"I completely understand why you wouldn't agree with me because we come from two very different faith and educational backgrounds. When I look at the scripture you used to support your argument (Revelation), I look at it from a finished perspective, the metaphorical perspective and the apocalyptic perspective. Which means, that I understand that it was written figuratively and metaphorically against the oppressive Roman government and written as a means of encouraging believers of that time to look for God's ultimate judgment of all oppressive regimes and deliverance of his people. When I look from those perspectives, I see that God's ultimate work of redemption was done on the cross and there is still more to come in the way of empowering and enabling his people to wait til he returns."

Yes we do look at it from a different scope. I too have looked at it from the vantage point that you view it from. However, being a Prophet, I have to see it from a GOD's eye view, and not a bird's eye view. There is more to GOD's Word than we can ever hope to understand. I value the Teacher's view, but I LIVE the Apostle/Prophet view.


"The O.T. Prophets didn't always have their writings readily accepted by the people of GOD, neither did the N.T Apostles (take note of the dispute in Acts 15). Like legislation in our government, things take time and careful consideration by the Apostles and Prophets. This is a true statement. Understanding that both OT and NT prophets were oral traditions until recorded decades later. In both cases, there were synods of scribes who approved what was to be included and excluded (both in the 5th century BCE and in the fourth century CE). That being said, when I made the statement of being able to communicate without dispute I'm speaking in reference to our time and ability to receive information. When both testaments were being compiled, there were like minded people involved in the process. We dont have that today especially since any and everyone can start a church or ministry."

Yes, they did have synods of that nature, and they were dynamic! I would have to disagree with you on one part, that we don't have that today. Truthfully, there is a group of Ministers that actually walk like minded: Apostles! Most Apostles, though they receive different Words from GOD, and have different backgrounds, are like minded. Take the I.C.A. (International Coalition of Apostles) as an example. Its like the Joint College for Apostles worldwide. Though I do not agree with its leaders (C. Peter Wagner), with over 500 Apostles worldwide apart of the coalition, it is an excellent example of oneness. I personally would not join it, but I would fellowship with certain members such as Apostle John Eckhardt, and Apostle "Skip" Horton.

"There are far too many dissenting voices for people to truly discern what is and is not from God today."

Oh come now, you should know better than to even say that!

"There are those speaking for the entire body who have no idea about the body outside of their tradition (and I use that word loosely LOL)."

I TOTALLY agree! Case in point: how many Protestants can speak at length on Orthodox doctrine?


"The reason the church may fall for the great deception of the anti-christ and his false prophet will be because we are not intently listening as Christ has instructed "he that has an ear let him hear..." To be honest, we are in desperate need of a clarion voiced prophet that will do so. I am of the belief that there are men and women who are doin so and are as you suggest being drowned out by false prophets portraying themselves as true prophets."

Its not the false Prophets that are actually attempting to drown them out, its people that have a hard time dealing with revelation. False Prophets are a piece of cake to handle! After all, the false Prophets aren't the ones with torches screaming "Stone them!" LOL

"In the case of Mathias, man chose to cast lots not by instruction, but because they felt they needed to maintain a certain number. When challenged with a similar issue with Paul and Barnabas, they were chosen not by casting lots, but by the Holy Spirit. Again the issue is that man chose first because of legislation and when legislation was limited, they relied on the Holy Spirit."

11 Apostles wouldn't do. There has always been 12 of things when it came to Israel: 12 tribes, 12 top leaders under Mose Aaron & Miriam, 12 authoritative Prophetic books, 12 months, ect. It was by the leading of the Holy Spirit, otherwise, HE wouldn't have said to anoint another one with the original 11. Its not by man's choice of legislation, but by GOD's governmental order. Legislation in a Theocracy is ALWAYS limited if the Leader doesn't get His say so in.

"Please understand that I am not saying that God does not speak today, He does because each Sunday after I preach and someone tells me that message was for them, that is a clear indication that He still speaks. Again, My issue is with the persons who proclaim that He is saying something TOTALLY NEW outside of what has already been recorded. I do not believe that is happening."

OK, that you do not have to believe. However, the Book of Revelation says different. There were words not recorded in that book for a reason. The reason is simple: each generation have had a revelation of GOD that the past one did not receive. One generation knew Him as El, the next as YHWH SHALOM, the next as YHWH JIREH, and so on. Ours knows Him by His Son JESUS (Hebrews 1). Revelation 19:12 says that even JESUS has a new name that no one knows yet.

New name, new revelation behind that name.......

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