The Last Prophet

     Was there an end for God's use of prophets or are there other prophets to come after Christ ascended to the Father? There are a few Christian denominations that claim to have a modern day prophet that is now guiding them or continues to guide them after their passing in their followers Christian journey. Is this a Biblical reality or just wishful thinking? There were certainly no prophets named by a deity to arrive after John the Baptist, even though I'm sure some will claim that their prophet was appointed as a prophet by Christ, or by God Himself, but all claims are without any sufficient proof. The word for "prophet" in the Greek can also be translated as an "inspired speaker" or "poet" along with a "foreteller", and some musicians were also called prophets in the Old Testament, however, none of these recently named prophets come with any authority as a prophet from God Almighty or from His Son, Jesus the Christ. Only those named in God's word are prophets of God, and are to be honored as having been sent by Jehovah, to share with man the Almighty's instructions and messages. This can be a touchy subject with some Christians because of their claim of the Holy Spirit that has informed them of a recent prophet. Who can say for sure that God or Christ's holy spirit talked with them or gave them messages? The only logical way to discern a true prophet, is if all of what they claim as a message from God does not contradict with God's word, plus if all their statements or predictions for the future comes true, and on time as they proclaimed it would; I do emphasize “All”, then their may be some validity in their authenticity. However, if someone accepting what is shared as additional information outside of God's word, this would indirectly imply that Christ forgot to include something when His body of inspired Biblical writings were finished, but could this happen? Even worst, that Jehovah changed His mind on any instruction He gave to Christ to give to us. This cannot be, because the Almighty does not change, being perfect, "For I am Jehovah, I change not. Because of this you sons are not destroyed." (Malachi 3:6).

      Although, God did hold back some understanding from His messengers on a couple of messages, to be shared with man near the end time, but He didn't mention that a prophet was to bring this additional data or understandings. Christ, by His holy spirit shares understanding with those who seek understanding, because Jesus is now the only Mediator between God and man, "For God is one, also there is one Mediator of God and man, the man Christ Jesus." (I Timothy 2:5), ever since Christ's ascension into Heaven. There is no prophet mentioned to be a mediator and there would be no reason for an additional mediator. Christ did, however, give us a warning that there would be false prophets in the future. "For false Christs and false prophets will rise up. And they will give great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." (Matthew 24:24), and, "Behold, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone forth into the world." (I John 4:1). Also "In many part and in many ways of old, God spoke to the fathers in the prophets; in these last days He spoke to us in the Son, whom He appointed heir of all..." (Hebrew 1:1,2). This last verse is pretty clear on the subject. The Christian is required to use much caution in listening to and reading the words presented to us by man, claiming to be a prophet or just a writer, even our pastors and Christian speakers all need to be tested with Jehovah's word. Any contradiction or deviation from God's word would bring their entire messages into question or should be labeled as a false prophet.

       The source of all truth is contained in God's word. Let's hear from Zechariah as he shares Jehovah's words, "And it shall be in that day, I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall be remembered no more, says Jehovah of host. And I also will cause the prophets and the unclean spirits to pass out of the land." (Zechariah 13:2), notice He didn't just specify "false prophets". He continues, "And it shall be, when any shall prophecy again, his father and his mother who gave birth to him shall say to him then, You shall not live; for you speak lies in the name of Jehovah. And his father and his mother who gave him birth shall thrust him through when he prophesies." (Zechariah 13:3); a very solemn verse for those claiming to be a prophet of God, even for those claiming one to be a prophet of God.

     Ever since Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, man lost direct communication with God, with a few exceptions; but mostly God's communication with man was done through prophets, in both directions during the Old Testament times. Matthew records this, "For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John." (Matthew 11:13), This verse does say "all" the prophets, indicating that John the Baptist was the last of God's prophets. The New Testament reveals not one prophet after John. When Christ wanted to give authority to Saul (Paul), He didn't send a prophet or and angel, but spoke to him directly, and Paul was not labeled as a prophet. Not one New Testament writer, disciple or apostil was called a prophet, they were all inspired by Christ's spirit, not through any prophet or seer, and again, pointing out that Christ is now our only Mediator between God and man. What need is there for a modern day prophet? Christ speaks to man with His spirit and we speak to our Father Jehovah with our prayers in Christ name.

      During the Old Testament times, God Jehovah had several leaders that were responsible for guiding God's special nation. Israel was to be a nation of priest and to be an example for the nations to follow and to reveal God's justice and mercy by example. His chosen prophets were mediators between God and man, and now, Christ alone holds that position, "For God is one, also there is one Mediator of God and of man, the Man Christ Jesus." (Timothy 2:5). Many of the Old Testament named prophets were also writers, who revealed God's messages to man. Since not one of the New Testament apostils or disciples were called prophets, does not the verse, I Timothy 2:5 (above) explain why? None of the disciples of Christ were asked to speak to God for an answer to a question that one desired. Christ was here at that time in person and He knew all truth as did His Father, and He is with us still, now by His spirit. Our prayers go straight to the Father and His Son's spirit comes to us with answers and understanding of God's word and possibly, with answers to our direct questions that we asked in our prayers to Jehovah. But remember, since these messages or answers from today's prophets are not heard or written, their purity of divine authority needs to be tested, always with God's word.

      The word "prophet" was used when listing the many gifts that are given to Christ's church people, "And He gave some to be apostils; some, prophets; some, evangelists; some, pastors, and teachers." (Ephesians 4:11). The Strong's Exhaustive Concordance #4396 list, foretellers, an inspired speaker, a poet and prophets, the translators chose to use "prophet", however, since we have the completed works of God's word and Christ as our only Mediator, we shouldn't be desiring additional prophets. A better choice from the list would be, "inspired speaker", since that needed ability is not listed as a church talent; but this is my personal understanding of God's word. One last thought: If we are to follow Jesus, "Then Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world; he following Me in no way will walk in darkness, but will be the light of life." (John 8:12), then, if we act according to what a current prophet heralds, who would we be following? Christ is here with us, by His spirit as our Mediator and our Shepherd and we are to ask for His help through our prayers to Jehovah, we must be patient and wait for His help with understanding. It has been left up to us to choose what we are to follow, the words of God, given to us by Christ's inspiration or the words of man. It should be obvious that the words of man cannot be trusted as pure, "As for God. His way is perfect; the word of Jehovah is tested; He is as a shield to all those who trust in Him." (II Samuel 22:31). The claimed prophets of today hold no special honor beyond that of a man and must be tested for purity with the consistency of God's every word. Caution is called to all in what we hear from the voice of man. We are fortunate at this time to have God's word at our fingertips; in the past, this was not possible, the general Christian congregations had to rely on what was spoken in their churches, and this was the cause of several false traditions, still held today as Biblical truth. Sunday worship and the Trinity doctrine are the two main deceptions that are commonly accepted as Biblical truth, which originated from the public's lack of access to God's word. For further information on these deception, visit on this website, "The Lord's Day" and "Traditions". You can also try and prove these two traditions, using only Bible verses, but you must avoid putting words into God's words. God's printed word and Christ's spirit cancels the need for additional prophets.