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Are There Modern Prophets Today?

Are There Modern Prophets Today?

The question of whether God still raises up prophets today is significant for many evangelicals. Scripture clearly shows that God has spoken through prophets in the past and continues to guide His people through His Word and the Holy Spirit. But what does this mean for believers today? Are there people who can rightly be called “prophets,” or is that role something God only reserved for biblical times?

What Scripture Says About Prophecy

God Has Spoken Through Prophets

Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God used prophets to speak His words—revealing His character, calling His people to repentance, and sometimes predicting future events (2 Samuel 23:1–2).

The New Testament also teaches that prophecy was one of the spiritual gifts given to the early church (1 Corinthians 12–14). Peter reminds us that in the “last days,” God would pour out His Spirit and His sons and daughters would prophesy (Acts 2:17–18).

Scripture Commands Us to Test Every Prophetic Word

The Bible never encourages blind acceptance. Instead, believers are commanded to:

  • Test every prophecy (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21)
  • Reject anything that contradicts God’s Word
  • Evaluate prophets by the fruit of their lives and the truth of their message (Deuteronomy 18:20–22; Matthew 7:15–20)

Any claim to speak on behalf of God must be held to the highest biblical standard.

Views of Modern Prophets

1. Many the Gift of Prophecy Continues

Many Christians believe that the Holy Spirit still distributes the gift of prophecy today. In this view:

  • Prophecy is meant to edify, encourage, and strengthen the church (1 Corinthians 14:3).
  • No prophetic message carries the same authority as Scripture.
  • All prophecy must be tested and submitted to the local church.

These believers see “prophets” not as new authors of Scripture, but as Spirit-led voices who help the church seek God’s direction and comfort.

2. Some Believe Prophecy Has Ceased

Cessationist-leaning communities hold that the specific gift of prophecy, along with other sign gifts, ended with the close of the apostolic era and the completion of the biblical canon. From this perspective:

  • Scripture alone is the church’s authoritative revelation.
  • Claims of modern prophecy should be approached with caution.
  • The Holy Spirit still guides believers but does not speak through prophets as He did in biblical times.

3. A Middle Position Recognizes the Spirit’s Leading Without the Office of “Prophet”

Some don’t use the word prophet but still acknowledge:

  • God can impress truths, warnings, or encouragements on the hearts of believers.
  • The Spirit guides the church—yet always in harmony with Scripture.
  • Any insight or impression must be measured against the Bible and wise counsel.

This view affirms the Spirit’s present work while avoiding the potential misuse of prophetic titles.

How Should Believers Respond Today?

Practice Discernment

Regardless of one’s position, evangelicals agree on this: We must test everything by the Word of God. If a message contradicts Scripture or produces confusion, fear, or division, it should be rejected.

Stay Rooted in Christian Community

Discernment is not meant to be done alone. Talking with pastors, elders, and mature believers helps protect the church from error and keeps us anchored in biblical truth.

Seek What Builds Up the Church

Scripture teaches that spiritual gifts are given for:

  • Edification
  • Unity
  • Encouragement
  • The glory of Christ

Any message that fails to honor these purposes should be examined carefully (1 Corinthians 14:3, 12).

So—Are There Modern Prophets?

Within the evangelical world, faithful Christians land in different places on this question:

  • Some believe God still gives the gift of prophecy today.
  • Some believe that prophetic gifts ceased with the apostles.
  • All agree that Scripture is the final authority.

No matter where you stand, the call is the same: Hold fast to God’s unchanging Word, test all things, and let the Holy Spirit lead you closer to Christ. Prophetic claims may come and go, but the living and active Word of God remains the firm foundation of our faith.