(No. 2.)
(Continued from page 106.)
Let us again note the importance of distinguishing the two phases of prophecy:1st, the present application of the Word to men; ad, its relation to the future. With the completion of the word of God which the New Testament gives us, this last aspect ceased, and we are not now to expect any new revelations. The New Testament completes the prophetic scriptures, as also all Scripture (Col. i:25). If this is seen, the fallacy of all new revelations will be discerned.* *The "Book of Mormon," for instance; and Mrs. White's, of the Seventh-day Adventists.*
There is no need now of prophets as of old to open up, to make known, the future; for the whole purpose of God has been given, and the word of God now in our possession is the believer's prophetic chart to guide him unto the end.
The other aspect of prophecy, however, abides, presenting the mind and will of God to His people; and that not from any new revelation proffered, but the bringing out from the word of God needed truth according to the condition of God's people. This is a ministry always needed; especially so, we might say, at the present time-the close of the present dispensation. This form of prophecy was part of the ministry of prophets in the Old Testament-a very large part; but with them it was associated with new revelations, because Scripture was not then completed. With us, seeing the Word is completed, it is a ministry of bringing home, out of that Word, to the heart and conscience of the people of God, that all may feel the power of the truth, and be practically sanctified by it. If the isth, i3th and i4th chapters of 1st Corinthians are carefully read, the place of this ministry will be clearly seen; and they who prophesy now, whether in the assembly of God's people or otherwise, will be those who bring home to the hearts of His people the mind of God from the suited portion of His Word for present "edification, exhortation, or comfort."
Would that we felt and realized now the need of such a ministry, as the apostle pressed it upon the assembly at Corinth, in i Cor. 14! May there be among us everywhere a revival of this much-needed ministry of prophecy, a ministry that will keep the mind of God before us, so as to preserve us from the influences which prevail at the present time. Evil doctrines abound and multiply in seductive forms to seduce the weak and those young in the faith, and the ministry of the word of God alone can build up and fortify them against the rising tide. Worldliness in a multitude of forms is seeking to press in to the destruction of piety; and that not only here and there, but in many places. To check this and reprove it with such ministry, how necessary! When this is neglected, little by little forms of teaching neither wholesome nor edifying are liable to develop. If the neglect continues, the Christian standard of walk is lowered, worldly associations are formed, and the words of the prophet may be applied, " Woe to them that are at ease in Zion " (Amos 6:1). May there not be many gatherings of the Lord's people which bear this characteristic mark ? Where this is true the world comes in, and devotion and spirituality depart. Does not another prophet's message then apply:"Woe to them that go down to Egypt for help?" (Isa. 31:1:)
"Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy" (i Cor. 14:i) are the apostle's opening words in this chapter, which throw so much light on the need and use of this ministry in the assembly.* *This ministry is not confined to those wholly devoted to the Lord's work, as this whole chapter shows, but a ministry urged upon the local assembly-"For ye may all prophesy."* Evangelists may preach the gospel and sinners be saved; teachers may expound the Word, and many be enlightened-and these gifts have their God-given place, for which we can be truly thankful-yet they can never supply the ministry of prophecy.* *That is, those merely evangelists or teachers ; but au evangelist or teacher may also prophesy, as Paul, who was evangelist, pastor, teacher, etc.; yet prophecy is not distinctly the work of an evangelist or of a teacher.*
For a gathering of God's people to maintain a true Christian testimony, there is need of more than the evangelist, more than the teacher. The Word must not only be preached and taught; it needs also to be applied; and this is prophesying. This ministry appeals especially to the conscience; so much so that unbelievers coming in are searched by it:"If all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:and thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth" (i Cor. 14:24, 25).
Oh for a revival of the ministry of prophecy in the power of the Holy Spirit among us everywhere, so that the standard of true spirituality of life and heart may be on a higher plane, and freshness and devotedness take the place of indifference and worldliness. We need the exercise as individuals-prayerful exercise of heart as to what first pleases the Lord Jesus, the Holy and the True; then, by those thus exercised, both men and women, private prophesying from house to house, between individual and individual (Acts 21:8, 9; i Cor. n:5):in the assembly, by men only (i Cor. 14:23-40).
"Wherefore, brethren, covet (desire) to prophesy;" "For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted"-encouraged (vers. 31, 39). A. E. B.