What is Prophecy? Understanding the Gift of Prophecy in the Bible

As a prophet and Bible teacher, one of the questions I am asked most frequently is, “What is prophecy?” It’s a question that has fascinated believers and skeptics alike for centuries, and for good reason. Prophecy is one of the most mysterious and misunderstood gifts of the Holy Spirit, often associated with images of crystal balls, doomsday predictions, and wild-eyed mystics proclaiming, “Thus saith the Lord!”

But the biblical understanding of prophecy is far different from these popular caricatures. At its core, prophecy is simply the divine revelation of God’s heart and mind, communicated through human vessels. It is the Spirit-empowered declaration of God’s truth, whether that truth relates to the past, present, or future.

As someone who has operated in the gift of prophecy for over two decades, I have seen firsthand the incredible power of this gift to transform lives and reveal the depths of God’s love. I have witnessed prophecy bring comfort to the brokenhearted, direction to the lost, and conviction to the wayward. I have seen it unlock destinies, confirm callings, and ignite faith in the most unlikely of places.

Yet I have also seen the damage that can be done when prophecy is misunderstood, misused, or abused. I have watched in grief as self-proclaimed prophets manipulated and exploited God’s people, peddling false hopes and empty promises. I have seen the gift of prophecy reduced to a party trick, a means of drawing attention to the messenger rather than the message.

That is why I believe it is so crucial for us as believers to have a clear, biblical understanding of what prophecy is and how it is meant to function in the life of the church. We need to know how to discern the true from the false, the wheat from the chaff, the Spirit’s genuine leading from the imaginations of our own hearts.

In this article, we will dive deep into the Scriptures to uncover the true nature and purpose of prophecy. We will explore the various ways prophecy can operate, the biblical boundaries for its exercise, and the ultimate goal of all prophetic ministry: to reveal the glory of Jesus Christ and draw people into deeper relationship with Him.

Whether you are a seasoned prophet or a curious seeker, my prayer is that this teaching will deepen your understanding, sharpen your discernment, and ignite your passion for the gift of prophecy. May it equip you to hear God’s voice more clearly, speak His truth more boldly, and steward this precious gift with greater wisdom and integrity.

As we embark on this journey together, let us do so with humble hearts, open minds, and a hunger for more of God’s Spirit at work in and through us. Let us approach the gift of prophecy not as a means of elevating ourselves, but as a sacred trust to be stewarded for the edification of the church and the advancement of God’s kingdom on earth.

Prophetic Blessings, Kum Eric Tso

Defining Prophecy and the Gift of Prophecy

The word “prophecy” comes from the Greek word “propheteia,” which simply means “to speak forth” or “to proclaim.” In the biblical context, prophecy is the divine revelation of God’s heart, mind, and purpose, communicated through human vessels. It is the Spirit-empowered declaration of God’s truth, whether that truth relates to the past, present, or future.

The gift of prophecy, then, is the supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to receive and communicate this divine revelation for the purpose of edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). It is one of the gifts of the Spirit that the apostle Paul lists in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, alongside other gifts like wisdom, knowledge, faith, and healing.

How Prophecy Operates

Prophecy can operate in various ways, as demonstrated throughout the Scriptures. Here are some of the primary modes of prophetic communication:

1. Forth-telling: This is the proclamation of God’s truth, often in the form of teaching, preaching, or exhortation. It is the declaration of what God has already revealed in His Word, applied to the specific needs and circumstances of the audience.
2. Foretelling: This is what most people think of when they hear the word “prophecy.” It involves the prediction of future events, often as a warning or promise from God. Biblical examples include Isaiah’s prophecy of the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14) or Agabus’ prophecy of a coming famine (Acts 11:28).
3. Visions and Dreams: Throughout Scripture, God often communicates prophetically through supernatural visions and dreams. These can be literal or symbolic, and often require interpretation (e.g., Joseph’s dreams in Genesis 37; Peter’s vision in Acts 10).
4. Impressions and Promptings: The Holy Spirit can also give prophetic insight through subtle impressions, spiritual sensations, or mental pictures. These may come as a word of knowledge (revealing something about a person or situation that could not be known naturally) or a word of wisdom (providing supernatural insight for a particular need).

It’s crucial to understand that while prophecy can involve prediction, its primary purpose is not to satisfy our curiosity about the future, but to reveal the heart and purposes of God. The apostle Paul makes it clear that prophecy, like all spiritual gifts, must be exercised in love and for the edification of the church (1 Corinthians 14:1, 12).

The Purpose of Prophecy

So why does God give the gift of prophecy to the church? What is its intended purpose? The Scriptures reveal several key reasons:

1. Edification: Prophecy builds up, strengthens, and encourages the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:3-4). It imparts spiritual life, vitality, and growth to God’s people.
2. Exhortation: Prophecy also exhorts or urges believers to walk in obedience and faithfulness to God. It can bring correction, challenge, and motivation to pursue God’s will (Acts 15:32).
3. Comfort: Prophecy brings the comfort and reassurance of God’s love, presence, and purpose, especially in times of trial or uncertainty (Acts 16:9-10).
4. Equipping: Prophecy equips the saints for the work of ministry, helping them discern and step into their God-given callings and roles (Ephesians 4:11-12).
5. Evangelism: Prophecy can also serve as a powerful tool for evangelism, confirming the gospel and convicting unbelievers of sin, righteousness, and judgment (1 Corinthians 14:24-25).

At its core, prophecy is a manifestation of God’s heart to communicate with His people. It is an expression of His desire for intimacy, relationship, and partnership with us in His redemptive purposes. As we open ourselves to the gift of prophecy, we position ourselves to hear God’s voice more clearly and to be used by Him to impact others with His love and truth.

Cultivating the Gift of Prophecy

So how can we grow in the gift of prophecy? How can we position ourselves to receive and communicate divine revelation in a way that honors God and edifies others? Here are a few key principles:

1. Pursue Intimacy with God: Prophecy flows out of a deep, abiding relationship with God. As we prioritize prayer, worship, and meditation on God’s Word, we attune our hearts to His voice and create space for Him to speak (Jeremiah 33:3).
2. Study the Scriptures: A solid grounding in biblical truth is essential for discerning and communicating genuine prophecy. The more we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, the more readily we will recognize His voice and avoid error (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. Practice Humility and Submission: Prophecy must be exercised in a spirit of humility, acknowledging our own limitations and submitting our words to the discernment of mature leaders (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).
4. Seek Feedback and Accountability: We all see in part and prophesy in part (1 Corinthians 13:9). Seeking feedback from trusted mentors and being open to correction helps safeguard against pride and ensures our prophetic ministry remains healthy and biblical.
5. Step Out in Faith: Like any spiritual gift, prophecy grows as we step out in faith and take risks. As we make ourselves available to be used by God, He will give us opportunities to hear and share His heart with others (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

Conclusion

Prophecy is a powerful and precious gift that God has given to His church to reveal His heart, build up His people, and advance His kingdom on the earth. As we grow in our understanding of prophecy and learn to steward this gift with humility and faithfulness, we will experience the incredible joy of partnering with God in His prophetic purposes.

If you have been blessed by this teaching and desire to go deeper in your understanding of the prophetic, I invite you to check out some of my other resources:

• “How to Prophesy Accurately: 13 Keys to receive and release a prophetic word” is a practical handbook to help you grow in your prophetic gifting, full of biblical insight and personal stories from my decades of ministry.

• “Mind Fasting: Unlock Your Spiritual Vision and See Clearly in the Spirit Realm” explores the vital but often neglected role of spiritual disciplines like fasting in sharpening our spiritual senses and tuning our hearts to hear God’s voice more clearly.

• My Prophetic Masterclass, available at PropheticBibleSchool.com, offers in-depth video teachings, interactive exercises, and a vibrant online community to accelerate your growth as a prophet.

My prayer is that as you dive deep into the Scriptures, you will encounter afresh the beauty and power of God’s prophetic Word. May you hear His voice with greater clarity, walk in the fullness of your prophetic calling, and bear witness to the unfolding of His marvelous purposes in the earth.

Hungry for more of the prophetic? Visit PropheticBibleSchool.com to enroll in my Prophetic Masterclass today!

Gratefully yours,

Prophet Kum Eric Tso