Brothers,

In our previous post, we noted that continuationist theologian Wayne Grudem argues for a distinction between OT canonical prophecy and NT congregational prophecy. In contrast with OT prophecy, which is divine, infallible, and fully authoritative special revelation, the NT gift of prophecy is, according to Grudem, semi-revelational, potentially fallible, and relatively authoritative. What shall we think about this distinction? I want to argue that the Scriptures do not support Grudem’s distinction between OT canonical prophecy (infallible) and NT congregational prophecy (potentially fallible). I have five lines of argumentation, the first three are presented below and the last two in our next post.

The Cessation of Special Revelation: A Humble Argument for the Cessation of NT Prophecy and Tongues, Part 7

Your servant,

__________________
Bob Gonzales Jr., Dean
Reformed Baptist Seminary
Easley, South Carolina

"Persons need not and ought not to set any bounds to their spiritual and gracious appetites." Jonathan Edwards

Thanks Dr. Bob. I am looking forward to reading these blogs. My middle son Josh is struggling with some of his friends in Highschool over this issue.

__________________

Norseman Moderator

R. Martin Snyder
1689er
http://www.puritanboard.com/blogs/puritancovenanter/

"Our object should not be to have scripture on our side but to be on the side of scripture; and however dear any sentiment may have become by being long entertained, so soon as it is seen to be contrary to the Bible, we must be prepared to abandon it without hesitation."
William Symington

Click to get:Board Rules -- Signature Requirements -- Suggestions?

Well written! Point 2 probably serves as the real state of the question between the two positions. NT prophecy is, in the proper sense of the term, "continuing" revelation, reflecting the fulness of the Holy Spirit as poured out by the risen and exalted Lord. The idea that this "revelation" could be of an inferior quality to what was given in the OT is contrary to the fact that the revelation by His Son is rather considered to be superior to that which God gave through the OT prophets, Heb. 1:1-3; 2:1-4.

__________________
Yours sincerely,


"Illum oportet crescere me autem minui."

[quote=armourbearer;572608]Excellent observation, Matthew. It would seem that Grudem has it backwards, i.e., from superior (OT prophecy) to inferior (NT prophecy). Thanks for your input.

Your servant,

Dr. Gonzales, thank you for this series. In several weeks time, I'm going to meet with some old Pentecostal friends. And I need some way of faithfully explaining where we stand on this issue. Dr. Grudem's position used to attract me in the past. But not anymore.

__________________
Albert, The Republic of the Philippines
Pasig United Covenant Reformed Church (a Reformed church plant)
United Covenant Reformed Churches in the Philippines (UCRCP)
Three Forms of Unity and Westminster Confession of Faith

Psalm 27:1a (AV) The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
“Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not a beginning only in the ways of God, but also a continuance in the same as long as life lasts.” -

Dr., Thanks for posting this! Good Job,I LOVE Grudem and His Systematic Theology, but his position on the gifts has me scratching my head and I have a long way to go in learning about this issue ,your insight helps me unpack this,I greatly enjoy and learn from your posts

__________________
Brian
Grace Bible Church;E.Bridgewater
East Bridgewater MA
http://www.gracebiblehome.org