Healings

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Gift of Healings

The Bible records miraculous healings performed by Jesus and the apostles—instant, complete, and undeniable acts of divine power that confirmed the truth of the gospel. Unlike today’s so-called faith healers, these miracles never depended on the recipient’s faith, were never performed for money or fame, and left no room for failure.

In contrast, modern healing ministries often manipulate emotions, blame the sick for their lack of faith, and promise guaranteed healing that the Bible never teaches. While God still heals according to His will, Scripture makes it clear that physical healing is not always promised in this life. Even Paul and his companions experienced illness that was not miraculously healed, showing that suffering can be part of God's greater purpose (2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Timothy 5:23).

True healing is not about chasing miracles but trusting in God’s sovereignty. Our ultimate hope is in Christ, who will one day bring complete restoration—where sickness, suffering, and death will be no more (Revelation 21:4).

Below, we explore the biblical view of healing and expose the deception of modern faith-healing movements.

Disclaimer:

Before we enter the discussion of this topic it is important to note that we are not saying praying for healing is a bad thing or that God cannot heal people today. He can certainly do all that is in His will to do.  What we are saying is that the “gift” of healing through the hands of specific individuals is not something that is in operation today. 

The New Testament healings did not depend on the faith of the recipient
New Testament healings were completely successful
Is it always God’s will to heal?
New Testament Healings Were Not Performed for Money or Fame
Healings in the New Testament authenticated the message of salvation
Six unique features of Jesus’ healing ministry that have never been duplicated
An accurate view of healing

Are there Apostles today?

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Are there Apostles today?

Biblical evaluation of the role of apostles in the church today

The orthodox view of apostleship in the church was that they were a unique group chosen by God to establish the church. Once the church was established and the cannon of Scripture closed the role of apostleship accordingly ceased.

Which simply means that when all the apostles died, the office of apostle no longer existed. Disciple John was the last surviving apostle (A.D.100) and since then no one in church history could ever legitimately claim to be an apostle.

We often read in the New Testament about disciples and apostles, and we tend to think that the two words are synonyms. They are not. A disciple is a learner, a student. An Apostle is one who is commissioned by his master with the master’s own authority, then sent out in the master’s name.

This distinction is critically important for us because the New Testament tells us that the prophets and the Apostles are the foundation of the Church (Eph 2:20), they were a selected group of individuals that were sent, and empowered by God for a specific period in the history of the church.

These apostles shared a particular purpose and responsibility as the foundation of the church.

That means the Apostles had what we call “apostolic authority” over the church of all ages given to them by Jesus Himself.

In the following section we will look at five biblical criteria for an apostle that would make it impossible for anyone today to legitimately claim to be one.

5 biblical criteria for Apostles

Here are five reasons why the gift of apostleship was unique to the early church and why it is not something that can be experienced today:

(1) Eyewitness of the Resurrected Christ: An apostle had to be a physical eyewitness to the resurrected Christ. (Acts 1:22; 10:39–41; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:7–8).

(2) Direct Appointment by Christ: An apostle had to be personally appointed by the Lord Jesus Christ. (Mark 3:14; Luke 6:13; Acts 1:2, 24; 10:41; Gal. 1:1).

(3) Validation through miracles: An apostle had to be able to authenticate His apostolic appointment with miraculous signs. (Matt. 10:1–2; Acts 1:5–8; 2:43; 4:33; 5:12; 8:14; 2 Cor. 12:12; Heb. 2:3–4).

(4) Unique Authority and foundational doctrine: the Apostles held a unique authority in the early Church, tasked with laying the foundation doctrines and practices (Ephesians 2:20; Acts 2:42).

(5) Transition to Elders / Deacons: As the apostolic era concluded, the leadership of the Church transitioned to elders and deacons, reflecting a shift in structure and governance. Apostles established foundational teachings, after which local church leadership was entrusted to elders (overseers) and deacons, ensuring the continued growth and stability of the Church (1 Timothy 3:1–13; Titus 1:5).

As we can see, there is a distinctive role for the apostles in the early Church, which according to many scholars, is not a continuing office but was specific to the church's foundational period. The cessation of this role means a shift to a church governed by elders and deacons, rather than one based on ongoing direct divine appointments and miraculous signs.

Term apostle in the Bible

Being an apostle of Jesus meant being His representative / proxy. The apostle was someone on whom Christ had bestowed His authority.

It is true that the New Testament sometimes uses the term apostle to refer to "Apostles" or "Messengers" of the churches in a non-technical sense. It should not be confused with Christ's choice of the twelve apostles, including Paul.

2 Corinthians 8:23 (NKJV)

If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.

Some translations will include a footnote for the above word “messengers” to also mean “apostles.”

When referring to the Twelve apostles or Paul, apostolos carries a technical and unique meaning: those directly chosen and commissioned by Jesus Christ to lay the foundation of the Church, bear eyewitness testimony to His resurrection, and perform miraculous signs validating their divine authority (Luke 6:13, Acts 1:2, 2 Corinthians 12:12).

In contrast, the usage in 2 Corinthians 8:23 describes church-appointed messengers sent on specific missions, such as delivering aid or representing congregations. These individuals, while important, were not commissioned by Christ Himself, nor did they possess the foundational authority of the apostles.

To conflate these two uses would be an error. While the same root word (apostolos) is used, the distinction lies in its context:

  • Technical sense: Apostles personally appointed by Christ (e.g., the Twelve and Paul) with unique authority.
  • Non-technical sense: Church messengers or delegates, such as Titus, appointed for specific tasks.

This distinction underscores the uniqueness of the apostolic office, which ceased once its foundational purpose was fulfilled and should not be confused with the broader use of the term in a general sense.

The designation as an apostle, such as the twelve who were appointed by Christ, was a specific calling and a profound privilege. This was completely different from being merely a messenger sent by a local congregation.

To be an apostle of the Lord was to have been personally appointed by Him and was the highest possible position of authority in the Church.

Apostles seeking honor and pride

There have been no significant leaders in the history of the church such as Augustine, Athanasius, Luther, Calvin, Wesley, or Whitfield who have ever claimed the title of apostle.

If any in modern times wish to take on the title of apostle, they immediately raise suspicion that they may be motivated by an inappropriate desire for self exhalation. This is coupled with an excessive ambition for more authority in the church than anyone should have the right to.

Not only did the apostles hold the highest position of authority in Church history, they were also given an exclusive place of honor in eternity. The book of revelation records the walls of the city, with 12 foundation stones and on them were the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

Revelation 21:14 (NKJV)

Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Throughout eternity, these stones will commemorate God's relationship with the Church, whose foundation was the apostles.

Further, Christians from the second century onward saw the Apostolic Period as an exclusive and unrepeatable office; no earthly church father claimed to have been an apostle. It is only in the 21st century that we are suddenly being told that apostles are reemerging in the church.

Annointing

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The Anointing

Sharing or passing down the anointing?

In some modern charismatic churches, the word 'anointing' is frequently used. But what does this word mean? Let’s break it down.

In the Old Testament, "anointing" referred to an act of dedication, where individuals were set apart by God for a specific role or purpose. Prophets, priests, and kings were all anointed by God for their unique responsibilities within covenantal relationship, where God’s authority governed the nation of Israel.

  • Priests were anointed to serve as mediators, bringing men to God and making atonement for sin through sacrifices.
  • Prophets were anointed to deliver God's word, acting as His messengers to the people.
  • Kings were anointed to rule under God's authority, serving as leaders who were meant to reflect God's justice and righteousness.

This anointing was both a physical act and a divine empowerment for a particular task, emphasizing the recipient's dedication to God’s service and the presence of His Spirit to guide them.

Further, several places in the Old Testament describe a 'spiritual anointing' in which it is said “the Spirit of God came upon-so and so, and he prophesied” or “the Spirit of God came upon-so and so, and he went and did this”, and sometimes it is said that “the Spirit of God departed.”

So when we speak of anointing in the Old Testament it is not something that occurred in the life of all who were children of God (who had been justified and declared righteous by faith). It was a unique ministry of the Spirit of God that enabled somebody to serve at a very particular level of spiritual service. Some of them spoke the very words of God.

But this is not how the modern day (New Testament) anointing is to be defined or depicted. According to Scripture, a Christian who has been regenerated by the Holy Spirit is anointed.

It isn’t a feeling, or a buzz, or some transcendent experience - it is reality.

1 John 2:20 (NKJV)

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.

There aren't just a few Christians who receive this special anointing, but it's for all Christians. Some people have a bad habit of dividing Christians into classes based on those who have a special or super anointing and those who don't. We use phrases such as “they are so anointed” which is totally incorrect.

If you are in Christ, you are anointed and there is no division of classes within Christianity. We are all equal and one in Christ Jesus, and our place or level is at the foot of the cross.

In the past, the word anointed has been used to fool and manipulate people by using their emotions so they think the false teacher is above everyone else, who has a unique source of authority, unique access to divine revelations & knowledge from the Holy Spirit, etc.

False teachers sometimes disregard the scriptures and place their anointing above the biblical authority, saying, "hey you don't have to worry, because I have the anointing and God has spoken directly to me."

What is true anointing?

A Christian's anointing is essentially the promise of "illumination" from the Holy Spirit to understand the Word of God (Bible). The beauty of the promise is that we possess not only the Word but also the teacher and author of it.

This is true anointing, and this is why we don’t need to turn to human teachers / human wisdom to understand the truth of Scripture. This is clearly highlighted in verses 26 & 27.

1 John 2:26-27 (NKJV)

These things I have written to you concerning those who try to deceive you. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.

Without understanding the Bible, we couldn't live the Christian life, and the "natural man" doesn't understand God's things, which to them are foolishness. 

The scriptures also state that believers have the mind of Christ;

1 Corinthians 2:16 (NKJV)

For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Our difference from the world lies in the fact that we have the mind of Christ, and we have the Spirit within us to teach us the deep and profound truths of God.

In the New Testament era, the anointing is given (through the Spirit of God) to all believers at the moment of salvation. But if we are going to enjoy the fullness of what that means, we need to walk in the Spirit (Gal.5) which means obeying the will of God revealed in Scripture.

We should move away from the notion that preaching or serving in the kingdom requires a megadose of the Holy Spirit. Instead, we should focus on what the Word tells us to do;

  • We are told to walk in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:16, 25)
  • We are told to let the word of Christ dwell richly in you. (Colossians 3:16)
  • We are told to use our gifts. (1 Peter 4:10; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
  • We are told to be diligent to study the Scripture, to show ourselves approved unto God. (2 Timothy 2:15)
  • We are told to preach the word in season and out of season. (2 Timothy 4:2)

We should live a life of service and thankfulness. We should understand that we have the fullness of the Spirit available within us and the fullness of His revelation as revealed in Scripture. There is no "more of Him" that we can or are required to get.

This is one of the serious errors of modern charismatic churches, suggesting that some people have only a little of the Holy Spirit, while others (mainly leaders) have more. But the Bible clearly teaches that the Holy Spirit fully dwells within every believer.

It is not about how much of the Spirit is present, but how obedient are you to Him.

Touch not the Lord's anointed

Psalm 105:15 (NKJV)

Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

1 Chronicles 16:22 (NKJV)

Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

Often times, these verses are quoted in modern church settings to warn against challenging or criticizing religious leaders or pointing out any errors in their theology or lifestyle or even prevent a biblical evaluation of their teachings. It is common for pastors or leaders to refer to themselves as "anointed ones", implying that any opposition or challenge to them is equivalent to opposing God himself.

This of course protects them from scrutiny and allows them to spread falsehoods and bad theology without restraint.

While respect for church leaders is a biblical principle, this application takes the verse out of its historical context.

There is no implication that God's "anointed ones" or "prophets" are above accountability or correction in this verse.

No matter how "anointed," every leader must align with God's word, and believers are responsible for distinguishing truth from error. There is no such thing as an untouchable preacher or leader.

Proper context

Chronicles 16:22 testifies to God's protection of Israel during its formative stages and vulnerable times.

Psalm 105 further, recounts the history of the Israelites, celebrating God's providence and care for His chosen people. Beginning with a call to worship and thanksgiving, it proceeds to recount the history of Abraham's call, the escaping from Egypt, and the wanderings in the wilderness.

As a whole, the psalm recounts God's faithfulness and mighty acts for Israel's sake. It is a call to remember His wonderful deeds and the judgments He pronounced.

Background

During the Israelite ruling, it was forbidden to kill or commit violent acts against anointed kings or prophets.

This passage refers to the patriarchs (the line of men God used to establish Israel), Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When “they” (the patriarchs) were few in number, they lived as wandering strangers in a strange land (Hebrews 11:9). Through all their travels and ordeals, God protected them, increased their number, and prevented the powerful rulers of the land where they stayed from harming them.

As an example, God protected Abraham twice while staying in hostile nations whose kings desired his wife. Both kings spared Abraham and Sarah, dispatching them unharmed and even enriching them (Genesis 12 and 20). Isaac experienced the same thing (Genesis 26). Jacob arrived in Paddan Aram with nothing, but he left with vast riches (Genesis 31); after dealing with his unscrupulous Uncle Laban, Jacob said, "God has not allowed him to harm me." (verse 7).

It is evident from 1 Chronicles 16:22 (and Psalm 105:15) that no one has the power to derail God's plan; God had a plan for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He refused to let the kings of Canaan and Egypt harm them.

This concept is clearly illustrated in the previous verse (21);

1 Chronicles 16:21 (NKJV)

He permitted no man to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,

Patriarchs were God's prophets and "anointed ones", and they were chosen by God to accomplish a specific task.

David is a good example of a person who applied God's command not to harm God's anointed. In 1 Samuel, we learn that King Saul attempted to kill David, which led to him and his men being on the run. One night, David's men attacked Saul's army while they were sleeping. Seeing that they had the advantage over their enemies, Abishai suggested they kill Saul immediately. But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless? . . . As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down. . . . But the LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 26:9–11).

David understood that it is God who takes vengeance, not us (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19).

David recognized Saul as the Lord’s anointed and refused to harm  / kill him. David did humbly confront Saul with his sin, hoping to change his heart.

So taking all of this into consideration including the background of the text, God’s command "Do not touch my anointed ones; do no harm to my prophets" was addressed to a specific group of people for a specific period of time: the patriarchs who were preserved from physical harm by God.

Application for today.

The fact is that all believers are anointed by God. God has set each of us apart for the work He is doing in this world.

1 John 2:20 (NKJV)

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NKJV)

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

All believers are God's anointed, so does this mean that His command "Do not touch my anointed ones" protects us from all harm? No, believers still suffer the effects of living in a fallen world. Yet, believers are aware that God is in complete control, and He can easily protect them —if not physically, certainly our eternal souls.

Anything that happens to them is allowed by Him. Without God's explicit permission, Even Satan cannot touch God's children (see Job 1:12; 2:6). Therefore, we put our trust in God at all times. Regardless of what happens in our lives, we trust in God to equip, empower, and protect us to fulfill His plan.

What about those who claim to have dreams and visions?

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What about those who claim to have dreams and visions?

Acts 2:17 (NKJV)

‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.

In biblical times, dreams and visions were significant methods through which God communicated His will and guidance to His people. Figures such as Joseph - son of Jacob; Solomon; and Daniel received divine messages through these means, which often had monumental implications for their lives and the lives of others around them (Genesis 20:3, Daniel 7:1).

In the New Testament, the apostles Peter and Paul also experienced visions that played pivotal roles in the expansion of the early Church and its doctrines, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into what had been a predominantly Jewish faith (Acts 9, Acts 10).

The prophet Joel and apostle Peter also spoke of a time when God's Spirit would pour out on all people, resulting in an increase in prophetic activity, including dreams and visions (Joel 2:28-32, Acts 2:17-18).

This prophecy is fulfilled at Pentecost, marking a new era where the Holy Spirit is available to all believers, transcending previous boundaries of nationality, gender, and social status.

However, with the completion of the biblical canon, the role of dreams and visions has shifted. They are no longer the primary means through which God communicates with His people.

Today, Scripture holds the place of final authority, providing complete and sufficient guidance for faith and life. Any modern claim of divine communication through dreams and visions must align with biblical truth and should never supersede the authority of Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).

Furthermore, the miraculous events seen at Pentecost—such as speaking in tongues and prophecy—serve as a unique historical record of the Holy Spirit's power in the early church but are not necessarily prescribed norms for today’s church practices. Instead, they underscore the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, available to all who believe in Christ for salvation and are called to live out His teachings (Acts 2:38, 1 Corinthians 14:1).

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was exclusively given to those who held official positions in theocracy, such as kings, priests, and prophets. In God's new mission, the Holy Spirit rests upon all flesh, which means all of God's people and not just leaders.

Apostles and prophets of the NT era experienced a new manifestation of prophecy, visions, and dreams following this fresh outpouring of the Spirit.

In Acts 2:17, Peter is telling the Jewish crowd that what they were witnessing is God pouring the Holy Spirit on all mankind, which in context does not mean everyone on the planet, but all of God's people who believe in His Son.

Peter did not claim that Pentecost was the complete fulfillment of Joel 2:28-32 because the signs and wonders predicted (Acts 2:19-20) had not yet occurred. When read in context, Joel's prophecy pertains to the nation of Israel during the end times, specifically in connection with "the Day of the Lord," which refers to God's judgment.

However, Peter applied the prophecy to the Church, emphasizing that the same Holy Spirit promised in Joel's vision was now present and active among believers. This partial fulfillment at Pentecost serves as a foretaste of the ultimate fulfillment to come.

This announcement would seem unbelievable to the Jews because they believed God's Spirit was given only to a selected few people (see Num 11:28-29). Yet here were 120 of their fellow Jews, both men and women, enjoying the blessing of the same Holy Spirit.

In conclusion, while dreams and visions played a significant role in biblical times as a means of divine communication, their purpose and function have shifted with the completion of Scripture.

The Holy Spirit now works through the revealed Word of God, which provides all the guidance and truth believers need for faith and life. Claims of modern-day dreams and visions must always be evaluated against Scripture and must never contradict or supersede its authority.

Ultimately, the focus of the Spirit’s work is not on miraculous signs but on the proclamation of Christ and the transformation of lives through the gospel. It is this forth-telling of God’s redemptive work through Jesus that remains central to the Spirit’s mission today.

Dangers of dreamers

Dreams and dreamers alike are dangerous to the body of Christ because of the mystical nature in which they propagate and encourage their false doctrines.

The book of Jude warns of false dreamers who elevate their dreams and private revelation to the level of the written 'Word of GOD.' This is very prevalent in our day and age.

Jude 8 (NKJV)

Likewise also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries.

There are people who claim God told them this or showed them something or who are obsessed with trying to predict the future all the time. There is always talk about how God gave them some sort of special revelation or extra-biblical revelation.

Oftentimes, they are obsessed with casting prophecies over large groups of people claiming, 'God showed them something he hasn't shown anybody else before.' And because people are so desperate to hear a word from God, they get caught up in vague prophecies that are not specific. The Bible warns us against such false teachers and commands us to ensure that we test every spirit.

1 John 4:1 (NKJV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

In His word, GOD has already taught us everything He wants us to know and learn, so we need to avoid such dreamers and false prophets.

Additionally, it should be noted that this isn't something that just started yesterday. The prophet Jeremiah warned the people of Israel of this as well.

Jeremiah 23:25-26 (NKJV)

25 “I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ 

26 How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart,

Other related articles:

False Prophets

How to identify a False Prophet?

Errors in prophesies allowed?

New revelation? Or sufficiency of Scripture

Is God still sending prophets today?

Is God still sending prophets today?

Journey for truth

Is God still sending prophets today?

Is God still sending prophets today? The answer is no. God is not sending us prophets today, nor should we expect Him to do so.

Ephesians 2:20 clearly states that the church is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone."

This verse makes it evident that the role of apostles and prophets was foundational to the early church. Just as a foundation is laid once in the construction of a building, the foundation of the church has already been established.

In Reformed theology, it is understood that the offices of apostles and prophets were unique to the early church and ceased once their purpose was fulfilled. These offices were instrumental in establishing the church and delivering God's revelation, culminating in the completed work of Jesus Christ.

With the full canon of Scripture now available to us, there is no need for further prophetic revelation.

The completion of the Bible marks the end of new revelation. God's final and perfect revelation came through Jesus Christ, and it is recorded in the New Testament.

Therefore, the Scriptures are sufficient for all teaching, correction, and instruction in righteousness. We do not need modern prophets because God has given us everything we need in His Word.

In conclusion, God is not sending prophets today because their foundational role in the church has already been fulfilled. The completed Scriptures provide all the guidance and truth we need, making the role of prophets unnecessary in the present age. Instead of seeking new revelation, we are called to study and obey the Word of God, which remains our ultimate and sufficient authority.

Other related articles:

False Prophets

How to identify a False Prophet?

Errors in prophesies allowed?

New revelation? Or sufficiency of Scripture

What about those who claim to have dreams and visions?

New revelation? Or sufficiency of Scripture

Journey for truth

New revelation? Or sufficiency of Scripture

A fundamental principle of historical Protestantism is the conviction that the Canon of scripture has now been closed, therefore, no new revelation is required.

The Scriptures we have today are complete, sufficient, reliable and true.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NKJV)

and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The above statement from Paul establishes Scripture as the standard of truth above all human opinions, speculations and emotions.

The Bible stands alone as a doctrine of absolute truth, and it speaks with a degree of authority that is unmatched by any other source of information.

  • Does this mean that God has stopped speaking? Certainly not, but He speaks to us today through His all-sufficient word.
  • Does the spirit of God move our hearts and impress us with specific duties / callings? Certainly He does, but He works through the word of God to do that.

Such experiences do not involve new “revelation” but “illumination.” Where the Holy Spirit applies the word of God to our hearts and opens our spiritual eyes to the truth.

It is important not to let our subjective experiences, thoughts, and imaginations eclipse the authority and certainty of the word of God.

According to the Bible, new revelation through prophets was only meant for the foundation age of the church.

Ephesians 2:19-20 (NKJV)

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,

If we don’t hold to the uniqueness and inherency of the Bible, we will have no way of distinguishing God’s voice from man's. We will also have no way of distinguishing between those claiming to be speaking in the name of God and faithful teachers. With no basis of authority, believers are often left with no means to decipher whether the supposed prophets are right or wrong.

The renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon had this to say to those who came to him with supposed words of revelation from the Holy Spirit:

Take care never to impute the vain imaginings of your fancy to him [the Holy Spirit]. I have seen the Spirit of God shamefully dishonoured by persons—I hope they were insane—who have said that they have had this and that revealed to them. There has not for some years passed over my head a single week in which I have not been pestered with the revelations of hypocrites or maniacs. Semi-lunatics are very fond of coming with messages from the Lord to me, and it may spare them some trouble if I tell them once for all that I will have none of their stupid messages. . . . Never dream that events are revealed to you by heaven, or you may come to be like those idiots who dare impute their blatant follies to the Holy Ghost. If you feel your tongue itch to talk nonsense, trace it to the devil, not to the Spirit of God. Whatever is to be revealed by the Spirit to any of us is in the word of God already—he adds nothing to the Bible, and never will. Let persons who have revelations of this, that, and the other, go to bed and wake up in their senses. I only wish they would follow the advice and no longer insult the Holy Ghost by laying their nonsense at his door.

If Spurgeon’s words may sound harsh, read what Jeremiah 23 says about similar warnings concerning false prophecy.

Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; they speak a vision of their own heart, not from the mouth of the Lord. . . . I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings. . . . I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ How long will this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies? Indeed they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart. . . . Behold, I am against the prophets,” says the Lord, “who use their tongues and say, ‘He [the Lord] says.’ Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the Lord, “and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all,” says the Lord.

There is no warrant in Scripture for believers to seek or listen for fresh revelation from God beyond what He has already revealed to us. As a matter of fact, Scripture warns/condemns all those who claim to speak falsely or presumptuously in the Lord's name (Deuteronomy 18).

Inevitably, whenever a movement arises that emphasizes the need for "new" revelations, the Scriptures are often neglected in response. The thinking is often amongst the lines of “why bother trying to interpret an ancient book accurately when the living God communicates with us every day?”

It is a sad reality that the carnal mind prefers subjective "fresh revelation" over the more sure word of God. It is considered more important for the church to teach based on a vision or voice in the head than on the complete and sufficient word of God.

It is also for this reason that believers who are taught that God is giving them "fresh revelation" are among those whose Bibles are often left on shelves collecting dust.

It is clear that all of these additions to scripture do not have any legitimate authority over the lives and consciences of any believer.

There is no doubt that the Holy Spirit is working mightily in the church today, but not in the way that most charismatics believe He is. His role is to empower believers through preaching, teaching, writing, talking, witnessing, thinking, serving, and living.

He surely does lead us into God’s truth, and directs us into God’s will for our lives but He does it through God’s Word and never apart from it.

Many churches today make the mistake of referring to the Holy Spirit’s leading and empowering ministry as inspiration or revelation and they wrongly use phrases such as “God spoke to me,” or “This wasn’t my idea; the Lord gave it to me,” or “These aren’t my words, but a message I received from the Lord,” ~ all of these statements confuse the issue of the Spirit’s direction in believers' lives today.

By inviting such confusions, we play into the hands of errors and delusions that undermine the unique authority and sufficiency of Scripture.

Pastor John MacArthur in his book “Charismatic Chaos” summarized it well;

“The Reformers fought such errors with the principle of Sola Scriptura. Charismatics have abandoned that crucial precept. Now the true church in the twentieth century must fight for the supremacy and sufficiency of God’s Word. We dare not surrender to a theology that gives tradition or experience equal weight to Scripture. The uniqueness of God’s revelation in the Bible is at stake. The Bible’s own claim for itself is being challenged. It is an error to which those who love the Word of God cannot acquiesce.

  There is no substitute for the Word of God. There is no “something more.” Don’t seek energy for the spiritual walk in the empty “prophecies” of someone’s imagination. Don’t look for guidance in the uncertain counsel of feelings and intuition. Don’t set your course by the erroneous signpost of some self-deluded prophet’s exhortation. God has given us his Word, which is “profitable for teaching,” “ for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16). That is all the truth we need—for every spiritual need in life.”

Other related articles:

False Prophets

How to identify a False Prophet?

Errors in prophesies allowed?

Is God still sending prophets today?

What about those who claim to have dreams and visions?