Should we expect modern prophets to originate new doctrines?

True end-time prophets will not originate new doctrine. The apostle John makes it clear that people who add or take away from the truth of Scripture are not being led by God. Any teaching that is not in harmony with the Word of God should be automatically dismissed. The Bible is the source of all doctrine, our sure foundation of truth. Isaiah warned, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20).

A true prophet is sort of like the moon, which reflects the sun. God’s prophets do not lift themselves up, but point others to the Lord and encourage people to have a closer walk with Jesus. They do not direct attention to themselves but on the Bible. They are like smaller lights pointing people to the greater light of truth in the Word of God. Sometimes they reveal a deeper understanding of Bible doctrine that was clear during a certain time. “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).

God’s prophets throughout time have helped protect His people from fanaticism, deception, and spiritual stupor. They have given direct messages to those who have turned from the Lord, rebuking, exhorting, and guiding them. Elijah confronted the prophets of Baal. Nathan challenged King David. Prophets helped to direct the early church.

John the Baptist prepared people for the first coming of Jesus. In the same way, God’s last-day prophets will help people understand the end-time prophecies that indicate Christ is coming soon. Their messages are always in harmony with the Bible.

Key Bible Texts

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (Revelation 22:18 KJV)