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Commentary on "The Blessings of the Prophetic Gift"
Day 1: Sabbath afternoon, March 14, 2009
Today's lesson opens with an interesting phrase: "Prophets who wrote no books of the Bible".
PROBLEMS
Nathan, Elijah and even Jesus, who we learned in previous commentary is the true Spirit of Prophecy, wrote no books. However, their prophetic words are recorded in the Bible by Godly inspired writers. In John 1:1 we see that Jesus is called the "Word", meaning that when he speaks, we are hearing the voice of God. The title of the lesson for this week includes the phrase; "Prophetic Gift", implying that Ellen White's words are a gift from God. Since her words are not included in Scripture, written by her or any of the Biblical authors, what she has to say must be judged against the known prophetic Word, the words of Jesus Christ recorded by known prophets of God. Her motives are beside the point. The only thing that counts is what we learn when her words are compared against the Biblical standard.
Since the church is mentioned in this lesson, we need to be reminded that the true Church, the Body of Christ are those who have believed the gospel message of Jesus Christ and who have been sealed by the promised indwelling of the Holy Spirit which is sent by our Savior to each member of his Body.
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.(Eph. 1:10-14)
SUMMARY
We have seen in earlier commentary where the prophetic gift is only one of many important spiritual gifts bestowed by the will of God and all these gifts work together through the various members of the true Body of Christ, his Church. None of these gifts function apart from the other gifts and they are never the domain of any one certain person within the Body. We have learned that Jesus Christ alone holds the title of; "Spirit of Prophecy". These gifts bring glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who is our blessing.
Later this week we will also be looking at the unique Adventist phrase; "counsels on health" and how it relates to the gospel message of Jesus Christ and our salvation.
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Official Adventist Resources
Standard Edition Study Guide Week 12
Teacher's Edition Study Guide Week 12
Easy Reading Edition Study Guide Week 12
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