Sunday, February 23, 2014

The Heart of the Matter

This was brought to my attention today. It's a prophecy delivered by Kenneth Copeland back in October, complete with "saith the LORD" attribution. I'll put two links here, and a screenshot at the end of the post in case they try to make it disappear.

Here are some simple questions about this prophecy and the prophet who proclaimed it. These questions are especially vital for the "cautious continuationist" crowd.

Does this prophecy have the same authority as Scripture?

If not, why not? On what basis could we exclude it from the Bible, or consider it sub-scriptural?

If someone disbelieves this prophecy, is that a sin worthy of an eternity in hell? Was Christ's sacrifice necessary to atone for the sin of doubting this prophecy, or refusing to obey it?

What can we say about Kenneth Copeland on the basis of this prophecy alone?

If this prophecy does not come true, with whom does the fault lie? Was God wrong (shudder!)? What then should be done with the prophet who declared it?

Can we say anything about the veracity of this prophecy now, or do we have to wait until January 1, 2015, and examine it in hindsight?

I know how I would answer these questions. How would you? More to the point, how would a 'cautious continuationist' like Grudem or Piper or Carson, or a redefinitionist like Poythress, or a full-out charismatic like Storms or Brown?

If your theology doesn't allow you to condemn this false prophet and this obviously false prophecy immediately - if you have to wait and see because you never know, it might be from God, and we don't want to quench the Spirit - you've got something seriously wrong, and it's incredibly dangerous.


3 comments:

Michael Coughlin said...

Closed minded trogdor!

You've omitted the obvious answer which is that you simply don't have the power of interpretation. That and, never enter a battle of wits with a Sicilian when death is on the line.

Thanks.

Pastor Greg Lawhorn said...

Tragic as it is, there's no point in examining the prophecy on January 1, 2015. Those of us who know the spirit from which Copeland speaks already know his error. And those who believe that prophecy exists today already believe that a genuine prophet can be wrong, and won't be convinced even if the exact opposite takes place.

What if after the fall Satan had managed to convince Eve that everything she wanted actually came to pass? That's what's happening today.

Elaine Philip said...

God manifested himself in Jesus 2000 years ago. Apparently, this "prophecy" indicates something greater is in store than the incarnation. That's blasphemy.