A woman in a congregation I served called me and made an appointment for "counseling." When she arrived she seemed to have a different agenda. She had been seeing a local "Christian counselor," and was actually coming to inform me of a decision she had made. She announced to me that "God had told her to divorce her husband." Rather than seeking my counsel, she was actually seeking my approval. As we talked about her marriage it seemed to me that there were mutual failures and problems in the marriage, but nothing that raised to level of unforgivable or unresolvable issues. I believe Biblical marriage is a sacred and permanent covenant between two people and God, though both Jesus and Paul taught that it was a covenant that could be broken for specific reasons. Divorce is a last resort. In her case there was no strong issue or specific conflict she had just "gotten tired and bored, they hardly spent any time together, and her husband was not 'the spiritual leader' see expected in their relationship." Her husband, who was also an active member of our church, was contesting the divorce. She was seeking my approval and support.
I knew her husband could be very stoic and insensitive, but he was hardly abusive; had never been unfaithful, and was a very good father to the children. While I was thankful the counselor had helped her relieve her stress, I questioned whether the counseling session had included any biblical or theological discussions. She admitted they had not. As I began to discuss her situation I felt it my pastoral responsibility to reminder her of the biblical teaching of the permanence of marriage, and to offer to meet and counsel with her husband to see if there was any chance of restoration. I asked if she was willing to go where God would leader even if it was difficult. She took umbrage, because I was questioning what "God had told me." She said "I am following God's way, because he told me what do the and gave me a 'peace about it.' "
I am amazed at the number of times that people claim that God tells them to do something his word prohibits. When people claim to have differing views of God's will, there is often someone adding to the tension by declaring "God told me" the right answer. Why did God speak to that person more authoritatively than He did to others? Protestant believe in "the Priesthood of all believers," (John1:14-16; Colossians 1:19; 2: 9 &10,17)that all believers have the full measure of the Spirit, and the mind of Christ? So when someone uses the words "God told me to" do something they are elevating their words above that of all the other Spirit-filled people? How can we question "what God has said?" Are all revelations equal? Is the subjective prompting that comes from the spirit equivalent to a Biblical precept? Does God speak to me the same way he spoke to Moses, or Paul? I have all ready stated that God does direct provide provide personal guidance to us. but is our perception and interpretation of our experience equivalent of his Word?
While all believers are indwelt with the Holy Spirit (John 14: 15-17; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor12:13), does God speak to us the same way he spoke to Old Testament prophets and the apostles Jesus promised divine personal guidance:
[12] “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. [13] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own Authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. [14] He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. [15] All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:12–15 ESV)
So why are there any difference of opinion at all? Why do we struggle with how best to educate our children, whom to marry, what career to pursue, whether to discontinue life support? What discernment can we glean from our experience? Is all revelation equal? When we claim that "God told me something," we claim to speak in His authority, then we are immediately dismissing any differing counsel. Jesus explained to the Pharisees how they had misunderstood God's revelation of his messianic person and work:
"[39] You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, [40] yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. [41] I do not receive glory from people." (John 5139–41 ESV).
Third Wave theologians, those who practice contemplative prayer, the Renovare movement and the followers of Henry Blackaby argue that this passage teaches that Jesus speaks to us through experience. So what it means "to me," is at least as important as what it actually says, but Jesus' point is different. Comparing the way God reveaedl truth in both Old and New Testaments seems to belie that understanding of John 5. Let's review some examples in scripture of sincere people declaring God has spoken through them whom God rejects:
First example: In Numbers Chapter 12 Miriam and Aaron, Moses's siblings, decide that their "revelation from God" is superior to "Moses's." They challenge his authority saying, "[2] And they said, 'Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?' And the LORD heard it. (Numbers 12:2ESV)" Understand what they are saying. They are claiming that God has spoken to them and that their "word from God" was equal in authority to Moses's. They believed Moses's marriage had disqualified and discredited him. God had told the Jews not to intermingle and marry foreign women, yet Moses had. They objected to his inter-racial marriage claiming it made Moses's, authority illegitimate. Moses offered no defense. He let God defend his actions rather than trying to defend himself. Aaron and Mariam claimed superior authority to Moses because they said, "the holy Spirit" had worked in them just as he had Moses. They were claiming God's revelation to them was legitimate and therefore Moses's was in essence was a false prophet. While their criticism of Moses's marriage was valid, they failed to understand that God had chosen Moses by grace. If sin disqualifies a prophet, then who is qualified? Ultimately Miriam and Aaron were claiming authority because they were "better than Moses." Their claim that God had "spoken to them" was a reflection of their on sanctimonious pride. God acted he cast Mariam out or the camp and struck her with leprosy saying,
"[6] And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the LORD make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. [7] Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. [8] With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the LORD. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” [9] And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them, and he departed." (Numbers 12:6–9 ESV)'
While God gave prophets knowledge he had ordained Moses because he was "faithful in all my house." Aaron and Miriam were claiming their experience was authentic, because they were somehow better than Moses. They claimed that their revelation was legitimate because of their, moral superiority. They were actually using God's name to elevate themselves and their agenda. In claiming God had spoken to them they were taking God's name in vain a violation of the 4th Commandment. The claim that God has spoken to a person is an austere claim. When I say "God told me" I assume an authority for my words superior to the thoughts and perceptions of everyone around me. While I may be thoroughly convinced of God's leading as Aaron and Miriam were. I may have good reason for thinking I am in a better position to know God's will then those around me, because of their moral failures, but I too am sinful and can be misguided. The prophets often gave conflicting mesages.
In our second example Jeremiah was directly confronted with a counter prophecy that claimed equal authority:
[2] “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. [3] Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD's house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon. [4] I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the LORD, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.”[5] Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, [6] and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. [7] Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. [8] The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. [9] As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” (Jeremiah 28:2–9 ESV)
Jeremiah has come into the court wearing a wooden yoke, declaring that God was going to put Israel under the oppressive yoke of Babylon. Hanniah claims to have heard God speak and declares exactly the opposite message. God had told him, he claimed, that the Jews were going to defeat the Babylonians and break the bonds of oppression. Jeremiah remains true to his original prophecy and says the one that comes to pass will be from the Lord. Two prophets, claiming authority from God, declaring the opposite message, but that's the Old Testament doesn't the Spirit work differently in the new.
Our third example: The 7 daughters of the prophet Agabus spoke a message to Paul that was from God but then misinterpreted it's significance:
[7] When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for one day. [8] On the next day we departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. [9] He had four unmarried daughters, who prophesied. [10] While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. [11] And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” [12] When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. [13] Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” [14] And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.” (Acts 21:7–14 ESV)
Agabus claimed to have received "a word from the Lord" that Paul should stay away from Jerusalem because he would be arrested there. While Agabus claimed his message was from God, Paul rejected it, saying he was willing to die. Agabus's love for Paul and enthusiasm for Paul's mission clouded his understanding of the way God was leading. He believed that the prophecy was a warning for Paul not to go to Jerusalem because he was unsafe. Paul understood that the call of God is seldom safe. So while we do not reject revelation we recognize that sincerity is no measure of credibility. All revelation must be tested. "[20] Do not despise prophecies, [21] but test everything; hold fast what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21ESV)"
So it is clear that some claims to revelation are legitimate, while some are false. The fact that someone is convinced that "God has told them" something does not make it divine revelation. Jesus explains how to determine legitimate truth error in
So it is clear that some claims to revelation are legitimate, while some are false. The fact that someone is convinced that "God has told them" something does not make it divine revelation. Jesus explains how to determine legitimate truth error in
John 5:31–43
[31] If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. [32] There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. [33] You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. [34] Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. [35] He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. [36] But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. [37] And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, [38] and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. [39] You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, [40] yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. [41] I do not receive glory from people. [42] But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. [43] I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. (John 5:31–43 ESV)1. Divine Authority is organic rather than individual. Jesus acknowledges that he does not speak on his own. His words are confirmed by God, by the testimony and work of John the Baptist. John was the last of the Old covenant prophets who words like all the other prophets pointed to Christ, and prepared the way for his kingdom. (Math11:12 & 13; Luke 16:16). Jesus authority had been promised in the covenants established between members of the Trinity with each other and with human beings. There is an authority that is given to the leaders of the church which can not be ignored (Matt 16:19; John 20:21 & 22; i Corinthians 14:32; Ephesians 4:9-15; 1 Timothy 5:17 & 18; ) "[7] Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7 ESV). While leader can be wrong and we alone are responsible for our action. The Spirits leading unifies the body in truth and love (Eph 4: 1-6) Special consideration is to be given to those whom God has placed in authority over us. The Spirit leads in unity. If my perception of God's will is contrary to what the godly men and women in authority over me perceive, then I need to pause and prayerfully reconsider.
2. Divine revelation is theologically consistent. The Father testifies to who he is
[32] There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true..... [37] And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, John 5:32,37 ESV)
The Truth of God is consistent with what we know to be true about God. The Old Testament speaks of God's "lovingkindness" the New of his grace. It calls to be holy as he is holy. The word of God is consistent with God's character. The book of Hosea is an example of the depth of God's love. While Jesus recognizes that their are some actions that clearly break a marital covenant. The story of Hosea is the story of God's pursuit of redemption and reconciliation.
[10] To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband [11] (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife. (1 Corinthians 7:10–11 ESV) The pursuit of reconciliation with our spouse is a greater priority than our freedom and by implication, pleasure. One can know that any advice concerning family tension that is from God will seek every opportunity to reconcile before separating.
Adultery, abuse and abandonment clearly break the marital covenant, yet reconciliation always remains the priority in marital conflict even in those circumstances. Yes at time it becomes impossible and God recognized the people's heart, but God does not call us to break up a marriage simply because it isn't what we expect or isn't all it could be. God always leads us to seek reconciliation.
3 A Divine revelation is prophetic or historical. It will be consistent with the prophetic message, the word of God.
When God guides us His gRidance is consistent with what we know about Him. It is theologically accurate. Notice Jeremiah's answer to the prophet Hananiah:
[7] Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. [8] The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. [9] As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” (Jeremiah 28:7–9 ESV)
Jeremiah pointed out that as far back as the exodus and Moses the exile had been predicted. Jeremiah's prophecy was consistent with what God had previously revealed in hiswor. Hanniah's prophecy was inconsistent with what God had revealed previously revealed. It was new revelation. There is no new revelation beyond what God has revealed in scripture. Rest assured that if someone claims God has spoken to them and their teaching is inconsistent with the teaching of scripture or orthodox theology, then the word did not come from God.
4. A Divine revelation results in successful kingdom advance. vs 36 The disciples could know Jesus word was true because it advanced the work of kingdom.
[36] But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. (John 5:36 ESV) Jesus words were true because they advance the larger cause of Christ. Even at the expense of his life. We see the same reaction to the false counsel given Paul by the prophet Agabus
[13] Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13 ESV)
The content of Agabus's prophecy was accurate, but he misunderstood it application. It was God's divine purpose for Paul to be arrested and bound in Jerusalem. Agabus sees only the immediate impact on himself and his community. He tries to restrain Paul because of his affection for him. Paul recognized that will of God sometimes cost one his life and demanded inconvenience or death.
So when we feel God is revealing himself to us we ask. So a revelation from God is organically healthy. theologically sound, consistent with scripture, and advances the gospel no matter what the cost. Just stating that the scripture says something s, or that God says something does not make it revelation. Revelation fits into the the greater work of God. So when someone says to you "God told me..." be very careful because not all revelations are equal.
