Can God reveal His truths through prophets today?

God can still reveal His will today through the prophetic gift. However, every proclaimed “revelation” must be tested by the unchanging authority of Holy Scripture and lead people to Jesus Christ, obedience to God, and hope in His return.

The Bible does not teach that the gift of prophecy ceased with the death of the apostles or with the closing of the biblical canon. On the contrary, it shows that the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts for the needs of the Church, and end-time prophecies especially connect God's people with the working of the “spirit of prophecy.” This does not mean that a modern prophet can add anything to the Bible or replace it. The Bible is the highest and final standard of truth; the prophetic gift is meant to guide, reprove, encourage, and strengthen God's people.

The Promise of the Spirit for the Last Days

Through the prophet Joel, the Lord promised a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Peter applied this prophecy on the Day of Pentecost, showing that it began to be fulfilled in the New Testament era. At the same time, Joel speaks of the “great and awesome day of the Lord,” so the promise also holds significance for the end times.

“And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days.” Joel 2:28-29

God is not limited by the past. He can use men and women, young and old, to convey His warning or encouragement. But the true prophetic gift never exalts a human being. Its purpose is to glorify God, lead the sinner to repentance, and prepare the Church to meet Christ.

Prophets Given to the Church for Edification

The apostle Paul lists prophets among the gifts that the risen Christ gave to His Church. Their ministry is needed not to create a new gospel, but for spiritual growth, unity, and equipping believers for ministry.

“And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.” Eph 4:11-13

This goal has not yet been fully reached: the Church still needs unity, maturity, and biblical guidance. Paul also describes believers as those eagerly awaiting the revelation of Jesus and lacking no spiritual gift.

“So that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor 1:7

Therefore, waiting for the Second Coming should not lead to indifference toward spiritual gifts. On the contrary, God's people should ask for the working of the Holy Spirit and wisely use everything the Lord provides for the edification of the community.

The Spirit of Prophecy and God’s End-Time People

The Book of Revelation depicts the remnant of God's people as those who remain faithful in the great spiritual conflict. Among their identifying characteristics are faithfulness to God's commandments and having the “testimony of Jesus Christ.”

“And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev 12:17

The angel explains the meaning of this expression:

“For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Rev 19:10

Seventh-day Adventists understand these texts as a biblical basis to expect the manifestation of the prophetic gift among God's people at the end of time. In the ministry of Ellen G. White, they recognize such a manifestation. Her writings are not an addition to the Bible and do not take its place; they point the reader back to Scripture, emphasizing salvation through Christ, holy living, God's Law, the mission of the Church, and the imminent return of the Savior.

How to Test Every Prophetic Claim

God does not call Christians to be gullible. Even when someone claims to have received a vision or a word from the Lord, it must be tested. The apostle John provides a clear instruction:

“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.” 1 John 4:1

The first test is agreement with the Bible. The Lord does not contradict Himself. Any “revelation” that diminishes Jesus, denies His gospel, sets aside God's commandments, fosters fear, or places a human leader above Scripture is not from God. The second test is the fruit of life and ministry. Jesus said:

“You will know them by their fruits.” Matt 7:16

A true messenger of God does not seek personal glory, but leads to humility, love, purity, truth, and mission.

Living with an Open Bible and a Discerning Heart

God can speak through the prophetic gift today because He loves His Church and desires to prepare her for the Second Coming of Christ. However, no prophet, book, dream, or spiritual experience can ever stand above Holy Scripture. The safest position is neither to reject God's gift out of prejudice nor to accept every claim without biblical testing.

The practical application is simple: read the Bible daily, pray for the gift of discernment, compare what you hear with the Word of God, and ask whether it leads you to a deeper love for Jesus and faithful obedience to Him. In this way, the believer can remain open to God's guidance while staying firmly anchored in the unchanging truth of Scripture.