Has “Prophecy” Lost Its Meaning?
In today’s world, when people hear the word prophecy, they often think of mystical predictions, chosen ones, and inevitable destinies—thanks to movies like The Matrix, Dune, Star Wars, and Harry Potter. This pop culture idea of prophecy as foretelling the future has significantly shaped how many people, including Christians, understand the term.
But is this what prophecy actually means in the Bible? More importantly, could this misunderstanding be fueling continuationism, where people claim ongoing prophetic revelation today?
Let’s examine what biblical prophecy really is—and why it’s very different from what we see in fiction.
Pop Culture Prophecy: Mysticism and Fate
Many of the most popular books and films use prophecy as a plot device that revolves around:
- A chosen one (Neo, Anakin Skywalker, Paul Atreides, Harry Potter, etc.)
- An ancient prophecy predicting their coming
- A mystical revelation given by an oracle
- A fixed, unavoidable fate
For example:
- The Matrix – The Oracle tells Neo he might not be The One, but Morpheus believes in the prophecy that someone will free humanity from the machines.
- Dune – The Bene Gesserit have seeded messianic prophecies, and Paul Atreides appears to fulfill one.
- Star Wars – The Jedi believe Anakin Skywalker is “The Chosen One” who will bring balance to the Force.
- Harry Potter – The prophecy says “neither can live while the other survives.”
All these examples portray a fatalistic view of prophecy—inevitable, mystical, and predetermined. Unfortunately, many assume that biblical prophecy functions the same way.
Biblical Prophecy: Proclaiming God’s Truth
The Bible does include some future-oriented prophecy (like the coming of Christ), but this is not its primary function. Prophecy in Scripture is mostly forth-telling—declaring God’s will—not foretelling.
Old Testament Prophets
- The Hebrew word for prophet (נָבִיא, navi’) means “one who speaks on behalf of God.”
- Most prophecy was about God’s will, law, warnings, and covenant promises, not future events.
- Example: Jonah’s message to Nineveh—“Repent, or judgment will come”—was a conditional warning, not mystical prediction.
New Testament Prophecy
- The Greek word προφητεύω (prophēteuō) means “to proclaim a message from God.”
- In 1 Corinthians 14:3, Paul defines prophecy as edification, exhortation, and comfort.
- Prophecy strengthened the church and guided believers—it was rarely predictive.
- When it was (e.g., Agabus in Acts 11:27-28), it was clear, direct, and immediately relevant.
In contrast to pop culture prophecy, biblical prophecy is God’s authoritative Word spoken clearly for the benefit of His people.
How This Misunderstanding Leads to Continuationism
Many in the charismatic and Pentecostal movements view prophecy like modern fiction: new revelations about the future or hidden truths, personally given. But this is not biblical:
- Biblical prophecy was authoritative—it carried the full weight of “thus says the Lord” (Deut. 18:20–22).
- Scripture is complete—we have God’s final and sufficient revelation (Heb. 1:1–2, Jude 3).
- The modern counterpart to prophecy is the preaching of Scripture, not mystical insights or spiritual impressions.
By redefining prophecy as “personal revelation,” continuationism opens the door to subjective, unverifiable claims that undermine the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
How Should Christians Correct This?
1️⃣ Teach the Biblical Definition of Prophecy
Emphasize that prophecy is about declaring God’s Word, not predicting future events. Use 1 Corinthians 14:3 as your anchor point.
2️⃣ Recognize That Prophecy Is Complete
We no longer need prophets to reveal God’s will—it’s already written. The job of the church is to proclaim what God has already said.
3️⃣ Expose Cultural Influence
Help others see how their views of prophecy may be shaped more by Star Wars than Scripture. Clear biblical teaching dispels this confusion.
4️⃣ Promote a High View of Scripture
If someone says, “God gave me a prophetic word,” ask:
- “Is it as authoritative as Scripture—meaning, should all Christians everywhere obey it as God’s Word?”
– If no, it is not biblical prophecy.
– If yes, they are adding to Scripture—something Scripture forbids (Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18–19). - “If this word is from God, why is it not part of the Bible?”
- “Are you willing to be judged by Deuteronomy 18:20–22?”
– Prophets were held to the highest standard. If someone is unwilling to stake their life on a word, it is not God’s Word.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the True Meaning of Prophecy
Prophecy in Scripture is not mystical prediction—it is the clear, authoritative proclamation of God’s truth. When we let pop culture redefine prophecy, we open the door to doctrinal error like continuationism. Instead, let us be rooted in the sufficiency of God’s Word, which is complete, inerrant, and eternally relevant.
There is no need for “new words from God” when He has already spoken perfectly through the Scriptures.
