What is the "Testimony" of Jesus? ...for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10
A postcanonical prophecy/prophet must
1) Totally be in harmony with the canon of scripture (Bible). To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:20
2) Judged carefully by the community. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 1 Corinthians 14:29
3) Content of the prophecy should be edifying to the community. But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 1 Corinthians 14:3
4) Prophecy should be done in an orderly way. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:33
For someone to have the gift of prophecy since the close of the canon of scripture-they have the same INSPIRATION as the Biblical writers-but NOT the same AUTHORITY as the Biblical writers. For whatever they give as a message cannot add or take away from scripture. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. Revealation 22:19 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18 For I am the LORD, I change not; Malachi 3:6
If someone in any Church would happen to be given the gift of prophecy for their Church--- Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;Romans 12:6 --- It would
1) Point to the Scriptures
2) Illuminate teachings already there
3) Apply principles of Scripture to the daily life
4) Reprove, warn & instruct to stay on course
5) Protect from false doctrines.
As E.G.W. tell us- "The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vivdly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already given." Testimonies for the Church Vol. 5, p.665 E.G.W. "The testimonies were not given to take the place of the Bible." Testimonies for the Church vol. 5, p.663 E.G.W. "Let the testimonies be judged by their fruits. What is the spirit of their teachings? What has been the result of their influence?" Testimonies for the Church vol. 5, p.671 E.G.W. "The cares of the world, the love of fashion, and the lack of religion have turned the attention from the light God has so graciously given, while books and periodicals containing error are traveling all over the country. Skepticism and infidelity are increasing everywhere." Testimonies forthe Church vol. 5, p.681 E.G.W. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: Acts 2:16-18
Ellen G. White, considered to be a mesenger to the last day church, considered her writings to be the LESSER LIGHT that POINTS toward the GREATER LIGHT of the Bible. Her writings under inspiration are to NEVER take the place of the Bible.
