The Role of Prophets in the End Times
'The Role of Prophets in the End Times'
Prophets in the Bible serve a crucial role in delivering God's messages, warning of judgment, encouraging believers, and confronting evil. If a prophet lives in the end times, he must bear witness to unfolding biblical prophecy, aligning his message with Scripture and pointing people toward Jesus Christ.
The Biblical Purpose of a Prophet
According to the King James Bible (KJV), the primary roles of a prophet include:
- Speaking God’s Words – "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him." (Deuteronomy 18:18)
- Calling People to Repentance – "Since the day that your fathers came forth out of the land of Egypt unto this day I have even sent unto you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them." (Jeremiah 7:25)
- Foretelling Future Events – "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7)
- Strengthening Believers – "But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort." (1 Corinthians 14:3)
- Exposing False Prophets – "If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet." (Deuteronomy 13:1-3)
Prophets and Spiritual Warfare
A true prophet is often engaged in spiritual warfare, confronting demonic deception and exposing the works of darkness. Examples in Scripture include:
- Elijah vs. the Prophets of Baal – Elijah stood against false prophets, demonstrating that the LORD alone is God (1 Kings 18:21-40).
- Moses vs. Egyptian Sorcerers – Moses confronted Pharaoh’s magicians in a direct power struggle between God’s authority and occult powers (Exodus 7:10-12).
- Paul vs. Elymas the Sorcerer – Paul rebuked Elymas for attempting to pervert the Gospel (Acts 13:9-11).
Prophets are also called to intercede in prayer, as seen in Daniel 10:12-13, where Daniel’s prayers led to angelic battles in the spiritual realm. The Word of God is their weapon, as emphasized in Jeremiah 5:14 and Hebrews 4:12.
Prophets in the End Times
A prophet living in the end times must be involved in witnessing the fulfillment of Revelation and warning people accordingly:
- Prophets Must Warn of Judgment – "So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me." (Ezekiel 33:7)
- Prophecy Will Increase in the Last Days – "And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions." (Joel 2:28-29)
- The Book of Revelation Emphasizes Testimony – "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Revelation 19:10)
- The Two Witnesses of Revelation 11 – These end-times prophets will prophesy and call people to repentance during the Tribulation (Revelation 11:3-6).
Prophets and the Deception of the End Times
Jesus warned of false prophets in the last days: "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." (Matthew 24:11). The Antichrist’s deception will involve false signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9-11), making it crucial for true prophets to expose lies and uphold the truth of Scripture.
Conclusion: The Duty of an End-Times Prophet
A prophet in the end times cannot remain silent. He must:
- Warn people of deception and judgment.
- Call people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
- Expose the Antichrist system.
- Encourage believers to watch and be ready.
- Proclaim the testimony of Jesus Christ as the spirit of prophecy.
Jesus Himself commanded: "And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch." (Mark 13:37). Therefore, those with the prophetic calling must be vigilant, outspoken, and unwavering as they witness the fulfillment of biblical prophecy.