Written on 24 June 2025.

The Redefinition of Prophets: A Critique of Jacksmack77's YouTube Teaching

Introduction

In the contemporary YouTube landscape, one of the most influential Free Grace preachers is Jacksmack77. His sermons are characterized by an aggressive defense of salvation by faith alone and repeated denunciation of works-based, lordship, and "repent of your sins" doctrines. Yet, a less scrutinized but equally consequential feature of his teaching is his approach to the biblical office of the prophet. In his widely viewed sermon on godly leadership, Jacksmack77 openly claims that a prophet is a synonym for a preacher. This article examines that claim in the light of Scripture (KJV), historical Christian doctrine, and the implications for modern believers.

The Biblical Office of Prophet vs. Preacher

Throughout both Old and New Testaments, the term prophet (Hebrew: נָבִיא navi; Greek: προφήτης prophētēs) refers to someone who receives and communicates direct revelation from God. Prophets foretell future events (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel), call for repentance, and act as authoritative spokesmen for God. Preacher (Greek: κῆρυξ kērux or εὐαγγελιστής euangelistēs), by contrast, typically refers to one who proclaims or heralds the message of God—primarily the gospel in the New Testament context.

It is important to note that while all prophets deliver God's word, not all preachers are prophets in the biblical sense. The New Testament recognizes prophets as a separate and distinct office alongside apostles, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (see Ephesians 4:11).

Jacksmack77's Redefinition: Sermon Evidence

In his sermon Godly Leadership, Jacksmack77 explicitly states:

"And we see in verse 11 several different titles for these, you know, forms of leadership. It says in verse 11, and he gave some apostles and some prophets. A prophet is a synonym for a preacher. Okay. And then it goes on to say evangelists. That's somebody who preaches the good news of the gospel."

This equation is made not as an offhand remark but as a foundational element in his broader denial of the continued existence of prophets in the church age. By collapsing "prophet" into "preacher," Jacksmack77 can both affirm the authority of the KJV and sidestep any biblical expectation of ongoing prophecy or direct revelation.

Theological and Scriptural Problems

1. Contradicting the Distinction in Scripture

Ephesians 4:11 (KJV):

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"

Here, prophets are listed as a distinct office, not simply a synonym for "preacher." This distinction is maintained throughout the New Testament (see also 1 Corinthians 12:28–29; Acts 13:1; Acts 21:10–11).

2. Ignoring the Revelatory Function

Biblical prophets are consistently depicted as receiving direct revelation. For example, Agabus in Acts 11:28 and 21:10–11 predicts future events by the Holy Ghost. To equate this office with the general preacher is to erase the unique revelatory role given to prophets in both Testaments.

3. "Privily Bringing In Heresies" (2 Peter 2:1)

2 Peter 2:1 (KJV) warns:

"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies..."

When a prominent teacher privately reinterprets the Word of God—subtly shifting the meaning of "prophet" to match personal or denominational theology—this can be seen as a form of "privily bringing in" a new, unauthorized teaching. While not necessarily "damnable heresy," such reinterpretation alters the plain sense of Scripture, setting a dangerous precedent.

Motivations and Modern Implications

Jacksmack77’s redefinition is not unique but reflects a broader evangelical discomfort with the possibility of modern prophets—especially those who claim direct revelation or predictive prophecy. By denying the continued existence of prophets, he can denounce as heretical anyone claiming to operate in that role today, no matter how biblically faithful their message.

This approach offers a kind of doctrinal safety but comes at a cost: it functionally removes entire categories of New Testament spiritual gifts and warnings, diminishing the fullness of biblical teaching.

Conclusion: Upholding the Distinction

While Jacksmack77’s sermons are biblically rich in their emphasis on grace and faith alone, his treatment of the prophetic office departs from both the letter and spirit of the KJV. A faithful reading of the Scripture requires keeping clear the distinction between prophet and preacher, recognizing the unique role prophets played—and, according to the New Testament, may still play—in the life of God’s people.

To "privily bring in" a personal reinterpretation may serve present doctrinal preferences, but it risks undermining the clarity and authority of God’s Word.