Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jesus Speak To People Today?
Question: Does Jesus speak to some people today, either audibly, or by making a "mental impression on them"?
Answer: The question really becomes one of whether the Bible is sufficient,
or must we look for later revelations.
In 1 Cor. 2:10ff. we learn that the Holy Spirit searched the "things of
God" and revealed them to the apostles. That which the Spirit revealed unto
them was preached orally, and also put in written form, under the direction
of the Holy Spirit. Paul "wrote" what had been revealed to him so that others
could "read" (Eph. 3:3).
God has granted unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2
Pet. 1:3). In Eph. 3:3-5 we are taught that God made known the truth of
Christ by his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This fulfilled the
promise Jesus had previously made to the apostles in John 16:13, that the
Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth. The Spirit did this.
But the point is, that this inspired revelation is complete. We are
furnished completely unto every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17).
The faith has been once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). This
does not leave room for additional revelations. Consider the principle of
Gal. 1:9. cf.. 2 John 9.
This word is God's power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), and is the standard
by which all will be judged (Jas. 2:12; John 12:48). Jesus calls by the
Gospel (2 Thess. 2:14). Jesus speaks to us through the word (Heb.1:1,2).
Consider how Jesus speaks to the churches (Rev. 2:1f).
Likewise, the Spirit speaks expressly (1 Tim.4:1f), and, "He who has
an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Rev. 2:7).
Regarding having a mental impression that Jesus is speaking to one
today: Remember that our feelings are not infallible. They are not our
standard (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23). Paul looked back at that time when he had
been in error and still was able to say, "I have lived in all good conscience
before God until this day" (Acts 23:1; 26:9). "The heart is deceitful above
all things..." (Jer. 17:9). This is why we have the Bible. The evidence
whereby we may know if we stand approved before God is not our feelings, even
in good conscience, but rather whether our conduct is in harmony with God's
word (Phil. 1:27; Jas. 1:21; 1 Pet. 1:22-23).
There is no indication that Jesus speaks directly to anyone today, with
either an audible voice, or through making mental impressions. If we want to
hear Him speak, we must listen to His word, the Bible, and specifically the
New Testament. Jesus knew that this is how faith in Him would come about: "I
do not pray for these [apostles] alone, but also for those who will believe
in Me through their word" (John 17:20).
© Copyright, Leon Mauldin, 1994-2007
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