Refuting the Heresy Hunters: Defending the Prophetic Movement:

Refuting the Heresy Hunters: Defending the Prophetic Movement:

In a recent post on the Bible Study Company blog, the authors present a stark warning against modern prophetic ministry, labeling it a “strong delusion” and comparing prophetic utterances to “nonsensical adjectives” found in horoscopes. While the authors’ desire to protect the church from deception is commendable, their arguments rely on a narrow cessationist framework that overlooks both the biblical precedent for ongoing prophecy and the nature of the Holy Spirit’s work today.

Below is a point-by-point refutation of the article’s core claims.

1. The Argument: Prophecy as “Word Salad”

The Quote: “Graham Cooke and Russ Walden… include way too many nonsensical adjectives to have any meaning… these prophecies are similar to horoscopes. Notice how they are adjectives strung together with no real meaning…”

The Refutation: The article dismisses modern prophecy as “word salad” because it often uses encouraging, expansive language. However, the Bible itself frequently uses metaphorical and “adjectival” language to describe God’s nature and His promises (e.g., the poetic imagery in Isaiah or the Psalms).

The claim that these words have “no meaning” is subjective. To a person in a season of despair, hearing that God has a “fresh season of favor” or a “new dimension of spirituality” for them is not a horoscope; it is an exhortation. 1 Corinthians 14:3 states that the purpose of prophecy is “strengthening, encouragement and comfort.” If a word provides these three things, it is fulfilling its biblical mandate, even if the language is not as “technical” as a theological treatise.

2. The Argument: Seeking Prophecy is Idolatry

The Quote: “Is this idolatry? I will submit to you that seeking words from people, other than the Lord, is a form of evil because it is opposed to God’s will.”

The Refutation: Labeling the pursuit of a “word from the Lord” as “evil” contradicts the New Testament’s explicit commands. Paul tells the Corinthian church to “eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy” (1 Cor 14:1). If seeking a word through a brother or sister were “idolatry,” Paul would not have commanded the church to pursue it.

Furthermore, God has always used human vessels to speak to His people. In the New Testament, we see Agabus prophesying to Paul (Acts 21:10-11) and the daughters of Philip prophesying (Acts 21:9). Seeking a prophetic word is not about replacing the Bible; it is about seeking the application of God’s Spirit to a specific life situation.

3. The Argument: The Bible Replaces the Need for Prophets

The Quote: “Why would we listen to someone speaking for God when we have the entire Bible OF GOD SPEAKING TO US… No one speaks for God, But GOD!”

The Refutation: This is a “false dilemma” logical fallacy. We do not have to choose between the Bible and the prophetic; we are called to have both. The article suggests that because we have the written Word (Logos), we no longer need the spoken/applied word (Rhema).

However, the Bible itself never claims to be the final word in a way that silences the Holy Spirit’s immediate voice. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-20 warns: “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt.” By suggesting that the Bible makes prophecy obsolete, the authors are ironically ignoring the very Bible they claim to defend, which instructs us to keep the prophetic fire burning in the church.

4. The Argument: Signs and Wonders Lower the Status of Christ

The Quote: “Bill Johnson will lower Christ to just a spirit-filled man so that you and I have the same power as Christ! … This is a horrible doctrine!”

The Refutation: This is a common misunderstanding of the “Kenosis” doctrine (Philippians 2:7). The argument made by leaders like Bill Johnson is not that Jesus ceased to be God, but that He chose to live as a man in total dependence on the Holy Spirit to set a pattern for us.

Jesus Himself said in John 14:12, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these.” If acknowledging that we are called to do the “works of Christ” through the power of the Spirit is “horrible doctrine,” then it is a doctrine that originated with Jesus Himself. Acknowledging our delegated authority doesn’t lower Christ; it magnifies the effectiveness of His sacrifice and the power of the Holy Spirit He sent to us.

5. The Argument: Prophecy is “Phase 1” of Deception

The Quote: “Any information we take in and are not critical of it, but accepting, we will indoctrinate ourselves is phase 1 of the enemy’s plan to deceive us.”

The Refutation: The authors advocate for a posture of extreme skepticism. While the Bible tells us to “test everything” (1 Thess 5:21), it also tells us to “hold on to what is good.”

The article’s “three phases of deception” create a culture of fear where any spiritual experience that isn’t strictly academic is viewed as a demonic trap. This “critical” spirit can actually prevent believers from receiving the “good gifts” God desires to give. We are called to be discerning, yes, but we are also called to be receptive to the Spirit’s move.

Conclusion

The authors of the Bible Study Company article argue that “No one speaks for God, but God.” We agree. But we believe God chooses to speak through His people. To reject the prophetic because of its potential for abuse is like rejecting the Bible because of cults that misinterpret it. Rather than dismissing prophecy as “horoscopes,” the church should embrace it with biblical discernment, ensuring that every word aligns with Scripture and bears the fruit of the Spirit.