Topical Bible: Presumption: Exhibited in Pretending to Prophecy

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Topical Encyclopedia

Presumption, in the context of biblical teachings, refers to the audacious and often arrogant assumption of roles or actions that are not divinely sanctioned. One of the most serious forms of presumption is the act of pretending to prophecy, which is explicitly condemned in Scripture. This act involves claiming to speak on behalf of God without His authorization, thereby misleading others and distorting divine truth.

Biblical Warnings Against False Prophets

The Bible contains numerous warnings against false prophets who presume to speak in God's name without His command. In Deuteronomy 18:20-22 , the Lord provides a clear directive: "But the prophet who dares to speak a message in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death." This severe consequence underscores the gravity of presumption in prophecy, as it not only misleads the people but also dishonors God.

Characteristics of False Prophets

False prophets are often characterized by their self-serving motives and deceitful practices. In Jeremiah 23:16 , the Lord warns, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" Such individuals exploit the trust of the faithful, offering false hope and leading them away from the truth.

Consequences of False Prophecy

The consequences of presumption in prophecy are severe, both for the false prophet and those who heed their words. In Ezekiel 13:3 , the Lord declares, "Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing." This woe signifies impending judgment and serves as a warning to those who would dare to speak falsely in God's name. The impact on the community is equally dire, as false prophecies can lead to spiritual confusion and moral decay.

Discernment and Testing of Prophecies

Believers are called to exercise discernment and test the spirits to avoid falling prey to false prophets. In 1 John 4:1 , it is written, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This exhortation emphasizes the importance of vigilance and reliance on the Holy Spirit to discern truth from deception.

Examples of Presumption in Prophecy

Throughout the Bible, there are examples of individuals who presumed to prophesy without divine mandate. One notable instance is found in the account of Hananiah in Jeremiah 28. Hananiah falsely prophesied the return of the exiles and the restoration of the temple vessels within two years, directly contradicting the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah. As a result, Jeremiah pronounced God's judgment upon Hananiah, who died within the year, as foretold (Jeremiah 28:15-17).

Conclusion

The presumption of pretending to prophecy is a serious offense in the biblical narrative, reflecting a profound disrespect for God's sovereignty and truth. The Scriptures consistently warn against such actions, highlighting the need for discernment and adherence to genuine divine revelation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 18:22
When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously: you shall not be afraid of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices ...
... Grievous sin of the Papists in pretending to sacrifice Christ ... Nor was this a mere
random presumption which had ... visible symbol of this grace was exhibited at the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 three things briefly.htm

The Doctrine of Arbitrary Scriptural Accommodation Considered.
... or our shortsighted folly and presumption; or, lastly ... enactment,"or prophecy, is
so exhibited that the ... on the present occasion, without pretending to bring to ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vi the doctrine of.htm

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha ...
... sure confidence is not free from arrogance and presumption. ... This boundary they pass
in pretending that, as ... They were Fathers, who, as they exhibited only one ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/of passages from the holy.htm

The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ...
... the perfect light of faith is now exhibited, when he ... but in vain, to check the
presumption of the ... who endeavour to blind the simple by pretending the authority ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 13 the unity of.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... abuse, as the gift of tongues, prophecy, or other ... latter to beware lest pride and
presumption deprive them ... they properly look, since he is exhibited to their ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... they call perseverance obstinacy, and confidence presumption, as in ... of Scripture,
this action is a prophecy; as part ... the son of Abraham of pretending that his ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm