Pastor Hanning Mutukiriza says prophets should open up to other prophets. COURTESY PHOTO.
A number of prominent Christian evangelists and spiritual figureheads in various places stated last year that Donald Trump will win the November 3 election in United States.
With the turn of events, some have come up to apologize to their followers calling their prophesies “inaccurate.” In keeping with tradition, Joe Biden is expected to be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on 20 Jan, 2021 in front of the US Capitol in Washington DC.
Were all those who predicted Trump’s victory false prophets?
Ugandan Pastor Hanning Mutukiriza of Kampala Bible Revelation Church addressed the matter by quoting 1 Corinthians 14:29 which says, “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.”
“Here in Uganda we are not any different. Prophets have prophesied and predicted events and persons which turned out to be different,” he said.
“The above scripture (1 Corinthians 14:29) tells us that let the prophets speak while others judge. Judging whether the prophecy is scriptural and by the Holy Spirit. Why would Paul tell the early believers so if prophets were failure proof? It is very important for prophets to know that they are very vulnerable and therefore should open up for other prophets,” he said.
“In 1 Corinthians 14:32 it says, “ And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” That says a lot. But briefly it means that prophets can prophesy even when the Holy Spirit is not speaking through them. The prophets of the Old Testament are very different from the prophets of the New Testament. In Acts 15:32 it says, “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.” The prophets of the New Testament are basically teachers of the Word, exhorting the brethren not predictors. Predicting is sensational but it is the minor.
“In Ephesians 4:11-12 it says, “ And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” All these mentioned in Ephesians are gifts to the church to edify the body of Christ so that we grow to know Christ.
“The prophets’ major role is to teach Christ. But now there is a lot of confusion. However, when these prophets predict or prophesy and it does not come to pass. It simply means they didn’t hear from God. They are not false prophets. They are not fake. They need other prophets to judge their prophesies,” he stated.
Addressing the same issue in an article published by Christianity Today, Mr Craig S. Keener, a North American academic and professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary said biblical prophecies indicate more about what than about when.
“Mistakes in prophecy do not make everyone who’s mistaken a false prophet, any more than mistakes in teaching make everyone who’s mistaken a false teacher. But false prophets exist—even cessationists, who do not believe that the genuine gift of prophecy is for today, agree that they do,” he said.
“As a charismatic Christian myself, I like to see prophecies come true. But prophecies need to be evaluated. Whenever possible, before they go public. And, when necessary, afterward,” he added.
Professor Keener urged that in all this, the Lord remains in control of history, and we can live by His certain Word in Scripture no matter what else happens.
Jeremiah Johnson of Jeremiah Johnson Ministries in USA is among those who prophesied a second term for Trump. He issued a statement last week apologizing to believers he “might have caused to doubt the voice of God.”
Like Evangelist Franklin Graham, Jeremiah Johnson said he was inclined to agree with President Trump’s claims that the election was “stolen from him.”
“‘I was wrong, I am deeply sorry, and I ask for your forgiveness,’” he wrote. “I specifically want to apologize to any believer in whom I have now caused potential doubt concerning the voice of God and His ability to speak to His people. As a human being, I missed what God was saying; however, rest assured, God Himself is NOT a liar and His written Word should always be the foundation and source of our lives as Christians.”
He said he has accepted Trump’s defeat as “the will of God” and urged Christians to now humble themselves.
“A humbling has come and is coming to the American Church like never before. How we choose to respond to this correction and judgment from the Lord will determine many outcomes in the years ahead,” he wrote.
“I encourage the remnant to continue to stand for righteousness and truth in America. We must focus our efforts on preaching the Gospel and making disciples like never before. Remember the words of Jesus, “Let the wheat and tares grow up together until the time of harvest …” I, for one, am choosing today to dedicate 2021 and beyond to the testimony of Jesus Christ,” he added.
