Does Luke 16:16 said that Prophets were no longer needed? - Addressing Edson Robis Rase in his understanding about Prophets - Part 2
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| Edson Robis Rase in his OP to his group that I don't care. |
In Luke 16:16, the scripture states: "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." This passage might appear at first glance to suggest that the era of prophets concluded with John the Baptist. However, a complete understanding of the role of prophets both in biblical times and in Latter-day Saint theology requires a thorough examination of the broader scriptural context and teachings.
Understanding Luke 16:16
Context of the Scripture: In this passage, Jesus is addressing a crowd including Pharisees, teaching about the transition from the Law of Moses to the kingdom of God, which He came to establish. The reference to "the law and the prophets" encompasses the teaching and preparatory work that was up to John the Baptist.
Role of John the Baptist: John is considered the last prophet of the Old Testament era, coming to prepare the way for Christ (Matthew 11:10). His ministry did represent a pivotal point, but it did not signify the end of God’s use of prophets.
Continuation of Prophets in Christian Doctrine
New Testament Evidence: The existence and importance of prophets beyond John the Baptist are affirmed in several New Testament references. For example, Ephesians 4:11-13 emphasizes Christ giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the work of the ministry and the edification of the body of Christ, as I first stated on part one of this article. This indicates a continuing role for prophets in the Christian church.
Role of Modern Prophets: In Latter-day Saint theology, prophets are considered vital even today, as exemplified by the belief in a living prophet who leads the Church. The role of the modern prophet is seen as a continuation of the pattern established in biblical times, providing revelation, guidance, and instruction to the Church. And as I made my example the last time, Iglesia Ni Christo did make a continues instruction from what they call SUGO which indeed prophets but might their term seem unusual in biblical practice. So far, God made such guidance and Instructions through his servants (Amos 3:7), and in INC they call it SUGO? Question is, was he really a SUGO/prophet?
Philosophical and Theological Considerations
Purpose of Prophets: Prophets have traditionally been seen as messengers called by God to teach, warn, and guide His people. Thus, the need for prophets would be ongoing as long as there are people to teach and guide. Yes, basically as I had said the term might be unusual but SUGO or prophets has the same definition, that if you understood the biblical context rather using your own ideology.
Common Misunderstandings: The idea that we no longer need prophets might stem from misunderstandings of biblical texts or from differing theological interpretations. In-depth study and context are crucial for deriving accurate interpretations. The rest of the example were on part 1 of this article and yet Edson Robis Rase doesn't like to make any rebuttal of my statement. So, I leave a link here for reference - https://bustillo-family.blogspot.com/2024/08/blog-post_23.html?m=1
Conclusion
Luke 16:16 does not imply the cessation of the need for prophets; rather, it marks the transition from the Law of Moses to the teachings of Christ and the expansion of God's work through His Son and subsequently through His servants, the prophets, in ongoing eras. Latter-day Saint scriptures and teachings further clarify and affirm the continuing importance of prophets in guiding Christ’s church and clarifying His doctrine in our day.
Hence, rather than viewing Luke 16:16 as signaling an end to prophets as your study goes Edson Robis Rase, it might be better understood as highlighting a transformation in how God’s kingdom is taught and realized among men, with prophets still playing a critical role in this ongoing divine outreach.
Understanding Luke 16:16
Context of the Scripture: In this passage, Jesus is addressing a crowd including Pharisees, teaching about the transition from the Law of Moses to the kingdom of God, which He came to establish. The reference to "the law and the prophets" encompasses the teaching and preparatory work that was up to John the Baptist.
Role of John the Baptist: John is considered the last prophet of the Old Testament era, coming to prepare the way for Christ (Matthew 11:10). His ministry did represent a pivotal point, but it did not signify the end of God’s use of prophets.
Continuation of Prophets in Christian Doctrine
New Testament Evidence: The existence and importance of prophets beyond John the Baptist are affirmed in several New Testament references. For example, Ephesians 4:11-13 emphasizes Christ giving apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the work of the ministry and the edification of the body of Christ, as I first stated on part one of this article. This indicates a continuing role for prophets in the Christian church.
Role of Modern Prophets: In Latter-day Saint theology, prophets are considered vital even today, as exemplified by the belief in a living prophet who leads the Church. The role of the modern prophet is seen as a continuation of the pattern established in biblical times, providing revelation, guidance, and instruction to the Church. And as I made my example the last time, Iglesia Ni Christo did make a continues instruction from what they call SUGO which indeed prophets but might their term seem unusual in biblical practice. So far, God made such guidance and Instructions through his servants (Amos 3:7), and in INC they call it SUGO? Question is, was he really a SUGO/prophet?
Philosophical and Theological Considerations
Purpose of Prophets: Prophets have traditionally been seen as messengers called by God to teach, warn, and guide His people. Thus, the need for prophets would be ongoing as long as there are people to teach and guide. Yes, basically as I had said the term might be unusual but SUGO or prophets has the same definition, that if you understood the biblical context rather using your own ideology.
Common Misunderstandings: The idea that we no longer need prophets might stem from misunderstandings of biblical texts or from differing theological interpretations. In-depth study and context are crucial for deriving accurate interpretations. The rest of the example were on part 1 of this article and yet Edson Robis Rase doesn't like to make any rebuttal of my statement. So, I leave a link here for reference - https://bustillo-family.blogspot.com/2024/08/blog-post_23.html?m=1
Missing the point. It's one of the common misunderstanding in regards to prophets and laws without noticing the very point of the logic. Here's the rest of the example to enlighten Edson Robis Rase that perhaps might help him in his study. In the Old testament we could find a link about Christ coming and his Role as Saviour, the Sacrificial Lamp, and many others that we could find relating Christ Coming. Some of it below -
- The prophet Abraham sacrificing his Son Isaac as similitude of the Father Sacrificing his Son, Jesus Christ for his Love to the World. Was it fulfilled? Of course it was. Do we need another man or person that might be similar or might do the same as Abraham of Old? Christ already fulfilled it so what else do we need?
- Isaiah in his prophecy about the child would be born that responsibilities will be upon to his shoulders. So who fulfills it? None other than Christ? Again, do we need to another person to fulfill Isaiah's words and Prophecy? No, we don't. There are many others, such as Isaiah spoke about the coming of a Savior who would suffer for the sins of humanity (see Isaiah 53) and be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). These are directly fulfilled in the New Testament narratives of Jesus's life. Who in the world would ever claim that it was all about him and not Christ?
- The birthplace of the Messiah was prophesied by Micah, who mentioned that he would come out of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). This prophecy was realized when Jesus was born in Bethlehem (see Matthew 2:1). Again, do we need another prophecy about it?
- Psalms also contain messianic prophecies such as those in Psalm 22, which mirror the suffering Christ would endure, including details like His garments being divided and lots being cast for them (see Matthew 27:35). Now do you still need another person to fulfil it Edson Robis Rase? Why should we, right?
These examples were simply elaborate the term "Ends of Laws and Prophet" in Old Testament since they testified about Christ who would come. There are many other's that might be unnecessary for a simple subject. And for the Law, that was given to Moses, so who else needs to have it? Would you be Edson Robis Rase? See how poorly you missed every biblical point were you yourself couldn't even resolve using your own ideology and here you are trying to use scripture by just simply contradicting scripture. That's not gonna work. So you fail once again.
Conclusion
Luke 16:16 does not imply the cessation of the need for prophets; rather, it marks the transition from the Law of Moses to the teachings of Christ and the expansion of God's work through His Son and subsequently through His servants, the prophets, in ongoing eras. Latter-day Saint scriptures and teachings further clarify and affirm the continuing importance of prophets in guiding Christ’s church and clarifying His doctrine in our day.
Hence, rather than viewing Luke 16:16 as signaling an end to prophets as your study goes Edson Robis Rase, it might be better understood as highlighting a transformation in how God’s kingdom is taught and realized among men, with prophets still playing a critical role in this ongoing divine outreach.
Thank you and have a nice day.
Jerry N. Bustillo
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