First Manifestation of the Gift

This inspired statement definitely locates the beginning of the manifestation of the prophetic gift, for it states that the purpose of the Lord to redeem man was made known as “He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began.” The following comment is illuminating and most helpful:AGP 38.2

“Thus were revealed to Adam important events in the history of mankind, from the time when the divine sentence was pronounced in Eden, to the Flood, and onward to the first advent of the Son of God. He was shown that while the sacrifice of Christ would be of sufficient value to save the whole world, many would choose a life of sin rather than of repentance and obedience.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 67.AGP 38.3

It is evident that the revelation of the gospel, which Adam began to perceive in the garden, must continue with increasing fullness and clarity after Adam and Eve were separated from the immediate presence of their Creator.AGP 38.4

“It was the Son of God that gave to our first parents the promise of redemption. It was He who revealed Himself to the patriarchs. Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses understood the gospel. They looked for salvation through man’s Substitute and Surety. These holy men of old held communion with the Saviour who was to come to our world in human flesh.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 366.AGP 39.1

Regarding the beginning of the operation of the prophetic gift and its continuity, the following statement, though brief, is very clear:AGP 39.2

“It is the voice of Christ that speaks through patriarchs and prophets, from the days of Adam even to the closing scenes of time [Italics mine].” The Desire of Ages, 799.

This harmonizes exactly with the inspired declaration of the apostle Peter that it was the Spirit of Christ in the prophets of old that testified concerning the plan of salvation, “of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.” 1 Peter 1:10, 11.AGP 39.3

Let us now trace briefly this early line of communication between God and man.AGP 39.4