Two Biblical Metaphors
1. The Apostle Paul repeatedly speaks of prophetic inspiration as the gift from the Holy Spirit—one of the so-called “spiritual gifts” (Ephesians 4; 1 Corinthians 12).IRWHW 56.6
A person may receive many kinds of gifts. Some gifts are useless or even embarrassing. However, the most valuable gifts I have ever received were either utilitarian gifts that filled a particular need in my day-to-day existence (such as a pen, an attache case, or a typewriter) or gifts of love in which the sentiment that prompted the gift far transcended the inherent, immediate value of the gift. This sentiment bestowed upon the gift a value it would not otherwise have possessed.IRWHW 56.7
The gift of prophecy can be described in the same terms. To some it is useless. To others it is a continual embarrassment and annoyance, for it cuts across their lifestyle repeatedly, dealing as it does with particulars of day-to-day existence.IRWHW 56.8
The choice of the metaphor gift is a fortunate one when we come to the question of inspiration/revelation. The purpose of this gift is to promote the work of the ministry of the body (church) of God—to strengthen and guide the church (Ephesians 4:12-15). Notice in particular its four purposes in this connection:IRWHW 56.9
a. The perfection of the saints (that they may grow up into Christ).
b. The unification of the saints (so that there will be no schism in the body of Christ. See 1 Corinthians 12:25).
c. The edification of the saints (inspired writings provide doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. See 2 Timothy 3:16).
d. The stabilization of the saints (that they may have an anchor to keep them from drifting about on every wave of doctrine).
2. The Apostle Peter adds a second metaphor, actually borrowing it from one of David’s psalms. He sees prophetic inspiration as resembling a light that shines in a darkened place for a practical and necessary purpose—to keep us from stumbling and falling (2 Peter 1:19). A millennium earlier David had likened the word of God to a “lamp” to the feet, a “light” to the path (Psalm 119:105).IRWHW 56.10
As a “light,” prophetic inspiration serves twoIRWHW 56.11
valuable functions:IRWHW 57.1
a. One of the main purposes of the prophetic writings (although certainly not their only function) is to reveal future events. Revelation thus helps us to make adequate preparation for coming events and enables us to relate constructively to these events when they occur. However, a less obvious reason for including the prophetic element in Scripture is to validate the Bible’s divine origin—to show that God is its Author. Mortals cannot predict what will happen even moments in advance; but God can tell centuries in advance what will transpire. This function of inspiration was the particular burden of Isaiah.
b. Equally important is the function of revelation as light to protect the believer. Inspired writings provide a light that exposes Satan’s goals and his proposed methodology for accomplishing his objective. Truly, “where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18).