A New Apostolic Reformation? A Biblical Response to a Worldwide Movement
Reviewed date: 2023 Mar 4
272 pages
I didn't write a detailed review, but here are my rough notes.
Apostle
Apostle means literally one sent out
Traditional Pentecostal and charismatic teaching: Modern day apostles exist and fulfill a ministry function
NAR teaching: Apostle is an office of the church. Apostle is the highest office, apostles govern the church, and pastors must submit to apostles. Modern apostles do not write Scripture but otherwise have similar authority to the Twelve.
NT teaching: Apostles of Christ, commissioned personally by Jesus himself, and Apostles of the church, sent out by the churches for specific missions. E.g., missionaries and church planters
Main passages used by NAR movement: Ephesians 4:11, Ephesians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 12:28
Problem: No accountability structure for breathtakingly powerful apostles
Prophet
Many Protestants: Role of prophets “ceased after Scripture was written”; present-day prophecy consists of preaching the Scriptures.
Assemblies of God doctrine on prophecy: Present-day prophets give revelation to specific people and congregations, not to the church as a whole. Prophecy is a spiritual gift, not an office, and prophets are not allowed to hold church office. Since prophecy is a gift, not an office, use of the title prophet is discouraged. Prophets do not govern or reveal new truths to the church.
NAR: Prophet is a formal office of the church and prophets have governing authority. Present-day prophets have the same authority as OT prophets. Prophets reveal new truths to the church (may add to, but not contradict, Scripture). Prophets can err and make mistakes in their prophecy without being false prophets. Prophecy is not on the same level as Scripture, but in practice it does often establish new doctrine. Must be invited into a church. Must work with an apostle.
Same three scriptures used to support office of prophet