By Tony Williams
Several people today believe God gives them guidance apart from the written Word. One may sincerely believe the Holy Spirit guides him by putting thoughts in his or her mind. However, the Holy Spirit does not reveal apart from the New Testament. One may ask why pray if God does nothing outside of what we read in the book? God does work in our lives; the scriptures attest to this: The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).
God will act in our lives; however, He will do so providentially, not miraculously. The times of miracles have long since passed, for the Bible says, But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away (I Cor. 13:10). The “perfect” that has come is the completed New Testament.
No new revelation will be given since the Bible is complete. If you go to God in prayer asking for help with a decision, he will not speak to you telling you which road to take. He may, however, open doors for you or may place a roadblock in the road you shouldn’t take. This is providence, not a miracle.
One false doctrine prevalent among some denominations is that God still appears to men in a miraculous way to reveal his will. They say he appears to different people, but these people seem to be some of the most questionable individuals in the world. They give the most exciting experiences and tell the most fabulous stories all while convincing folks to send them money for cures. If God moved in such fashion today, would He come to questionable people asking for money and not to the best? In the days before the flood, all men had forgotten God and turned away from his worship. One man was faithful, and Jehovah appeared to him to tell him what would happen. Noah was the only man in line for such a revelation. All the rest were unfit. He was the best man in the world, and to him, therefore God appeared.