It depends on what is meant by the term, “prophet.”

Smith’s Bible Dictionary describes a biblical prophet as follows:

“The ordinary Hebrew word for prophet is nabi, derived from a verb signifying ‘to bubble forth’ like a fountain; hence the word means one who announces or pours forth the declarations of God. The English word comes from the Greek prophetes (profetes), which signifies in classical Greek one who speaks for another, especially one who speaks for a god, and so interprets his will to man; hence its essential meaning is ‘an interpreter.’”

Easton’s Bible Dictionary explains:

“(Hebrews nabi, from a root meaning ‘to bubble forth, as from a fountain,’ hence ‘to utter’, Comp. Psalm 45:1). This Hebrew word is the first and the most generally used for a prophet. In the time of Samuel another word, ro’eh, ‘seer’, began to be used (1 Samuel 9:9). It occurs seven times in reference to Samuel. Afterwards another word, hozeh, ‘seer’ (2 Samuel 24:11), was employed. In 1 Ch. 29:29 all these three words are used: ‘Samuel the seer (ro’eh), Nathan the prophet (nabi’), Gad the seer’ (hozeh). In Joshua 13:22 Balaam is called (Hebrews) a kosem ‘diviner,’ [the new King James Bible says here, “soothsayer”] a word used only of a false prophet.

“The ‘prophet’ proclaimed the message given to him, as the ‘seer’ beheld the vision of God. (See Numbers 12:6, 8.) Thus a prophet was a spokesman for God; he spake in God’s name and by his authority (Exodus 7:1). He is the mouth by which God speaks to men (Jeremiah 1:9; Isaiah 51:16), and hence what the prophet says is not of man but of God (2 Peter 1:20, 21; Comp. Hebrews 3:7; Acts 4:25; 28:25). Prophets were the immediate organs of God for the communication of his mind and will to men (Deuteronomy 18:18, 19). The whole Word of God may in this general sense be spoken of as prophetic, inasmuch as it was written by men who received the revelation they communicated from God…”

Even though the meaning of the word “prophet” most certainly includes godly understanding and inspired preaching, more is involved.

Wayne Blank defines a prophet in this way, in “Daily Bible Study” (on keyway.com):

“The English word ‘prophet’ originated from a Greek word which meant to tell before i.e. pro means before and phemi means to tell… The Hebrew word of the Old Testament that is translated as ‘prophet’  [nabi]… means an inspired speaker… The Greek term of the New Testament that is translated as ‘prophet’… also means an inspired speaker…

“The LORD’s prophets are often regarded as having only been there to prophesy coming destruction, but they only did so within the context of preaching and teaching God’s Truth – and what would happen to those who rebelled against it. The LORD’s prophets, who were therefore also experts in God’s Law, also prophesied great good that is coming upon those who obey God’s Law.”

As can be seen from the foregoing, one of the responsibilities of a true biblical prophet is to foretell the future.

The website of bible.org gives interesting points regarding the meaning of the word “prophet”. Even though we do not agree with everything stated there, we quote a few correct excerpts, pointing out that a prophet has certain tasks. He is given the commission:

“To make known to men the laws of God [compare Zechariah 1:6]

“To call the people back to obedience to God’s laws [compare 2 Chronicles 24:19]

“To exhort the people to sincerity in worship [compare God’s directive to the prophet Jeremiah in Jeremiah 7:1-11]

“To warn them of Divine judgment upon sin, both personal and national [compare God’s directive to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 36:27, 30-31]

“To foretell future events which God had willed [compare God’s directive to Jeremiah in Jeremiah 30:1-3]…”

So we see that we must not limit the role and function of a true prophet to “just” foretelling the future, but this aspect is most certainly included.

The above-mentioned website (bible.org) continues to point out the difference between true and false prophets, as follows:

“God had told Jeremiah to announce that Jerusalem would be captured by the Babylonian army, as a punishment for the sins of the people. False prophets opposed Jeremiah and denied his words, suggesting that he was a traitor. But God said that the false prophets themselves would die by the sword of the Babylonians. This was literally fulfilled, and thus the words of Jeremiah were proved to be God’s message, while the popular message of the false prophets was shown to be lies, even though they had dared to use the name of [God].”

Another website, biblebell.org, explains that there are “two categories of prophetic activities,” in that “a prophet speaks forth God’s messages in two main categories,” that of “preaching” and  “foretelling.” Examples for a “preaching” prophet can be found in Isaiah 1:16, 19: In uttering God’s words, the prophet Isaiah “encourages, comforts, or reproves the people.”

The author adds that “from this standpoint, a pastor who preaches, in full and accurate accord with God’s Bible, is functioning as a prophet.”

An example for a “foretelling” prophet can be found in Isaiah 7:14, in that he “gives the people the word of God concerning the future.”

You might want to review our Q&A on prophets in the Church of God today. We explain that the Church of God does have prophets today in the sense of inspired preaching, including preaching on prophetic events which are specifically described in the Bible, but the Church of God does NOT have today “ordained” or “appointed” prophets who are receiving revealing godly visions and dreams about the future; who are directly inspired by God concerning prophetic events which are not set forth in Scripture; and who proclaim those previously unknown future events with unerring and infallible godly authority.

We stated:

“We do not claim that there are presently any ministers in our organizations who have been ordained by God to the rank and function of apostle or prophet; nor do we believe that God has given anyone else outside our organizations such ranks and functions. When God chooses to set aside some of His ministers for such responsibilities (as He will, for instance, in regard to the two witnesses), the fruit of such persons will make this fact abundantly clear to those in God’s Church. For instance, God manifested and revealed without doubt the apostleship of Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong, the late human leader of the former Worldwide Church of God, who died in 1986. Today, even though some claim godly approval for stating that they are apostles and/or prophets, it is our judgment that their claims are false, as in our opinion, they have not manifested the signs of an apostle or prophet in their lives.”

At the same time, we explained in our Q&A about the two witnesses that true godly prophets will arise in the future, as for instance the two witnesses will clearly be such prophets. We stated that “at the very end, just prior to the return of Jesus Christ to this earth, two extraordinary human beings will prophesy and warn this world for 3 1/2 years. During the time of their testimony, no one can harm them, as they will have supernatural protection and powers from God… they will be human beings, sent by God to give this world a last warning, going before the returning Christ ‘in the spirit and power of Elijah’ and Moses (compare Luke 1:17).”

In addition, we pointed out in our Q&A on the prophetess Deborah, that even though there were true prophetesses in the Old Testament, no such office of a prophetess exists in the New Testament Church. We stated: “There is no Biblical record that women were called or ordained to an office of prophetess in the New Testament Church. In fact, God does not permit a woman to preach or to prophesy in Church services… Men have served as prophets and women as prophetesses, as the Word of God clearly illustrates. In the Church of God, today, men may still be called to be prophets (among other offices)–which is by ordination (Compare Acts 11:28; 21:10-11; 1 Corinthians 12:27-28; Ephesians 4:11; Hebrews 5:4). Women, such as the four daughters of Philip [compare Acts 21:9], may also be chosen to speak prophetically through the outpouring of God’s Holy Spirit, but not in Church services, and not as ordained ministers or as ordained prophetesses. The ONLY ordained office within the Church of God that is held by women is that of DEACONESS–an appointment based on solid maturity and selfless service.”

Finally, in our Q&A on “THAT” or “THE” Prophet, we explained:

“The Prophet who was [spoken of by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15 and who was] to come was none other than Jesus Christ [compare Acts 3:19-26]. Jesus has many titles and designations; apart from being the Son of God and the Savior and Messiah (the Anointed One), He is also the only Mediator between God and man, our High Priest and the King of kings and the Lord of lords; He is the Apostle of those apostles whom He appoints (Hebrews 3:1; Ephesians 4:11), as well as THAT Prophet of those holy prophets whom He sends. Anyone who misappropriates any of those titles to himself (or approvingly permits such misappropriations to be applied to him) is claiming privileges and designations which are limited and strictly belong to, and which are reserved for Jesus Christ; and such a person will have to give account for what he claims to be, says and does, whoever he might be.”

To summarize, there are most certainly “prophets” in God’s Church today who preach with godly inspiration and who speak on prophecies which are recorded in the Bible. God might also give some of His servants special insight today into prophetic events and details, which might not be specifically mentioned in Scripture, but which would be in line with prophecies contained in the Bible (compare Amos 3:7-8; Isaiah 44:26; Revelation 19:10). But at this point, there are no ordained prophets in God’s Church anywhere, and we do not believe that those who claim otherwise are telling the truth. We do find, however, that in the future, the Church of God will have again ordained apostles and prophets, in accordance with the directions of Jesus Christ, the living Head of the Church (Ephesians 4:11-16).

Lead Writer: Norbert Link

The Bible is an instruction manual for mankind on a whole raft of issues and can be extremely useful in helping us with matters that might otherwise go unheeded.  One principle that seems to be ignored in general today is the Quarantine Principle.   Quarantine is defined in the Concise Oxford Dictionary as: Period of isolation imposed on voyagers, travellers, sick persons – that might spread contagious disease.

The Bible has much to say about quarantine and leprosy which was highly contagious and is covered in some detail.  However, the same principles apply about colds, flu, sore throats and other infectious and contagious diseases which can equally and easily be spread – thus inconveniencing and causing problems to others.

Let us look briefly at leprosy and how this was dealt with.  We read in Leviticus 13:4: “But if the bright spot iswhite on the skin of his body, and does not appear to be deeper than the skin, and its hair has not turned white, then the priest shall isolate the one who has the sore seven days.”

Further on in the same chapter, we read: “Now the leper on whom the sore is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’  He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp” (verses 45-46).

In this passage, we find a detailed discussion of the rules for the detection of the disease, followed by the isolation required.

In Leviticus 14:8 is the ritual for cleansing healed lepers: “He who is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean. After that he shall come into the camp, and shall stay outside his tent seven days.”

This is spelled out in an elaborate manner with much detail, and we can take from it the fact that isolation or quarantine was required for a period, and this was for the well-being of all the people.

In 2 Kings 15:5 we read:  “Then the Lord struck the king, so that he was a leper until the day of his death; so he dwelt in an isolated house. And Jotham the king’s son was over the royal house, judging the people of the land.”

Here, King Azariah was struck with leprosy and dwelt in an isolated house.   Again, the same principle of isolation or quarantine was necessary.

In Luke 17:12 it says:

“Then as He (Jesus) entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off.”

They stood afar off. They weren’t mixing with everyone else. It was taken for granted, and expected, that they would keep themselves to themselves because of their unfortunate physical condition.

One commentator on-line stated that “In the Med-Planet encyclopedia we read that ‘It was not until 1873 that leprosy could be shown to be infectious rather than hereditary.’”

Of course God knew this all along, as His laws to Moses reveal (Leviticus 13:14, 22; Numbers 19:20). His instructions regarding quarantine to prevent the spread of leprosy and other infectious diseases are nothing short of remarkable, considering that this life-saving practice was several thousand years ahead of its time.

The UK imposes strict quarantine laws on animals coming into this country in order that the potential for rabies is eliminated.   If quarantine is considered sensible for animals, how much more should we take care?

In the Global Church of God’s Feast of Tabernacles booklet for many years, it read:   “If you think that you have a contagious disease, please do not come to services or to the Festival desk to be anointed.   Likewise, please do not bring children with contagious diseases or illnesses to services or activities.”

Similar statements have been made in our Feast booklets of the Church of the Eternal God and the Kirche des Ewigen Gottes.

For many years, it was taken for granted that if we had a cold, flu or a sore throat – or, in fact, any other contagious or infectious problem, we simply did not attend Church services. 

Having seen what the Bible says about quarantine, what should our attitude be?

It should be love for others. Mr Herbert Armstrong, the late human leader of the Worldwide Church of God, who died in 1986, defined love as an “outgoing concern for the good and well being of others”.   If we take this seriously, we will not want to pass on any contagious sickness or disease to anyone else.   We must remember that there are those who may have lower resistance to infection than others.   So, by not going to services when one is suffering from an “infectious or contagious” sickness is not the same as “forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:25) – but having love and concern for the rest of the brethren.   We may want to see everyone, every week – that is understandable – but only if we are well and not likely to pass anything contagious on to any of the members.

Esteeming others better or more important than self is another good, solid Biblical principle (compare Philippians 2:3).  If we do this, we will certainly not want to pass on anything that is contagious.   We should always put the good and welfare of others above our own perceived requirements.  Again, this principle will make sure that we always do the right thing and not infect others when we are not well.

The golden rule as laid out clearly in the Bible is:   “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise” (Luke 6:31; compare Matthew 7:12).

None of us want a cold, influenza, nor a sore throat. We don’t want to feel ill, and so we should, and must, consider others, by not passing on these bugs, germs and viruses.   We should treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves.

Of course, there may be times when we are incubating a problem that we do not realize is about to happen.  Incubation is a phase through which germs of disease pass, before the development of first symptoms.   But if we know that we’re feeling less than well and that a cold, flu or some other problem is coming on, then we should just not attend services.   We need to use a good deal of wisdom in this area.

This brief overview of the quarantine principle should provide sufficient information for us to take seriously and ensure that we do not cause unnecessary distress to others by passing on any contagium (the causative agent of a communicable disease).   However, this is not to be used as an excuse for not attending Church services when we are well enough to do so and free from any contagious or infectious problem.

Lead Writer: Brian Gale (United Kingdom)

Some feel that because pagans might use certain symbols, Christians are prohibited from using them. This, however, is an erroneous conclusion. For instance, some wonder whether true Christians ought to use the symbol of the heart.

In this regard, the following correct answer was given by the Letter Answering Department of the Worldwide Church of God, shortly after the death of its human leader, Herbert W. Armstrong:

“You asked whether there is any biblical prohibition against using the symbol of the heart, since it is often associated with the pagan observance of Valentine’s Day. We should remember that it is God who made the heart. Reference is made to it many times in the Bible. God uses this organ as a SYMBOL of our attitude and thoughts, for example.

“The pagans merely adopted a stylized drawing of a heart as a symbol in their worship, as for Valentine’s Day. In fact, a number of other objects in God’s creation have been treated in a similar manner. But, the misuse of an object by this or that group, even if the people are atheistic, should not prohibit a Christian from putting it to a proper use. Based on this principle, it is not wrong to use the heart shape in jewelry, pillows, or other items.”

The article warns against using it if our conscience prohibits it (compare Romans 14:23). At the same time, we must not try to convince others of “our” individual conscience and persuade them not to engage in a certain course of action which is not prohibited in Scripture. For instance, some are vegetarians or refuse to drink alcohol, even though the Bible clearly shows that it is right and proper to eat clean meat and to consume alcohol in moderation. A vegetarian or someone who rejects alcohol must NEVER try to persuade others to become vegetarians or to refuse alcoholic consumption. (Of course, someone who refuses to drink alcohol would exclude himself from proper observance of the annual Passover service and his partaking of the symbols of bread and wine).

The above-quoted comments regarding the symbol of the heart apply to many additional symbols and courses of conduct. For instance, only because “nominal” Christians and even pagans decorate fir trees around Christmas time would not compel a true Christian to cut down his fir trees in his yard. If a Christian has decorating lights in his back yard all year long, he is not compelled to take them down just because nominal Christians and pagans use them around Christmas time. A Christian is not prohibited from buying and eating eggs around Easter time only because nominal Christians and pagans eat eggs around that time of year. The same is true for so-called Christmas pastry. Of course, it should never be eaten AS Christmas pastry, associated with Christmas celebrations, but the pastry itself is not wrong (neither are eggs around Easter time). Paul explains the underlying principle that for us, there are no idols, so we can eat clean meat that was offered to idols, as long as our conscience does not condemn us for this (1 Corinthians 10:25-28).

There are certain neutral or even meaningful signs which we might use in a positive way. For instance, there is one gesture or symbol which is used in sign language, meaning, I love you. However, some Satanic groups might have misappropriated that gesture or a similar sign for their own devilish purposes. The fact that they do so does not prevent a Christian from using it for the right reasons. The same is true for other signs, meaning victory or peace.

Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong was at one time reluctant to use the word “gospel,” as so many “Christian” groups had misappropriated the word to give it their ungodly and unbiblical spin. But Mr. Armstrong rightly concluded and decided that it was good and proper to use this word, as the Bible uses it, and we must not be concerned about our use of it, even though others are misapplying it.

Some have raised the idea that the Star of David, in the form of a hexagram (the compound of two equilateral triangles) is of Satanic origin. But even though pagans might have misappropriated a hexagram for their own sinister purposes, this does not mean that godly people cannot use it, and that the national symbol of the state of Israel is of Satanic origin.

The website http://www.scoutingresources.org.uk/countries/countries_flags.html states the following regarding the flag of Israel, which incorporates the Star of David:

“Religious symbols make up the flag of the modern State of Israel. The Star of David, its center piece, both leads back to Jewry’s glorious past and points to a Messianic future…”

Others add that the six points refer to the six days of creation, with the Sabbath being represented in the middle. Others claim that it represents the relationship between God and man—the three upward points represent the fact that we look to God for help, and the three downward points show that God is giving us His help.

The website http://www.juedische-allgemeine.de/article/view/id/2805 adds that the ”hexagram” has been discovered in the nation of Judah at least as early as during the time of the Second Temple.

Mr. Armstrong did not consider the Star of David as a symbol which should be avoided. When he met with Jewish representatives regarding planned excavations in Israel, he explained, by wearing and showing his Star of David cufflinks, that he was related to King David.

The same conclusion must be reached about the use of other star-shaped symbols, including a pentagram (a five-pointed star). The Wikipedia Encyclopedia states the following:

“The pentagram was used in ancient times as a Christian symbol… By the mid-19th century a… distinction had developed amongst occultists regarding the pentagram’s orientation. With a single point upwards it depicted spirit presiding over the four elements of matter, and was essentially ‘good’. However, the influential writer Eliphas Levi called it evil whenever the symbol appeared the other way up. ‘A reversed pentagram, with two points projecting upwards, is a symbol of evil and attracts sinister forces because it overturns the proper order of things and demonstrates the triumph of matter over spirit…’”

As we should be able to see, the fact that pagans and occultists attach a particular meaning and human interpretation to certain pre-existing symbols should not compel a Christian to refrain from using these symbols. Otherwise, Christians will soon be prevented from using ANY symbols and signs, because pagans and occultists will undoubtedly misappropriate in time EVERY symbol in existence.

When referring to the pentagram, we should realize that that particular symbol of a star has been used throughout history, including for proper purposes. The website http://www.scoutingresources.org.uk/countries/countries_flags.html states the following about the American flag, which depicts stars in the shape of pentagrams:

“George Washington explained the flag’s features to the people in stirring words. He said: ‘We take the stars from heaven, the red from our mother country, separating it by white stripes, thus showing that we have separated from her, and the white stripes shall go down to posterity representing liberty.’… Several theories have been brought forward as to the origin of the stars… The story is told that in June, 1776, George Washington with two other men called on Betsy Ross, a widowed seamstress renowned for her needlework, at her upholstery shop in Philadelphia. They showed her a rough draft of the suggested flag and inquired whether she could make one. Betsy convinced her callers that it was advisable to use five-pointed stars instead of the proposed six-pointers because these could easily be made by a single clip of the scissors…

“Washington is said to have suggested that the stars should be arranged in a circle, to emphasize the full equality of the states. Actually, there was no definite rule about the arrangement of the stars at first. Earliest samples show a circle of 12 stars, with the 13th occupying the center… Originally it was intended to add a new stripe and star for each state joining the initial 13. By 1818, their number had grown to 20, and it became obvious that the method adopted was impractical. Consequently, Congress resolved to revert to the original 13 stripes, but to indicate the admission of new states by adding a star for each. That procedure has been followed ever since.”

One would be hard-pressed to conclude that Washington and others, who devised the American flag, did so with the desire of using Satanic symbols and with the ultimate ulterior motive of worshipping Satanic forces.

We must realize that God created and maintains or upholds the universe—including the stars and their constellations (Genesis 1:16; Psalm 136:9; 147:4). He used stars as symbols for Joseph’s brothers; for the entire nation of Israel; and also for angels (Genesis 37:9-10; Deuteronomy 10:22; Job 38:4-7; Revelation 1:16-20; 12:1). Both the symbol of the heart and the numerous symbols of stars have been designed to represent what God has created. That Satan and pagans may misuse them (compare Amos 5:26; Acts 7:43), and that fallen angels are also described as stars (Revelation 12:4), does not compel a Christian to avoid using the symbol of a star.

We might also note that the five-shaped star is represented in God’s nature as well, in the world of animals and plants. Therefore, we cannot conclude that the symbol of a five-shaped star is evil per se.

Some may say that Christians should then also be free to use the sign of the cross. However, a fundamental difference exists. Pagans created and used the sign of the cross in their worship ceremonies before it ever played a role in Jewish or Christian thought. In fact, Christ was apparently not even nailed to a cross, but to a stake. There is no example that Christians ever used a cross, even as a symbol, until the time of the pagan emperor Constantine who claimed to have seen a vision of a cross prior to a decisive battle. In any event, even allowing for the idea that Christ died on a T-shaped cross, why would anyone with spiritual understanding use this symbol of murder and death for the purpose of decoration or worship?

But to repeat, the fact that PROPER symbols are misappropriated by pagans and applied to non-godly concepts does not prohibit a Christian from using them for right reasons. For instance, Christ is clearly symbolized as a lion (Revelation 5:5), but so is Satan (1 Peter 5:8). Still, a Christian is free, of course, to use the symbol of a lion. The old seal of the Worldwide Church of God portrayed a lion, a lamb and a little child.

We should also realize that we are told in Numbers 2:2 that God ordered the tribes of Israel to use banners or standards, as well as emblems, to identify each tribe. Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible says:

“…what they were is not easy to say … [the] ancients were used to say, that there was in the standard of Reuben the form of a man, on account of the mandrakes, Genesis 30:14; and in the standard of Judah the form of a lion, because Jacob compared him to one, Genesis 49:9; and in the standard of Ephraim the form of an ox, from the sense of those words, the firstling of his bullock, Deuteronomy 33:17…”

The Jamieson Fausset and Brown Commentary adds:

“Jewish writers say that the standards of the Hebrew tribes were symbols borrowed from the prophetic blessing of Jacob—Judah’s being a lion, Benjamin’s a wolf…” [Genesis 49:3-24].

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible writes:

“Tradition appropriates the four cherubic forms (Ezekiel 1:5-12; Revelation 4:7 ff), the lion, man, ox, and eagle, to the camps of Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, and Dan respectively; and this, as to the first, has a certain support from Genesis 49:9 (compare Revelation 5:5), and as to the third, from Deuteronomy 33:17…”.

Some have suggested that the emblem of Joseph or Ephraim in particular was that of a unicorn (Deuteronomy 33:17 in the Authorized Version); and that Dan’s emblem was that of a serpent or a snake (compare Genesis 49:17).

Whatever they were, it is clear that God did not prohibit the Israelites from using banners and standards with pictures of men and animals. The fact that pagans might have misappropriated the same or similar pictures for their own false worship did not prohibit ancient Israel from using them for a right and proper purpose. The same principle applies for us today.

Lead Writer: Norbert Link