Dear friends:

The other day I forwarded some evidence that God sometimes speaks to us outside of Scripture.  This was in the context of modern-day visions and dreams given to people.  As examples, I used the notices given to Noah, Lot, and the prophets around Elijah.  In these cases, the notices came before rescue or, in the case of Elijah, his rapture.

On the Five Doves site (January 10) Chuck Holler posted some more examples of the Spirit speaking outside of Scripture.  He mentioned Enoch, although Enoch may have had no notice before his rapture.  He also mentioned Joseph and Mary, the Shepherds in the field, and others who heard from God outside of Scripture.  There are many examples.

In our era, the New Covenant era, the Spirit still speaks outside of Scripture, and the biblical evidence is abundant, such as in the book of Acts, and 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14.  However, it is extremely important that any such revelation be weighed and judged against Scripture.

In arguing against any modern-day Spirit revelation and "tongues," some claim that such has all "been done away with," citing 1 Corinthians 13:10: "When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away."  They believe the word "perfect" here is referring to the Bible.  Well, the Bible is perfect, but that is not what it means.  If that were true, then "knowledge" (verse 8) would also be done away with, but we know from Daniel that in the last days knowledge shall increase!  The perfect is Jesus.

Bottom line: We need the Word AND the Spirit.  By itself, the Word is insufficient and it will not work.  For example, many religion scholars know the Bible inside and out but they remain unbelievers and skeptics.  They have not had Spirit revelation, which is needed to understand the Bible and receive its truths.

I like this adage:

If you have all Word and no Spirit, you dry up.
If you have all Spirit and no Word, you blow up.
If you have both Word and Spirit, you grow up!

Jim