I want to probe a subject that’s very close to my heart and that’s central to a clear understanding of Christian Science. And that’s the whole subject of “prophecy.” It’s not something esoteric or mysterious as some people might think. To me, it’s something that’s vital, perfectly logical, and very understandable.
But first of all, just what is prophecy? Of course, I’m sure we’d agree that in theological terms it’s an inspired vision, a revelation, of some aspect of God’s plan that will come to pass. But of course, not all revelation is prophecy. Prophecy is a specific aspect of revelation, of the revealed Word of God. Simply put, it’s that which a prophet, or spiritual seer, consciously perceives as a present spiritual fact, even though it hasn’t yet come to pass—but which will come to pass in the natural order of divine unfoldment. In other words, prophecy is the recording of history before it happens. Now that certainly puts it in a category all its own! It illustrates the unity of all real being—of what we call the past, the present, and the future. But it’s all one to all-knowing divine Mind, or God.
Prophets have come in all sizes and shapes. But the important thing is that they have been sent and empowered by God, and they carry divine authority for the message God has given them to give to others.
