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The Charismatic Gift of Prophecy: A Reformed Response to Wayne Grudem
Book by Gentry, Kenneth L., JR.
- GenresChristianityTheology
166 pages, Paperback
First published October 27, 1999
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About the author
Kenneth L. Gentry Jr.
49 books88 followersKenneth L. Gentry, Jr. is a Reformed theologian, and an ordained minister in the Reformed Presbyterian Church General Assembly (RPCGA). He is particularly known for his support for and publication on the topics of orthodox preterism and postmillennialism in Christian eschatology, as well as for theonomy and six day creation. He holds that each of these theological distinctives are logical and theological extensions of his foundational theology, which is Calvinistic and Reformed.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 8, 2023
Gentry's book was very helpful. I had some assumptions about some of these Scripture passages, which Gentry challenged, and I appreciated that challenge; I need to make sure my conclusions are based on solid foundations. I didn't come away agreeing with him in all his conclusions, but he did a thorough job in addressing the various arguments made by Grudem and others regarding the gift of prophecy.
February 3, 2013
A helpful analysis of Biblical prophecy, firmly establishing continuity between Old and New Testament prophets and presenting a compelling case for the cessation of Apostolic Era gifts.
I found it to be one of the most enjoyable “response” books I have read to date; Mr. Gentry handled so-called “problem passages” carefully, thoroughly, simply and confidently and was both fearless and gracious in his handling of Mr. Grudem’s position.
I particularly enjoyed Part 1, “Exegetical Questions”. Those of the charismatic persuasion must explain away their lack of reliable prophets by insisting New Testament prophets can make mistakes in prophecies or expound errant revelations and still be true prophets. Mr. Gentry defined a prophet through passages such as Deuteronomy 18:15-22, explaining true and false prophets, the method by which they are discerned and the punishment for those who were false. He established the continuity of these guidelines into the New Testament particularly through the correlation of Joel 2:28-32 to Acts 2:16-17 and also through the etymology of the word “prophet” and its continued sanctions throughout the New Testament.
Chapter 4 presents a compelling case for a “Contrast of Revelational Mode” interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, explaining the meaning of “that which is perfect” to be the completed canon of Scripture instead of the return of Christ, which is the more common interpretation, and convincingly answers objections.
The last half of the book summarized and explained a myriad of opinions regarding prophecy and cessationism from reformed and evangelical schools of thought more or less in agreement with Mr. Gentry’s position. Due to the nature of the subject, this collection of expositions and its variety in opinion was slightly less than helpful to a person previously ignorant and undecided on the topic, although the historic positions of men like Dabney, Calvin, Hodge and Bavinck were noteworthy.
Overall, I believe Mr. Gentry’s book is both enjoyable and useful, an almost comprehensive work on the topic of the charismatic application of prophecy and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a beginning understanding of the reformed position on Cessationism.
I found it to be one of the most enjoyable “response” books I have read to date; Mr. Gentry handled so-called “problem passages” carefully, thoroughly, simply and confidently and was both fearless and gracious in his handling of Mr. Grudem’s position.
I particularly enjoyed Part 1, “Exegetical Questions”. Those of the charismatic persuasion must explain away their lack of reliable prophets by insisting New Testament prophets can make mistakes in prophecies or expound errant revelations and still be true prophets. Mr. Gentry defined a prophet through passages such as Deuteronomy 18:15-22, explaining true and false prophets, the method by which they are discerned and the punishment for those who were false. He established the continuity of these guidelines into the New Testament particularly through the correlation of Joel 2:28-32 to Acts 2:16-17 and also through the etymology of the word “prophet” and its continued sanctions throughout the New Testament.
Chapter 4 presents a compelling case for a “Contrast of Revelational Mode” interpretation of 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, explaining the meaning of “that which is perfect” to be the completed canon of Scripture instead of the return of Christ, which is the more common interpretation, and convincingly answers objections.
The last half of the book summarized and explained a myriad of opinions regarding prophecy and cessationism from reformed and evangelical schools of thought more or less in agreement with Mr. Gentry’s position. Due to the nature of the subject, this collection of expositions and its variety in opinion was slightly less than helpful to a person previously ignorant and undecided on the topic, although the historic positions of men like Dabney, Calvin, Hodge and Bavinck were noteworthy.
Overall, I believe Mr. Gentry’s book is both enjoyable and useful, an almost comprehensive work on the topic of the charismatic application of prophecy and I would recommend it to anyone interested in a beginning understanding of the reformed position on Cessationism.
July 18, 2020
I've read Dr. Grudem's book and would largely agree with him. Dr. Gentry, in this book, provides a good response from a Reformed cessationist point of view. Since I'm a cautioned continuationist I could agree and disagree with Dr. Gentry at various points.
The strengthens of this book are, in my opinion, in the gentle tone and the interaction with Dr. Grudem's work, as well as, some objects. The weaknesses are in providing a positive case for cessationism, especially in his exegesis of some critical texts like 1 Cor. 13:10 which he argues speaks of the completion of the NT canon. This is, in my opinion, the height of eisegesis. In some instances, he takes a view influenced by his partial-preterism, which adds a unique layer in this treatment from other cessationist books. For example, placing all the writings of the New Testament prior to the destruction of Jerusalem and that would constitute the closing of the revelation age.
It was also great to see that he had assembled a great host of statements from various Reformed and evangelical writers concerning the cessation of prophecy or the office of prophet.
The strengthens of this book are, in my opinion, in the gentle tone and the interaction with Dr. Grudem's work, as well as, some objects. The weaknesses are in providing a positive case for cessationism, especially in his exegesis of some critical texts like 1 Cor. 13:10 which he argues speaks of the completion of the NT canon. This is, in my opinion, the height of eisegesis. In some instances, he takes a view influenced by his partial-preterism, which adds a unique layer in this treatment from other cessationist books. For example, placing all the writings of the New Testament prior to the destruction of Jerusalem and that would constitute the closing of the revelation age.
It was also great to see that he had assembled a great host of statements from various Reformed and evangelical writers concerning the cessation of prophecy or the office of prophet.
February 9, 2023
Contrary to some of the reviews here, I found this very helpful. Agree with Gentry or not, he provides a helpful Reformed response. Not only does he address the biblical issues, but he calls back modern reformed charismatics to their historical roots by surveying Reformed opinion from Calvin onward.
July 14, 2014
Gentry is one of the greatest minds in Eschatology but he stumbles around in the dark as a cessationist. What an epic failure of exegesis this book is.
December 16, 2012
It's very helpful, but its kinda boring too.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews