Foretelling and Forth-Telling in Christian Prophecy

1 Corinthians 14:1 instructs believers to "follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy." Prophecy encompasses a dual function: foretelling and forth-telling, both integral to the spiritual journey and the life of the community.

Foretelling refers to the prophetic declaration of future events. It involves trusting in God's promises and speaking confidently about what is to come. Historical examples include prophetic words spoken over cities like Christchurch, predicting significant revivals long before they occurred. Such foretelling serves as divine guidance and encouragement, affirming that God’s plans will unfold in due time ([01:04:42]). Notable revivals, such as those at Asbury and Toronto, were also prophesied well in advance, demonstrating how foretelling builds faith and anticipation among believers.

Forth-telling, by contrast, is the active calling forth of what is not yet visible. It involves speaking God’s promises into existence, aligning words with divine purposes to bring about spiritual realities. This is not passive prediction but a dynamic declaration that enlists faith and obedience to partner with God in manifesting His will ([01:06:06]). The ongoing prophetic word over Christchurch exemplifies this: for over thirty years, believers have spoken forth the revival they anticipate, preparing themselves and their community to receive it. This practice reflects the essence of faith as described in Hebrews 11:1—“the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” ([01:27:57]).

Prophecy functions primarily as a means of encouragement, edification, and building up the church. It is not intended for personal gain or manipulation but to foster love, hope, and affirmation within the community. Prophetic words call out the inherent value and potential in others, creating a spiritual atmosphere where future realities can be realized through faith-filled declarations ([01:04:00]). Believers are therefore called to actively participate in forth-telling by speaking God’s promises into their lives and communities, shaping their spiritual environment and destiny.

Living a prophetic life involves embracing both foretelling and forth-telling. Foretelling nurtures trust in God’s future promises, while forth-telling mobilizes faith to bring those promises into present reality. This active engagement is essential for spiritual growth, community revival, and the fulfillment of God’s purposes, as believers partner with Him to shape what is to come.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches.