Doctrine on Prophetic Mantle

Hi everyone,I am looking for some understanding on the term a Mantle.
1.Is it relevant for the new testament?
2.Had every prophet in the old testament a mantle?
3.Can a mantle stop with one prophet and not pass onto another?
I have read Kings where it mainly mentioned but maybe you have come accross some teaching on that will give me some understanding on it,thanks Staff

Jesus Christ is our mantle.

The mantle describes the anointing
of the prophet. None of the writings
of the minor prophets mention the
mantle. Mantle also refers to the
succession of the prophetic ministry;
such as from Eli-jah to Eli-sha.

prophets were known for staying out with the sheep. they wore sheep skins and had a furry mantle over their shoulders to keep them warm.
thus the imagery, yet there was an anointing from God to the prophet or oracle of God to say what the Lord wanted said to the people who were in rebellion of God's ways, mainly sin. and their sinnfullness.
They would either mouth it or some would act out what God was saying by their behavior as a witness as to what they were doing, many examples, for instance Hosea and his harlot wife. as an example of an idolatrous people towards God, and Hosea purtchasing his wife back from here lover who had her. and took her back as his bride to keep her and love her.
he even named his children to depict israels character. Man Id hate to be named such things.
anyway, the office of prophet, or mantle or annointing as it were has to do with God choosing a person to be His spokesman, and say what God wants said, for the sole purpose of bringing a rebellious people back into right relationship with God in obedience.
this mantle was given by God for God's use and purposes.
It could never be transferred from one person to another or given away, only God chose who had it, kept it, or was taken away from and given to another, or replaced by.
For example elijah lost his mantle by fleeing from Jezebel the prophetess and God told Elijah to go to Elisha and anoint him for he was going to take your place. Jehu was going to also be used of God to finish Gods work.
Many false teachers would use this scripture as a way Elijah gave Elisha his mantle but remember God commanded him to do it and also this annointing could only come if God was willing to do it. Man cant transfer God's power to another Man. Only God gives power and annoints people for His purposes.
Elisha wanted a double portion yet 0nly if God granted his request, "if you see it" was Elija's response when he was taken up in the chariot. and God allowed it, and God granted it. As a sign from God Elija's mantle fell to the ground, "sheep skin" which let Elisha know it was come to pass now walk in it.
Theres a whole lot of teaching about "the mantle" in the prophetic movement today, it is mostly false and subjective.
usually always wrong.
We should always look to God and Jesus Christ for anything.
We pray to Him and ask of Him and give Him glory for anything we receive. He is good and is worthy of all praise.
God bless.

staff: Let me give it a go. A mantle, as has been mentioned, is something that was worn by a person. The OT anointing of the Holy Spirit was much the same. The comforter had not been sent to indwell believers, so the Holy Spirit came on men. Elijah had an anointing as a prophet that abode on him so to speak and that anointing was transferred to Elijah, thus the passing of a mantle.

I would say this is not really an accurate NT picture. I am filled with, indwelt by the Holy Spirit. In that sense the "prophetic" anointing abides in me, not on me. I am not a prophet, but am using that term "prophetic" loosely to mean anointed by the Holy Spirit. If you are called to be a NT prophet, you have no choice in the matter. The same with evanglists, pastors, teachers, or apostles. It is that God has chosen you to be an equipping gift to the body and will anoint you by His Holy Spirit to fill that role. So a teacher for example cannot simply choose to pass his teaching anointing to another person of his choosing. If another person is called to be a teacher, God will anoint him by His Holy Spirit for that calling.

My opinion on the matter anyhow.

[11] And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,

[12] for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;

[13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

[14] As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;

[15] but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,

[16] from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. -

(Ephesians 4:11-16 NASB)

There is a great need in the body of Christ for Biblical prophetic ministry. Christ has given us apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastors and teachers, so that He can help us become the people He desires us to become, so that we might fulfill His purposes for His kingdom in this world. The Church in and of itself, is supposed to be a prophetic people. We are nothing if we aren't that. And if we are to be a prophetic people, it should be a very "natural" thing that we have those in our midst who exercise a prophetic ministry.

Thanks everyone I am still digesting these posts and I will have a few more questions or maybe other people might have more to say ,Staff

King Jimmy, you write
"The Church in and of itself, is supposed to be a prophetic people."

Could you expain in what way the church is a prophetic people?

David

Could you expain in what way the church is a prophetic people?

We are supposed to be a people who are so filled and animated by the Spirit of the living God, that we are truly able to declare the mind of Christ, and truly say what "thus saith" the Lord in any given circumstance in which we speak. Instead of blindly reciting gospel formulas, we are supposed to be a people when ministering, who have something life giving in our speech. It's to be a quality of speech that issues out of nothing short of the life and Spirit of God.

When we understand that Jesus Christ is still actively carrying out His prophetic ministry, and that we as part of His body are thus called to be prophetic in our very life as a witness to this world, then to understand that there is a place for the actual ministry of a prophet within the body of Christ, is not a very far leap of faith. If a Church is not prophetic, it is salt that has lost its flavor.

HomeSkoolDad wrote:
Why would God send us prophets when He has already given us His Word (holy and complete!)... and no one reads it??

I’m not trying to be a smart alec here but... don’t you think that if “God” thought the written word was as complete as you think it is that He would NOT have added it to the list that KingJimmy has so eloquently provided in Eph 4.11-16 for you? If the words are as holy as people think they are, then why would they question them? Seriously, I'm just asking...

“I’m not running anyone down. If you don’t want to believe in modern day prophets; I say go for it, that’s between you and God.” ***

***HomeSkoolDad, I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist making “satire” of your own wording!! (huge grin)

God bless you,
Lisa

We are supposed to be a people who are so filled and animated by the Spirit of the living God, that we are truly able to declare the mind of Christ, and truly say what "thus saith" the Lord in any given circumstance in which we speak. Instead of blindly reciting gospel formulas, we are supposed to be a people when ministering, who have something life giving in our speech. It's to be a quality of speech that issues out of nothing short of the life and Spirit of God.

When we understand that Jesus Christ is still actively carrying out His prophetic ministry, and that we as part of His body are thus called to be prophetic in our very life as a witness to this world, then to understand that there is a place for the actual ministry of a prophet within the body of Christ, is not a very far leap of faith. If a Church is not prophetic, it is salt that has lost its flavor.

Amen brother! God bless you!

Lisa

HomeSkoolDad:

Actually it is much more than late night TV antics. Prophecy is a gift of the Holy Spirit and the ministry gifting of prophet is a New Testament institution as outlined in Ephesians. I am not called to be a prophet, but I walk closely with someone who is, and I can tell you the accuracy of the personal prophecy that comes forth is very detailed. I have at times been moved by the Holy Spirit to minister to someone by the gift of prophecy, and have had very specific details revealed to me that God used to minister to the other person in a really powerful way.

Timothy was actually encouraged by Paul to use a word of personal prophecy to war a good warfare. 1Ti 1:18
(18)KJV This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
1Ti 1:18
(18) LITV This charge I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies going before concerning you, that you might war the good warfare by them,
1Ti 1:18
(18) MKJV This charge I commit to you, my son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before about you, in order that you might war a good warfare by them,

You are right, there are many immature people who are running after the latest "word" and who run from meeting to meeting hoping to be called out and given a personal "word" to keep them going. I was sadly amused when I attended a meeting as part of the ministry team and found everyone showing up with tape recorders hoping to get a "word". But this is not the fault of prophets or prophecy, but rather of immature Christians.

I also agree that God's word is complete and that it is the more sure word of prophecy. I was once involved in praying for a woman who commented after we prayed that she had hoped to get a word. This woman has a long history of instability and needed to sink her foundations deep in the Word of God. But the Bible being complete and being the MORE sure word of prophecy does not mean that God does not also speak directly to His people. Not a new canon by any means. Every subjective word we receive from God is to be judged by the written word. But I believe the New Testament amply bears out that God does still speak to His people through prophecy.

HomeSkoolDad wrote:
Unfortunately no one actually listened to what I said... and misunderstood me. Something that apparently happens often on this forum. Thats the problem with this type of communication, and with people who have pre-conceived notions.

Brother, I apologize that you think no one understood what you wrote; I thought we were allowed to disagree with each other.

But I have been guilty of what you say “apparently happens often on this forum,” but in my own defence, I read your post three different times because I didn’t want to “misunderstand” you. And I came to the conclusion that you “do not think that we have "prophets" today like we think of in the Bible, or like we see some claim to be in Charismatic circles;” I apologize if I am wrong.

No harm was meant HSDad, God bless you!

Lisa

I said what I said, and it was clear. Your assessment of my words is quite correct in that we do not have prophets today like we see in the Bible. Show me one. You can not.

I am sorry brother if I missed your point. If it is only in the Old Testament that God had people who He had called to be prophets, then we should not find mentioned in scripture any examples of New Testament prophets. If we do find New Testament prophets, and if we still live under the same covenant and time as the New Testament people, then we should have to look for a place in scripture stating that God has withdrawn the ministry gift of prophet from His body. I would mention a few scriptures and then ask a question.

Act 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

Act 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Act 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

1Co 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Eph 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;

This is by no means an exhaustive list of NT scripture, but it does establish without doubt that the ministry gifting of prophet (call it an office if you will. I am convinced it is not an office, but rather a ministry or equipping gifting, unlike elder which is an office.) is firmly established as a New Testament reality. So the question is, at what point does scripture tell us that the prophet is no longer part of God's structure for the body of Christ? Biblically, at what point do you believe prophets ceased to be?

Thanks everyone for your help.These are some of the points.
1.Only God can transfer a mantle from one prophet to the next
2.Their are definitely new testament Prophets.
3.Their is a diference between The Spirit On in the old testament and Dwelling in in the new testament.
4.The actual mantle comes from sheep farming.
5.Jesus Christ can be considered our mantle.
I may have missed one or two important ones.

I have one question that remains,
Does the new testament prophet have a mantle and does God pass the mantle ?
oops thats two questions,staff

I have one question that remains, Does the new testament prophet have a mantle and does God pass the mantle ? oops thats two questions,staff

If by "mantle" you simply mean an abiding anointing of the Holy Spirit to BE a prophet, then I would say yes. In this case the "mantle" is the gift of God on the person to be a five fold ministry gift to the body of Christ. And yes, it is God who calls a person to be a prophet. No one can choose this for him or herself. (Brothertom said it pretty well I think)

In this age its very simple,TRUTH is the spirit of prophecy REV 19:10.Does one have the spirit of truth,do you walk in truth,do you woship in sirit and truth?JOHN 4:23 Christ wants truth in the inward parts only then can he entrust us with more of Himself.We get proud if it were any other way.DO NOT LOOK FOR PROPHETS TODAY LOOK UP FOR THE DAY OF HIS APPEARING DRAWS NEAR.2TIM 4:1,4:8,TIT2:13,1PET1:7Just look to Jesus only and love your brother to the end.

Hi,In asking about the mantle mentioned in the old testament I was trying to find out the differences between the Old and The New as it applies to the gift of Prophets,Staff

Saying that, I believe that very soon we will see men arise with great authority that will stun the religious world, and the power of darkness alike, with anointed power.

I believe that also, Tom.

A question.

What do you think those men are doing at the moment? Or, to put that another way, what's the preparation, or the qualfication, for such a mantle? (I'm okay with the word: I think it's another way of saying, "the anointing.")

This speaks also of the sentence of death, so that a man's trust is fully in Jesus, not his ego or natural strength or ideas.

I believe that this is the primary experience today of these hidden ones, being prepared, about to emerge, in the power of a Paul, or Phillip.

Yes, I agree. I believe God has hidden ones that He is preparing in the way you have pointed out. He's going to release a powerful word through them... and it's not going to be all that well appreciated.

And these hidden ones, I don't think they are really thinking of themselves as prophets in the making, either.

I think of Amos, when Amaziah the priest of Bethel told him to take his prophecies elsewhere.

Amos responded, "I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycamore fruit; And the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto My people Israel" (Amos 7.14,15).

In other words, Amos was just a working man. He wasn't in prophecy school, didn't even consider himself a prophet. He was just doing an ordinary job, learning the Voice of the Lord, and obedience.

Hi,In asking about the mantle mentioned in the old testament I was trying to find out the differences between the Old and The New as it applies to the gift of Prophets,Staff

If I am understanding this question right the question might be what is the difference in how OT prophets and NT prophets function. There are ways in which OT prophets were called to function that NT prophets are not. Much foretelling of future events was given to the OT prophets. This foretelling was broad as it dealt with nations, kingdoms, Christ's coming,and the end times. I believe that this function has been completed for the most part. Much of what the OT prophets said was canonized. Not so for NT prophets. There is some revelation of future events as to specific people committed to NT prophets such as the prophecy over Paul that he would be bound in Jerusalem and sent to Rome. This came through Agabus, a NT prophet. But for the most part the foretelling of the future was completed in the OT prophets.

NT prophets are often given prophetic words for the body in which they serve that is administrative, corrective, and instructive in how to relate the the Holy Spirit and to the word of God. For example, a prophet that I know well was given a message for the body that has served to keep our attention focused on correction coming to the ways of men that are masquerading as the ways of God, the religious structure built of men and on which man has placed God's name. It was a strong word and has served to keep us focused on seeking God for His will and not relying on the forms and templates that are often familiar but often of man's own making. It has spurred us to seek God and His ways and will rather than relying on ourselves and our own wisdom. I see the gift of prophecy flowing through this person in a stronger and more consistent way than I do through myself or other Christians who have not been called to be prophets. The function is a bit different than in th eOT, but is still vital in the body.

I personally do not think that we have "prophets" today like we think of in the Bible

You all I have been listening to Dr. Owuour - www.repentandpreparetheway.org - and even plan to go to the Dec 10 meeting in Dominican Republic/Haiti.

I beleive this guy message is from the throne room/heart of God.

I have never heard any one expound on the scripture like this guy.

From my research his prophesy are 100% accurate, especially Haiti earthquke which in our back yard.

Also, how do we explain the massive healing of every disease under the sun such as; HIV+, deaf and mute, blind, crippled, cancer, brain tumor, hole in heart, etc.

I'm not trying to discourage you since you have your plane ticket and all! :)

But have you listened to Art Katz? Derek Prince? Zac Poonen?

I've never heard this guy but I will give him a listen.... I've listened to a couple of videos and interesting is all I'll say! I listened to the one on South Korea and he was adamant about the warnings of war to the Koreans he was speaking to in some type of office. I'll have to investigate more though!

God bless you and you will have to let us (or me) know how it went when you get back, ok?

God bless,
Lisa

The function of the prophetic calling in each testament is essentially the same. To prophesy is simply to "speak on behalf of another." The prophet in his utterances has always actively declared the mind and heart of God, faithfully speaking whatever words God "put in his mouth," as the Lord prompted Him, according to the need of the moment.

The only real difference in the prophetic ministry is that Old Testament prophets simply had a different perspective: they were speaking in light of the coming Messiah. In the New Testament, they are declaring the word of the Lord in light of the Messiah who has come, and the fullness of revelation that accompanied His life, death, resurrection, ascension, and soon-coming reign.

But the prophetic ministry function is the same. If it were not, we would call New Testament prophets another name. But we don't call them something other than what they are, for what they are stands in unbroken continuum with all who came before. They are prophets, and those who came before them under the previous covenants were also prophets. Why? Because they prophesied.

Travis, you write about OT prophets

"This foretelling was broad as it dealt with nations, kingdoms, Christ's coming,and the end times. I believe that this function has been completed for the most part. Much of what the OT prophets said was canonized. Not so for NT prophets."

We often forget that one of the greatest prophets of the new testament (besides Christ) was John the apostle. The book of Revelation is the prophesy that God gave to His son Jesus, and revealed it through His servant John. John in this book lays aside his apostolic and pastoral calling to become a prophet for His Lord. Throughout the book, he identifies with his fellow servants, the prophets and his brethren which have the testimony of Jesus Christ -see ch19 v10 and 22 v 8 to 10.

The Holy Spirit uses John, not as a teacher, but as a prophet. He brings together in his prophecy all the unfulfilled prophecies concerning Christ, which the old testament prophets had declared, to show what must be in the last days.

Christ is not seen here as Head over His Body, but as one who judges. In Chapters 2 and 3 as one who judges the hearts in the midst of the churches, and in chapters 4 to 20, as judging the nations and kings.

The old testament prophets too were sent when Israel had turned away from the Lord to declare His judgement on sin and also His remedy for sin in sending the Messiah (Christ).

I believe that this is a key role of the prophet in speaking of judgement. If we have prophets today in the church, it is a clear indication to us that we as His people have fallen away from our first love.

May we all find repentance before Christ if this is the case, so that He may restore us to Himself and to His High calling.

David

We often forget that one of the greatest prophets of the new testament (besides Christ) was John the apostle. The book of Revelation is the prophesy that God gave to His son Jesus, and revealed it through His servant John.

David: You are absolutely right brother. I did not mean to imply that no NT prophet ever fulfills that function, but rather that if we look at the prophet in the OT and the prophet in the NT, as a general rule we find little foretelling of future events dealing with nations, kingdoms, etc. compared to what we see in the OT. It seems the major thrust of the function of the prophet has shifted. But then again I guess it is possible that those things in the OT were so "earth-shattering" so to speak that they were recorded and I get this idea simply from what is recorded and what is not recorded. It just seems to me that the function has shifted somewhat.

Actually depends on what the Hebrew or Greek for "mantle" is. Mostly translated mantle actually refers to tallit

Brothertom:

Not sure I would say it is THE primary function, but this is definitely a very important and necessary function of a NT prophet. Being anointed to bring correction to the body where necessary is also a function, although some have taken it on themselves to do this in the flesh with destructive results. But when it comes through a prophet as the true word of the Lord, it is proper and can really help the body.

"But when it comes through a prophet as the true word of the Lord, it is proper and can really help the body."

Travis, I agree, and of course, the true purpose of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit to the church is to edify, exhort and comfort the body.

2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. 1 Cor 14:2-5 (KJV)

And in Ephesians

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Eph 4:11-12 (KJV)

Spiritual discernment is always needed, and given freely to the saints, and sometimes (as brothertom says) extracting the precious from the vile. But a true test of the spirit of prophesy is to ask whether it edifies, comforts and exhorts, because these are the works that Christ now does in His body through the Holy Spirit.

David

Amen Brothertom to your message and call to repentance

But repentance is not enough unless it is accompanied by Faith. And it is faith in Christ which is the victory that overcomes the world.

Christ came into this world and they cucified Him. Now for us who believe, and are crucified to the world, we have eternal inheritance through the resurrection af Christ.

"He who OVERCOMES shall be clothed in white garments, and I will NOT blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels."
You write "That is, for those who overcome by repentance"

But it is only by faith in His completed work that we overcome. We can rest in this and let Him take all the glory.

I know there are Sardis-like and Laodicean-like churches present at this time, and this is a sure sign that it is the last times. But I believe we have, even among the seven apostate churches of Revelation, a model to aspire to in our hearts, in the church of little strength, in Philadelphia (brotherly love)

7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.
11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
13 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. (Rev 3:7-13)

Unto Him that has loved us; Come quickly

David