Please Stop Saying — “God Told Me”

Delivered by Grace ^ | 09/07/2017 | by Josh Buice

[SeekAndFind]

It happened again recently. I was listening to a sermon online and the preacher said, “God told me.” Apparently everyone in the congregation enjoyed it from the response I heard, but I immediately turned it off. This type of communication is becoming more prevalent in Christian circles. It’s showing up in conversations because people are hearing it from the pulpit and reading it in books they purchased from the local Christian bookstore. Perhaps it sounds spiritual or is emotionally stirring to the congregation.

Although the “God told me” method of communicating makes for interesting, suspenseful, and entertaining stories, what people need most is to hear from God. I would like to make a simple request. Please stop saying “God told me” unless the phrase is immediately followed up with a text of Scripture. Have you considered the connection between the “God told me” language and the sufficiency of Scripture? What connection does the “God told me” phrase have with the third of the Ten Commandments?

The “God Told Me” Language Violates the Sufficiency of Scripture

If God spoke to Moses from a burning bush (Ex. 3:4-6), to Samuel in the dark of night (1 Sam. 3:1-9), to Elijah in a cave (1 Kings 19:9), to John the Baptist and others at Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1:9-11), and to Saul (subsequently Paul) and his traveling companions on the road leading to Damascus (Acts 9:4-7)—why would God not speak to us today? That’s a fair question, but it might surprise you to know that God does still speak to us today. He does so through His sufficient and authoritative Word.

In chapter 1 and paragraph 6 of the 2nd London Baptist Confession of Faith (1689), we find these words:

The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man’s salvation, faith and life, is either expressly set down or necessarily contained in the Holy Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelation of the Spirit, or traditions of men.

During the days of the Old Testament, God was communicating to prophets in order to write Holy Scripture and to prepare the way for Jesus’ birth. All of the audible communication of God has direct connection to the redemptive plan of God to save sinners. God’s direct communication with His people was not centered on what to eat for breakfast, the need to give money to a random person at a bus stop, or to go join a group of college students at a morning workout.

During the days of the New Testament, and the early church period, God’s audible voice, although rare, was connected to the redemptive plan of God in Jesus Christ. Once the Bible was completed, there was no longer any need for God to speak to people audibly or to provide direct (divine) communication. God has communicated everything necessary for faith and life, worship and service, in His sufficient Word. To use the “God told me” language violates the sufficiency of Scripture. Simply put, it needs to stop.

It’s strange that many churches that once stood courageously for the inerrancy of Scripture in the past frequently employ the “God told me” language in their pulpit today. We don’t allow Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses to play the “God told me” divine revelation card, and we shouldn’t allow Baptists or Presbyterians or Methodists or mainstream evangelicals to have a free pass on this crucial issue.

The “God told me” language majors on our stories rather than God’s story. We need more of God and less of us in our singing and preaching today. If people are genuinely hungry to hear from God, we must direct them to God’s Word. To raise children on “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so” and to emphasize the authority of God’s Word is a good thing. But, when those same children arrive in the worship service on the Lord’s Day and hear a preacher waxing eloquent about how God talked directly to him in the early hours of the morning — that’s severely inconsistent. John MacArthur writes:

Preoccupied with mystical encounters and emotional ecstasies, [many] seek ongoing revelation from heaven – meaning that, for them, the Bible alone is simply not enough. [With them], biblical revelation must be supplemented with personal “words from God,” supposed impressions from the Holy Spirit, and other subjective religious experiences. That kind of thinking is an outright rejection of the authority and sufficiency of Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16–17). It is a recipe for far-reaching theological disaster. [1]

The “God Told Me” Language Uses God’s Name in Vain

Although some people unintentionally use the “God told me” vocabulary without understanding the implications, in other cases, certain people and preachers use the phrase as a means of claiming that they actually heard directly from God. This intentional use of God’s name is a clear violation of the third commandment (Deut. 5:11).

For whatever the reason, some people feel compelled to us God’s name as a stamp of approval on their stories, their decision to move churches, their decision to go into the ministry, or their decision to take a job transfer. Either way, it’s not true. It’s intellectually dishonest. We as evangelicals must not allow people to continually get away with using this language. We certainly shouldn’t celebrate it. Hear the word of Charles Spurgeon from a sermon he preached titled, “The Paraclete,” October 6, 1872:

Take care never to impute the vain imaginings of your fancy to Him [the Holy Spirit]. I have seen the Spirit of God shamefully dishonored by persons – I hope they were insane – who have said that they have had this and that revealed to them. There has not for some years passed over my head a single week in which I have not been pestered with the revelations of hypocrites or maniacs. Semi-lunatics are very fond of coming with messages from the Lord to me, and it may spare them some trouble if I tell them once for all that I will have none of their stupid messages… Never dream that events are revealed to you by heaven, or you may come to be like those idiots who dare impute their blatant follies to the Holy Ghost. If you feel your tongue itch to talk nonsense, trace it to the devil, not to the Spirit of God. Whatever is to be revealed by the Spirit to any of us is in the Word of God already – He adds nothing to the Bible, and never will. Let persons who have revelations of this, that, and the other, go to bed and wake up in their senses. I only wish they would follow the advice and no longer insult the Holy Ghost by laying their nonsense at His door. [2]

It is through the Word of God that we hear God proclaim to us the reality of sin (Rom. 3). From the Scriptures, we hear God declare good news that makes us wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:14-15). God speaks from His Word to correct us and warn us of error (2 Tim. 3:16-17). As we continue to hear God speak through His Word, we grow into spiritual maturity and experience the ongoing renewal of our minds (Rom. 12:1-2). God speaks today, but we must not cling to extrabiblical revelations. Such words are empty and impotent sayings that are more closely associated with mysticism than Christianity.

Important questions to ask when someone uses the “God told me” language:

1. If the “God told me” language is used in the context of a sermon preached by one of your pastors (or a guest preacher), rather than attacking him online, setup a private meeting to discuss the matter in person. Show respect and ask for specifics to be sure you are not misunderstanding.
2. Is this direct communication from God necessary if we already have the completed canon of Scripture (all 66 books)?
3. Is the person using the “God told me” language in order to manipulate you in some way?
4. Is the person seeking to validate their poor life decision by attaching God’s name to it?
5. Is the “God told me” language being employed in the context of asking for money?
6. Is the person using the name of God to aspire to an office in the local church?
7. Is the “God told me” language in direct contradiction to any doctrine or truth revealed in Scripture?

An appeal to those who preach and teach the Bible:

1. Remember Paul’s words to Timothy—Preach the Word (2 Tim. 4:1-5). We should preach the Word and not our stories.
2. According to Ecclesiastes 12:14, one day we will give an account of every secret thing and every careless word that proceeds from our mouths (Matt. 12:36).
3. It is our duty to maximize God and minimize ourselves in the pulpit. If people leave church services remembering your riveting story about God talking to you instead of remembering God’s Word, you’ve done the people a great disservice.
4. Your “God told me” language makes others who obviously don’t hear Him speak in an audible voice (everyone in the congregation) feel sub-par in their Christian life. It also serves as a means of puffing up your spiritual level to an elite status above the normal Christian. This shouldn’t be the goal in preaching.
5. If God didn’t actually speak to you in audible voice, please stop using the phrase, “God told me” when you’re telling stories in your sermons.
6. Brother pastor, if you have someone speak in your pulpit who uses that type of language, it’s your responsibility to correct it with your people. Their spiritual maturity and development depends upon you being faithful in this area.

Don’t immediately classify a friend as a lunatic or a heretic if they use the “God told me” language in their communication. However, when you hear people talking in this manner, it should serve as a big red flag. Exercise wisdom and gentleness when confronting this error among friends or church members, but in the case of calling out false teachers, mark them so that others will not be led astray.

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1. John MacArthur, Strange Fire, (Nashville, Nelson Books, 2013), 218.
2. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, “The Paraclete,” October 6, 1872 [Sermon].

[Gamecock]

“God doesn’t want me to be unhappy.”
“God told me to (insert some violation of clear Scriptural teaching).”

It goes on and on.

[Gamecock]

Is the Scripture that says He does?

[Gamecock]

Exactly!

[Ueriah]

So you are trying to say that God never speaks to us except through His word?
I won’t say that. I will say this: If you claim “God told me X, Y and Z” I am not required to believe you, unless it’s a direct quote from Scripture.

---

This was a great exchange. Thank you both of you.

[Flash Bazbeaux]

I had a friend who was put on the spot when he was trying to put on a church play and couldn’t get a committment for people to rehearse. They told him the did not need to, because “through G_d all things are possible.”

His response, with the Pastor looking on, was “then why did G_d have Jesus prepare for 30 years for a 3 year mission?”

The Pastor approved.

[greatvikingone]

Poppycock. God speaks to us in many ways. If you say “God told me” but He didn’t, then you have a problem.

[MNDude]

I always say “that’s so weird! God just told me the exact opposite!”

[ETL]

I remember watching that interview with Obama’s spiritual mentor, the “Reverend” Wright. I remember thinking at the time “why is he bringing up this Cone theology? He’s just saying from the get-go that his own theology is BS.”

And Hannity was pretty much clueless on the subject, as he is in many matters involving the communist movement. This despite the many resources he has available to him. In fact, I don't recall him once even referring to Bill Ayers and the Weather Underground as being communist, yet Ayers openly admitted it then, and now. The WU openly bragged about who and what they were (communist revolutionaries).Yet people like Hannity are apparently too chickenshit, or stupid, to go there.

[Bellflower]

In Scripture you will be finding God giving Paul individual directions as where to go. This was God communicating with Paul so that he would know where to go, not unchanging doctrine, which He often communicated with Paul about. Those who believe like you do haven't realized that God's Word is meant to live off the pages of The Bible. The Bible gives us absolute truth that we must live by. It is full of examples of those who have personal communication with The LORD, always on His terms, and meant to show us what is possible with God.

The Bible is an introduction into a living relationship with the living LORD. A relationship isn't one way, it's two ways. God does communicate to His children. What loving Father doesn't? He will never say or communicate to His children anything that contradicts Scripture. He will say things that are in Scripture, as well as give personal instruction and encouragement.

It is so much easier to live a sanitized, impersonal faith. Nothing ventured, nothing lost. One doesn't run the risk of looking foolish. One doesn't need to be responsible for anything that isn't naturally explainable. One can keep their reputation of being a spiritual leader and not need to produce anything out of the ordinary. Things are all very predictable and very safe. You think that you have Almighty God neatly packed into a little box that you can store under your bed.

Many today who say they hear from God likely do not. They think that their emotions are God. Maybe they have heard from a lying spirit posing as God. This happened many times in the Old Testament, with false prophets giving false words from God. The fact that there were many, many false prophets did not change the fact that there were real prophets. As Christians we are responsible to try the spirits to see what source they really come from, not live a life denying that God does communicate with His beloved children.

[AndyTheBear]

While I share the annoyance you expressed when I see televangelists who worship donations rather than God claim words from God to back their line of bull. I must take issue with you finding a contradiction between the authority of scripture and the possibility of a real revelation in modern times.

There were both true and false prophets in Biblical times, and I see no particular reason to doubt that the same situation exists today.

The Bible, is not at all mute on the subject. It warns us both to heed the words of prophets as well as to disregard the words of false prophets and those that would deceive. The advice as to distinguishing which is real has nothing to do with checking the date of the calendar to see if its modern times or not. Rather it is about validating the spirit that conveyed the message and whether or not it acknowledges the central truths of the Gospel. See 1 John chapter 4 for yourself.

[editor-surveyor]

.
People have many “Gods,” who knows which one is telling them what?

When one says “Thus sayeth Yehova” one takes a great risk.
.

[stars & stripes forever]

JOB 33:14-18

For God speaks again and again,
though people do not recognize it.
15
He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night,
when deep sleep falls on people
as they lie in their beds.
16
He whispers in their ears
and terrifies them with warnings.
17
He makes them turn from doing wrong;
he keeps them from pride.
18
He protects them from the grave,
from crossing over the river of death.

GOD speaks to us through WORDS of KNOWLEDGE, interpretation of tongues, inspiration from the HOLY SPIRIT, even audibly. Not believing GOD speaks today is as troubling as those who attribute their own desires and wishes to Him.

[AppyPappy]

It’s amazing. God always agrees with me. :)

[AppyPappy]

So you do you know if it is Satan or God?

[editor-surveyor]

.
“Sufficiency of Scripture” is a contradiction in terms!

The writings of every prophet violated “Sufficiency of Scripture.”

Prophets do exist, and their message is important, but not every person that says “The Lord told me” is a prophet, and I suspect that they would be hesitant to accept the Biblical punishment for falsely saying those words.
.

[Safrguns]

I think there is a distinct difference between presumption and deception.

Those who presume that “God spoke to them” (when He didn’t) are in error.

Those who TRULY use God’s name in vain are ones who are out and out LYING in order to gain power or wealth (personal gain)

I agree that TOO MANY people are saying God spoke to them when He clearly did not... but they really do believe God was talking. Unfortunately, It does far more damage than it does good, especially when the message itself does not line up with scripture.

At the same time, I do believe there are many who HAVE heard from the Lord... and God has instructed them to share the message with others. It requires discernment to be able to tell the difference, and that can only come from the Holy Spirit.

[Wiser now]

So where in the Bible should my daughter look to see if she and her children should ride out Irma in a shelter or her best friend’s home?
She needs to know soon.
Sarcasm/off

Sorry guys, but God talks to His children all the time.

[exit82]

Be like the Bereans.

Acts 17: 10-11:

10 The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so

[unlearner]

“During the days of the New Testament, and the early church period, God’s audible voice, although rare, was connected to the redemptive plan of God in Jesus Christ. Once the Bible was completed, there was no longer any need for God to speak to people audibly or to provide direct (divine) communication. God has communicated everything necessary for faith and life, worship and service, in His sufficient Word. To use the ‘God told me’ language violates the sufficiency of Scripture. Simply put, it needs to stop.”

Wrong. The cessationists do not have Biblical grounds to definitively claim that God does not and can not speak to someone today. And I have first-hand experience otherwise.

Certainly the role of God speaking to the apostles and prophets during New Testament times was more necessary before the canon of scriptures were completed. But the Bible is GENERAL revelation. EVERY believer experiences personal revelation. After all, Jesus said His sheep hear His voice.

John 10:27
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

The confirming work of the Holy Spirit who leads us is personal revelation. Being a believer requires this.

Romans 8:14
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

And even within the New Testament we see personal revelation that is not limited to “the redemptive plan of God” unless saving the physical lives of believers counts as being His redemptive plan. See Acts 11:27-30 and Acts 21:10-12.

I have a friend who shared the visions that someone he knows experienced, and they were received long before Hurricane Harvey was expected to hit Houston and cause a major disaster. These visions gave dire warnings about the destruction that was going to come here. My point here is not to debate whether this person received a message from God. She acted on the warning and evacuated and was safe. I did not receive such a warning but still advised some of my family here to evacuate, not based on any visions or prophecies, but simply out of prudence.

But back to the subject at hand. The New Testament confirms that there are two witnesses who are going to prophesy at some future date, and this proves Biblically that prophecies have not completely and permanently ceased.

Revelation 11:3
And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.

But a day is coming in which prophecies will completely and finally cease.

Zechariah 13:3
It shall come to pass that if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who begot him will say to him, ‘You shall not live, because you have spoken lies in the name of the Lord.’ And his father and mother who begot him shall thrust him through when he prophesies.

But this day has not yet arrived, as we can see from the passage in Revelation.

And, as a confirmation to me, I have heard God audibly speak to me on more than one occasion. As a specific example, He spoke to me and told me I was about to meet some people who needed to travel to another city (He specifically told me the city) and that I should take them there. They did, and I did.

Now this has been an extremely rare occurrence for me. I wish that it was continuous or at least common, but it is not.

I certainly agree with the advice to use caution about buying into claims other people make about God speaking to them. If other people tell you to do something based on God speaking to them, you need to ask why God did not tell you directly. It is certainly possible that God might give someone else a message for you, as He did with Agabus in the passages cited above, but the Bible also clearly warns us not to believe every spirit, and to beware of false prophets, teachers, and even false Christs.

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21
Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good.

[Raycpa]

I also cringe a bit when someone claims they heard from God, particularly when they are at the pulpit. I remind myself that the person may be trying to communicate how they experience the changes in their lives caused by the Spirit.

I know the Spirit may not be speaking in a voice directly to me but He is transforming me. If He is transforming my heart, my mind and my thoughts and I was trying to explain this to someone I might say he spoke to me. I usually say I was drawn by the Spirit to a particular scripture. For example, on this topic I was drawn to the following scripture:

2 Cor 3:18
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.