One of the plainest statements in the New Testament is Galatians 1:8. “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” The Holy Spirit thought this so important that he had Paul repeat it in the next verse (Verse 9). Yet, in spite of this very clear statement in God’s word, there are those who would have you believe that they are receiving revelations from heaven today. They would have you accept their “personal experiences” and “feelings” even though they run counter to the inspired word, the Bible.

When one talks about his “personal experiences” and puts his “feelings,” however good they may be, above the simple, clear teaching of the New Testament, he should not be offended because people’ are skeptical of his claims. Though he may contend ,that a rejection of his “vision,” “feelings,” or “experiences” is a rejection of God, such is not the case. The Bible is sufficient to make you what God wants you to be (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Since the Bible is sufficient, there is no need for a latter day revelation. The apostles were guided in all truth (John 16:13), and that truth, the faith, has once and for all been delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

The apostles “went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following” (Mark 16:20). One may argue that the word was confirmed when Jesus was crucified or when he arose from the dead, but that is not true. If it were, the Lord didn’t know it because he worked with the apostles confirming the words with signs as they preached the word! Why confirm it if he had already confirmed it? One should be most careful about saying that the Lord did not confirm the word with signs as the apostles preached when the writer, inspired by the Holy Spirit, said that he did.

Considering the warning of Paul, we realize that we can not rely on “visions” and “personal experiences.” Surely Christians can not be blamed for depending upon the revealed word of God and for encouraging others to accept it as the only rule of faith. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). One may argue that faith comes by visions and personal experiences, but in so arguing, he refutes the word of God. The scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15-17).