The Final Word: Why Revelation is Complete, the Canon Closed, Scripture Sufficient, and Apostles/Prophets Ceased

In an age of endless “new revelations,” self-proclaimed apostles, and prophetic dreams dominating social media, it’s vital to return to Scripture’s own testimony. This post synthesizes biblical, grammatical, and historical evidence for four interlocking truths:

1. Special revelation is complete in Christ.

2. The canon is closed, recognized—not determined—by the church.

3. Scripture is fully sufficient for doctrine and practice.

4. Apostles and prophets have ceased.

All quotes from the **Authorized King James Version **.

1. Revelation Complete: “God Hath Spoken” in His Son

Hebrews opens with a thunderclap:

“God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son” .

Greek Precision: Both verbs are aorist indicative —punctiliar past actions, complete and whole. No present “is speaking” or future “will speak.” Prophets gave partial words ; the Son delivers the final, full revelation in “these last days” .

This echoes Jude: “the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” . Special revelation—direct, propositional words from God—culminates in Christ and the apostles who witnessed Him .

No room for modern addenda. Revelation 22 warns: “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues” .

2. Closed Canon: Church Recognition, Not Creation

The 66 books didn’t drop from heaven in AD 397—they self-circulated as authoritative from the 1st century.

– Self-Authentication: Apostolic origin , orthodoxy , catholicity , divine power.

– Early Lists: Muratorian Fragment has 22/27 NT books. Athanasius’ Easter Letter nails the exact 27.

Councils like Hippo and Carthage recognized what was “already known to be true”—they didn’t invent or “determine” canonicity. Jerome even questioned the Apocrypha, aligning with the Jewish canon Jesus used .

Protestants rightly reject the Catholic 73-book canon: NT never quotes Maccabees et al. as “Scripture.” The church is witness, not source .

3. Scripture’s Full Sufficiency: Equipped for Every Good Work

If revelation is complete and canon closed, is the Bible enough?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” .

Πᾶσα γραφή equips completely . No need for extra-biblical prophecies or visions. Peter agrees: “His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” —via the apostolic word now inscripturated.

Practice? Doctrine defines worship , ethics , even end-times . Sola Scriptura isn’t bare—it’s plenary.

4. Apostles and Prophets Ceased: Foundational Offices Closed

Paul seals apostleship:

“And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time… as one untimely born” .

Ἔσχατος + ἐκτρώματι = final, exceptional apostle. Qualifications? Resurrection eyewitness , signs , foundational .

Prophets confirmed apostles —they too cease: “whether there be prophecies, they shall fail” .

Post-Apostolic Fade: Church fathers like Chrysostom note gifts ceased. Modern “apostles/prophets” lack witnesses, miracles, and doctrinal alignment—test them by the closed faith .

Conclusion: Back to the Final Word

Revelation’s completion guards against deception . The canon, recognized by Spirit-led saints, delivers God’s full counsel. Scripture suffices—no apostles or prophets needed. The church thrives on the Book alone.

As Jesus prayed: “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” .

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