God stopped sending prophets, according to Christian belief, because Jesus Christ represents the fullness of God's revelation.
Jesus: The Ultimate Revelation
The Bible suggests that Jesus Christ is the ultimate and complete revelation of God to humanity. With the coming of Jesus, the need for prophets delivering public revelations ceased. This doesn't necessarily mean God no longer communicates with individuals, but rather that there will be no more prophets delivering messages comparable to those of Moses or the Old Testament prophets.
Public vs. Private Revelation
It's crucial to distinguish between public and private revelation:
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Public Revelation: Refers to God's self-disclosure meant for all people and found in the Bible and the teachings of the Church. With Jesus, this public revelation is considered complete.
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Private Revelation: Refers to messages or visions given to individuals, such as the apparitions at Fatima. While the Church recognizes some private revelations as authentic, they do not add to or complete public revelation. They can, however, deepen our understanding and application of it.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
While prophetic figures in the traditional sense may no longer be sent, the Holy Spirit continues to guide and inspire believers. The Holy Spirit empowers individuals to understand and live out the teachings of Christ, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God.
No New Public Revelation
The cessation of prophets primarily applies to public revelation. The understanding is that everything we need to know for salvation has already been revealed through Jesus Christ and the scriptures. To summarize:
- End of Prophetic Era: The era of prophets delivering public revelations concluded with Jesus.
- Fullness of Revelation: Jesus is considered the full and complete revelation of God.
- Continuing Guidance: The Holy Spirit continues to guide believers.
