Short Answer: God still speaks today, primarily through Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s work of applying it, and he can guide believers in wise, personal ways—but Christians should test everything and never treat impressions or experiences as equal to God’s written Word.
Long Answer: God still speaks today, primarily through Scripture and the Holy Spirit’s work of applying it, and he can guide believers in wise, personal ways—but Christians should test everything and never treat impressions or experiences as equal to God’s written Word.
Many Christians ask this because they want direction: “Should I take this job? Marry this person? Move?” Others have been harmed by someone claiming, “God told me…” as if it ended all discussion. Scripture gives a clear center and healthy guardrails.
God speaks clearly through Scripture
The most direct way God speaks is through his written Word. Scripture is “God-breathed” and trains us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). It tells us who God is, what he has done in Christ, what he commands, and what wisdom looks like.
This means Christians should never chase a private “word from God” while neglecting the Bible. God will not contradict what he has already spoken.
The Holy Spirit helps believers understand and obey God’s Word
God also speaks as the Holy Spirit applies Scripture to our hearts—convicting us of sin, reminding us of truth, and leading us in Christlike wisdom (John 16:13; Galatians 5:16). Often this guidance looks like strengthened conviction, growing clarity from Scripture, and a settled sense of wisdom rather than an audible voice.
What about impressions, dreams, and “promptings”?
The Bible includes times when God spoke through dreams and prophetic messages. Christians disagree about how frequently that happens today, but Scripture is clear about this: experiences must be tested. We are commanded not to despise prophecies, but to test everything and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:19–21). We are also warned that feelings and spiritual claims can mislead (1 John 4:1).
A wise way to think about it:
- God can guide through providence, counsel, and strong impressions.
- But those impressions are not automatically God’s voice.
- They must be weighed against Scripture, wisdom, and the fruit they produce.
If someone says, “God told me,” a healthier way to speak is: “Here’s what I believe the Lord is leading me toward, and here’s why from Scripture and wise counsel.” That posture invites humility and accountability.
How do you discern God’s guidance?
Scripture gives practical pathways:
- Prayer: ask God for wisdom (James 1:5).
- Scripture: saturate your mind so your desires are shaped by truth (Psalm 119:105).
- Wise counsel: God often guides through mature believers (Proverbs 11:14).
- Character and fruit: the Spirit’s leading produces holiness and love, not confusion and pride (Galatians 5:22–23).
- Peace and order: God is not the author of chaos (1 Corinthians 14:33).
What to do next
- Commit to regular Bible reading; God’s voice is clearest where his Word is open (2 Tim 3:16–17).
- Pray specifically for wisdom and direction, not just signs (James 1:5).
- Seek counsel from mature Christians who know Scripture.
- If you sense a “prompting,” test it: Does it align with Scripture? Does it lead toward holiness and love?
- Avoid using “God told me” to pressure others. Speak with humility and openness.
God still speaks. The safest, clearest, most trustworthy voice is Scripture, and the Spirit faithfully guides believers as they listen, obey, and walk in wisdom.
Key Scriptures: 2 Tim 3:16–17; Heb 1:1–2; John 16:13; James 1:5; 1 Thess 5:19–21; 1 John 4:1; Psalm 119:105; Prov 11:14; Gal 5:16, 22–23; 1 Cor 14:33