“No prophet sees the whole picture; only God does. Prophecy, by its nature, is partial and subject to human limitations”.
The public apology issued by Prophet El Bernard Nelson-Eshun following the failure of a prophetic declaration concerning the New Patriotic Party’s presidential primaries has sparked widespread discussion across Ghana.
Beyond the controversy itself, the episode presents a valuable opportunity to reflect on the limits of prophetic authority, the dangers of excess, and the importance of humility in public ministry.
In this instance, Prophet El Bernard’s prophecy did not remain a single spiritual declaration. It was consistently repeated across church services, reinforced through a published book, videos, radio and media interviews, and a public appearance at campaign-related programme.
Over time, the message appeared settled and certain, leaving little room for doubt or discernment. In fact, critics who questioned the prophecy were often met with strong and uncompromising responses, further entrenching the impression of prophetic infallibility.
Yet Scripture consistently teaches that certainty of the future belongs to God alone. The Bible records God declaring that He alone “declares the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:9–10). This distinction is foundational. No prophet, regardless of conviction or visibility, shares in God’s omniscience.
The New Testament reinforces this limitation. The Apostle Paul acknowledged that believers “know in part and prophesy in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9). This admission establishes that prophecy is inherently partial and subject to interpretation. Repetition, confidence, or media amplification does not convert partial revelation into absolute truth.
Biblically, prophets are servants, not guarantors of outcomes. Amos 3:7 describes prophets as servants to whom God reveals His intentions. The servant role demands humility and restraint. When prophecy is amplified across platforms and defended aggressively against all criticism, the line between divine message and human certainty becomes blurred.
Scripture also places responsibility on the community of believers. Christians are instructed not to despise prophecy, but to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:20–21). Testing requires openness, patience, and the willingness to accept correction. Fierce responses to critics undermine this biblical safeguard.
The Bible is clear on how unfulfilled prophecy should be addressed. Deuteronomy 18:22 states that when a prophetic word does not come to pass, it was not spoken by the Lord. The passage calls for honesty, not defensiveness.
It is here that Prophet El Bernard’s public apology deserves commendation. By openly admitting the error, accepting responsibility, and asking for forgiveness, he has demonstrated humility that aligns with Scripture. James 4:6 reminds believers that God gives grace to the humble. Public accountability, especially in a highly visible prophetic ministry, is not weakness. It is obedience.
Biblical history supports this approach. Nathan the prophet once assured King David that he could build the temple, only to later return with a corrected message after further revelation from God (2 Samuel 7). Nathan did not entrench his earlier position or attack dissenting voices; he corrected himself. His integrity was preserved because he chose humility over pride.
Jesus warned that many false prophets would arise and that discernment would be essential (Matthew 24:11). This warning speaks not only to deliberate deception, but also to unchecked certainty and untested declarations. In a deeply religious society like Ghana, where prophetic pronouncements can influence political decisions and public expectations, restraint and accountability are critical.
In Ghana, where prophetic words often influence public opinion politics and personal decisions, the failure of a prophecy is a lesson for everyone, It reminds us that even the most respected spiritual voices are human and that integrity and humility matter more than certainty.
Prophet El Bernard’s apology sets a standard stuck in admitting the mistake, seeking forgiveness and leading with responsibility .It affirms a central biblical truth that only God is infallible and prophets communicate what they believe they have seen, heard or received.
As Romans 3:4 reminds believers, God remains true even when every human voice proves fallible. Recognizing this truth and acting on it through humility and accountability is the way forward for El Bernard’s prophetic ministry in Ghana’s public life.
By: Nii Apatu-Plange
(Born-again Christian)
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