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Throughout history, many have claimed to speak for God, but the Bible warns that false prophets will arise and deceive many. Therefore, Scripture provides clear tests to discern between true and false prophets. Understanding these tests is crucial for anyone seeking to follow God’s will and avoid deception. The question, How can we test the prophets?, is essential for every believer who desires to remain grounded in the truth.
The sections below examine How can we test the prophets? with attention to biblical context and application.
1 John 4:1 (NKJV):
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
God commands us to test those who claim to be His messengers. The four biblical tests for a true prophet are:
What the Bible Teaches About How Can We Test the Prophets?
Each of these tests ensures that we are not deceived by false prophets but guided by those whom God has truly called. Let’s examine them in detail to understand their significance and application in our lives today.
Test 1: A Prophet’s Message Must Align with the Word of God (Isaiah 8:20)
Biblical Basis
Isaiah 8:20 (NKJV):
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
This verse teaches that a true prophet must:
- Speak in harmony with God’s law (the Ten Commandments and His moral principles – Exodus 20:1-17).
- Be consistent with previous prophetic testimonies (God’s revealed word in Scripture).
If a prophet’s message contradicts God’s Word, it is a sure sign that they are false. This test emphasizes the importance of Scripture as the foundation for all teachings and prophecies. The integrity of a prophet’s message is directly tied to the truth of God’s Word.
Examples in Scripture
True prophets spoke according to God’s law:
- Moses received and taught the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20).
- Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel called people back to obedience to God’s law.
- Jesus upheld the commandments (Matthew 5:17-19).
False prophets contradicted God’s Word:
- The Serpent in Eden contradicted God’s command (Genesis 3:4-5).
- Prophets in Jeremiah’s time told people they would have peace while rejecting God’s law (Jeremiah 23:16-17).
Application Today
Any modern “prophet” who claims new revelations that contradict the Bible’s teachings is not from God. For example:
- If someone teaches that sin is acceptable, they fail this test.
- If someone denies the validity of the Ten Commandments, they are false.
It is essential for believers to be grounded in Scripture to recognize these discrepancies and avoid being led astray. The foundation of our faith must always be rooted in the Word of God.
Test 2: A Prophet Must Confess Jesus Christ Has Come in the Flesh (1 John 4:2)
Biblical Basis
1 John 4:2 (NKJV):
“By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.”
This test ensures that a true prophet acknowledges:
- Jesus is the Son of God.
- Jesus became fully human (the Incarnation).
- Jesus is the Savior of the world.
Why Is This Test Important?
During John’s time, false teachers (such as the Gnostics) denied that Jesus came in the flesh. They believed that Jesus was only a spirit being, contradicting the gospel. This denial undermines the very foundation of Christian faith. The acknowledgment of Jesus’ humanity is crucial for understanding His role as our Savior.
2 John 1:7 (NKJV):
“For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”
Examples in Scripture
True prophets confessed Christ:
- John the Baptist declared Jesus as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29).
- Peter confessed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
False prophets denied Christ:
- The Pharisees rejected Jesus as the Messiah (John 8:42-44).
- False teachers in John’s time denied Christ’s humanity (1 John 2:22).
Application Today
Any person claiming to be a prophet must affirm Jesus Christ as:
- The Son of God
- Fully God and Fully Man
- The Only Way to Salvation (John 14:6)
If a supposed prophet denies Christ’s divinity or humanity, they fail this test and are false. This affirmation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith. Believers must be vigilant in ensuring that those who claim to speak for God uphold the truth of Christ’s nature.
Test 3: A Prophet’s Fruits Must Be Righteous (Matthew 7:16)
Biblical Basis
Matthew 7:16 (NKJV):
“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?”
Jesus taught that a true prophet’s character and teachings would bear good fruit. This principle highlights the importance of observing the life and actions of those who claim to speak for God. The fruits of a prophet’s life should reflect their relationship with God.
What Are “Good Fruits”?
Good fruits are evidenced by:
- Obedience to God’s Commandments (John 14:15).
- Righteousness and Holiness (Hebrews 12:14).
- The Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23):
Examples in Scripture
True prophets displayed good fruits:
- Moses was meek and faithful (Numbers 12:3).
- Daniel was righteous and obedient (Daniel 6:4-5).
- Jesus was sinless and full of love (1 Peter 2:22).
False prophets bore bad fruits:
Balaam was greedy and corrupt (Numbers 22:7). The Pharisees were hypocrites (Matthew 23:27-28). These examples serve as a reminder that a prophet’s character is as important as their message.
Application Today
If a person claims to be a prophet but is greedy, deceitful, immoral, or prideful, they fail this test. True prophets exhibit godly character and humility, reflecting the nature of Christ in their lives. Believers should look for evidence of good fruits in the lives of those who claim to speak for God.
Test 4: A Prophet’s Predictions Must Come to Pass (Jeremiah 28:9)
Biblical Basis
Jeremiah 28:9 (NKJV):
“As for the prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet comes to pass, the prophet will be known as one whom the Lord has truly sent.”
If someone claims to predict the future in God’s name, their prophecy must come true 100% of the time. This test serves as a safeguard against deception. Prophetic accuracy is a hallmark of true prophets.
Examples in Scripture
True prophets had accurate prophecies:
- Isaiah prophesied Jesus’ virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23).
- Daniel predicted world empires (Daniel 2, 7, 8; fulfilled in history).
- Jesus foretold His death and resurrection (Matthew 16:21; fulfilled in Luke 24:6-7).
False prophets made false predictions:
Hananiah falsely prophesied peace (Jeremiah 28:15-17). Many false prophets predicted Christ’s return on specific dates (which failed). These examples illustrate the importance of accuracy in prophetic ministry.
Application Today
- If a prophet’s prediction fails even once, they are not from God (Deuteronomy 18:22).
- Many modern false prophets have failed predictions (e.g., false end-time dates).
Testing the prophets is essential for believers. The Bible commands us to test the prophets to avoid deception. The four key tests are:
- Their teachings must align with Scripture (Isaiah 8:20).
- They must confess Jesus Christ as Lord (1 John 4:2).
- Their character and fruits must be righteous (Matthew 7:16).
- Their predictions must come to pass (Jeremiah 28:9).
If a prophet fails any of these tests, they are false! By following these biblical guidelines, we can discern between true messengers of God and deceivers. It is our responsibility as believers to remain vigilant and grounded in the truth of God’s Word. May we always seek truth and follow only those who are faithful to God’s Word, ensuring that we are led by the Spirit and not by falsehood.
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