“Prophets” Part 2
TESTS OF A TRUE PROPHET
Throughout history, God has spoken to His people through prophets. As we draw closer to the end of time, it should come as no surprise that there are many individuals in Christendom claiming to be prophets of God. However, nearly all of these fail to meet the scriptural requirements for a true prophet. I would like to offer a lists of ten biblical requirements for a true prophet. They are:
1) A true prophet does not lie. His predictions will be fulfilled. (Jer. 28:9) “But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the LORD only if his prediction comes true.”
2) A true prophet prophesies in the name of the Lord, not in his own name or according to his own will. (2 Pet. 1:21) “For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
3) A true prophet does not give his own private interpretation of prophecy. (2 Pet. 1:20) “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.”
4) A true prophet points out the sins and transgressions of the people against God. (Isa. 58:1) “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.”
5) A true prophet is to warn the people of God’s coming judgment. Here are some examples of judgment such as portrayed in Isa. 24:20, “The earth reels like a drunkard, it sways like a hut in the wind; so heavy upon it is the guilt of its rebellion that it falls — never to rise again.” and Rev. 14:6, 7, “Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth — to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.’”
6) A true prophet edifies the church – counsels and advises it in spiritual ad doctrinal matters. (1 Cor. 14:3, 4 ) “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
7) A true prophet’s words will be in absolute harmony with the words of the prophets that have preceded him. (Isa. 8:20) “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.”
8) A true prophet recognizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ. (1 John 4:1-3) “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
9) A true prophet can be recognized by the results of his work. (Matt. 7:16-20) “By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
10) A true prophet speaks and acts in accordance with the Word, will and approval of God. (Deut. 18:19) “If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.”
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