In Matthew 24 YashaYah warns us about deception in the last days, "For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect" (Matt.24:24). Today I would like to share guidance from the Word on how to determine whether modern-day prophets are speaking from God.
-
We are instructed in the Word to assess whether the spirit from which the prophecy originates is from God. Is it obvious from what you see and hear from the prophet that they have accepted Jesus as Saviour? This is what the Word says, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already" (1John 4:1-3).
-
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophesy. Does the prophecy point to the redemptive work of Jesus and the destruction of the work of satan? "Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev.19:10).
-
Prophecy must align to Scripture. "Do not quench the Spirit, do not despise prophesying, but test everything" (1Thes.5:19-20). God will not speak to a prophet a message that contradicts the overall plan as prophesied by the Old Testament prophets, by the mouth of Jesus for example in Matthew 24 and John's visions in the Book of Revelation.
-
A true message from God must be confirmed by two or more witnesses. Do you find confirmation of the prophetic message in the Word and secondly, has the message been confirmed by another prophet(s)? "Let two or three prophets speak and let the others evaluate what is said" (1Cor.14:29).
-
What is the nature of the fruit produced in the life of the prophet? Does their lifestyle reflect reverence or fear of God, or are they not easily distinguished from those living in the 'world'? Do they prophesy for personal gain? What moral standards do they maintain? "Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs gathered from thistles?" (Matt.7:15-16).
My Prayer
Father AHAYAH, thank you for warning us that satan is out to deceive us through false prophets that may cause us to take our eyes away from Your plans for our lives. Please grant us the spirit of discernment so that we will be able to recognise who is not speaking from Your spirit. We pray in the name of our Saviour, YashaYah HaMasiach. Aman.