What criteria does Deuteronomy 13:2 provide for discerning true prophecy? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 13 zooms in on prophets or dreamers who arise among God’s people. Even when their signs or wonders come to pass, the Lord warns that their message must still be tested. The Verse in Focus Deuteronomy 13:2: “and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes about, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods’—which you have not known—‘and let us worship them,’ ” Key Criterion Drawn from the Verse • Does the prophet’s message call you to remain exclusively loyal to the LORD, or does it lure you toward “other gods”? – If it directs worship anywhere else, the prophecy is false—no matter how impressive the miracle (see vv. 3-4). – The heart of the test is allegiance, not merely accuracy. Why Miracles Alone Are Not Enough • Signs can be real and still mislead (Exodus 7:11-12; Matthew 24:24). • God sometimes permits such signs “to test you, to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 13:3). • Therefore, the ultimate standard is fidelity to God’s revealed character and commands, not spectacular results. Putting the Criterion into Daily Practice 1. Measure every prophetic claim against God’s Word. 2. Ask: Does this message reinforce wholehearted love and obedience to the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), or dilute it? 3. Reject any voice—however persuasive—that contradicts God’s exclusive call to worship Him alone (Galatians 1:8; 1 John 4:1). Echoes Elsewhere in Scripture • Deuteronomy 18:20-22—Accuracy matters, but loyalty remains decisive. • Jeremiah 23:16—False prophets fill God’s people with vain hopes. • Matthew 7:15-20—Fruit reveals the true nature of a prophet. • Revelation 13:13-14—End-times deception will also employ great signs. Takeaway True prophecy never contradicts the first commandment. If a voice—no matter how wonder-working—invites you to shift your worship away from the LORD, Scripture labels that voice false. Genuine prophetic ministry always upholds and deepens exclusive devotion to the One true God. |
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