How can we discern true prophecy from false, according to Ezekiel 13:3? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 13 addresses prophets in Israel who claimed to speak for God but were actually speaking from their own imaginations. Verse 3 gives a concise warning and benchmark for discernment. Key Verse “Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit yet have seen nothing.’” (Ezekiel 13:3) Marks of False Prophecy Drawn from Ezekiel 13:3 • Foolishness—lacking reverent fear of God and sound judgment (Psalm 111:10) • Self-driven—“follow their own spirit,” guided by personal emotion, ambition, or imagination • Vision-less—“have seen nothing,” offering claims with no genuine revelation from the Lord Biblical Tests for True vs. False Prophecy • Source Test – Does the message originate from the Holy Spirit? (2 Peter 1:20-21) – Or from the speaker’s own heart? (Jeremiah 23:16) • Scripture Test – True prophecy never contradicts God’s written Word (Isaiah 8:20; Acts 17:11). – Any departure from scriptural truth signals deception. • Fulfillment Test – Deuteronomy 18:20-22: if the prophecy fails, God did not speak. – Accuracy must be 100%, not “close enough.” • Fruit Test – Matthew 7:16-20: examine the moral and spiritual fruit in the prophet’s life and followers. – True prophecy produces repentance, holiness, and exaltation of Christ. • Christ-Exalting Test – Revelation 19:10: “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” – Does the message magnify Jesus or the messenger? • Spirit Test – 1 John 4:1-3: “test the spirits.” – A true message affirms the biblical Jesus and aligns with the Spirit of truth. Practical Steps to Discern Today 1. Saturate your mind with Scripture; know God’s voice through His Word. 2. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and the Spirit’s discernment. 3. Evaluate claims with the tests above—patiently, not impulsively. 4. Observe long-term fruit; time reveals authenticity. 5. Stay anchored in a biblically faithful church community for accountability. Takeaway Ezekiel 13:3 reminds us that prophets who chase their own ideas are dangerous. By grounding ourselves in the whole counsel of God, applying the clear biblical tests, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can confidently separate true revelation from empty words. |
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