How can Revelation 19:10 guide us in discerning true prophecy today? Revelation 19:10 in Focus “So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’” Why This Verse Matters for Discernment Today • It defines the essence of true prophecy: “the testimony of Jesus.” • It sets a boundary against misdirected worship—nothing and no one eclipses God. • It links prophecy with faithful witness, not sensational display. Core Truth: Prophecy Magnifies Jesus • Any word claiming divine origin must center on Christ’s person, work, and glory. • John 15:26—“He will testify about Me.” The Spirit’s consistent role is Christ-exalting witness. • 1 Corinthians 12:3—“No one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” Genuine prophetic utterance leads hearers to confess Christ’s lordship. Four Tests for Discerning Prophecy 1. Christological Test – Does the message affirm Jesus’ deity, incarnation, atoning death, resurrection, and soon return? – 1 John 4:2-3: “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” 2. Scriptural Consistency Test – God does not contradict Himself (Numbers 23:19). – Acts 17:11—Bereans “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” – Any prophetic word deviating from the closed canon is false, no matter how persuasive. 3. Worship Direction Test – Revelation 19:10 warns against angel-worship; by extension, it rules out personality-centered ministries. – True prophecy redirects honor to God, never to the messenger (Acts 14:11-15). 4. Fruit Test – Matthew 7:16—“You will recognize them by their fruit.” – Galatians 5:22-23: genuine Spirit-breathed words produce love, joy, peace, and holiness, not confusion or immorality. Guardrails from the Old Testament • Deuteronomy 13:1-5—Even accurate predictions are false if they seduce people away from God. • Deuteronomy 18:20-22—Unfulfilled predictions expose the counterfeit. Accuracy and allegiance both matter. Prophecy’s Practical Purposes • Strengthening, encouragement, and comfort (1 Corinthians 14:3). • Calling the church to faithfulness (Revelation 2–3). • Glorifying Christ by unveiling His plans (Amos 3:7; Revelation 1:1). Cultivating a Discerning Heart • Immerse in Scripture—Psalm 119:105: God’s Word lights every path. • Walk in the Spirit—Galatians 5:16: sensitivity to Him sharpens discernment. • Stay submitted to godly leadership—Hebrews 13:17: accountability guards against deception. • Keep humble—James 4:6: humility invites grace; pride breeds error. Summing Up True prophecy is never an end in itself; it is a Spirit-ignited spotlight on Jesus Christ. When a message exalts Him, harmonizes with Scripture, fuels pure worship, and bears righteous fruit, Revelation 19:10 assures us we are hearing the genuine “testimony of Jesus—the spirit of prophecy.” |
    |