How can we discern truth when falsehoods are permitted by God, as in 18:22? Scriptural Snapshot of 18:22 “ When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come true or come to pass, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously; do not be afraid of him.” (BSB, Deuteronomy 18:22) Why God Allows Falsehoods • 1 Kings 22:22 shows the LORD permitting a lying spirit as judgment on stubborn hearts. • Deuteronomy 13:3 adds that false signs may appear “for the LORD your God is testing you.” • 2 Thessalonians 2:11–12 says God sends “a powerful delusion” to those who “delighted in wickedness.” God’s sovereignty never compromises His holiness; He uses deception as a tool of judgment or testing, not as a trait of His own character (Numbers 23:19). Divine Tests Call for Discernment God’s permission of a lie is an invitation to prove our loyalty to the truth He has already revealed. He supplies clear standards so no one is left guessing. Five Scriptural Touchstones for Discernment 1. Alignment with Prior Revelation • Isaiah 8:20: “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.” 2. Fulfillment of Predictions • Deuteronomy 18:22: if it fails, reject it. If it stands, embrace it (see Jeremiah 28). 3. Moral Fruit in the Messenger • Matthew 7:16–18: “By their fruit you will recognize them.” 4. Centrality of Christ • 1 John 4:2–3: every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ come in the flesh is from God. 5. Witness of the Spirit through the Word • John 16:13 and Hebrews 4:12 testify that the Spirit and Scripture unite to expose error. Practical Steps for Today • Read broadly, but measure everything by Scripture—Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for exactly this. • Pray for illumination (Psalm 119:18) and compare translations or commentaries only after grasping the passage itself. • Check prophetic claims against history and context; God’s true word never contradicts itself. • Watch for manipulation—flattery, fear, or financial gain (2 Peter 2:3) betray false teachers. • Stay rooted in a faithful church community (Hebrews 10:24–25) where mutual correction thrives. Encouraging Assurance from God’s Word • John 10:27–28: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand.” • James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God… and it will be given to him.” Even when lies circulate, the Father delights to guide His children into truth (John 17:17). |
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