What steps can we take to test prophecies in light of Deuteronomy 18:22? The Foundation Text “ ‘When a prophet speaks in the LORD’s name and the word is not fulfilled or comes to pass, that is a word the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.’ ” (Deuteronomy 18:22) Why Testing Matters • God’s reputation is tied to the truthfulness of His Word (Numbers 23:19). • False prophecy leads hearts away from Him (Jeremiah 23:16-17). • Scripture commands discernment: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). Step 1: Hold the Prophecy Against Scripture • God never contradicts Himself (Isaiah 40:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Compare the content with clear biblical teaching; any clash exposes error (Isaiah 8:20; Galatians 1:8). • A true word will harmonize with the whole counsel of God. Step 2: Examine the Testimony About Jesus • “Every spirit that confesses Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2). • Genuine prophecy exalts Christ’s deity, atoning work, and bodily resurrection (Revelation 19:10). • Diminishing or redefining Jesus signals a counterfeit message. Step 3: Inspect the Prophet’s Fruit • “You will recognize them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). • Look for: – Consistent godly character (Galatians 5:22-23) – Submission to biblical authority – Absence of greed or manipulation (2 Peter 2:1-3) • Corrupt fruit points to a corrupt root. Step 4: Watch for Literal Fulfillment • Deuteronomy 18:22 sets a clear standard: 100 percent accuracy. • If the timeline or details fail, the prophecy is false—regardless of sincerity. • “A word is confirmed by two or three witnesses” (2 Corinthians 13:1); fulfilled events provide those witnesses. Step 5: Seek Confirming Witnesses • New Testament practice: “Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh” (1 Corinthians 14:29). • Spiritual leadership and mature believers help guard against deception. • The Spirit brings unity around truth, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33). Step 6: Proceed with Humble Caution • Do not rush to endorse or reject; patience allows God’s verdict to unfold. • Remain teachable, yet anchored in Scripture. • If uncertain, wait; time verifies authenticity (Habakkuk 2:3). Putting It All Together To honor Deuteronomy 18:22, test every prophetic claim by the written Word, the confession of Christ, the prophet’s fruit, factual fulfillment, and the discernment of Spirit-led believers. Doing so protects the flock, glorifies the God who cannot lie, and keeps hearts anchored to His unfailing truth. |
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