How should Deuteronomy 18:20 influence our view of modern-day prophets? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “ ‘But a prophet who presumes to speak in My name a message I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death.’ ” (Deuteronomy 18:20) God’s High Standard for Prophetic Speech • Prophecy is never casual conversation; it claims divine authority. • In Israel, a false claim to God’s words carried the death penalty—underscoring how seriously the LORD guards His own voice. • This severity highlights both God’s holiness and His protection of His people from deception (cf. Deuteronomy 13:1-5). Implications for Evaluating Today’s Prophets • God’s standard has not been lowered. Though civil penalties differ, the moral weight of Deuteronomy 18:20 still applies. • Anyone claiming fresh, binding revelation must meet the same bar of 100 percent accuracy (Jeremiah 28:9). • A single failed prediction exposes a speaker as self-sent, not God-sent (Jeremiah 23:16, 32). • New-Testament believers are commanded to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1) and beware of “false prophets, who come … in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). Deuteronomy 18:20 defines what makes them false. Tests Drawn from Scripture • Accuracy: Every prophetic statement must come true exactly (Deuteronomy 18:22). • Orthodoxy: The message must align with revealed doctrine, never leading toward other gods or contrary gospels (Galatians 1:8). • Fruit: The prophet’s life and teaching should display godly character and sound results (Matthew 7:16-20). • Christ-Focus: Genuine testimony “is the spirit of prophecy” about Jesus (Revelation 19:10). Anything detracting from Christ is suspect. The Sufficiency of God’s Completed Word • “In the past God spoke … through the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2). • Scripture equips “for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Its completeness reduces the need to chase new revelations. • Acts 17:11 models noble discernment: believers verify teaching against the written Word, not private claims. Practical Discernment Steps • Hold modern prophetic claims loosely; hold the Bible tightly. • Compare every new message with Scripture before giving it credence. • Require transparent accountability; legitimate voices invite testing rather than resisting it. • Focus on edifying gifts that clearly build up the church—preaching, teaching, encouragement—rather than sensational predictions (1 Corinthians 14:3). Encouragement for the Church Deuteronomy 18:20 is a safeguard, not a straitjacket. God still speaks through His Word, His Spirit, and His people, but He never contradicts Himself. By honoring the seriousness of false prophecy, we cultivate a community anchored in truth, freed from manipulation, and centered on the unchanging voice of Scripture. |
    |