Topical Bible: Prophecy: How Tested

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In the biblical context, prophecy is a divine message delivered by a prophet, often concerning future events or spiritual truths. The testing of prophecy is a critical aspect of discerning its authenticity and divine origin. The Bible provides several guidelines for testing prophecy to ensure that it aligns with God's truth and purposes.

1. Consistency with Scripture: One of the primary tests of a true prophecy is its consistency with the established Word of God. Any prophetic message must align with the teachings and principles found in Scripture. As stated in 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." This emphasizes that any prophecy must be in harmony with God's revealed Word.

2. Fulfillment of Predictions: A key test of a prophet's authenticity is whether their predictions come to pass. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 provides clear instruction: "You may ask in your heart, 'How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?' When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him." This criterion underscores the importance of accuracy in prophetic declarations.

3. Moral and Spiritual Integrity: The character of the prophet is also a significant factor in testing prophecy. A true prophet will exhibit a life of holiness and adherence to God's commandments. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:15-16 , "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them." The fruit of a prophet's life—evidenced by their actions and character—serves as an indicator of their authenticity.

4. Edification of the Church: Prophecy should serve to build up, encourage, and comfort the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 14:3 , Paul states, "But he who prophesies speaks to men for their edification, encouragement, and comfort." A true prophecy will contribute positively to the spiritual growth and unity of the church, rather than causing division or confusion.

5. Acknowledgment of Jesus Christ: A genuine prophecy will acknowledge and glorify Jesus Christ as Lord. 1 John 4:1-3 advises believers to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God." The centrality of Christ in the message is a hallmark of true prophecy.

6. Witness of the Holy Spirit: The inner witness of the Holy Spirit within believers is another means of testing prophecy. Romans 8:16 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children." The Holy Spirit provides discernment and peace when a prophecy is from God, guiding believers in recognizing truth.

In summary, the testing of prophecy involves a comprehensive evaluation based on scriptural consistency, fulfillment, the prophet's character, the edification of the church, acknowledgment of Christ, and the witness of the Holy Spirit. These criteria help ensure that prophetic messages are truly from God and beneficial to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 13:1-3
If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and gives you a sign or a wonder,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 18:22
When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously: you shall not be afraid of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Relation of Christ to Prophecy, Continued.
... name of the Saviour are spurious, and that they must therefore be tested to find ...
kind of sacrifice you choose to specify, I will show you a prophecy of Christ ...
/.../the relation of christ to.htm

Papal Infallibility Explained, and Tested by Tradition and ...
... Paul's prophecy of the man of sin, who 'as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing
himself off that he is God' (2 ... Papal Infallibility tested by Tradition. ...
/.../ 34 papal infallibility explained.htm

Introduction
... And conditions will not improve; instead, the more sure Word of Prophecy makes known
to ... Faith is now in the crucible, it is being tested by fire, and there is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the sovereignty of god/introduction.htm

The Excellence and Utility of Faith.
... God revealed from faith to faith," teaching the one salvation which from prophecy
to the ... it does not itself generate faith, but is by faith tested and proved ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the excellence and utility.htm

He Illustrates the Apostle's Saying, "I Will Destroy the Wisdom of ...
... To these prophecy says, "If ye be willing and hear me, ye shall eat the ... be taught,
and that the money be put into the bank, accurately tested, to accumulate ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xviii he illustrates the apostles.htm

A Work of Reform.
... to be accomplished in the last days is foretold in the prophecy of Isaiah ... the one
unerring rule by which all opinions, doctrines, and theories are to be tested. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /26 a work of reform.htm

A Work of Reform
... to be accomplished in the last days is foretold in the prophecy of Isaiah ... the one
unerring rule by which all opinions, doctrines, and theories are to be tested. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 26 a work of.htm

John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
... The claims of all who in these days profess to be reincarnations of Elijah may be
tested and condemned by this prophecy, for none of them frequent the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xvii john the baptists person.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... and to renounce positions which had been established by unmistakable fulfilments
of prophecy. ... His law, the great rule of right by which all mankind are tested. ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... is His law, the great rule of right by which all mankind are tested. ... work of Christ
as man's intercessor is presented in that beautiful prophecy of Zechariah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm