The Bible provides clear criteria for discerning whether a prophet is truly sent by Yahuah or is a false prophet speaking presumptuously. In these times, it is especially important to recognize false prophets, as many arise to deceive people. The Scriptures give us insight into how to distinguish between true and false prophets and explain how Yahuah may even allow false prophets to test our faithfulness to Him.
False Prophets as a Test of Faith
Yahuah warns His people about false prophets who may even show signs or wonders. These occurrences are meant to test whether people truly love and follow Him. In Deuteronomy 13:1-3, Yahuah says, "If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for Yahuah your Elohim proveth you, to know whether ye love Yahuah your Elohim with all your heart and with all your soul." This scripture reveals that a false prophet may be allowed to test our loyalty to Yahuah, reminding us that our devotion should always be centered on Him.
Warnings About End-Time False Prophets
Yahuah also tells us that in the end times, false prophets will multiply, and many will be led astray. Yahusha warned in Matthew 24:11, "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many." Similarly, in Matthew 24:24, He said, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." These verses make it clear that false prophets can even appear convincing to the faithful. Therefore, we must be cautious, vigilant, and discerning.
Testing the Spirits
Believers are instructed to test the spirits to determine whether they are truly from Yahuah. 1 John 4:1 says, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of Yahuah: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." Testing the spirits means discerning the source of the message, whether it aligns with Yahuah’s Word and glorifies Him.
How to Test the Spirits
1) Check Alignment with Scripture: A true message from Yahuah will always align with His Word. If a prophet's message contradicts Scripture or promotes ideas contrary to Yahuah’s laws and commandments, it is not from Him. For example, if a prophet encourages practices that lead away from Yahuah's teachings, this is a sign that the spirit behind the message is false.
2) Discern the Fruit of the Messenger: Matthew 7:16-20 teaches us that we can know a prophet by their fruit. If the prophet's life does not demonstrate godly character, humility, and adherence to Yahuah's commands, then their message should be questioned. True prophets lead lives that reflect righteousness, while false prophets often display greed, pride, or immoral behavior.
3) Test the Fulfillment of Prophecies: Deuteronomy 18:21-22 states that if a prophet's predictions do not come to pass, then Yahuah has not sent them. True prophets speak with authority from Yahuah, and their words are fulfilled. If a prophecy fails, it is a clear indication that the prophet has spoken presumptuously.
4) Glorification of Yahuah, Not Self: A true prophet's message will always point people back to Yahuah and glorify Him, not the prophet. Jeremiah 23:25-26 warns about those who prophesy lies and focus on their own dreams rather than Yahuah's truth. If the focus is on self-promotion or elevating the prophet's status, then the spirit is not from Yahuah.
5) Lead People to Repentance and Obedience: True prophets call people to repentance and a deeper relationship with Yahuah. If a prophet's message promotes complacency, sin, or leads people away from obeying Yahuah's commands, it is a false spirit. True prophecy always leads to transformation and draws people closer to Yahuah.
6) Discernment through Prayer: Seek Yahuah’s guidance through prayer. Ask Yahuah for discernment and wisdom to determine whether a message is truly from Him. The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) will guide believers into all truth and provide clarity.
For example, if someone claims to have a vision that contradicts the teachings of Scripture or leads people to glorify them instead of Yahuah, this is a clear indication that the spirit behind the message is not from Yahuah. Testing the spirits involves comparing the message to the truth of Scripture, observing the life and character of the messenger, and seeking Yahuah's guidance in prayer.
Determining Presumptuous Prophecy
The Bible also teaches us how to recognize whether a prophet is speaking presumptuously. In Deuteronomy 18:21-22, we read, "And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which Yahuah hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of Yahuah, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which Yahuah hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." To speak presumptuously means to act with arrogance or boldness without authority from Yahuah and to overstep one's bounds. A presumptuous prophet delivers a message that does not come from Yahuah, and their words do not come to pass.
Examples of Speaking Presumptuously
1) Predicting Events Without Divine Instruction: A prophet who claims that Yahuah has revealed a specific event, such as the exact date of a natural disaster or the outcome of an election, without any divine instruction is speaking presumptuously. If the prediction does not come true, it is evident that they were not speaking for Yahuah.
2) Using Yahuah's Name to Validate Personal Opinions: When a prophet says, "Thus saith Yahuah," to endorse their own opinions or teachings that do not align with Scripture, they are speaking presumptuously. This includes promoting personal beliefs as divine commands to manipulate others.
3) Proclaiming False Promises of Prosperity: A prophet who promises guaranteed wealth or success in Yahuah’s name without any scriptural basis is acting presumptuously. These types of messages often exploit people’s hopes and are not grounded in Yahuah's will.
4) Making Claims That Cannot Be Verified: If a prophet speaks of visions, dreams, or messages from Yahuah that have no way of being verified and contradict Yahuah's Word, they are likely speaking presumptuously. True prophecy aligns with Yahuah’s Word and can be tested.
5) Ignoring Failed Prophecies: When a prophet's prediction fails and they continue to make excuses or claim new revelations without acknowledging their error, they are demonstrating presumptuous behavior. True prophets of Yahuah do not ignore the failure of their words but seek repentance and correction.
The Role of True Prophets
Yahuah uses true prophets to fulfill several roles, each carrying significant responsibility. These roles include:
1) Warning Nations and Kings of Judgments: True prophets are sent to deliver warnings of impending judgments, calling individuals, leaders, and entire nations to repentance. They speak with authority from Yahuah, urging people to turn away from sin and align with His will. Examples include prophets like Jonah, who was sent to warn Nineveh of its destruction.
2) Calling People to Repentance: True prophets call people to repentance, guiding them back to Yahuah and His commandments. They often expose sin and lead people to a renewed relationship with Yahuah. Their messages are meant to bring about spiritual transformation, not just emotional excitement.
3) Delivering Messages of Divine Significance: True prophets do not speak about trivial matters or personal gossip; instead, they deliver messages of divine importance. These messages often include revelations about Yahuah’s plans, instructions for righteous living, or future events that align with His purpose.
4) Interceding on Behalf of the People: Many prophets also served as intercessors, praying for mercy on behalf of the people. Moses, for example, interceded multiple times for Israel when Yahuah's anger was kindled against them.
5) Speaking Only What Yahuah Commands: True prophets are committed to delivering only what Yahuah commands. They do not add their own interpretations or personal thoughts to the message. They are careful to ensure that their words reflect Yahuah’s will accurately.
Jeremiah 23:25-26 says, "I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart." True prophets are focused on Yahuah’s purposes, not on elevating themselves or spreading messages that appeal to human vanity.
False Prophets and the Judgment of Babylon
Today, we see the judgment of Babylon, symbolized by America, as Yahuah tears down her idols, whether they are celebrity preachers, entertainers, or so-called prophets. Jeremiah 50:2 declares, "Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces." This judgment includes those who have set themselves up as idols, whether on the stage or the pulpit. These false idols, celebrity figures, prosperity preachers, and leaders who misuse Yahuah's name for personal gain, are being exposed for their true nature. They often use their influence to lead people away from Yahuah, promoting materialism, self-glorification, and false teachings. As Yahuah executes His righteous judgment, these idols are being brought low, and the truth of Yahuah's sovereignty is being revealed. This serves as a reminder that only Yahuah is worthy of our worship, and He will not share His glory with anyone.
Warnings Against Listening to False Prophets
Yahuah warns His people not to listen to false prophets who speak visions from their own hearts. Jeremiah 14:14 says, "Then Yahuah said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart." Likewise, Jeremiah 23:16 warns, "Thus saith Yahuah, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of Yahuah." These verses highlight that false prophets are self-serving, speaking from their own imaginations rather than delivering Yahuah’s true message.
Characteristics of False Prophets
False prophets can often be recognized by their actions and the nature of their messages. They tend to speak out of their own hearts, driven by personal motives rather than the Word of Yahuah. Here are some key characteristics of false prophets:
1) Speak from Their Own Imagination: Ezekiel 13:2 says, "Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of Yahuah." False prophets speak from their own imaginations and promote their own agendas.
2) Outwardly Righteous but Inwardly Deceitful: Matthew 7:15 warns, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." False prophets may outwardly present themselves as righteous, appearing trustworthy and charismatic, but inwardly they are deceitful.
3) Seek Personal Gain, Power, or Influence: False prophets are often motivated by personal gain. They may exploit people for financial benefits, spread false hope, or manipulate others for their own advantage.
4) Self-Promotion: They tend to elevate themselves rather than glorify Yahuah. Jeremiah 23:25-26 says, "I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed." These individuals focus on promoting themselves and their so-called visions rather than serving Yahuah.
5) Lead People Away from Yahuah: Their teachings and messages often lead people away from the truth of Yahuah's Word. They might mix truth with lies, creating confusion and leading people astray.
Waiting for Prophetic Proof
TEOTW Ministries has not rushed to comment on the many so-called prophets making headlines today. We have chosen to follow the biblical example of discernment by waiting to see whether these individuals are proven true or false. This involves following these principles:
1) Testing the Spirits: As outlined in 1 John 4:1, believers are instructed to "try the spirits whether they are of Yahuah." This means evaluating the source of the message and determining whether it aligns with Yahuah's Word and glorifies Him.
2) Observing Prophecy Fulfillment: Deuteronomy 18:21-22 teaches that if a prophecy does not come to pass, then it was not spoken by Yahuah. Observing whether a prophet's words are fulfilled is a key principle in determining their authenticity.
3) Patience and Careful Observation: The biblical approach emphasizes patience and careful observation rather than immediate judgment. This ensures that emotions or biases do not lead to premature conclusions.
4) Identifying False Teachers: As 2 Peter 2:1 states, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you." Recognizing that false teachers will exist helps believers remain vigilant and not be easily swayed.
By following these biblical principles, we seek to avoid the pitfalls of premature judgment and ensure that we uphold Yahuah's standards for truth and righteousness.
Conclusion
In these end times, recognizing a true prophet of Yahuah is crucial. The Scriptures provide a clear guide: true prophets speak Yahuah’s words, call people to repentance, and their prophecies come to pass. False prophets, on the other hand, speak presumptuously, seeking their own gain, and lead people away from Yahuah. As Jeremiah 50:2 shows, Yahuah is tearing down the idols of Babylon, whether they are celebrity entertainers or preachers who have set themselves up in His place. We must remain vigilant, testing the spirits, and holding fast to the truth of Yahuah’s Word.
By applying these biblical principles, we ensure that we do not fall prey to deception. True prophets are characterized by their adherence to Yahuah's commands, their humility, and their dedication to guiding people toward repentance and obedience. The role of a prophet is not about personal glory but about serving Yahuah faithfully, delivering His messages, and warning people of the consequences of sin. False prophets, in contrast, are focused on self-promotion, material gain, and spreading messages that appeal to human desires rather than leading people to righteousness. Yahuah's judgment on these false idols serves as a reminder to put our trust solely in Him. As we navigate these challenging times, let us continue to test the spirits, observe the fruits of those who claim to speak for Yahuah, and remain committed to His Word and His truth.
It is important to understand that having even one false prophecy makes someone a false prophet. That prophet may have spoken presumptuously and needs to repent. True prophets of Yahuah speak only what He commands, and their words are always fulfilled. Therefore, discernment and vigilance are necessary to ensure that we follow only those who truly speak for Yahuah.
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