Testing a True Prophet

[Chief]

The concept of prophecy holds a central place in many religious faiths, and especially among Adventists. Christians view prophets as individuals chosen by a divine source to convey messages and guidance. However, the challenge lies in distinguishing true prophets from false ones.

This thread starter explores how to discern the authenticity of a prophet, especially within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, using scriptural evidence, Ellen G. White’s writings and historical insights.

Prophecy in the Scriptures​

• Old Testament Foundations
  • The prophetic gift is prominent throughout the Old Testament. God communicated with His prophets through visions and dreams, as stated in Numbers 12:6: “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream.” Abraham is the first person explicitly called a prophet (Genesis 20:7), and Moses is recognized as one of the greatest prophets, speaking with God "face to face" (Deuteronomy 34:10).
  • In Deuteronomy 18:15, Moses foretold the coming of a prophet like himself: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear.” This prophecy extended through Joshua and found its ultimate fulfillment in the Messiah, Jesus, the ultimate Prophet leading humanity from sin.
• New Testament Insights
  • The New Testament continues to affirm the presence of prophecy in the Church. Notable examples include Zechariah (Luke 1:67), John the Baptist (Matthew 11:14), and other early Christians who exhibited prophetic gifts (Acts 13:1; 15:32; 21:8-10). Paul emphasizes that this gift is essential until the Church reaches unity and maturity in faith (Ephesians 4:13). The 'spirit of prophecy' is seen as an identifying feature of the true church at the end of times (Revelation 12:17, 19:10).

Understanding the “Spirit of Prophecy”​

The term "spirit of prophecy" appears in Revelation 19:10 and refers to the Holy Spirit's role in bestowing prophetic gifts. This concept aligns with the Aramaic translations of the Old Testament, where God's spirit bestows wisdom and prophetic insight (Numbers 27:18). Those possessing this spirit are God's chosen prophets, as emphasized in Revelation 22:8-9.

Biblical Foundation: True vs. False Prophets​

1. Definition of a True Prophet:
   • A true prophet speaks in alignment with God’s law and calls people to obedience (Deuteronomy 13:1–5). They deliver uncomfortable truths, even warnings of judgment, rather than flattering lies (Jeremiah 26:4–6; 28:6–17).
   • Examples include Jeremiah, who warned of Jerusalem’s destruction, and Micaiah, who opposed 400 false prophets (1 Kings 22:5–28).
2. Characteristics of False Prophets:
   • False prophets preach “peace and safety” (1 Kings 22:11–12; Micah 3:9–12) while ignoring sin. They are often popular, as their messages cater to human desires (Ezekiel 3:4–9; Isaiah 1:4).
   • Jesus warned that “many false prophets will rise and deceive many” (Matthew 24:11), emphasizing their prevalence in the last days.

Testing a True Prophet​

Scripture provides several criteria for discerning true prophets:

1. Dreams and Visions - Genuine prophets receive divine messages through dreams and visions (Numbers 12:6).
2. Agreement with Scripture - Their teachings must align with biblical principles, as God does not contradict Himself (Isaiah 8:20; Malachi 3:6).
3. Witness to Jesus - True prophets bear witness to Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior (1 John 4:1-2).
4. Fulfillment of Prophecies - Reliable predictions are a hallmark of true prophets (Jeremiah 28:9).
5. Fruit of Ministry - The moral and spiritual outcomes of a prophet’s life serve as evidence of their authenticity (Matthew 7:20).

Identifying False Prophets Today​

1. Testing by Scripture and Testimonies:
   • The “law and testimony” (Isaiah 8:20) are the only standards. True ministers preach from Scripture and Ellen White’s inspired counsel (Early Writings, p. 138).
   • False prophets contradict God’s Word, downplay sin, and reject the “straight testimony” of Adventist doctrine (Great Controversy, p. 452).
2. Fruits of False Teachings:
   • False prophets produce division, complacency, and moral compromise. They discourage personal Bible study, fostering reliance on leaders (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 106).
   • Modern examples include date-setters (Fundamentals of Education, p. 335) and those who reject Ellen White’s authority despite her role in founding Adventism.

Historical Parallels in Adventism and Ellen G. White​

The prophetic ministry of Ellen G. White within the Seventh-day Adventist Church is often discussed in this context. Her life and work exemplify these scriptural tests: she experienced numerous visions, her writings align with biblical principles, consistently pointed to Jesus Christ, made predictions that have been fulfilled, and her life's work bears positive spiritual fruit.

While false prophets may occasionally meet one or two of these criteria, a true prophet is expected to fulfill them comprehensively. Ellen G. White is seen by many as passing these tests, highlighting the importance of responsible engagement with prophetic gifts.

1. Ellen G. White’s Warnings:
   • Sanctified vs. Unsanctified Ministers:
     • Testimonies to Ministers (p. 409–410) condemns “unsanctified ministers” who, like the Jewish leaders who chose Barabbas over Christ, elevate worldly compromises over divine truth.
     • False prophets “kindle their torches from the hellish torch of Satan” (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 410), promoting smooth words instead of repentance.
   • Dependence on Human Leaders:
     • The “great danger” lies in trusting pastors over Scripture (Testimonies to Ministers, p. 106). The Jews perished because they followed priests instead of studying God’s Word (Isaiah 1:4; Prophets and Kings, p. 47).
2. Modern Church Trends:
   • Many pulpits prioritize political correctness over confronting sin (Early Writings, p. 139). Preachers avoid reproving transgression, instead flattering congregations with a distorted “God is love” message.
   • Ellen White’s writings, foundational to Adventism, are often neglected or rejected in churches today (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 81).

What Ought We to Do?​

As with all matters of faith, discerning truth requires not only analytical evaluation but also a sincere openness to spiritual insight. This understanding underlines the broader responsibility and mission fronted by genuine prophecy.

1. Personal Responsibility:
   • Members must “search the Scriptures” (John 5:39) and test teachings against the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy. Blind trust in pastors risks spiritual deception.
   • Revival requires courage to confront error, even when marginalized (Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 81).
2. Rejecting Compromise:
   • Churches that silence reformers or dismiss Ellen White’s writings risk “fighting against God” (Acts 5:39). True unity comes from truth, not tolerance of sin.

Watch the video below for more context on the urgency of discernment.

May we awaken from spiritual lethargy and cling to the “law and testimony” as the final arbiter of truth.