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How to test prophecy in the last days

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In the last days, people will prophecy. There will be godly prophecy and false prophecy. The Bible tells us not to despise prophecies, but test all things and hold fast to what is good. (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; 1 John 4:1-6) How can we determine the difference? God will pour out his Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions (Joel 2:28). For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders. (Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22).

The Bible is not a loose-leaf binder that can have pages inserted and removed on a whim as it suits us. It has been well observed that it is a living book; if you cut it, it will bleed.

Even in the last days, God does not change, so he will not contradict himself (2 Timothy 2:13). Remember, the Spirit is part of God (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17; Hebrews 1:3). Therefore, we can be confident that new revelation from God will not contradict old revelation from God. It will be like the ministry of Jesus Christ—He opened up the understanding of ancient prophecies—but did not destroy the law or the prophets (Matthew 5:18).

Bible Viz Arc
Visualizing the Bible’s 63,779 cross-references to 1,189 chapters from Genesis to Revelation. “It almost looks like one monolithic volume,” said Chris Harrison

How can we tell the difference between godly prophecy and false prophecy?

Peter said, “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.” (2 Peter 1:20-21)

Moses said, “If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and … he says, ‘Let us follow other gods (which you have not known) and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. For the LORD your God is testing you to find out whether you love Him with all your heart and with all your soul. You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and listen to His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him.” (Deuteronomy 13:1-4 BSB)

In those days, it will be more important than ever to have a good solid understanding of the Bible and a quick way to evaluate prophecy, because there will be many false prophets proclaiming false teaching (Matthew 24:11,24; 2 Peter 2:1-22).

The Bible is not a loose-leaf binder full of men’s opinions. It is the revealed Word of God. Therefore, if some new prophecy doesn’t tie together with the rest of the Bible like the picture above, then don’t trust it. The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible will guide your understanding of the Bible

We need to be like the noble Bereans: listen with readiness and check the scriptures

It will become even more important to follow the Berean model: “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11)

The Jews in Berea applied seriously to the study of the word preached unto them. They not only heard Paul preach on the sabbath, but daily searched the Scriptures, and compared what they read with the facts related to them. The doctrine of Christ does not fear inquiry; advocates for his cause desire no more than that people will fully and fairly examine whether things are so or not. Those are truly noble, and likely to be more and more so, who make the Scriptures their rule, and consult them accordingly. May all the hearers of the gospel become like those of Berea, receiving the word with readiness of mind, and searching the Scriptures daily, whether the things preached to them are so. –Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Jesus prophesied about these times…

Jesus answered, “See to it that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.” (Matthew 24:4-8 BSB)

The Apostle Paul prepared us for these times…

I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (Acts 20:29-32)

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8-9)

The Apostle Peter warned us about these times…

But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:7-11)

Chuck Smith gave godly guidance for these times…

Jesus said, “By their fruit ye shall know them.” When a particular position on the Scriptures causes one to become argumentative, legalistic, and divisive, I question the validity of that position. I seek to embrace those things that tend to make me more loving and kind, more forgiving and merciful. I know then that I am becoming more like my Lord. If you have come to a strong personal conviction on one side of a doctrinal issue, please grant us the privilege of first seeing how it has helped you to become more Christ-like in your nature, and then we will judge whether we need to come to that same persuasion. Let us always be certain to look at the fruit of the teaching. –Chuck Smith
For deeper study:

Featured image “Visualizing the Bible” Courtesy: National Science Foundation (courtesy Chris Harrison, Carnegie Mellon University; Christoph Romhild, North Elbian Evangelical Lutheran Church/Science)

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