How do you know if a prophet is true or false?

Jesus spoke to this question when giving us signs of the end. “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many” (Matthew 24:4, 5). Later He warned, “False christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive” (Matthew 24:24).

Notice that Jesus did not say there would never be any more true prophets. The gift of prophecy was promised to the church and was not cut off at the time of Christ. Luke writes, “In the last days … I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy” (Acts 2:17).

There are Bible tests you can apply to identify a true prophet. Here are some examples: First, prophets don’t express their private opinions on spiritual matters. “Prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). Second, a prophet never speaks in contradiction to the Word. Their teachings are in harmony with Scripture.

The Bible provides further information on different types of false prophets in Deuteronomy 18:10–12 and Revelation 21:8. It identifies charmers (someone who casts spells), observer of times (astrologers), sorcerers (someone who claims to speak with the dead), consulters of familiar spirits (mediums), users of divination (fortune tellers), witches (female psychics), and wizards (male psychics).

God has given His church the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10) for the purpose of building up believers (1 Corinthians 14:22). True prophets live a godly life (Matthew 7:15–20), have predictions that come true (Deuteronomy 18:20–22), and are called to service by God (Isaiah 6:1–10). We should follow the apostle Paul’s advice to “Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21).

Key Bible Texts

To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20 KJV)