There are literally tens of thousands of people across the world who claim to have psychic powers and the ability to speak to the dead. What does the Bible say about those who claim to have these powers?
Will there be prophets in the last days?
"In the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy" (Acts 2:17).
God says both men and women will prophesy in the last days (Joel 2:28-32).
What is the purpose of the gift of prophecy?
The Bible says that spiritual gifts are “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Ephesians 4:12)
Jesus gives spiritual gifts for the perfecting of the saints. The Bible says the gift of prophecy is for the church, not for the general public.
"Prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe" (1 Corinthians 14:22).
The Bible is clear. Although a prophet's message may sometimes edify the public, the primary purpose of prophecy is to serve the church. Self-proclaimed psychics on television are doing the devil's work, not God's.
Is the working of miracles proof that a prophet is of God?
"They are the spirits of devils, working miracles" (Revelation 16:14).
Fallen angels have the power to work miracles, so such power comes from both God and Satan (Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Revelation 13:13, 14).
A modern-day prophet named Sylvia Brown has deceived many into believing that she can speak with the dead. But she once told a mother and father that their son had been killed. He was found alive years later. Imagine the pain and suffering these parents experienced because of the false prophecies given by Ms. Brown.
The Bible says the living and the dead cannot communicate (Deuteronomy 18:12). If the parents had known that, their pain and suffering could have been avoided.
Of what perilous end-time danger does Jesus warn us?
"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" (Matthew 24:24).
God warns us of false Christs and false prophets who will be so extremely convincing that they will deceive all except the very elect of God. Billions will be deceived and lost.
There will be prophets of God in the last days, but they will not speak to the dead, nor will they minister to the world. They are called of God for the needs of the church.