How do you know if a prophet is true or false? Part 2

Some people ask, “Do you think true prophets could appear between now and Jesus’ second coming?” Based on Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28–32), it certainly appears possible. There also will be false prophets (Matthew 7:15; 24:11, 24). We must be prepared to test prophets by the Bible (Isaiah 8:19, 20; 2 Timothy 2:15), heeding their counsel only if they are genuine—and rejecting them if they are counterfeit.

God knows when prophets are needed to wake people up, warn them, and turn them to Jesus and His Word. He sent a prophet (Moses) to lead His people out of Egypt (Hosea 12:13). He sent a prophet (John the Baptist) to prepare people for Jesus’ first coming (Mark 1:1–8). He also promised prophetic messages for these end-times.

God sends prophets to point us to the Bible; to strengthen, encourage, and assure us; and to make us like Jesus so we will be “blameless” when the Master returns. Without the help of a prophet, many will be lost through backsliding, sleeping spiritually, and being too busy. So let’s welcome prophetic messages and praise God for sending them for our personal good.

Many recognize that most churches today do not have the gift of prophecy. Why is that? Because God normally sends prophets to His church only when it is keeping His commandments. Notice how Lamentations 2:9 puts it: “The law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the Lord.” Please also review the following texts: Ezekiel 7:26; Jeremiah 26:4–6; Ezekiel 20:12–16; and Proverbs 29:18.

These statements verify that when God’s people disregard His commandments, He sends no prophet. When they begin to obey His commands, He sends a prophet to assist, encourage, and guide. So when God’s remnant church for the end-times emerged keeping His commandments, it was time for a prophet.

And God sent one—right on schedule.

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)