Here is a simple test to help determine if someone who prophesied is genuine and from God which is also similar to the Spirits Test but more specific. Also, a Quick Proofs of a False Prophet test.
Quick Proofs of a False Prophet
If a message from someone claiming to have the gift of prophecy does not point to God but points to you as the end result, does not express the gospel, or lead you to study God's Word and just gives you fuzzy feelings that fade later. That was a lie from a liar. Keep in mind, Satan quoted scripture and promised things to people that he could in fact deliver (Matt 4:1-11). He can make people do miracles and even prophecy but in the end it is done not for God or God's Glory, but our own selfish will and desire (Matt 7:15-23). We at times believe what we want to hear and Satan uses people to tell us what we want to hear (Romans 1:32). Don't believe lies or trust in liars; test every spirit to determine if they are of God (1 John 4).
- Jesus is God - The prophetic message ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the end desired result and goal. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4; John 5:39; 1 John 3:23)
- Affirms God's completed Word - They will always agree with scripture or what the Lord has previously spoken - The message is not contrary, contradict, change, or add to what is already revealed and historically understood in scripture. It leads us to search God's Word more. The Holy Spirit as been teaching and guiding the Church just as Jesus prayed protecting divine truth with sinful man just as he did through Israel. (1 Kings 13; Isaiah 8:20; Jeremiah 23:28)
- It is Fully and Completely True - If what they speak is truly from the Lord, it will come true 100% to the letter. - Whether it is forth-telling or foretelling, the information presented will always be completely true and not half true in anyway. The prophet carries the burden of proof (Jeremiah 28:9; Deuteronomy 18:22)
- Freeing - The message compels hearers to Love God and others were God's Glory and His will is the end result and ultimate goal of any and all tasks.
- Life Changing - The message brings about heart change and not just a mood change. It eternally matures the spirit for all time. The Holy Spirit matures our spirit and therefore our life begins to permanently change as well. It is not a temporary effect. (Jeremiah 23:16-17, 22)
- Gospel Living - The message will support, encourage, compel, and force the person(s) to seek a gospel centered life and grow in the likeness of Christ and his will. (1 Corinthians 14:3-4; 1 John 2:6)
- Rejoice of Truth - are often offensive - The message affirms truth, harsh or offensive, it can convict our hearts and compel us to repent of which we become thankful for. It rebukes and warns so that holiness is sought. (Luke 4:24, Acts 7:51-52, 2 Timothy 4:3)
- Willingness to being tested - they should always be willing to be tested against God's word, sense they carry the burden of proof - If they know their message is from God, they would no fear or resistance to being tested because this would only confirm what they proclaimed. (1 John 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21; Deuteronomy 18:22; 1 Cor. 14:29; Acts 17:11)
- Signs and wonders are not proof of their claims alone (Matthew 7:22, 24:24; Revelation 16:14; Deuteronomy 13:1-3)
- Prosperity is not proof of their claims, Satan offered Jesus the same (Matthew 4:8-9, 5:45)
Quick Proofs of a False Prophet
- Their foretelling prophetic claim explicitly fails (Deuteronomy 18:22)
- They explicitly contradict Holy Scripture
- They add to Holy Scripture (2 John 1:9; Jude 1:3; Rev. 22:19; Deuteronomy 4:2)
- They proclaim a different gospel message (Galatians 1:8; 2 Pet. 3:16; 1 John 2:24; 2 John 1:10)
- They may claim Jesus is not the only savior (1 John 2:22, 5:11; Jude 1:4)
- They may claim Jesus is not only begotten Son of God (1 John 2:22-23, 4:3, 9)
- They may claim Jesus did not physically live or physically die (1 John 4:2; 2 John 1:7)
- They may claim to have seen God in person (Exodus 33:20; John 1:18, 6:46, 1 John 4:12)
- They do not live godly lives (Matthew 7:20; 1 John 1:6, 2:4, 3:24)
- They may claim to be sinless (1 John 1:10; Romans 7:14–24; 1 Timothy 1:15; Galatians 2:11)
- They love material wealth and status (1 John 2:15-17, 4:5)
- They may claim to sin freely (Jude 1:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Romans 6:1-2)
If a message from someone claiming to have the gift of prophecy does not point to God but points to you as the end result, does not express the gospel, or lead you to study God's Word and just gives you fuzzy feelings that fade later. That was a lie from a liar. Keep in mind, Satan quoted scripture and promised things to people that he could in fact deliver (Matt 4:1-11). He can make people do miracles and even prophecy but in the end it is done not for God or God's Glory, but our own selfish will and desire (Matt 7:15-23). We at times believe what we want to hear and Satan uses people to tell us what we want to hear (Romans 1:32). Don't believe lies or trust in liars; test every spirit to determine if they are of God (1 John 4).
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