Identifying & Understanding Real Prophets Today while Safeguarding Against the False Ones

Let's dive into the principles that distinguish genuine prophets

from impostors and the importance of spiritual discernment.

The roles of prophets in the Bible encompass a wide range of responsibilities, all united by their divine calling as messengers of God. These prophetic figures served as essential guides, correctors, and communicators of God's will to humanity. Their presence was integral to the spiritual and moral growth of God's people across biblical history.

In today's world, characterized by both great opportunities and significant risks, it becomes imperative to discern the authenticity of those we heed. Understanding the characteristics, calling, and traits of a prophet is essential in these remarkable and challenging times.

Spokesperson for God: Prophets are called to deliver God's messages, guidance, and warnings to the people. They act as intermediaries between God and humanity, relaying divine instructions and revelations.

Ezekiel 2:7 (NIV): "You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious." In this verse, God commissions the prophet Ezekiel, instructing him to convey God's words to the people, whether they choose to listen or not. This exemplifies the prophet's duty as a spokesperson for God, faithfully delivering divine messages, regardless of the response from the people.

Foretelling and Forthtelling: Prophets serve both as foretellers and forthtellers. They predict future events, including prophecies of blessings and judgments, while also proclaiming God's truth for the present.

Jeremiah 28:8 (NIV): "From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms." In this verse, the prophet Jeremiah acknowledges that both he and his predecessors have prophesied about future events such as war, disaster, and plague. This demonstrates the foretelling aspect of the prophet's role. However, it's essential to note that Jeremiah and other prophets also served as forthtellers by proclaiming God's messages and warnings to the people of their time, emphasizing the need for righteousness and repentance.

"Prophets are the mouthpieces of God, bridging the gap between the divine and the earthly. A true prophet is both a beacon of hope and a mirror of conviction, reflecting God's grace and the need for repentance."

Rebuker and Corrector: Prophets often rebuke individuals, leaders, and nations for their disobedience and sinful behavior. They call people to repentance and correction, urging them to turn back to God's ways.

Nathan Rebukes King David (2 Samuel 12:1-14, NIV): In this passage, the prophet Nathan confronts King David after his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of Uriah. Nathan delivers a powerful rebuke to David, using a parable to expose his wrongdoing. He corrects the king, and this confrontation leads to David's repentance and acknowledgment of his sin. Nathan's role here as a rebuker and corrector demonstrates one of the key functions of a prophet in addressing and rectifying moral transgressions.

Intercessor: Prophets can intercede on behalf of the people, pleading with God for His mercy and forgiveness. They stand in the gap between God and His people, seeking reconciliation.

Moses' Intercession for the Israelites (Exodus 32:9-14, NIV): In this powerful biblical example, Moses embodies the role of an intercessor. The Israelites had crafted a golden calf and turned away from God. In response, God expressed His anger and desire to punish them. However, Moses interceded on their behalf, standing in the gap between the rebellious people and God. He pleaded for God's mercy, reminding Him of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses' intercession led to God relenting from the disaster He had intended. This story illustrates the profound role of a prophet as an intercessor, seeking reconciliation and divine mercy for the people.

"Prophets are the spiritual watchmen of humanity, sounding the alarm of righteousness and warning against the dangers of sin. In the silence of the heart, prophets hear the whispers of God, and in the midst of chaos, they speak His peace."

Spiritual Watchmen: Prophets are watchmen who sound alarms and warnings concerning spiritual dangers and impending threats. They alert the people to be vigilant and prepare for what is to come.

The term "watchman" in the context of the Bible doesn't exclusively refer to prophets. While prophets may act as watchmen by delivering messages and warnings from God, not all watchmen in the Bible are considered prophets. The role of a watchman primarily involves being vigilant and sounding alarms, which can extend to various individuals, including prophets, priests, and leaders. Prophets often took on the role of watchmen when delivering God's warnings and messages to the people, but not every watchman was necessarily a prophet. The specific role of a watchman can vary depending on the context and purpose within the biblical narrative.

Isaiah 62:6-7 (NIV) provides an example of the role of spiritual watchmen:

"I have posted watchmen on your walls, Jerusalem; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the Lord, give yourselves no rest, and give him no rest till he establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth." In this scripture, the watchmen are depicted as those who are vigilant, constantly interceding, and sounding the alarm for the well-being of Jerusalem. They are called to be persistent in their role as spiritual guardians.

Encourager and Comforter: Prophets offer encouragement and comfort to those who are downtrodden or experiencing hardships. They provide hope and assurance of God's presence. An example of a prophet who served as an encourager and comforter is Jeremiah. He delivered messages of hope and encouragement to the Israelites during a period of great distress.

In Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV), he conveyed God's comforting words:

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah's messages reassured the people that, despite their current suffering, God had plans for their future well-being, providing them with hope and comfort during challenging times.

"The role of a prophet is not popularity, but faithfulness to the divine message, even if it means standing alone. Through visions and dreams, prophets glimpse the tapestry of God's purpose, unraveling mysteries for those who listen."

Symbolic Actions: Prophets sometimes engage in symbolic actions to convey God's messages. These actions can be unusual or dramatic and serve as visual aids to illustrate spiritual truths. A biblical example of a prophet using symbolic actions is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 4:1-3 (NIV), God instructed Ezekiel to carry out a symbolic action to depict the siege of Jerusalem:

"Now, son of man, take a block of clay, put it in front of you and draw the city of Jerusalem on it. Then lay siege to it: Erect siege works against it, build a ramp up to it, set up camps against it and put battering rams around it. Then take an iron pan, place it as an iron wall between you and the city and turn your face toward it. It will be under siege, and you shall besiege it. This will be a sign to the people of Israel."

Ezekiel's actions, such as drawing the city of Jerusalem on clay and using an iron pan as a wall, were symbolic representations of the impending siege and the judgment that would befall Jerusalem. These symbolic actions were a powerful means of conveying God's messages to the people.

Visions and Dreams: Prophets receive revelations through visions, dreams, and direct encounters with God. They then interpret and convey these divine revelations to the people. A scriptural example of a prophet receiving divine revelations through visions and dreams can be found in the book of Daniel.

In Daniel 2:19-23 (NIV), Daniel and his friends prayed to God for insight into King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, and God revealed the dream and its interpretation to Daniel through a vision:

"During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: 'Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.'"

In this passage, we see Daniel receiving the dream's interpretation through a vision and acknowledging God's role as the revealer of mysteries. Prophets like Daniel were conduits of divine revelations, which they interpreted and conveyed to others.

Warner of Idolatry: Prophets denounce idolatry and the worship of false gods. They emphasize the exclusive worship of the one true God and confront the spiritual adultery of the people. A biblical example of a prophet warning against idolatry can be found in the book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was called by God to deliver messages of warning and judgment to the people of Judah, particularly for their idolatrous practices. In Jeremiah 25:4-6 (NIV), Jeremiah conveys the Lord's message to the people, emphasizing the consequences of their idolatry:

"And though the Lord has sent all his servants the prophets to you again and again, you have not listened or paid any attention. They said, 'Turn now, each of you, from your evil ways and your evil practices, and you can stay in the land the Lord gave to you and your ancestors forever and ever. Do not follow other gods to serve and worship them; do not arouse my anger with what your hands have made. Then I will not harm you.'"

In this passage, Jeremiah serves as a warning against idolatry, echoing the messages of other prophets sent by God. He calls the people to turn away from their idolatrous practices and return to the exclusive worship of the one true God to avoid the consequences of their disobedience. Prophets like Jeremiah played a crucial role in confronting idolatry and urging people to remain faithful to God.

I want to emphasize that these events are occurring in our current times. Yes, it's all unfolding today. Prophets within the Christian community all over the world are sounding the alarm regarding the music, entertainment, media and technology industries, etc. It's a serious matter that demands your attention, as God is sending a clear message.

Social Justice Advocates: Prophets advocate for social justice, emphasizing fairness, equity, and compassion in society. They often speak against oppression, exploitation, and injustice.

Amos 5:24 (NIV): "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!"

Isaiah 1:17 (NIV): "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."

Micah 6:8 (NIV): "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." These verses exemplify the prophetic call for social justice and righteousness in society.

Guidance for Leaders: Prophets serve as divine advisors to kings, rulers, and leaders, offering counsel to help them make decisions that are in accordance with God's will. One notable example is the prophet Nathan advising King David in 2 Samuel 12-13, where he used a parable to convey God's judgment and guide the king to repentance.

"The Lord sent Nathan to David. When he came to him, he said, “There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him.”

David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, “As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.”

Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own. You killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword will never depart from your house, because you despised me and took the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your own.’

Authenticity and Truth: Prophets are called to speak the truth and not prophesy falsely. They are tested for their authenticity, and false prophets are strongly condemned. The requirement for authenticity and truth in prophecy is a crucial aspect of a prophet's role. Here's a biblical example that highlights this principle:

Jeremiah 23:16 (NIV): "This is what the Lord Almighty says: 'Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.'" This verse emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between true prophets who speak God's messages and false prophets who speak from their own imaginations. It underscores the prophet's responsibility to convey God's authentic word.

Seers of Signs and Wonders: Prophets may perform signs and wonders as evidence of their divine calling. These miraculous acts authenticate their messages and demonstrate God's power. Prophets often performed signs and wonders to validate their divine calling. Here's a biblical example:

Exodus 4:1-5 (NIV):"Moses answered, 'What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, "The Lord did not appear to you"?' Then the Lord said to him, 'What is that in your hand?' 'A staff,' he replied. The Lord said, 'Throw it on the ground.' Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then the Lord said to him, 'Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.' So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand. 'This,' said the Lord, 'is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.'"

In this passage, God provides Moses with the ability to perform a miraculous sign, turning his staff into a snake, as a way to authenticate his mission and message to the Israelites. WARNING: Pharaoh's magicians were also able to perform certain miracles or signs, although they were limited in comparison to the miracles performed by Moses with the power of God. This is seen in the context of the plagues in Egypt.

For example, when Moses and Aaron initially went to Pharaoh to request the release of the Israelites, they performed a sign by turning Aaron's staff into a snake (Exodus 7:8-12). In response, Pharaoh's magicians were also able to turn their staffs into snakes through their secret arts. However, Aaron's snake, representing God's power, eventually swallowed the magicians' staffs.

This demonstrates that there were instances where Pharaoh's magicians could replicate some of the miraculous signs performed by Moses and Aaron, but they were ultimately outmatched by the power of God, which was evident in the plagues that followed.

Persecution and Rejection: Prophets often face rejection, opposition, and persecution due to their unpopular messages and their unwavering commitment to speaking God's truth.

Jeremiah 1:19 (NIV): "They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the Lord. Jeremiah was a prophet who faced significant opposition and persecution throughout his life as he delivered God's messages to the people of Judah. This verse demonstrates that even in the face of such opposition, God promised to be with Jeremiah and protect him.

Predict Messianic Promises: Some prophets foretell the coming of the Messiah (Jesus Christ) and the redemptive work He will accomplish.

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV): "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." This verse from the book of Isaiah prophesies about the birth of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as Immanuel, signifying "God with us." It is a Messianic prophecy foretelling the miraculous birth of the Messiah.

The roles of prophets in the Bible vary, but they all share a common thread of being God's chosen messengers to guide, correct, and communicate His will to humanity. Prophets played a crucial role in the spiritual and moral development of God's people throughout biblical history.

Warning: God's prophets performed various unique and sometimes strange actions in the Bible to convey messages and demonstrate God's power symbolically. Here are some examples:

1. Ezekiel's Dramatic Performances: Ezekiel enacted symbolic actions like lying on his side for an extended period and eating a scroll to demonstrate the coming siege and destruction of Jerusalem.

2. Hosea's Marriage to a Prostitute: Hosea was commanded to marry a prostitute named Gomer as a symbol of Israel's unfaithfulness to God and His enduring love.

3. Isaiah's Nakedness: Isaiah walked naked and barefoot for three years to symbolize the captivity of Egypt and Cush.

4. Jeremiah's Linen Loincloth: Jeremiah was instructed to buy and wear a linen loincloth, bury it, and later retrieve it to signify the people's deterioration and restoration.

5. Isaiah's Symbolic Child Names: Isaiah named his sons Shear-Jashub (A remnant shall return) and Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (Spoil quickly, plunder speedily) to convey messages of impending judgment and restoration.

6. Elisha and the Bears: Elisha cursed a group of mocking boys in the name of the Lord, and two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of them.

7. Ezekiel's Cooking with Dung: Ezekiel was instructed to cook food over a fire using human dung as fuel, but he protested, and God allowed him to use cow dung instead. This represented the defilement of Israel.

8. Agabus' Belt Binding: The prophet Agabus took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and predicted that the owner of the belt (Paul) would be bound by the Jews in Jerusalem.

9. Amos' Plumb Line Vision: The prophet Amos saw a vision of the Lord standing beside a wall with a plumb line to signify God's judgment against Israel's crookedness.

10. Zechariah's Strange Object Lessons: Zechariah utilized unusual imagery like flying scrolls and a woman in a basket to convey spiritual truths and divine messages.

These actions, though often strange, were used by the prophets to capture the attention of the people and convey profound spiritual messages.

Have you ever wondered about the calling of prophets and how to identify them?

Personal Experience and Encounter with God:

Prophets often have a personal, life-changing encounter with God. For instance, the prophet Isaiah had a profound encounter in the year King Uzziah died when he saw the Lord seated on a throne, as described in Isaiah 6:1-8.

Confirmation and Recognition:

The calling of a prophet is typically recognized and confirmed by others in the faith community. In the Bible, we see the example of the prophet Samuel, whose calling was confirmed by the priest Eli in 1 Samuel 3:1-10.

Training and Spiritual Growth:

Prophets undergo a process of spiritual growth and development. This aligns with 2 Timothy 2:15, which encourages believers to "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."

Prophetic Fruit:

The authenticity of a prophet is often confirmed by the fruit of their ministry. In Matthew 7:16-20, Jesus teaches that good trees produce good fruit, and a prophet's fruit includes accurate prophecies, transformation, consistency, and spiritual authority.

"By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them."

Submission to Spiritual Leadership:

Prophets should be accountable to spiritual leaders. Hebrews 13:17 advises believers to "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority."

Confirmation Through Dreams and Visions:

In some cases, God may confirm an individual's prophetic calling through dreams and visions. In the Bible, there are instances where individuals were called to be prophets through dreams or visions. For example:

Prophet Samuel: In 1 Samuel 3, Samuel, as a young boy, was called by God in a vision during the night. He heard the voice of the Lord, and this marked the beginning of his prophetic ministry.

Prophet Jeremiah: Jeremiah 1:4-10 describes how Jeremiah was called by God. The Lord's word came to him, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Prophet Ezekiel: In the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet Ezekiel received his calling in a vision of God's divine chariot and received a commission to be a prophet to the exiled Israelites.

Prophecy from Others:

Established prophets may prophesy over someone, confirming their prophetic calling. We find this example when the prophet Samuel anointed David as king. 1 Samuel 16:12-13 (NIV) describes the anointing of David as the future king of Israel by the prophet Samuel:

"So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, "Rise and anoint him; this is the one."

So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah."

In this passage, the prophet Samuel, following God's guidance, anoints David with oil, symbolizing his selection as the future king of Israel. This anointing marked the beginning of David's journey as a significant figure in Israel's history, who would later become a renowned king and a psalmist.

David is often considered a prophet in addition to his role as a king and psalmist. While he is most commonly known as a king and the author of many of the Psalms in the Bible, he is also recognized as a prophet because of his significant role in conveying God's messages and revelations. David's psalms often contain elements of prophecy, as he speaks about future events and God's plans.

In the New Testament, in Acts 2:29-30, the apostle Peter refers to David as a prophet, acknowledging his role in speaking about the Messiah (Jesus Christ) in advance. Here's the passage:

"Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne..." (Acts 2:29-30, ESV) So, David is recognized as both a king and a prophet in biblical tradition.

Anointing of the Holy Spirit:

Ultimately, the anointing of the Holy Spirit is the most critical factor in recognizing a prophet

.Ezekiel's Call and Anointing:

In Ezekiel 2:2, it is written, "As He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I heard Him speaking to me." This passage illustrates the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering and anointing the prophet Ezekiel for his ministry.

Can women be Prophets?

According to the Bible, women can also be recognized as prophets. Scripture provides examples of women who functioned in prophetic roles. Here are some instances:

1. Miriam: In the Old Testament, Miriam, the sister of Moses and Aaron, is identified as a prophetess. In Exodus 15:20, after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Miriam took a tambourine and led the women in singing and dancing, prophetically celebrating God's deliverance.

2. Deborah: Deborah is one of the most prominent female prophets in the Bible. In Judges 4:4, she is described as both a prophetess and a judge. She played a significant role in guiding and leading the people of Israel.

3. Huldah: In 2 Kings 22:14-20 and 2 Chronicles 34:22-28, Huldah, another prophetess, is consulted by King Josiah and the high priest Hilkiah to verify the authenticity of the rediscovered Book of the Law.

4. Anna: In the New Testament, Anna is recognized as a prophetess. She is mentioned in Luke 2:36-38, where she prophetically speaks about Jesus when He was brought to the temple as an infant.

These examples demonstrate that women were indeed called and recognized as prophets in both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the equal spiritual potential of both genders in prophetic roles.

The recognition of a prophet's calling should be grounded in scriptural principles, prayerful discernment, and the guidance of wise spiritual leaders. The Holy Spirit's anointing and the fruit of a prophet's ministry play central roles in this recognition process, as highlighted in the Scriptures.

How do we recognize a false prophet?

Recognizing false prophets is essential to safeguard one's faith and spiritual well-being. The Bible provides clear standards and guidelines for identifying false prophets. Here are key elements to consider:

1. Contradiction of God's Word: False prophets may teach doctrines or prophecies that contradict the Bible. Any message or revelation that goes against the established Word of God is a red flag.

2. Unfulfilled Prophecies: Deuteronomy 18:22 states that if a prophet's predictions do not come to pass, they are a false prophet. Consistent inaccuracy is a sign of a false prophet.

3. No Fruit of the Spirit: False prophets often lack the evidence of a transformed, Christlike character. Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. False prophets may exhibit the opposite.

4. Greed and Materialism: False prophets may focus on financial gain or material wealth. Their teachings may center on prosperity rather than spiritual growth and righteousness.

5. Lack of Accountability: False prophets often operate independently without accountability to a spiritual community or leadership. They may resist correction or examination of their teachings.

6. Division and Discord: False prophets can cause division and discord within the body of believers. They may promote their messages as superior to others, leading to schisms and strife.

7. Exaltation of Self: False prophets often seek personal recognition, fame, and attention. They may present themselves as more significant than the message they bring.

8. Reliance on Signs and Wonders: Jesus warned that false prophets might perform signs and wonders to deceive (Matthew 24:24). The mere presence of miracles is not a sign of authenticity.

9. Immorality: False prophets may engage in immoral behavior. Their personal lives may be inconsistent with biblical standards.

10. Lack of Spiritual Authority: False prophets may lack endorsement or recognition by established spiritual authorities. Their ministries operate on the fringes of established faith communities.

11. Deceptive Speech: False prophets use cunning and manipulative speech. They may use flattery and empty phrases to deceive (Romans 16:18).

12. Refusal to Confess Christ: False prophets may downplay the divinity of Jesus Christ or deny His lordship (1 John 4:1-3).

It's crucial to apply discernment and test the spirits, as 1 John 4:1 advises, to recognize false prophets and protect one's faith. False prophets often blend and twist truths with deception, making it essential to compare their messages with the unchanging Word of God and seek spiritual counsel when in doubt. Prophets in the Bible serve as a remarkable link between God and humanity, playing pivotal roles in delivering His messages, guiding His people, and interceding for their welfare. Their lives are marked by unwavering faith, dedication, and a deep connection with the Divine.

While the era of biblical prophecy may have transitioned, the essence of their calling remains an enduring testament to God's involvement in our lives, speaking truth, offering hope, and pointing us toward the eternal promise of salvation. As we study the lives and teachings of these biblical figures, may we be inspired to listen, discern, and seek the guidance of God, who continues to speak through His chosen messengers, shaping our spiritual journey and leading us closer to His divine purpose.

Amanda Allen

www.AmandaAllenHomes.com