11 Fundamentals About Who is a Prophet of God
Currently in the U.S., there is a viral “prophet” (I put this in quotes because we just don’t have enough evidence to say he is a true prophet of God) posting on YT his visions which he claims are from God.
I have watched two of his videos regarding the attempt on former President Trump’s life and the latest regarding a plague which will leave millions dead, but I am cautious to call him a true prophet of God despite the vision of the assassination attempt being almost exact of the real events.
For starters, he didn’t have the details regarding the assassination attempt 100% accurate. As you’ll see below from Scripture, God is clear when He communicates to His prophets and the prophets communicate the exact word from the Lord. This gentleman said he didn’t have it all correct due to his “immaturity” as a prophet because “he added to” what he saw which is not something a true prophet of God would do or say. (Read about a prophet who lied about what God said in 1 Kings 13:11-32, NKJV).
However, let us continue looking at the biblical evidence of a true prophet of God.
What is a Prophet in the Bible
According to Deuteronomy 18:18 NKJV, we learn that a prophet is an average person who God puts His Words in his mouth and then, he [the prophet] speaks to the people all that He [God] commands him:
"I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him."
Deuteronomy 18:18, NKJV
Characteristics of a Prophet of God | What are the Signs of a True Prophet | Signs of a Prophet
A prophet of God holds the following characteristics:
- For starters, a prophet of God is a servant of God and is revealed secrets from God:
Surely the Lord God does nothing,
Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7, NKJV
2. He is called by God since his formation in the womb:
Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you;
Before you were born I sanctified you;
I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”
Jeremiah 1:4-5, NKJV
3. God will speak to His prophets in dreams and visions:
Then He said,
“Hear now My words:
If there is a prophet among you,
I, the Lord, make Myself known to him in a vision;
I speak to him in a dream.
Numbers 12:6, NKJV
4. A prophet of God is filled with the Holy Spirit. They speak as they are moved by the Holy Spirit, even calling out the sins of the people:
for 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, NKJV
But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord,
And of justice and might,
To declare to Jacob his transgression
And to Israel his sin.
Micah 3:8, NKJV
5. The true prophet of God is able to equip other believers for ministry work to edify the body of Christ:
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
Ephesians 4:11-12, NKJV
6. He is a humble servant to the Lord and does ALL things at God’s Words:
And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word.
1 Kings 18:36, NKJV
7. What the prophet prophesies MUST come true in order to be considered one whom the Lord has sent:
As for the prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet comes to pass, the prophet will be known as one whom the Lord has truly sent.
Jeremiah 28:9, NKJV
8. The prophet of God speaks to edify, exhort and comfort people:
But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.
1 Corinthians 14:3, NKJV
9. The vision the prophet shares cannot be a lie and it will always come at the right time:
Then the Lord answered me and said:
“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
Habakkuk 2:2-3, NKJV
10. The prophet of God will always bear good fruit:
17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Matthew 7: 17-20, NKJV
11. A prophet of God cannot contradict the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ:
1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,
2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw.
3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.
Revelation 1:1-3, NKJV
Who is a Prophet of God | Who is a True Prophet of God
The Bible tells us who were true prophets of God. I’ve listed some below though the Bible mentions MANY more:
Moses: Often considered the greatest prophet in the Old Testament. He was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He was given the 10 Commandments at Mt. Sinai.
Elijah: Known for his confrontation with the prophets of Baal and being taken to heaven in a whirlwind. Elijah played a crucial role in turning Israel back to worshiping God.
Isaiah: A major prophet whose prophecies are recorded in the Book of Isaiah. He spoke of the coming of the Messiah and God’s plan for salvation.
Jeremiah: Known as the “weeping prophet” for his sorrow over the fate of Jerusalem. Jeremiah’s prophecies warned of the destruction of Jerusalem and called for repentance.
Ezekiel: A prophet during the Babylonian exile. He was sent to the Jews to warn them and to tell them about the coming of a new covenant.
Daniel: Known for his faithfulness in a foreign land and his apocalyptic visions. Daniel’s prophecies include the famous interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and the visions of the end times. The dreams and visions he had all came to fruition exactly as was shared.
Hosea: His life and prophecies symbolized God’s relationship with Israel, highlighting themes of love and redemption despite Israel’s unfaithfulness.
Amos: A prophet who spoke against social injustices and called for genuine repentance and righteousness.
Jonah: Known for his initial reluctance to preach to the city of Nineveh. Jonah’s story emphasizes God’s mercy and willingness to forgive those who repent.
John the Baptist: A prophet sent to prepare the way for the Lord. He called people to repent for kingdom of heaven has come near. He even baptized Jesus and Matthew 11:11 says none is greater than John the Baptist.
Characteristics of False Prophets | How Can You Tell a False Prophet
We see false prophets in the Old Testament and in the New Testament. Therefore, we can’t be surprised by their presence now.
How can you tell a false prophet: Examples from the Old Testament
1. First example of a false prophet in the Old Testament is Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah and the group of ‘prophets’ he was a part of. It says in 1 Kings 22 that the message he would share with King Ahab about whether or not he would have the victory in war against Ramoth Gilead would be positive, which was not the truth. In fact, the true prophet of God (Micaiah) told King Ahab the exact opposite – that he would be defeated. 1 Kings 22:17 NKJV says, “I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd.”
The false prophet shared exactly what the king wanted to hear. And the same will happen to believers. They will be enticed by their own desires and interests instead of sound doctrine. They won’t care to read the truth in scripture which will challenge and convict them because they are more concerned with hearing messages that they agree with or please them.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
2 Timothy 4:3-4, NKJV
2. Second Example of a false prophet in the Old Testament is Hananiah the son of Azur who falsely prophesied the following:
‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.
3 Within two full years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the Lord’s house, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon.
4 And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah who went to Babylon,’ says the Lord, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.’ ”
10 Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck and broke it.
11 And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Even so I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all nations within the space of two full years.’ ” And the prophet Jeremiah went his way.
Jeremiah 28, NKJV
His words were not from the Lord and Jeremiah called him out because Jeremiah actually heard from God and prophesied Hananiah’s death:
12 Now the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, after Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying,
13 “Go and tell Hananiah, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord: “You have broken the yokes of wood, but you have made in their place yokes of iron.”
14 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; and they shall serve him. I have given him the beasts of the field also.” ’ ”
15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Hear now, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, but you make this people trust in a lie.
16 Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will cast you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have taught rebellion against the Lord.’ ”
17 So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month.
Jeremiah 28, NKJV
Notice Hananiah’s boldness: he took the yoke off Jeremiah’s neck and broke it! The audacity this false prophet had to carry out such a move against a true prophet of God!
This is a perfect example of how brazen false prophets can be in their attempt to deceive.
3. Other examples of false prophets in the OT: the ‘prophets’ in Samaria and Jerusalem (Jeremiah 23:13,14 NKJV). The ‘prophetess’ Noadiah in Nehemiah 6:14 who would intimidate the true prophet Nehemiah in attempt to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.
Notice how false prophets use intimidation and speak falsehood. They may also be living in (hidden) corruption.
How can you tell a false prophet: Examples from the New Testament
1. First example of a false prophet in the New Testament: Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8:9-24. In fact, I wrote about him in Lessons from a Hypocrite. Simon the Sorcerer offered Peter and John money in EXCHANGE for the power to work miracles! Instead of having a true conversion, he was baptized and followed the disciples with selfish gains in mind. His focus was not on Christ, but on himself and what he could gain out of this “gift of the Holy Spirit” from the laying of hands by the disciples.
This teaches us that a false prophet may blend in and go through the motions as a true prophet of God, but their intentions / motives are for selfish gain.
2. Second example of a false prophet in the New Testament: a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus who was also called Elymas the sorcerer in Acts 13:6-12. He got in the way of Barnabas and Saul’s (Paul) preaching to the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. Saul had to rebuke Bar-Jesus (aka Elymas the sorcerer) and was also struck with blindness.
What we can learn from this false prophet is that they may interfere with God’s work and could be a stumbling block for believers. For example, they may say things to you which could distract you to keep you from going to God. It may cause you to focus on preparing for doomsday or imminent plagues, instead of turning your hearts and the hearts of those around you to God. You might get so focused on preparing for end times that you forget about your neighbors and preaching the end time message to them, which is the most critical. This was Great Commission from Jesus (Matthew 28). Remember that God will provide for all our needs.
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19, NKJV
3. Third example of false prophets in the New Testament
Specifically mentioned in Revelation: The Antichrist (Revelation 13:1-10) and the false prophet (Revelation 13:11-17). The antichrist is the beast rising up out of the sea and the false prophet is depicted as the second beast coming up out of the earth.
Under the influence of satan, there will be earthly powers that work to persecute Christians in the end times. If a prophet’s end time message lines up with or supports the message of the antichrist and false prophet in Revelation, then we know this is a false prophet.
Who is the antichrist in Revelation? Click to find out!
Who is the false prophet in Revelation? Click to find out!
Are there false prophets in the church today?
Yes! And the Bible tells us that false prophets will arise as the end draws near. They will perform great signs and wonders even deceiving believers:
For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Matthew 24:24, NKJV
But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.
2 Peter 2:1, NKJV
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
Romans 16:17-18, NKJV
For the idols speak delusion;
The diviners envision lies,
And tell false dreams;
They comfort in vain.
Therefore the people wend their way like sheep;
They are in trouble because there is no shepherd.
Zechariah 10:2, NKJV
How Do We Know What is True
It’s simple. What is true is in Scripture. God’s Word is our compass for day-to-day living and end time preparation. We supplement God’s Word with prayer. He will lead us into all truth:
However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.
John 16:13, NKJV
Be careful of listening to ‘prophets’ – read the Word of God and let the true Prophet (Jesus Christ) guide your life towards eternal salvation!
Watch out in the Bible – What the Bible says we must “watch out” for
1. “Watch out” in the Bible: Asking God for signs in the Bible
Gideon asked for a sign regarding making the fleece wet with dew (Judges 6).
King Hezekiah asked for a sign that the Lord would heal him (2 Kings 20:8-11).
Eliezer the servant of Abraham asked for a sign by the well of water: he asked that the woman he asks for a drink will give him and his camel a drink to be the appointed one for Isaac (Genesis 24:12-14).
And the Pharisees and Sadducees also asked for signs to test Jesus (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John).
But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.
Matthew 12:39, NKJV
EGW states the following about the Pharisees and Sadducees:
The gospel of Christ was a stumbling block to them because they demanded signs instead of a Saviour. They expected the Messiah to prove His claims by mighty deeds of conquest, to establish His empire on the ruins of earthly kingdoms. Not by force of arms, not by violent interpositions, was the kingdom of God to prevail, but by the implanting of a new principle in the hearts of men.
Christ's Object Lessons, p. 34.
So, we must be careful that we are not being like the Pharisees and Sadducees, who were constantly demanding signs due to their skepticism and desire to test Him. They did not have genuine faith.
Do we have genuine faith or are we fearful and demanding signs from God whether personally or through prophets to pacify our anxieties and worries?
2. “Watch out” in the Bible: For prophets speaking words in God’s name that He did not speak
20 But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’
21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’—
22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.
Deuteronomy 18:20-22, NKJV
3. “Watch out” in the Bible: For prophets who are wolves in sheep’s clothing
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
Matthew 7:15, NKJV
A good way to know if they are sheep vs wolves is the verses that follow Matthew 7:15 which say:
16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?
17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Matthew 7: 17-20, NKJV
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Source: BibleGateway.com
