truth on prophets
Modern day "prophets" abound. They wear the name in order to imply or outright claim they are speaking for God.
Understanding some fundamental aspects about the prophets of old sheds light on the claims made by so many during these times. Prophets are a fascinating class unto themselves in Scripture that hold many lessons for us today.
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Paul is pointing out to the Ephesians and Gentile Christians, that though they were at one time “called the uncircumcision by the circumcised” (vs 11), they are now part of the inheritance in Christ as a result of the “peace” that has been preached (vs 18).
the bible truth on prophets
One way false prophets were identified in Old Testament times was by waiting to see if what they said came to pass1. But what about when you couldn’t wait and needed to make a decision right away about someone speaking truth3?
In addition to this challenge, it could be that God is testing you6. God says He might send a “prophet” (or “strong delusion”8) to perform great signs, but speak things contrary to His word as a test6. And it’s in this, along with other examples23, that we see a more fundamental rule emerge. We see the prophet’s message being measured against past messages from other proven, true prophets2 – that is, prophets speaking God’s word6. They were “testing” to see that the things prophesied were true in the early church as well578. In other words, the consistency of the message is paramount (and why wouldn’t it be since God doesn’t change).
Note: A ‘tip-off’ for the hearer that a “prophet of God” was actually a false prophet was someone that is always preaching peace3 (“everything’s going to be okay”). The much more common message of God’s true prophets was one of judgment, condemnation for disobedience, and a call to repent. True spokesmen for God are speaking His words/message4.
God’s prophets exist today only as they were recorded in Scripture1. Prophets of God, being direct spokesmen for God, played a specific and needed role in disclosing to mankind God’s will147. In fact, they were serving Christian’s today with their predictions5. However, prophesies were only a part or portion36 of God’s message. When the time came that all of God’s message was revealed they would no longer be needed35.
getting to the truth on prophets is pretty important
don’t you agree?
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