Biblical Keys for Discerning True and False Prophets/Tests

Bible Tests for True and False Prophets

Of True	Of False
Amos 3꞉7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Also Rev. 19:10, Ephesians 4:13, Ps. 25.24, Jeremiah 3:15, Numbers 11:2	Matthew 7꞉15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly, they are ravening wolves. Also Matt. 24:11, 2 Tim. 3:1-9 and 4:3-4. 2 Thes. 2:1-12 and 4:1-3

Wherefore, by their fruits shall ye know them.
—Matthew 7꞉20

Claims a True Prophet must make

• Revelation and Vision
• Witnesses
• Chosen by God
• Ordained by prophesy and the laying on of hands by those in authority

Teaching of Christ

• Christ ordained by God to judge all men, and
• Teaches belief on him for remission of sins
• Testifies that Jesus is "come in the flesh"
• Apostles and prophets given "till we all come in a unity of the faith"
• Accepts the Biblical God

Character of Teaching

• Preaches Repentance
• Teaches of one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all
• Teaches by the spirit, so that your faith stands in the power of God
• Opens understanding of the scriptures
• Teaching consistent with scripture
• Provides knowledge of the heavenly council
• Provides knowledge of God's covenant
• They teach their followers to expect trials in this life

Personal Character

• Seeks to please God, not men
• Teaches with authority, and not as a scribe
• They lead as willing ensamples to the flock, not for filthy lucre
• Recognizes and is united with authorized prophets
• They admit to being men of passion, like us, liable to sin

Evidences provided

• God bears them witness with signs and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his own will
• A prophet may do works none other man did.
• Teaches that the investigators must keep his words to learn the truth of them.
• Prophecy
• Teaches that we must pray
• Over time, arguments against a prophet fail, and demonstrate confusion