There is a constant need for prophetic ministry within the Church. Therefore, it is essential for the Church to remain vigilant and avoid being deceived by false prophets, who are already numerous and will continue to appear. The Bible has foretold the arrival of many such individuals. It says that they will come in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. They will perform lying wonders to deceive people, primarily targeting the elect.

Before delving further, it is appropriate to consider the very life of the one who claims to be a prophet. How does he live? Does he walk in faith, righteousness, and holiness, in accordance with the sound teachings of Christ’s doctrine? Or does he live according to the flesh and the world? The Lord warned us that we would recognize them by their fruits (Matt. 7:15-20).

The spirit of the antichrist cannot resist attacking Christ, but it will do so in a masterfully subtle way. Therefore, what the prophet says about Jesus and what he shows in his life and ministry is of utmost importance. Let us be vigilant and not fall into the trap of flattering and ear-pleasing words that stir up the flesh rather than edify, causing us to lose sight of what is essential (1 John 4:2-3).

The prophecies of a true prophet will never contradict the words of men and women who have spoken, inspired by the Holy Spirit on behalf of God. The prophecies of a true prophet will never contradict the words given to a true prophet who prophesied before him in and/or for the same situation (1 Kings 13).

However, his words may provide additional information. God may also choose to annul a word He previously spoke through the same or another prophet (Isaiah 38). The prophecies of a true prophet cannot contradict the written revelation related to the dispensation under which he himself or the recipient of his prophecies lives (Isaiah 8:20), unless there was a false understanding of that word, which has consequently been distorted.

In such a case, the prophet’s words will restore the truth by providing prophetic insight. Finally, the predictions of a true prophet are certain and always come to pass (Deuteronomy 18:22). The fulfillment of the prophecy allows us to judge that the prophecy indeed comes from God. This is, in fact, the first criterion that God gave to the people of Israel when they were under Moses’ leadership:

“Perhaps you may say in your heart, ‘How will we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’ 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 18:21-22).

He also said to the prophet Jeremiah:

“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).

However, some predictions are conditional, and it is important to pay attention to them. Repentance can prevent the fulfillment of previously predicted disaster, as we saw with the prophet Jonah in Nineveh. King Hezekiah wept and invoked the Name of the Lord after the prophet Isaiah had predicted his death. At that very moment, the Lord decided to extend his life (Isaiah 38). The Lord said to Jeremiah:

“At one moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to uproot, to pull down, or to destroy it; if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent concerning the calamity I planned to bring on it” (Jeremiah 18:7-8).

This principle also applies to positive events, such as promises of blessing. They may be conditional upon certain behaviors on our part. That is why in verse nine (9), the Lord added:

“At another moment I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it; if it does evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will think better of the good with which I had promised to bless it.”

Therefore, judging a prophecy solely based on its fulfillment may have its limits. It is necessary to be able to judge every prophecy, as it is written:

“Do not believe every spirit… (1 John 4:1)” and “Examine all prophecies…”

This text is an extract from the book “ INSIGHTS FOR AN EFFECTIVE MINISTRY ” written by Wiftherlin Léon.

We invite you to read the following article, “Conveying a Prophetic Message.”