How to know if a Prophetic Word is Truly from God?
Have you ever found yourself holding a prophetic word in your hands, your heart stirred with both anticipation and doubt? You’re not alone. Take Terry, for instance, a devoted follower of Christ, who recently received what seemed like a prophetic message during a prayer meeting. Yet, amidst the excitement, for Terry, a nagging question lingered: Is this truly from God?
Picture this: You’re scrolling through your feed, and bam! Another prophetic message pops up, promising to unveil mysteries of the divine. Sounds intriguing, right? But how do you separate the real deal from the counterfeit? That’s where the age-old wisdom of scripture comes into play.
When individuals come forward professing divine revelations, we must test their words against the unchanging truth found in the Word of God. Here are some of the ways on how to know if the prophecy given to you is truly from God:
1. Test Against Scripture
The Scriptures serve as our steadfast foundation, providing a litmus test for discerning authentic prophetic words.
As Isaiah declares, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20, NKJV).
A prophetic word that contradicts the foundational truths of Scripture likely does not originate from God.
2. Fruit Inspection
Jesus admonishes us to discern false prophets by their fruits (Matthew 7:15, NKJV). The authenticity of a prophetic word can often be gauged by its fruits—does it foster love, peace, and righteousness? Or does it sow discord and confusion? False prophets may appear as sheep but harbour intentions of ravenous wolves. Their fruits, their teachings, must align with the teachings of the Bible. If their messages deviate from the sacred scriptures, then they do not bear the light of truth.
3. Confirmation Through Prayer and Discernment
The earnest seeker is called to prayerfully discern the source of prophetic words. Seek confirmation through prayer, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit who illuminates truth and exposes falsehood. God often confirms His word through a multiplicity of witnesses and a deep sense of inner peace.
4. Submission to Spiritual Authority
In the community of faith, submission to spiritual authority serves as a safeguard against deception. Seek the counsel of wise and discerning leaders within the body of Christ, who can offer insight and accountability in discerning prophetic utterances.
5. Consistency with God’s Character
God’s prophetic words are consistent with His character and revealed nature. His messages are marked by love, grace, and redemption, offering hope and direction to His people. Beware of prophetic words that evoke fear, condemnation, or manipulation, for they do not align with the heart of God.
Therefore, immerse yourself in diligent study of the Word, for therein lies the safeguard against deception. Let the law and the testimony be your anchor in discerning the authenticity of prophetic utterances. Stay rooted in the truth once delivered to the saints, for only by holding fast to God’s Word can we navigate through the turbulent waters of false teachings and deceptive visions.
