What Makes A Prophet?

Since the 1700s, Western society has placed an increasingly high value on science. This reaction to the superstition and fear that ruled the Dark Ages pushed the intellectual class to the opposite extreme — a complete denial of the supernatural. Today, this mindset remains pervasive. Yet, man’s hunger for spiritual connection with the supernatural hasn’t been completely snuffed out by modern rationalism.

One of the ways in which this hunger has manifested itself is in the modern interest in psychics. Two prominent modern psychics were Jeanne Dixon and Edgar Cayce. Cayce claimed that it was Jesus Himself who gave him insight. Dixon asserted that she was inspired by the same Spirit that moved upon Isaiah. These and other psychics wrote much, sounded convincing, but were largely discredited as time went on. However, their adherents did find a few remarkable coincidences that seemed to vouch for their credibility.

However, the Bible speaks very plainly regarding supernatural phenomenon, citing two sources from which they may emerge. Either they are from God, who speaks through “holy men … as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21), or they are from the devil, who comes with “all power, signs and lying wonders” (2 Thessalonians 2:9).

Fortunately, we are not left to wonder whether a messenger is from God or the devil. The Bible gives us 10 clear guidelines to help determine the origin of a prophet’s supernatural ability. If the one claiming divine gifting fails even one of these tests, they cannot be considered a prophet of God. Indeed, the true prophet will pass all 10 with flying colors.

Next: 10 Tests of a Prophet