BARNEY BRIGHT
Well-Known Member
The three essentials for establishing the credentials of a true prophet, as given through Moses, were: The true prophet would speak in Jehovah’s name; the things foretold would come to pass (De 18:20-22); and his prophesying must promote true worship, being in harmony with God’s revealed word and commandments (De 13:1-4). The last requirement was probably the most vital and decisive, because an individual might hypocritically use God’s name, and by coincidence, his prediction might see fulfillment. But the true prophet was not solely or even primarily a person who foretold future events, because although in some cases, such as that of Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus, God’s prophets performed miraculous works not all true prophets, are recorded as performing such powerful works. The true prophet wasn't primarily a person who foretold future events but rather, he was an
advocate of righteousness, and his message dealt primarily with moral standards and their application. He expressed God’s mind on matters. (Isa 1:10-20; Mic 6:1-12) So it's not necessary to wait perhaps years or generations to determine whether the prophet was true or false by seeing if any future event that they foretold would be fulfilled. If his message contradicted God’s revealed will and standards, he was false. Thus, a prophet who foretold peace for Israel or Judah, at a time when the people were engaging in disobedience to God’s Word and Law, that prophet was false.. Jer 6:13, 14; 14:11-16.
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