The Bible lists a series of tests that can be applied to prophets to determine whether they are genuine or not. Taken individually, it is possible to counterfeit many of these tests, but collectively, they provide an impassable barrier to false prophets. False prophets can quote Scripture or have some of their prophecies come true, but they can still be false prophets, subtly using every opportunity to lead God's people astray. A prophet of God will have to satisfy all the Biblical criteria, which we find in this list which summarized it on this testing of Ellen White that Professor Walter J. Veith did which shows the major points as he goes over the tests:
...1) A true prophet's message will be in complete harmony with the word of God and the law of God.
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
Most of these TV faith healing evangelist who give prophecies would fail just on this test. A prophet cannot negate what God has revealed in His word, and all the precepts of the law are binding.
For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10
When the law is not observed, the gift of prophecy is withdrawn:
...the law is no more, her prophets also find no vision from the Lord. Lamentations 2:9
Ellen G. White certainly was in harmony with God's word, His Law as well as purpose and will.
2) A true prophet's predictions must come to pass.
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 NKJV
...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 18:22 NKJV
This is were it gets contentious, some prophecies are conditional or to turn the people from sin and to God such as Jonah's prphecy on Ninevah, or some prophet's predictions may come true (even Satan can guess when some history will repeat itself), and he/she may even perform 'signs' or 'miracles' to convince you of the genuineness of the prophecy - yet it may be false. Oral Roberts comes to mind.....:
If there arises among you a prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and he gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying " Let us go after other gods" - which you have not known - "and let us serve them," you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice; you shall serve Him and hold fast to Him. Deuteronomy 13:1-4 NKJV
Signs and wonders are no test of genuineness.The prophet's words have to be in harmony with God's word and the Law of God. Satan will work miracles in the last days to deceive many so we must constantly test using God's litmus test he has given us. Ellen White's prophecies are showing to be truer with each passing day and she certainly remained in harmony and passes God's litmus test so their is ample evidence on this test.
3) A true prophet prophesies to edify the church, counseling and advising in religious matters.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification and exhortation, and comfort, ... but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 1 Corinthians 14:3,4
But I am the Lord your God, ever since the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast. I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets. Hosea 12:9,10 NKJV
A true prophet will not lead people into iniquity or condone sin and gives counsel to lead people to God and his word. Ellen White certainly was a moral church leader, giving spiritual guidance and counsel in harmony with Gods word and will.
4) A true prophet will exalt Christ as the Son of God and the Saviour of mankind.
No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us.... Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 1 John 4:12,15 NKJV
When Jesus, after His resurrection, expounded the Scriptures to His disciples, He revealed to them the prophetic proclamations regarding Himself.
And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself. Luke 24:27
Many false prophets will arise and claim to be from God, and speak about Jesus and still be false. So this is one that calls for a discerning spirit, of whether they are truly love and exalt Jesus Christ or just give lip service and will one of the one's who say to Jesus in the last judgment:
"Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?" Matthew 7:22
The Lord will, however, not recognize them as His, as they practiced iniquity (Greek: anomia - against the law of God). They seem to pass the test, but fail in regard to the Law.
Ellen G. White certainly cannot be said to practiced iniquity and her life was scrutinized extensively, more so today to find any faults.
5) The true prophet will speak with authority:
...for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:29
Jesus is the supreme example, and He spoke those things which He had seen and heard from the Father (John 8:26,28,38). A prophet will likewise reveal those things with authority that have been revealed to him by God.
Ellen White passes this and her writings continue to speak with authority even today.
6) The true prophet will bear good fruit.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20
This test is compelling. Does the prophet live a life in harmony with the will of God and are the lives of those he/she touches transformed so that they too live godly lives?
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. James 5:17 NKJV
Although Elijah had similar faults and passions as we have, yet he strove to live a godly life and the fruits of his labor testify that he was truly a prophet of God.
Did Ellen G. Whites pioneering effort bear fruit, did her writings trqansform others and lead them to God's word and to live a Godly life, I would say so.
7)The true prophet, when in vision, will exhibit physical signs:
a) In vision, the prophet's eyes will be open.
The utterance of him who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, who falls down, with eyes wide open. Numbers 24:4 NKJV
Two pointers are here of significance: firstly, the prophet falls to the ground and secondly, his/her eyes are wide open. The New King James Version renders the translation from the original text very precisely, and for this reason it is quoted above. Most modern Bible translations do not bring these points to light clearly. The NIV, for example, translates the text as follows:
the oracle of one who hears the words of God, who sees a vision from the Almighty, who falls prostrate, and whose eyes are opened. Numbers 24:4 NIV
In this translation, the issue of the wide open eyes is lost, and can be interpreted in a spiritual rather than in a literal sense.
In Daniel 10, the physical state of the prophet Daniel, whilst in vision, is described.
And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face to the ground. Daniel 10:7-9
Daniel had "no strength", and he must have fallen to the ground as he lay with his face to the ground. The prophet does not, however, remain in this helpless state on the ground, but he is lifted up by God, and whilst still in vision, stands up on his feet.
And behold an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright, for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Daniel 10: 10,11
b) In vision, the prophet will have no breath in him, and no strength of his/her own.
And suddenly one having the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, My Lord, because of the vision, my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. For how can this servant of my Lord talk with you my Lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me. Daniel 10:16,17 NKJV
Note that Daniel has no strength because of the vision. He is touched by God and speaks although there is no breath in him. Again, new translations of the Bible obscure these vital texts by means of interpretive rather than literal translations. The NIV renders verse 17 as follows:
How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe. Daniel 10:17 NIV
"I can hardly breathe" does not convey the same message as "nor is any breath left in me"; or as the KJV puts it: "neither is there breath left in me". Daniel is given strength by God.
Then again, the one having the likeness of a man touched me and strengthened me. Daniel 10:18 NKJV
No mention is made of the restoration of breathing whilst in vision. The prophet is sustained by God whilst in vision......
The light given to Ellen White helped her lead the Adventist movement forward out of the 1844 disapointment and gave it counsel, direction, and correction as many voices and ideas threathened to derail the movement or head it into extreme views or doctrines. The visions given to Ellen White were intended to lead the church into a greater understanding of the word of God, and to correct wrong paths that were from time to time taken by God's people. Before the first advent of Christ, God gave the gift of prophecy to John the Baptist to prepare the way for His coming. In a similar way, the prophetic gift will be restored to prepare the way before the Second Coming or Advent......
Topic: Testing the Spirits. (Read 159 times)