There’s a simple but powerful test to tell a true prophet from a false one. A false prophet draws attention to themselves. A true prophet turns hearts toward Jesus.
The Bible warns us to be careful about this kind of thing, because not everyone who claims to speak for God actually does.
Deuteronomy 13:1–3, “If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder… saying, Let us go after other gods… Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet.”
Even if someone can do signs or wonders, that doesn’t make them true. If they pull people away from God, their message is false. God allows this as a test, to see if we love Him with all our heart.
Matthew 7:15–16, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
False prophets look harmless, but they’re selfish and hungry for attention. Their fruit exposes them. A true prophet’s fruit always leads people toward obedience, holiness, and love for God.
John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
That was John the Baptist’s attitude. He didn’t want followers for himself. His only goal was to prepare people for Christ. That’s the heart of every true man of God.
2 Peter 2:1, “There were false prophets also among the people… who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them.”
False teachers twist truth to gain a following or build their own influence. The focus shifts from the Savior to the speaker, and before long, truth gets lost.
If you ever wonder who’s real and who’s not, look at where they point you.
A false prophet says, “Look at me.”
A true prophet says, “Look at Him.”
