TESTING THE PROPHETS Lesson 6 for February 7, 2009

HOW CAN WE TEST A PROPHET? God speaks through prophets by using dreams, visions and angels. But the enemy can also use the same tools to send his messages. HOW CAN WE TEST A PROPHET?

FIRST TEST His message must not contradict the truth that God has already revealed. “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isaiah 8:20

All the true prophets in the Bible pass this test. Although the messages from the prophets in the Bible were received through centuries, there is unanimity in the message.

Ellen G. White passed this test too Ellen G. White passed this test too. Her writings are based on the Scriptures and they don’t contradict them. “The written testimonies are not to give new light, but to impress vividly upon the heart the truths of inspiration already revealed. Man’s duty to God and to his fellow man has been distinctly specified in God’s word, yet but few of you are obedient to the light given. Additional truth is not brought out; but God has through the Testimonies simplified the great truths already given and in His own chosen way brought them before the people to awaken and impress the mind with them, that all may be left without excuse.” Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, cp. 81, pg. 665

SECOND TEST When a prophet foretells anything, it must happen. “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

“And Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, ‘As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.’”. 1 Kings 17: 1

"While at Loma Linda, Cal., April 16, 1906, there passed before me a most wonderful representation. During a vision of the night, I stood on an eminence, from which I could see houses shaken like a reed in the wind. Buildings, great and small, were falling to the ground. Pleasure resorts, theaters, hotels, and the homes of the wealthy were shaken and shattered. Many lives were blotted out of existence, and the air was filled with the shrieks of the injured and the terrified. The destroying angels of God were at work. One touch, and buildings so thoroughly constructed that men regarded them as secure against every danger, quickly became heaps of rubbish…

…On April 18, two days after the scene of falling buildings had passed before me, I went to fill an appointment in the Carr Street church, Los Angeles. As we neared the church, we heard the newsboys crying, ‘San Francisco destroyed by an earthquake!’ With a heavy heart I read the first hastily printed news of the terrible disaster." (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, cp. 55, pg. 407-409)

EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE Some prophecies may have a conditional element. In that case, the prophecy would be fulfilled according to the answer of those hearing the message.

THIRD TEST His or her main theme must be Jesus, just like the Bible. “By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God.” 1 John 4: 2

“Then He said to them, ‘These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.’” Luke 24: 44

Ellen G White announced Jesus as the only Saviour Ellen G White announced Jesus as the only Saviour. In addition, she constantly invited others to exalt Him: “If Jesus were made the sum and substance of every discourse, sinners would be convicted. By the message borne they would know what they must do to be saved. Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary, higher and still higher. Who can declare the glory of the incarnate God? What language can describe it? It is not the men learned in this world’s wisdom who have true eloquence.” (The Voice in Speech and Song, cp. 54, pg. 311)

The prophet must live according to the truth he or she preaches. FOURTH TEST The prophet must live according to the truth he or she preaches. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?” Matthew 7: 15-16

Moses was a clear example of a life consistent with his message Moses was a clear example of a life consistent with his message. He “indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant.” (Hebrews 3: 5)

The life of Ellen G. White was an example of dedication to God and to the work of His Church. After her death, the Star newspaper from Saint Helena wrote a report about her life and work: “The life of Mrs. White is an example worthy of emulation by all. [...] She was a humble, devout disciple of Christ and ever went about doing good. [...] Her death marks the calling of another noted leader of religious thought and one whose almost ninety years were full to overflowing with good deeds, kind words and earnest prayers for all mankind.” (“Called to Her reward,” St. Helena Star (Calif.), July 23, 1915.”

Ellen G. White passes the four tests of true prophets: Her writings never contradict the Biblical truth. Her predictions were fulfilled, except those that were conditional. She always exalted Jesus. She live according to her message.