prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.
(Romans 12:6)
The phrase "in proportion to faith" means in right relation to the faith. The way to recognize true
prophecies is by whether or not they agree with the basic doctrines of the Christian faith revealed
in the Bible. For example, false prophets do not confess the deity of Jesus Christ:
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God:
because many false prophets are gone out into the world.Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus
Christ is come in the flesh is of God:And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is
not of God: and this is the spirit of antichrist... (I John 4:1-3)False prophets teach sexual immorality and permissiveness:
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be
false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even
denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift
destruction.And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of
truth shall be evil spoken of.And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise
of you... (II Peter 2:1-3)False prophets try to lead people away from obedience to God's Word (Deuteronomy 13:1-5).
This type of prophecy is not in right relation to the Christian faith.
- DECEIVING SIGNS:
False prophets deceive people with miraculous signs:
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great
signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the
very elect. (Matthew 24:11,24)