How to recognize true prophets is the topic today. Also, there is more on why Jesus authored no books to keep his teachings “pure.” The “Yahoo! Answers” writer using the ID “Andrew” (Level 1 with 58 points, a member since April 30, 2013) posted the following:
CHRISTIANS: What are the marks/signs of a true prophet?
In the bible God says he reveals himself in dreams, what other ways does God speak (if he still does) to people today?
THE BATTLE AXE: Why Jesus Authored No Books (05/01/2013)—(5.) The plan of GOD has long been the preservation of divine truth upon the earth through created beings and living creatures. The longevity of Adam (930 years, nearly one millennium) and that of the several Patriarchs ensured eyewitness accounts, and a living oral history would be in place along with the sacred priesthood for offerings and sacrifices. In the accounts of Noah (who was a husbandman, a farmer) and Abraham (who accumulated wealth despite being a nomad, yet avoided the baggage of books, and established no libraries), we continue to see GOD maintaining divine truth through flesh and mankind. Building upon the widespread herding, pastoral and oral traditions of the Jews, GOD introduced written law through Moses after first proclaiming the covenant to all those who had left Egypt. David and those who served after him, contributed the rich treasury of hymns, music, psalms and sacred song along with prayer and proverbs as further tools to preserve and transmit gifts and resources from divinity. Oral traditions rely upon face-to-face exchange, and communicate feelings as well as thought using body language, facial gestures and nonverbal expression. Christ encouraged and promoted specific forms of truth. Included were parables (we say “object lessons”), personal testimony, preaching, proclamation, promise, prophecy, and witness. Unlike the impersonal technology of writing used by governments and those of a merchant class, personal word of mouth provides interaction cues for trust, and continuing relationship. (6.) In the plan of GOD that is being carried out through Jesus Christ, faith comes by hearing, and is certified by miracles and other sacred works. The breath of life, and divine utterance, are the imparting of awareness, life and virtue. The Holy Scriptures convey spirit substance inseparable from faith. Included are forbearance, holiness, humility, joy, longsuffering, meekness, righteousness, wisdom, and wrath against sin. See Romans 10: 10-17, Nehemiah 8: 1-12, Ecclesiastes 12: 11-13 and Romans 8: 1-18, KJV. (7.) The union with GOD, and the oneness mankind is to achieve is not “sameness”. Diversity is the tool of Divine Person that must be used to establish the peculiar completeness and fullness of GOD, who is immortal, who is spirit, and who does not change. Thus, the revelation of GOD to created beings and living creatures is by their discovery of shared identity in Jesus Christ.
THE GOLDEN ARROW: And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Revelation 19: 5-10, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Confusion 2013 (01/13/2013); Why A “Spokesperson” (01/14/2013); No Contradictions? (01/15/2013); How To Have Conviction (11/24/2012); A Text for Lives Today? (11/25/2012); Pornography from the Bible? (11/26/2012); Signs of a Prophet (03/14/2012); The Rules for Sharing Christ (03/15/2012); The Prophets (02/24/2012); Bad Luck (02/25/2012); Prophecy Fails? (03/15/2011); Bible Benefit? (03/16/2011); Prophets? (10/28/2010)
Andrew, in the course of their growth, most mature Christian believers also have asked the question you pose, because it’s in line with ones desire to know whom to trust for sacred truth, and how to be certain that ones own experience of what appears as divinity is truly coming from GOD. Where you will first acknowledge GOD in prayer with gratitude and respect, you will be more well prepared to recognize whether or not the following points are being shared with you in obedience to Christ:
(1.) True prophets are sent from GOD as messengers, and do not pursue a personal agenda, secular and social goals, self-justification, or self-promotion. Even so, they also provide eyewitness reports and personal testimonies (i.e., spoken evidence in judgment) that pertain to their experience of GOD.
(2.) In Christian belief, the proclamations, promises and prophecies declared by the true prophets are corroborated and harmonize with the words and works of all the prophets sent before them as well as that of those who will come after them. Even so, it is not the “sameness” of their message that reveals their genuine identity as holy and sent by GOD. It is the oneness of Spirit.
(3.) True prophets all operate through spiritual endowments from the makeup and substance of GOD. Included are faith, holiness, humility, longsuffering, truth, wisdom, and wrath against sin. Where one of these sacred elements appear, all of them must appear; for they are inseparable. False prophets are recognized by their self-contradictions and display of such devices as accusations, covetousness, cowardice, deceit, envy, fear mongering, lying, pride, scorn and slander.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (4.) The holy writings serve as a proven standard that allows those endowed from GOD to correctly discern and recognize eternal purpose, sacred operations, and the anointed agents and representatives sent by GOD. Also, believers quickly and correctly recognize those under the Adversary (Satan), spiritual confusion, and sin. See Isaiah 8: 20, Hebrews 4: 12 and 1st John 4: 1-6, KJV.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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