Hermeneutics of Revelation: A Biblical Theology of Prophetic Reception, Discernment, and Belief
Executive Summary
The inquiry into "how the Bible says to believe every prophecy" necessitates a rigorous theological excavation, as the biblical text presents not a monolithic command for blind acceptance, but a complex, dialectical tension between the reception of divine utterance and the responsibility of human discernment. While the contemporary religious landscape often struggles with the dichotomy of cynicism versus gullibility, the biblical canon offers a sophisticated methodology for navigating prophetic claims. This methodology is anchored in the dual realities of God’s sovereign voice and the fallibility—or potential malevolence—of human intermediaries.
This report provides an exhaustive analysis of the scriptural mandates regarding prophecy. Through a detailed exegesis of Old and New Testament texts, lexical analysis of Hebrew and Greek terms for "believe," "test," and "judge," and a review of systematic theological frameworks regarding the nature of prophecy, this document argues that the Bible establishes a protocol of conditional belief. This protocol requires the recipient to distinguish between the infallibility of the Divine Source and the fallibility of the human vessel. The biblical model suggests that "believing" prophecy is the terminal point of a rigorous process of validation, not the starting point of reception.
1. The Theological Dialectic: The Command to Believe vs. The Imperative to Judge
To understand the biblical instruction on believing prophecy, one must first confront the apparent antinomy between two major streams of scriptural instruction. The Scriptures contain explicit exhortations to place confidence in God’s prophets—most notably in the Chronicles narratives—yet these are counterbalanced by equally authoritative, if not more voluminous, commands to exercise skepticism, discernment, and testing. This tension is not a contradiction but a pedagogical structure designed to mature the community of faith.
1.1 The Command to Believe: The Jehoshaphat Mandate
The primary biblical text that seemingly advocates for a robust acceptance of prophecy is found in the Old Testament historical narrative of 2 Chronicles. During a military crisis involving a coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites, King Jehoshaphat exhorts the people of Judah:
"Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper" (2 Chronicles 20:20).1
This verse is frequently cited in isolation as a proof text for unquestioning obedience to prophetic leadership. However, a responsible hermeneutic requires placing this command within its specific covenantal and situational context. The command to "believe" here is not an abstract rule applying to every claim of prophecy made in history, but a specific instruction regarding a specific word from a Levitically authorized prophet, Jahaziel, whose message aligned with the Deuteronomic covenant of divine warfare.
1.2 The Command to Suspend Belief: The Johannine Warning
Diametrically opposed to the notion of universal acceptance is the New Testament command found in the First Epistle of John:
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).4
Here, the imperative is explicitly negative: me pisteuete ("do not believe"). The existence of false prophets necessitates a posture of initial skepticism or, more accurately, critical evaluation. This establishes that "believing every prophecy" is not a virtue in the New Testament church; rather, it is a spiritual failing that leaves the community vulnerable to deception. The presence of the "spirit of error" necessitates a defensive posture that is absent in a naive reading of 2 Chronicles.
1.3 Synthesis: The Doctrine of Tested Revelation
The synthesis of these positions is not that one cancels the other, but that belief is the result of testing, not the precursor to it. The biblical model suggests that prophecy demands a process of validation. Once a prophecy is validated as originating from God—through tests of doctrine, character, and fulfillment—then, and only then, does the command of 2 Chronicles 20:20 apply. To believe a false prophecy is as grievous an error as rejecting a true one. Therefore, the biblical instruction is to believe true prophecy, which can only be identified through the rigor of testing.7
2. Exegetical Analysis of Old Testament Paradigms
A deep dive into the original languages and historical contexts of the pivotal verses reveals the nuanced nature of biblical belief regarding prophecy. The Old Testament establishes the foundational categories for the prophetic office, defined by high stakes: absolute obedience to the true prophet and the death penalty for the false.
2.1 2 Chronicles 20:20: The Meaning of Aman
The verse "believe his prophets" uses the Hebrew root aman. This word is rich in meaning, conveying concepts of firmness, stability, and reliability. It is the root from which we derive the word "Amen"—an affirmation of truth and reliability.3
2.1.1 Lexical Semantics and Wordplay
In 2 Chronicles 20:20, the chronicler employs a deliberate play on words using the aman root in two different stems, Hiphil and Niphal. Jehoshaphat says:
Ha'aminu (Hiphil imperative): "Put your trust" or "Believe" in the Lord your God...
...and you will be te'amenu (Niphal imperfect): "established," "supported," or "rendered firm."
Ha'aminu (Hiphil imperative): "Put your trust" or "Believe" in His prophets...
...and you will prosper (taslichu).10
The Hiphil imperative form used here implies a causative action: "Make yourselves firm" or "build your foundation upon." Jehoshaphat is asking the people to stake their survival on the validity of the word spoken by Jahaziel. The implication is structural integrity; belief provides the foundation upon which the community stands during a crisis.
2.1.2 The Contextual Crisis: The Coalition of Terror
Crucially, this exhortation follows a specific sequence of events that gives the command its weight. It was not a general instruction for peacetime, but a specific directive during an existential threat.
The Adversary: A massive coalition of Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites (invading from Edom/Mount Seir) threatened to annihilate Judah.1
The Geography: The enemy was already at Hazazon-tamar (En-gedi), positioning them within striking distance of Jerusalem.12
The Response: Jehoshaphat did not immediately consult a prophet; he first "set himself to seek the Lord" and proclaimed a fast. The prophetic word was a response to corporate desperation and repentance.13
2.1.3 The Legitimacy of the Vessel
The prophecy did not come from a random source. The text specifies that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph.1
Lineage: Asaph was one of the three chief musicians appointed by David (1 Chron 25:1). Jahaziel was a recognized functionary within the temple worship system.14
Message Content: His message, "The battle is not yours, but God's" (2 Chron 20:15), was not a new, heretical innovation. It was a reiteration of the Exodus promise (Exodus 14:13-14), aligning perfectly with the Torah.1
Insight: The people were not asked to believe a random oracle from an unknown source. They were asked to believe a word that came through an established priesthood line, in the context of corporate repentance, which aligned perfectly with Torah promises. Thus, believing "His prophets" in this context means trusting in the established, covenantal revelation of God delivered through recognized channels.1
2.2 The Deuteronomic Protocols: Discrimination and Death
While 2 Chronicles 20 mandates belief in the true prophet, the book of Deuteronomy provides the legal framework for identifying the false prophet. This is the necessary flip-side of the coin; one cannot obey the command to believe without first obeying the command to discriminate.
2.2.1 Deuteronomy 18: The Test of Fulfillment
The classic Old Testament test is predictive accuracy.
"If you say in your heart, 'How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?'—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" (Deut 18:21-22).15
This establishes the Predictive Test. A track record of inaccuracy disqualifies a prophet. There is no biblical category in the Old Testament for a "true prophet" who consistently makes false predictions. The penalty for false prophecy was death (Deut 18:20), indicating the extreme severity with which God views the misrepresentation of His voice. A prophecy that fails to materialize is not to be believed or feared; it is to be viewed as "presumptuous".16
2.2.2 Deuteronomy 13: The Test of Theology
This is perhaps the most critical and often overlooked test. Deuteronomy 13 posits a scenario where a prophet does perform a sign or wonder that comes to pass—passing the predictive test—but then says, "Let us go after other gods".18
"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..." (Deut 13:3).19
This establishes the Theological Test.
The Principle: Miraculous power and predictive accuracy are not sufficient validations of truth. Demons can perform signs; false prophets can utilize divination.
The Supremacy of Orthodoxy: Theological fidelity to the nature of God (Yahweh) supersedes supernatural ability. If a prophecy aligns with cultural drifts or idolatry but contradicts the holiness or nature of God as revealed in Scripture, it must be rejected, regardless of the "anointing" of the speaker. This text explicitly warns that God may allow false prophets to operate as a test of the people's love for the Truth.20
3. New Testament Exegesis: The Shift to Corporate Discernment
The New Testament maintains the high view of prophetic revelation but shifts the locus of discernment from the singular prophet to the corporate body of believers. The apostolic instruction presumes a context where false prophets are active, necessitating a vigilance that precludes blind belief.
3.1 1 John 4:1-3: The Christological Assay
The context of the Johannine epistles is a community under assault by proto-Gnostic heresies, specifically Docetism, which denied the physical reality of Jesus and Cerinthianism, which separated the "Christ spirit" from the man Jesus.
3.1.1 "Test the Spirits" (Dokimazo)
The Greek command to "test" (dokimazete) implies a metallurgical assay—a process of subjecting a metal to fire or acid to determine its purity and genuineness.21 John commands the church to subject prophetic utterances to a specific doctrinal assay: Christology.
3.1.2 The Criterion of Confession
John provides a binary test for the spirit animating the prophet:
Of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.23
Antichrist: Every spirit that does not confess Jesus.23
This indicates that the content of the prophecy must be weighed against the core doctrines of the faith (specifically the Incarnation). A prophecy, no matter how miraculous the accompanying signs, is to be rejected if it compromises the nature of Christ. This explicitly prohibits "believing every prophecy" based solely on the charisma of the speaker; the theological content is the primary variable for belief. The phrase "many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1) serves as the rationale for this skepticism.6
3.2 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21: The Balance of Reception
Paul’s instructions to the Thessalonians provide the most practical framework for the church age, addressing a congregation that may have swung too far toward cessationism or cynicism regarding spiritual gifts.
"Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good" (1 Thess 5:19-21).7
3.2.1 "Do Not Despise" (Exoutheneo)
The Greek exoutheneo means to "make of no account," "treat with contempt," or "set at naught".27 This suggests that some in the Thessalonian church were reacting to false prophecies or chaotic outbursts by rejecting the gift entirely. Paul corrects this overreaction. The biblical command is not to stop prophesying, but to stop accepting it uncritically.
3.2.2 The Process of Sifting (Dokimazo and Katecho)
Paul commands the believers to dokimazete (test/examine) "all things" (panta). This universal quantifier places every prophetic utterance under the microscope. Following the test, there is a bifurcated response:
Hold Fast (Katecho): To seize or retain firmly what is good (kalon - noble, beautiful, true).29
Abstain (Apechomai): To hold oneself off from every form of evil.
This implies a "mixed bag" reality. Unlike the Old Testament standard where a prophet was often viewed as entirely true or entirely false (and executed if false), Paul seems to acknowledge that in the New Testament congregation, a prophetic word might contain a mixture of divine inspiration and human error. The duty of the believer is to sift—to keep the wheat (what is good) and discard the chaff (what is evil/incorrect).30
3.3 1 Corinthians 14:29: The Community Judgment
The clearest instructional text on the mechanics of prophetic reception is found in Paul's regulation of the Corinthian liturgy.
"Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge" (1 Cor 14:29).32
3.3.1 The Role of Diakrino
The word translated "judge" or "weigh" is diakrino, meaning to separate thoroughly, to discriminate, to doubt (in the sense of critical hesitation), or to discern.34 This instruction effectively democratizes the discernment process (or at least assigns it to the other prophets and elders). It strips the individual prophet of absolute, unquestioned authority. In the New Testament economy, no prophet speaks with an authority that is above the evaluation of the body of believers and the standard of Scripture.36
3.3.2 Implications for "Believing"
If the Bible commands that prophecies be judged, then belief is necessarily suspended until the judgment is rendered. A believer who accepts a word immediately without allowing "the others to judge" is violating the Pauline order of worship. The command is not "believe the prophet," but "judge the prophecy".38 The "others" likely refers to the rest of the congregation or specifically other prophets/elders who possess the gift of "distinguishing between spirits" (1 Cor 12:10).36
4. The Nature of Prophecy: Continuity vs. Discontinuity
A significant theological debate impacts how one interprets the command to "believe." This centers on whether New Testament prophecy is identical in authority to Old Testament prophecy, or if the cross and the closing of the canon have altered the nature of the gift. This distinction is vital for determining the level of trust one should place in a modern prophetic utterance.
4.1 The Discontinuity View (The Fallible Prophecy Model)
Theologians such as Wayne Grudem and John Piper argue that a fundamental shift occurred between the Testaments regarding the authority of the prophet.
Old Testament Prophets: They spoke the very words of God (ipsissima verba). To disobey an OT prophet was to disobey God directly. The penalty for error was death.39
New Testament Apostles: Grudem argues that the NT counterpart to the OT prophet is the Apostle, who wrote Scripture and held absolute authority.
New Testament Prophets: According to this view, NT prophets operate in a different capacity. They report in human words something God has brought to mind, but the report itself is not Scripture-quality revelation. This allows for fallibility.31
4.1.1 Case Study: Agabus in Acts 21
Proponents of this view cite the example of Agabus in Acts 21:10-11. Agabus takes Paul's belt and prophesies, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'"
The Inaccuracy: Later in Acts 21:27-33, the Jews do not bind Paul; they try to kill him, and the Romans bind him. Technically, the details of Agabus's prophecy were slightly off, though the gist was correct.41
Paul's Response: Furthermore, the disciples interpreted the prophecy as a command: "Do not go to Jerusalem." Paul disobeyed this "command" but was not considered to be disobeying God. This suggests that the prophecy was a warning (information) rather than a command (authority).
Implication for Believing: Under this view, "believing" a prophecy does not mean obeying it as Scripture. It means weighing it, accepting the good, and discarding the error without necessarily condemning the speaker as a "false prophet" in the OT sense.42
4.2 The Continuity View (The Authoritative/Cessationist Model)
Other scholars argue that the biblical definition of prophecy remains constant: it is the authoritative declaration of God's word.
Argument: If a prophet speaks "in the name of the Lord," and is wrong, they are a false prophet, period. There is no "fallible" prophecy in the Bible; there are only true prophets and false prophets.44
Cessationism: Many holding this view argue that since the canon of Scripture is closed (Ephesians 2:20 states the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets), this authoritative prophetic office has ceased. Therefore, modern "prophecies" are either self-delusion or subjective impressions, but not "prophecy" in the biblical sense.
Implication for Believing: If one holds this view, one must be extremely skeptical of any modern claim to prophecy, testing it strictly against Scripture. "Believing" is reserved primarily for the written Word (Scripture).45
4.3 Table: Comparative Theological Models of Prophetic Reception
Feature
Old Testament Model
NT Model (Grudem/Charismatic)
NT Model (Traditional/Cessationist)
Authority
Absolute (Words of God)
Subordinate to Scripture; Mixed quality
Non-existent today; Scripture is sole authority
Accuracy
100% required
Can be mixed with human error
100% required (or it's false)
Response
Total obedience
Weigh and sift (1 Thess 5:21)
Reject if extra-biblical; Accept if exposition
Penalty for Error
Death (Deut 18)
Correction/sifting
Labeling as "False Prophet"
"Believe" means
Obey God
Discern the Spirit's impression
Trust the Canon of Scripture
5. Biblical Criteria for Evaluating Prophecy
Since the Bible commands testing rather than blind belief, it logically provides the criteria for such tests. These criteria act as a grid through which all prophetic claims must pass before they can be "believed."
5.1 The Test of Fulfillment (Chronological Validation)
As established in Deuteronomy 18:21-22, predictive accuracy is the baseline. If a prophet predicts a specific event (e.g., "The famine will end tomorrow," 2 Kings 7:1) and it does not happen, the word is not from God.
Application: Believers are not to fear or trust those who have a history of missed predictions. The biblical standard does not allow for "batting averages" where a prophet is right 60% of the time. While the Grudem view allows for detail error, it still requires the substance of the revelation to be accurate.16
5.2 The Test of Theology (Orthodox Validation)
Deuteronomy 13 and 1 John 4 establish that truth is the ultimate test.
God's Nature: Does the prophecy encourage reliance on other gods, or on self?
Christology: Does it uphold the incarnation, divinity, and lordship of Christ?
Scriptural Consistency: Does it contradict the closed canon of Scripture? (Galatians 1:8 warns that even an angel from heaven preaching a different gospel is accursed).
5.3 The Test of Fruit (Moral Validation)
Jesus warned of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing (appearing as Christians/leaders) but are inwardly ravenous wolves.
"You will know them by their fruits" (Matt 7:16).47
Character vs. Charisma: The "fruit" here refers to moral character and the result of their ministry, not just the accuracy of their words. A prophet may prophesy in Jesus' name, cast out demons, and do many wonders, yet be unknown to Christ (Matt 7:22-23) because they practice anomia (lawlessness).49
Specific Fruits: The fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, self-control) must be evident. Conversely, the "works of the flesh" (greed, sexual immorality, fits of rage, ambition) are markers of a false prophet.25
5.4 The Test of Liberty (Functional Validation)
True prophecy edifies, exhorts, and comforts (1 Cor 14:3). It leads to freedom, not bondage.
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption" (Romans 8:15).
Prophecies that utilize fear, manipulation, or control—often manifesting as "doom and gloom" predictions designed to solicit money or loyalty—violate the Spirit of Christ. A prophecy that creates dependency on the prophet rather than dependency on God is a false prophecy.52
6. Modern Misconceptions and Biblical Correctives
The user's query regarding "how to believe every prophecy" often stems from modern church cultures that emphasize the authority of the leader and discourage dissent. The Bible provides specific correctives to these cultural distortions.
6.1 The Misuse of "Touch Not God's Anointed"
A pervasive mechanism used to enforce belief in prophecy is the citation of Psalm 105:15: "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."
Contextual Correction: This verse originally referred to the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and the nation of Israel as they traveled through hostile pagan lands. It was God warning pagan kings not to physically assault His people.54
Modern Abuse: It is often utilized to silence legitimate criticism, theological questioning, or testing of a pastor's teaching.
Biblical Rebuttal: The Bereans were commended as "more noble" because they searched the Scriptures daily to see if what the Apostle Paul—the ultimate "anointed" apostle—taught was true (Acts 17:11). If Paul, an author of Scripture, was subject to fact-checking by the laity, then no modern prophet is above scrutiny. The Bible commands us to "touch" (test/examine) the teaching, even while respecting the person.52
6.2 Foretelling vs. Forthtelling
Prophecy is often misunderstood solely as prediction (foretelling)—predicting election results, weather patterns, or personal fortunes. However, the biblical bulk of prophecy is "forthtelling"—speaking God's truth into a current situation (exhortation, comfort, warning).56
Implication: "Believing" prophecy is often about receiving encouragement to persevere in faith, rather than banking on a specific future prediction. 1 Corinthians 14:3 defines the scope of NT prophecy as "edification, and exhortation, and comfort".58 A preoccupation with "crystal ball" Christianity is foreign to the New Testament emphasis on building up the church in love.
6.3 The Danger of "Personal Prophecy" as Guidance
Many believers seek prophets to tell them who to marry, where to live, or what job to take.
Biblical Pattern: In the New Testament, prophecy generally confirms what the Holy Spirit has already spoken to the believer (e.g., Paul already knew he was called to the Gentiles; prophetic words confirmed it). It rarely initiates major life direction without prior internal witness.
Risk: Relying on prophets for primary guidance bypasses the believer's direct relationship with God and the priesthood of the believer. The Bible nowhere commands believers to seek out prophets for daily decision-making; it commands them to seek wisdom (James 1:5) and the leading of the Spirit (Romans 8:14).53
7. Practical Protocol: How to Process a Prophetic Word
Based on the synthesis of the gathered research, a biblical protocol for "believing" (or rejecting) prophecy can be constructed. This moves from the theoretical to the practical application for the believer.
7.1 Step 1: Immediate Filtering (The Scriptural Grid)
When a prophecy is given, the first action is not belief, but comparison.
Question: Does this contradict written Scripture?
Action: If a prophecy contradicts the Bible (e.g., predicts a date for Jesus' return, condones sin, adds new requirements for salvation, or denigrates the work of Christ), it is immediately rejected. The Spirit of Truth (John 16:13) cannot contradict the Word of Truth (John 17:17).61
7.2 Step 2: Character Evaluation (The Fruit Grid)
Question: Does the messenger display the fruit of the Spirit or the works of the flesh?
Action: If the prophet is manipulative, greedy, sexually immoral, or creates division, their "word" is suspect. While God can speak through a donkey (Balaam's ass), He generally entrusts His secrets to those who fear Him (Psalm 25:14). A "bad tree" cannot produce "good fruit" (Matt 7:18).25
7.3 Step 3: Community Confirmation (The Body Grid)
Question: What do the elders and mature believers say?
Action: Submit the word to leadership. 1 Corinthians 14:29 ("Let the others judge") implies a corporate processing. A prophecy given in secret that forbids sharing with leadership ("Don't tell anyone I told you this...") is almost invariably deceptive. "In the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Prov 11:14).63
7.4 Step 4: The Witness of the Spirit (The Internal Grid)
Question: Does the Spirit within the believer bear witness?
Action: Romans 8:16 speaks of the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit. A true prophecy often resonates with a sense of peace ("Shalom") and "rightness," even if it is a challenging word of correction. A false prophecy often brings confusion, heaviness, anxiety, or a frantic sense of urgency.53
7.5 Step 5: Provisional Patience (The Time Grid)
Question: Will it come to pass?
Action: For predictive elements, belief is suspended until fulfillment. One puts the word "on the shelf." If it happens, God is glorified. If not, it is discarded. Deuteronomy 18:22 makes time the ultimate validator.
8. Conclusion: A Theology of Critical Faith
The comprehensive answer to the inquiry is that the Bible does not say to believe every prophecy. In fact, it commands the exact opposite. It commands a robust defense against deception through the active testing of all spiritual claims.
The mandate of 2 Chronicles 20:20 to "believe his prophets" is a mandate to trust in the proven character of God's revelation, delivered through established and tested vessels, in alignment with Covenant promises. It is not a blank check for credulity. The New Testament expands this by equipping every believer with the indwelling Spirit and the canon of Scripture to serve as judges of prophecy.
True biblical belief regarding prophecy is characterized by a "Berean" spirit:
Openness without Gullibility: "Despise not prophesyings" (1 Thess 5:20).
Rigor without Cynicism: "Test all things" (1 Thess 5:21).
Submission to Scripture: The final authority is always the written text (2 Tim 3:16).
Therefore, the believer honors God not by blindly accepting every "word from the Lord," but by diligently guarding the truth, exposing error, and holding fast only to that which has been tested by the fire of the Word and found to be pure gold. The biblical path is not "blind faith" in prophets, but "eyes-wide-open faith" in the God who speaks, combined with the discernment to recognize His true voice among many counterfeits.
Works cited
What historical context surrounds the events in 2 Chronicles 20:20?, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://biblehub.com/q/Context_of_2_Chronicles_20_20_events.htm
“Believe His Prophets” - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1992/04/believe-his-prophets?lang=eng
Daily Devotional: 21st March “HAVE FAITH - Dag Heward-Mills Ministries, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.daghewardmills.org/daily-devotional-21st-march-have-faith/
Analysis of Peshitta verse '1John 4:1' - Dukhrana Biblical Research, accessed on November 25, 2025, http://www.dukhrana.com/peshitta/analyze_verse.php?verse=1John+4:1&font=Estrangelo+Edessa&size=150&source=
1 John 4:1 - AMP - Beloved, do not believe every spirit [speaking through a self-proclaimed prophet]; instead test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world. - StudyLight.org, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.studylight.org/bible/eng/amp/1-john/4-1.html
What does 1 John 4:1 mean? - BibleRef.com, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.bibleref.com/1-John/4/1-John-4-1.html
accessed on November 25, 2025, https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/prophecies-and-discernment#:~:text=Whatever%20the%20exact%20reason%20for,5%3A21).
What does it mean to test everything (1 Thessalonians 5:21)? | GotQuestions.org, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/test-everything.html
accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.jackhayford.org/teaching/devotional/believe-the-word/
2 Chronicles 20:20 Lexicon: They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Listen to me, O Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, put your trust in the LORD your God and you will be established. Put your trust in - Bible Hub, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://biblehub.com/lexicon/2_chronicles/20-20.htm
2 Chronicles 20 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study - 2BeLikeChrist, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.2belikechrist.com/articles/2-chronicles-20-summary-in-5-minutes
2 Chronicles 20 NLT - War with Surrounding Nations - BibleProject, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://bibleproject.com/bible/nlt/2-chronicles/20/
Enduring Word Bible Commentary 2 Chronicles Chapter 20, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-chronicles-20/
The Song of Jahaziel, accessed on November 25, 2025, http://www.heraldmag.org/2002/02so_2.htm
What is the biblical basis for discerning between a true and false prophet, according to Evangelical Christians? [closed], accessed on November 25, 2025, https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/71919/what-is-the-biblical-basis-for-discerning-between-a-true-and-false-prophet-acco
Can True Prophets of God Be Inaccurate? - The Official Scott Roberts Website, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://scottroberts.org/can-true-prophets-of-god-be-inaccurate/
How can we discern a true prophet according to Deuteronomy 18:21? - Bible Hub, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://biblehub.com/q/How_to_identify_a_true_prophet.htm
Criteria of False Prophets: Notes on Deuteronomy 18:22 - CRI/Voice Institute, accessed on November 25, 2025, http://www.crivoice.org/prophetdeut18.html
Torah Readings and Studies-Deuteronomy 13--Beware of False Prophets, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.themessianictorahobserver.org/2021/02/07/torah-readings-and-studies-deuteronomy-13-beware-of-false-prophets/
Thoughts on Signs and Wonders: Part 1: Deuteronomy 13:1-5 - Dr. Michael Heiser, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://drmsh.com/thoughts-signs-wonders-part-1-deuteronomy-131-5/
accessed on November 25, 2025, https://quiettime.com/blog/1-thess-5-21-test-everything-keep-what-is-good
Strong's Greek: 1381. δοκιμάζω (dokimazo) -- To test, to prove, to examine, to approve, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://biblehub.com/greek/1381.htm
Commentary on 1 John 4:1-6 - Biblical Scholarship - WordPress.com, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://biblicalscholarship.wordpress.com/2018/07/07/commentary-on-1-john-41-6/
What spirit(s) is referred to in 1 John 4? - Christianity Stack Exchange, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/36489/what-spirits-is-referred-to-in-1-john-4
How can I recognize a false teacher / false prophet? | GotQuestions.org, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/false-teachers.html
What does 1 Thessalonians 5:20 mean? | BibleRef.com, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.bibleref.com/1-Thessalonians/5/1-Thessalonians-5-20.html
accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.asrmartins.com/do-not-despise-prophecies/#:~:text=The%20word%20%E2%80%9Cdespise%E2%80%9D%20in%20Greek,speaks%20of%20not%20despising%20prophecies.
1 Thessalonians 5:20 Commentary - Precept Austin, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.preceptaustin.org/1_thessalonians_520_commentary
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Commentary | Precept Austin, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.preceptaustin.org/1thessalonians_521-22
Unfolding The Word, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, Test All Prophecies - YouTube, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNL8QbUU4TA
The Authority and Nature of the Gift of Prophecy - Desiring God, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/the-authority-and-nature-of-the-gift-of-prophecy
accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.bibleref.com/1-Corinthians/14/1-Corinthians-14-29.html#:~:text=Since%20they%20claim%20to%20represent,1%20John%204%3A1).
What does 1 Corinthians 14:29 mean? | BibleRef.com, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.bibleref.com/1-Corinthians/14/1-Corinthians-14-29.html
accessed on November 25, 2025, https://text.egwwritings.org/read/13959.1292
Strong's Greek: 1252. διακρίνω (diakrinó) -- To distinguish, to discern, to judge, to doubt, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://biblehub.com/greek/1252.htm
1 Corinthians 14:29 Commentaries: Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment. - Bible Hub, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://biblehub.com/commentaries/1_corinthians/14-29.htm
1 Corinthians 14:29 | Bible Exposition Commentary, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://versebyversecommentary.com/2003/01/20/1-corinthians-1429/
Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Corinthians Chapter 14, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-corinthians-14/
Revisiting Wayne Grudem's Two Levels of New Testament Prophecy, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://ccggrockford.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Compton-Bruce.-A-Critique-of-Wayne-Grudems-Two-Levels-of-Prophecy.pdf
An Evaluation of Wayne Grudem's View of NT Prophecy - Grace Fellowship Church, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.gfcto.com/articles/theological-issues/grudems-view-of-nt-prophecy
Why Christians Can Still Prophesy - Wayne Grudem, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.waynegrudem.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Why-Christians-Can-Still-Prophesy3.pdf
Podcast: John Piper Answers Common Questions about the Second Coming (John Piper) | Crossway, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.crossway.org/articles/podcast-john-piper-answers-common-questions-about-the-second-coming-john-piper/
John Piper asks 'What is Prophecy today?': But does he give the right answer?, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.apostolictheology.org/2013/11/john-piper-asks-what-is-prophecy-today.html
FALLIBLE NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY/PROPHETS? A CRITIQUE OF WAYNE GRUDEM'S HYPOTHESIS - Legacy Standard Bible Translation Notes, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://tyndale.tms.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tmsj2h.pdf
Polluting the Prophetic Word: An Analysis of Sam Storms's Book, Practicing the Power, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://founders.org/articles/polluting-the-prophetic-word-an-analysis-of-sam-stormss-book-practicing-the-power/
Prophecies and Discernment | Reformed Bible Studies & Devotionals at Ligonier.org, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://learn.ligonier.org/devotionals/prophecies-and-discernment
accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.sharing-bread.com/commentary/matthew-7-15-20#:~:text=Matt%207%3A15%2D20%20(NIV)&text=Jesus%20tells%20us%20today%20as,testify%20for%20or%20against%20them.
"Known by their Fruits" – Matthew 7:15–20 - Harvest Community Church (PCA), accessed on November 25, 2025, https://harvestpca.org/sermons/known-by-their-fruits-matthew-715-20/
Is "you shall know them by their fruits" a reliable test of true Christian faith in light of believers committing violent acts?, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/107696/is-you-shall-know-them-by-their-fruits-a-reliable-test-of-true-christian-faith
By Their Fruits You Shall Know Them (Matthew 7:15-20) - Grace Evangelical Society, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://faithalone.org/blog/fruit-recognize/
How to Spot a False Prophet - David Jeremiah Blog, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://davidjeremiah.blog/how-to-spot-a-false-prophet/
Touch Not God's Anointed or Excuse to not be Accountable? - Ron Cantor, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.roncantor.com/post/touch-not-god-s-anointed-or-excuse-to-not-be-accountable
How To Test Prophecy - Adam Narciso, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.adamnarciso.com/blog/how-to-test-prophecy
CTT | Touch Not God's Anointed - Faithful Stewardship, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://faithfulstewardshipblog.com/2014/08/25/ctt-touch-not-gods-anointed/
What does the Bible mean when it says not to touch God's anointed? | GotQuestions.org, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.gotquestions.org/touch-not-Gods-anointed.html
accessed on November 25, 2025, https://davidjeremiah.blog/what-is-prophecy/#:~:text=Forthtelling%20is%20prescriptive.,edifying%2C%20exhorting%2C%20and%20comforting.
Forthtelling, Not Foretelling - Center for Action and Contemplation, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://cac.org/daily-meditations/forthtelling-not-foretelling-2023-08-13/
Prophets and Prophecies – A Question of Forthtelling and Foretelling - Anchor Point Church, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.anchorpointlife.com/blog/god-and-luck/prophets-and-prophecies-a-question-of-forthtelling-and-foretelling
The Difference between Foretelling and Forthtelling by David & Greta Peters, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.nzpropheticnetwork.com/the-difference-between-foretelling-and-forthtelling-by-david-greta-peters
How Can You Be Sure Your Prophecy Is From God? - Test With These 4 Questions, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://timbaderonline.com/prophecy/how-to-test-a-prophetic-word-is-from-god/
How to Judge a Prophetic Word - Greg Mohr Ministries, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://gregmohr.com/how-to-judge-a-prophetic-word/
What is the Biblical basis for testing the truthfulness of every statement made by Prophets or Apostles who have been confirmed as 'real'? - Christianity Stack Exchange, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/14628/what-is-the-biblical-basis-for-testing-the-truthfulness-of-every-statement-made
5 Ways to Judge Prophecy - Kris Vallotton, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.krisvallotton.com/5-ways-to-judge-prophecy
Guidelines for the Public Expression of Prophecy - Sam Storms, accessed on November 25, 2025, https://www.samstorms.org/enjoying-god-blog/post/guidelines-for-the-public-expression-of-prophecy
