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The Prophet

'Prophecy Watch' by Staff

The concept of a true Prophet, as outlined in Deuteronomy 18:15-22, is a critical matter for God's people to discern, especially in the context of potential end-time claims. God Himself declares in verse 15 that He will raise up a Prophet like Moses from among the people, whom they must hear. This Prophet speaks God's words in His name, and God warns that whoever refuses to listen will be held accountable by Him. This admonition urges God's people to be vigilant, both in obeying the words of Jesus Christ and in recognizing any potential end-time fulfillment of this Prophet, should such a figure appear. God also provides guidance on distinguishing true prophets from false ones in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. He states that a prophet who speaks presumptuously in His name, without His command, or in the name of other gods, shall face death. To test a prophet's authenticity, God instructs that if a prophecy spoken in His name does not come to pass, it is not from Him, and His people should not fear or obey such a man. This clear criterion helps protect against deception by self-professed prophets. In the scenario of a church leader claiming to be the end-time Prophet of Deuteronomy 18 and urging members to flee to a Place of Safety, such a claim must be weighed against God's standards. If the man's predictions fail to materialize, he reveals himself as a fraud, subject to God's judgment. God's true prophets receive direct instruction from Him, and their prophecies are fulfilled. Therefore, any modern claimant must be scrutinized carefully for evidence of divine communication and the accuracy of their words. God assures His people that He will not act without revealing His plans through His servants, the prophets, as stated in Amos 3:7. Jesus Christ reinforces this by calling His disciples friends, sharing all that He has heard from the Father. This promise instills confidence that God will communicate clearly and orderly, ensuring His people can recognize any true end-time leader He sends, whether a prophet, apostle, or one of the two witnesses, without fear of being deceived or misled.

Was Herbert Armstrong a False Prophet?

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

True prophets, the biblical kind, receive direct revelations from God, who declares the end from the beginning and ensures that His counsel shall stand. Whether through a dream, vision, or direct conversation with God, a true prophet can be confident in the accuracy of his predictions because the Source never fails. However, signs, wonders, and miracles are not conclusive proof of a true prophet, as false prophets, through the power of satan, can also perform such acts. The credibility of a prophet ultimately depends on whether he leads people toward or away from God, regardless of the impressiveness or accuracy of his miracles or prophecies.

Prophets and Prophecy (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

In the quest to discern the future, many have been misled by false channels of prophecy such as diviners, charmers, and spiritists, whose methods lack any true foundation. Deuteronomy 18:15-18 provides a critical warning against such deception, emphasizing the importance of recognizing true prophets appointed by God. These true prophets are not merely temporary voices but hold a vital, continuing role in guiding His people, especially in times when His word was not widely accessible. Their hallmark is the faithful preaching of God's commandments, conserving past truths while also revealing new insights. They forthtell with clarity and authority, delivering messages intended for their audience, and occasionally foretell future events, though foretelling is not a requirement of their office. A true prophet remains steadfast to the divine message, echoing the fidelity of Moses, who was faithful in all his house. John the Baptist stands as a paramount example of a true prophet, identified as the greatest among men by Jesus Christ Himself. As the last of the Old Covenant prophets, John's significance is unparalleled, fulfilling distinct prophecies and preparing the way for the Messiah. His ministry, marked by humility and zeal, focused on repentance and the coming of Christ, demonstrating personal attributes of character beyond reproach. Despite his greatness, John voluntarily receded into the background upon the Messiah's arrival, embodying self-denial and courage in the face of opposition. His life, devoted entirely to God from the womb, culminated in martyrdom, crowning him as the greatest of Old Testament prophets. Jesus Christ Himself affirmed John as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Elijah, not as a literal resurrection, but in spirit and message, restoring the true knowledge of God and straightening out misconceptions about the Messiah. Through his preaching, John turned the hearts of fathers to their children and children to their fathers, addressing family life as a preparation for recognizing God, thus fulfilling his prophetic role with profound impact.

What Is a False Prophet?

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

False prophets—including the great False Prophet of Revelation—claim to speak for God, yet reveal themselves in predictable ways. Here is what to look for.

Prophets and Prophecy (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

A prophet is one who speaks for God, expressing His will in words and sometimes signs. Standing outside the system, he proclaims God's purpose, including repentance.

The Sixth Century Axial Period (Part One)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

A prophet is one who carries a message from another. A true prophet's message will derive from existing Scripture, even if he is breaking new, unexplored ground.

Elijah and John the Baptist

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus declares that none was greater than His cousin, John, known as 'the Baptist.' Jesus clearly says that John fulfilled the prophesied role of Elijah to come.

The Two Witnesses (Part Six)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Two Witnesses have authority from God to annihilate those who interfere with their work as well as power over weather patterns and natural elements.

Matthew (Part Sixteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Matthew 11 focuses upon the ruminations of John the Baptist, who, even though he was close to Christ, may have misunderstood the nature of Christ's mission.

Elements of Judgment (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

None of God's law has been 'done away', though there is not always a literal application. Not every law of God has the same weight of importance.

The Pharisees (Part 1)

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Having their origin in the days of Ezra, the Scribes and Pharisees were extremely zealous for the law, separating themselves for this exclusive purpose.

Deuteronomy (Part 4) (1994)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We must seek God as ardently as we would a physical love relationship, spending quality time with Him. If we make no effort, the relationship cools.

Matthew (Part Eighteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

If we ask God for protection from demonic influence, we cannot sit back passively; Satan always counterattacks. Evil must be displaced with good.