“How Shall We Know The Word Which The Lord Hath Not Spoken?” (Deuteronomy 18:21)

by Micky Galloway

This question in its context is a very timely question today. In time past how were men to know whether or not men taught and prophesied correctly? Moses prophesied that God would raise up a prophet like unto himself (Deuteronomy 18:15). That prophet for whom the people waited was Jesus, and every word that He spoke was the infallible word of God (Deuteronomy 18:18,19; Acts 3:22; He-brews 1:1-2). Yet, there would be false prophets, who would presume to speak in Jehovah’s name that which he had not commanded just as there were in the days of Jeremiah (cf. Jeremiah 23:16, 17, 21, 25). Perverting God’s word is a greater offense to God than most realize. The penalty was death under the law (Deuteronomy 18:20). Through the ages men have continued to arise and lead souls astray. The Scriptures are filled with warnings against such men (cf. Matthew 7:15; 24:11,24; II Peter 2:1-3; etc.). It is needful that men know how to recognize a false prophet, otherwise we may be led into the ditch (Mat-thew 15:14).

God’s infallible rule is simple. “When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken” (Deuteronomy 18:22). Let us notice some illustrations of this rule being violated.

First, consider William Miller, the predecessor of the of Seventh Day Adventism founded by Ellen G. White. Mr. Miller predicted that Christ would return to the earth in 1843. Disappointed, he re-vised his figures and set the time, October 22, 1844. When this prophecy also failed, he himself could see that he was a false prophet. To Miller’s honor, he withdrew from the field of religious leadership and even wrote, “We expected the second coming of Christ at that time, and now to contend that we were not mistaken is dishonest. I have no confidence in any new theories that grew out of the movement” (Quoted from Seventh-Day Adventism Renounced, Canright, p.77). It is a shame that others have not been that honest.

Secondly, consider Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon Church. He prophesied, “The coming of the Lord which was nigh - even fifty-six years - should wind up the scenes” (Millennial Star, Vol. 15, p. 205). “I prophesied by virtue of the holy priesthood vested in me and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that if Congress will not hear our petition and grant us protection, they shall be broken up as a government, and God shall damn them and there shall be nothing left - not even a grease spot” (Millennial Star, Vol. 22, p. 455). Smith also prophesied that the temple was to be built at Independence, Missouri, not far from the court house (Doctrine and Covenants 57:1-3), and at no other place (Doctrine and Covenants 101:20), and that it was to be built in that genera-tion (Doctrine and Covenants 84:4,5,31). Time marched on to refute and deny these predic-tions. These false prophecies and many others prove that he was not inspired, nor was his message from God.

Thirdly, consider Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the Jehovah’s Witness sect who prophesied, “That the Lord must be present and set up his kingdom and exercise his power so as to dash the nations to pieces as a potter’s vessel before A.D. 1914 is then clearly fixed” (Millennial Dawn, Vol. 2, p. 170). When this prophecy failed, he tried to justify it by saying that indeed Christ came, but the world did not see him. However, this effort was futile, for the Scriptures teach when Christ comes “every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7). Truly, Christ’s kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36) and it was established long before the world ever heard of Charles Taze Russell (Mark 9:1; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 12:28).

Now compare these with real prophets and real prophecies. Isaiah prophesied that Christ would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:13,14). Never before or since had such taken place, thus it would be a sign. It is fulfilled (READ Luke 1:26-35). This proves without doubt that Isaiah was inspired of God. Micah prophesied that Christ would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). This also came to pass proving Micah was a true prophet. Zechariah prophesied that the price of Christ’s betrayal would be thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12,13). He was also a true prophet, because this also came to pass (Matthew 26:14-16).

We are told that “Many false prophets are gone out into the world” (I John 4:1). We are also told, “If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself” (John 7:17). What are we to do? We must “believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (I John 4:1). We must study the Scriptures to try, prove, or test a teacher. A teacher’s words merit acceptance only if they are in complete harmony with what the Scriptures teach. The Bereans followed this rule (Acts 17:11). Jude commanded that we must “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). “The faith” has been delivered once for all time. This rebukes the modern-day revelator. Paul admonished that we should not even believe an angel from heaven, if his words should be contrary to God’s word (Gala-tians 1:8). This rebukes those who pervert or change what was taught by first century inspiration. If one teaches something different, it is not of “the faith” thus that teacher is a “false teacher.” Do not allow sheep’s clothing and fair speeches to deceive you (Matthew 7:15; Romans 16:18). Any addition to or subtraction from what the Scriptures teach is wrong no matter how sugar-coated the plea may be.