Hello pearl.
Can you help me with this? You know how you have false prophets and true ones. How long do you give a word spoken by a person claiming to be a prophet, before you can say it was true or false? Is there a time scale for this? Many tks
-----------------------------------------
Hello,
Jesus said at Matt.7:15,20;
“By their fruits you will recognize those men.” Within that context, he was speaking of recognizing the True Prophets, from the False.
If you would like to consider how Jesus’ words help us to make this distinction; please read
pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com .
pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com .
We may think that True Prophets know everything, and never make a mistake; but that is not a scriptural conviction. While they strive to keep pace with Holy Spirit, not teach of their own originality, and remain within the confines of scripture, they are not all knowing. We are helped to recognize this, by means of the following scriptures:
John16:12-15
“I have much more to say to you, but you can’t handle it now. However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you in all truth. He won’t speak on his own, but will say whatever he hears and will proclaim to you what is to come. He will glorify me, because he will take what is mine and proclaim it to you. Everything that the Father has is mine. That’s why I said that the Spirit takes what is mine and will proclaim it to you.”
1Cor.13:9-12
“We know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, what is partial will be brought to an end. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, reason like a child, think like a child. But now that I have become a man, I’ve put an end to childish things. Now we see a reflection in a mirror; then we will see face-to-face. Now I know partially, but then I will know completely in the same way that I have been completely known.”
Prov.4:18
“The way of the righteous is like morning light that gets brighter and brighter till it is full day.”
Just as the night ends gradually with the growing light of dawn, so also the progressive understanding of truth.
Dan.12:10
Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand."
God-given understanding and a choice to obey it will cleanse those soiled by Satan's end-time deceptions.
Mal.3:2,3:
"But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness".
When the "messenger of the covenant" comes (Mal.3:1; Isa.42:6; 49:8; Matt.17:11; Isa.54:10; 59:21; 61:8; Zech.4:9; Rev.22:6; John16:8) the anointed priesthood will be offered a cleansing to righteousness and understanding. Yet true to the illustration in Malachi, they will be "cleansed" as laundry, "refined" like precious metals. These processes are not instantaneous, but gradual.
Those who humbly accept this refinement, will be made "wise", and in turn, shine their light for others to be refined and made wise for salvation (Dan.12:3; Phil.2:15; Rev.22:17; 19:9).
Just as the night ends gradually with the growing light of dawn, so also the progressive understanding of truth.
Dan.12:10
Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand."
God-given understanding and a choice to obey it will cleanse those soiled by Satan's end-time deceptions.
Mal.3:2,3:
"But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness".
When the "messenger of the covenant" comes (Mal.3:1; Isa.42:6; 49:8; Matt.17:11; Isa.54:10; 59:21; 61:8; Zech.4:9; Rev.22:6; John16:8) the anointed priesthood will be offered a cleansing to righteousness and understanding. Yet true to the illustration in Malachi, they will be "cleansed" as laundry, "refined" like precious metals. These processes are not instantaneous, but gradual.
Those who humbly accept this refinement, will be made "wise", and in turn, shine their light for others to be refined and made wise for salvation (Dan.12:3; Phil.2:15; Rev.22:17; 19:9).
Hopefully from these scriptures, you have noticed that the knowledge which the anointed possess, grows with time (as long as they are remaining in union with Christ and the rest of his "Body") (1John2:28; John15:4,5; 1Cor.6:17; Eph.2:18; 1Cor.12:7,11-12,25,14,21,27-29,19,18; Eph.4:11-13; 2:19-22; 3:5; 1Cor.4:1; 2:10; Rev.22:16,6) .
That progression happens to the anointed, both individually (Gal.4:19; Eph.1:17; Col.1:28; Heb.5:14), and as a whole (Rev.7:3,4; Eph.4:13; Col.1:28; Eph.2:20,21,22).
The progress of each individual anointed one (Phil.3:12,13,14,15,16; John14:2) to the point of their being proven and sealed as obedient slaves of God (2Tim4:8; Rev.2:10; 7:3; 14:1; 22:3-4; Deut.11:18), contributes another "living stone" (1Pet.2:5,9) to the completion of that Holy Temple/Tent of God (1Cor.3:16; Zech.4:9-10; Rev.11:19; Eph.2:22; Rev.21:3,2).
The progressive completion of that Temple was depicted in scripture. In that depiction, we learn of the relationship between the progress of the Temple’s construction, and the increase of known Truth. Please consider Eze.47:1,2,3,4,5,6,7:
“When he brought me back to the temple’s entrance, I noticed that water was flowing toward the east from under the temple’s threshold (the temple faced east). The water was going out from under the temple’s facade toward the south, south of the altar. 2 He led me out through the North Gate and around the outside to the outer East Gate, where the water flowed out under the facade on the south side. 3 With the line in his hand, the man went out toward the east. When he measured off fifteen hundred feet, he made me cross the water; it was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another fifteen hundred feet and made me cross the water; it was knee-deep. He measured off another fifteen hundred feet and made me cross the water, and it was waist-high. 5 When he measured off another fifteen hundred feet, it had become a river that I couldn’t cross. The water was high, deep enough for swimming but too high to cross. 6 He said to me, “Human one, do you see?” Then he led me back to the edge of the river. 7 When I went back, I saw very many trees on both banks of the river."
Did you notice that as the Temple was completed, the living water of Truth increased it’s depth and flow? This very symbolism continues in the book of Revelation…
Rev.21:9b; Rev.21:10,12,13,14,15,16,17
9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels, who had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, “Come hither; I will show thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me that great city, the Holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God,
11 having the glory of God. And her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.
12 It had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names were written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:
13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof and the walls thereof.
16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as great as the breadth; and he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs; the length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
17 And he measured the wall thereof: a hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.
The Temple, IS the City “New Jerusalem”, IS the Bride, IS Mount Zion, IS the Tent of God. All these things are the 144,000. (Rev.21:2,3,9,10; 14:1)
Notice what happens after the Holy City/Temple is completed…
Rev.22:1,2
“And he showed me a pure river of the Water of Life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, there was the Trees of Life, which bore twelve kinds of fruit and yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
Do you see that with the Temple’s completion, the river of the water of Life flows at maximum capacity? The “trees of life” are then seen feeding from this pure waters of divine truth.
( pearl-treesoflife.blogspot.com )
( pearl-treesoflife.blogspot.com )
This is confirmed, if we return to Eze.47:6,7. There we read that at the end of the Temple’s completion,
“He said to me, “Human one, do you see?” Then he led me back to the edge of the river. 7 When I went back, I saw very many trees on both banks of the river.”
These are the 144,000 trees of life, which will cure the Nations (Rev.22:2 c)…the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham….
“All the nations of the earth will be blessed because of your descendants, because you obeyed me.” Gen.22:18; see Gal.3:29; Acts3:25
The completion of the Temple is also depicted at Zechariah chapter 4:
“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”
8 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. (Mal.3:1; Matt.17:1; John16:13,14)
The completion of the Temple is also depicted at Zechariah chapter 4:
“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”
8 Then the word of the Lord came to me: 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this temple; his hands will also complete it. Then you will know that the Lord Almighty has sent me to you. (Mal.3:1; Matt.17:1; John16:13,14)
There are variables which affect, how much truth each anointed one receives. This can be considered in the following scriptures:
(Matt.13:12; 6:11; 25:4,10,29; Luke11:9,13; 1Tim.4:16; 1Cor.12:18,28)
As you can see, such factors effecting amount of understanding, are…
which part of the Body of Christ an anointed one has been chosen by God to be, and observing their own place within the body (1Cor.11:29,28,31; 1Cor.12:27,28,29; Gal.6:3,4)...
how much spirit they receive (based upon begging for it or grieving it)…
digging and searching God’s Word constantly…
and what they are doing to share what they are receiving (using the “talents”) Matt.25:20,21; Luke17:10.
which part of the Body of Christ an anointed one has been chosen by God to be, and observing their own place within the body (1Cor.11:29,28,31; 1Cor.12:27,28,29; Gal.6:3,4)...
how much spirit they receive (based upon begging for it or grieving it)…
digging and searching God’s Word constantly…
and what they are doing to share what they are receiving (using the “talents”) Matt.25:20,21; Luke17:10.
Daniel 12:10; 11:35; and Mal.3:1,2,3,4,5,6 all show that in the time of the end; the “righteous” anointed remnant will progressively be cleansed and taught. Yet those who are proving foolish, proud, cowardly, selfish, or unfaithful, will not be refined. These will "not understand" the final revelations, and will lose even what light they had (Dan.12:10; Matt.25:1,2,8; 13:12; 6:23; Micah3:6; Rev.22:11; 2:23; Jer.13:23; 24:1,2), because instead of turning to Jehovah's spirit for light, they turn to men's doctrines (Matt.25:9,10; Rev.13:17) or themselves (John7:18).
And so, as you can surmise, there would be a growing distinction between the True Prophets and the False.
Why have I raised all these points?
The answer to your question lies in what the Bible tells us above.
While we do not expect perfection from the true prophets (Rev.11:3,4) before the true arrival of the Kingdom (1Cor.4:5)…
Those proving faithful will not only demonstrate all the traits Jesus gave of those “fine trees” proving true
( pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com );
( pearl-finetrees.blogspot.com );
but they would also be progressing in their knowledge…growing in understanding and perfection...and Always they would be learning and teaching by means of scripture and spirit.
The light they shine will be growing progressively brighter, until the arrival of the Kingdom (Matt.5:14; Prov.4:18; 2Pet.1:19; Rev.2:26,27,28).
Those not proving faithful, will have lamps of understanding that grow progressively dim. Their wisdom will turn to darkness (Jer13:16,25; Micah3:6)....and their predictions would be proven false.
It will become easier and easier to discern, who, is who (Mal.3:18; 1Thess.5:4,5; 1Cor.4:5; 11:19; Luke8:17; 2Pet.3:10; Rev.19:10).
It can also be noted, that a true prophet may declare things that are already true and present; and yet those truths were not recognized or identified until Holy Spirit revealed it, through them and their declaration. The prophet can make the relevance and meaning behind existing circumstances, evident (2Pet.3:10; 1Cor.3:13; John16:8; Mal.3:18; Matt.24:43; Rev.3:3; 16:15).
This possibility is demonstrated at Matt.24:15. There it speaks of individual readers "catching sight" (or recognizing) the "disgusting thing" as present, and as "standing in the holy place".
This indicates that this circumstance and situation exists before it's recognition. However, as each person recognizes and identifies this truth, then they are to obey Matt.24:16.
In the same way, a situation prophesied (foretold) in the Bible may finally come to pass,
but it's fulfillment goes unrecognized, uninterpreted, and unidentified...
until a prophet reveals that present fulfillment.
If that revelation and understanding is fully scriptural, is true as described, and continues to unfold according to Bible prophecy; then that prophet is true....even though the reality he illuminates already existed before his pointing it out and declaring it.
That prophet has received an interpretive understanding of reality's meaning, and it's scriptural significance, only by means of divine spirit. This too is prophesying.
We can recognize whether or not interpretations are made by means of indications found in God's Word...
or
by means of men making their own interpretive associations through their human observation of the relationship between scriptures and events.
True interpretations, have scripture to back them up. God's Word is complete. Both the questions, and all the answers
are found within it.
For example...
If a correlation is made between a scripture and a corresponding event or condition in the physical world, this interpretation is not true.
If a correlation is made between a scripture and a scripture, and both are being demonstrated in the area where another scripture indicates it should take place, then that interpretation is true. No part of a truthful interpretation can rely on men (Rom.3:4; Gen.40:8), what they feel they recognize, or what they may deduce about what they physically observe in Satan's world.
Otherwise, that prophet's understanding is vulnerable to Satan's counterfeit decoys.
If an prophetic interpretation is true, there is a scripture stating it as such.
EXAMPLE:
There is no scripture which says that the "wild beast" is the "U.N." or a "New World Order". These interpretations are sourced in man's deduction, not scripture.
If a teacher, in ignorance, goes beyond what it written in the Bible, or speaks against what the scriptures say; someone who is qualified (a prophet or apostle) should notify that one of their seeming error (1Cor.4:6; Gal.6:1,2,3,4).
(1Cor.14:32; Eph.2:20; 4:11,12; 1Cor.3:9; 12:10,11; Rev.19:10)
Despite the proud assumption now under operation, those "qualified" to make this adjustment, are not "Gentile" (non-anointed) elders. How do we know this? The Greek for "qualified" (Gal.6:1) means "living by spirit". Those who "live by spirit", are those whose hearts have been circumcised by that same spirit (Phil.3:3; Rom.2:29). These who live by Holy Spirit (Rom.8:4,11,14,16,17; 1Cor.3:16) are the ones "qualified" to adjust a wayward one (1Cor.6:2; 2:15; James5:14,15; Lev.6:7). Yet these Holy Ones/chosen priests proving faithful, are not to be condemned by others (Rom.14:4; 8:33; 2Pet.2:10).
If the erring one listens to Jehovah's Word through a faithful prophet or apostle, and makes the needed correction; that teacher is still true (Eph.4:11,12,13). However, if that one clings to personal preference and error, perhaps due to pride; then that one is not "from God" (John8:47).
So you see, it is not so much a matter of how long a period we should give a prophet consideration (1Cor.4:5; Ec.3:17; 8:6); but rather ask ourselves, what sort of teachings/fruit does that prophet offer (Matt.7:18)? Are all his understandings "from God", and are they all found in His Word? The tree is known by it's fruit (Matt.7:20; Luke6:43,45; Matt.12:36-37). Is the prophet truly speaking the words of Christ? (Matt.7:24-25; John8:31; 12:48; 2John1:9). Jesus words, are the fine fruit (Rev.2:7; John6:63; Ps.119:11; 37:31), which his genuine, do speak (Luke6:45; Deut.11:18; Rev.22:4).
As to predicting the exact day and hour of the end (Matt.24:36); I do not expect that this timing will be truthfully given to any prophet. However, those proving true will come to clearly recognize, the "times and seasons" (Matt.24:32,33,34,35; 1Thess.5:1,2,3,4,5,6; Luke21:28; 12:56; 19:44; Matt.7:19; Rev.20:9-10,15)
(Rev.5:4; Dan.7:13; Rev.5:7; 20:12; John12:48; 15:15; Rev.5:7; 22:6).
It can also be noted, that a true prophet may declare things that are already true and present; and yet those truths were not recognized or identified until Holy Spirit revealed it, through them and their declaration. The prophet can make the relevance and meaning behind existing circumstances, evident (2Pet.3:10; 1Cor.3:13; John16:8; Mal.3:18; Matt.24:43; Rev.3:3; 16:15).
This possibility is demonstrated at Matt.24:15. There it speaks of individual readers "catching sight" (or recognizing) the "disgusting thing" as present, and as "standing in the holy place".
This indicates that this circumstance and situation exists before it's recognition. However, as each person recognizes and identifies this truth, then they are to obey Matt.24:16.
In the same way, a situation prophesied (foretold) in the Bible may finally come to pass,
but it's fulfillment goes unrecognized, uninterpreted, and unidentified...
until a prophet reveals that present fulfillment.
If that revelation and understanding is fully scriptural, is true as described, and continues to unfold according to Bible prophecy; then that prophet is true....even though the reality he illuminates already existed before his pointing it out and declaring it.
That prophet has received an interpretive understanding of reality's meaning, and it's scriptural significance, only by means of divine spirit. This too is prophesying.
We can recognize whether or not interpretations are made by means of indications found in God's Word...
or
by means of men making their own interpretive associations through their human observation of the relationship between scriptures and events.
True interpretations, have scripture to back them up. God's Word is complete. Both the questions, and all the answers
are found within it.
For example...
If a correlation is made between a scripture and a corresponding event or condition in the physical world, this interpretation is not true.
If a correlation is made between a scripture and a scripture, and both are being demonstrated in the area where another scripture indicates it should take place, then that interpretation is true. No part of a truthful interpretation can rely on men (Rom.3:4; Gen.40:8), what they feel they recognize, or what they may deduce about what they physically observe in Satan's world.
Otherwise, that prophet's understanding is vulnerable to Satan's counterfeit decoys.
If an prophetic interpretation is true, there is a scripture stating it as such.
EXAMPLE:
There is no scripture which says that the "wild beast" is the "U.N." or a "New World Order". These interpretations are sourced in man's deduction, not scripture.
If a teacher, in ignorance, goes beyond what it written in the Bible, or speaks against what the scriptures say; someone who is qualified (a prophet or apostle) should notify that one of their seeming error (1Cor.4:6; Gal.6:1,2,3,4).
(1Cor.14:32; Eph.2:20; 4:11,12; 1Cor.3:9; 12:10,11; Rev.19:10)
Despite the proud assumption now under operation, those "qualified" to make this adjustment, are not "Gentile" (non-anointed) elders. How do we know this? The Greek for "qualified" (Gal.6:1) means "living by spirit". Those who "live by spirit", are those whose hearts have been circumcised by that same spirit (Phil.3:3; Rom.2:29). These who live by Holy Spirit (Rom.8:4,11,14,16,17; 1Cor.3:16) are the ones "qualified" to adjust a wayward one (1Cor.6:2; 2:15; James5:14,15; Lev.6:7). Yet these Holy Ones/chosen priests proving faithful, are not to be condemned by others (Rom.14:4; 8:33; 2Pet.2:10).
If the erring one listens to Jehovah's Word through a faithful prophet or apostle, and makes the needed correction; that teacher is still true (Eph.4:11,12,13). However, if that one clings to personal preference and error, perhaps due to pride; then that one is not "from God" (John8:47).
So you see, it is not so much a matter of how long a period we should give a prophet consideration (1Cor.4:5; Ec.3:17; 8:6); but rather ask ourselves, what sort of teachings/fruit does that prophet offer (Matt.7:18)? Are all his understandings "from God", and are they all found in His Word? The tree is known by it's fruit (Matt.7:20; Luke6:43,45; Matt.12:36-37). Is the prophet truly speaking the words of Christ? (Matt.7:24-25; John8:31; 12:48; 2John1:9). Jesus words, are the fine fruit (Rev.2:7; John6:63; Ps.119:11; 37:31), which his genuine, do speak (Luke6:45; Deut.11:18; Rev.22:4).
As to predicting the exact day and hour of the end (Matt.24:36); I do not expect that this timing will be truthfully given to any prophet. However, those proving true will come to clearly recognize, the "times and seasons" (Matt.24:32,33,34,35; 1Thess.5:1,2,3,4,5,6; Luke21:28; 12:56; 19:44; Matt.7:19; Rev.20:9-10,15)
(Rev.5:4; Dan.7:13; Rev.5:7; 20:12; John12:48; 15:15; Rev.5:7; 22:6).
