The prophet's handbook

disobedience, unbelief, and delusion all enter to see that the person is enslaved to the chosen sin that supports the decision. (See Isaiah 66:1–4.) It is at this point false prophecy arises to strengthen the seduction and block all hints of repentance. But how does one know? So you will not be deceived, look first at the list of synonyms for the word world, because all false prophecy promotes and glorifies the world, something James 4 and 1 John 2:15–17 condemn vehemently. What a believer actually turns to or defects to is always rooted in the world. Reviewing the following list helps you make good decisions when you encounter false prophecy. Look for any of these terms in slick advertising campaigns or other promotions designed to tempt you. When you see them in print or hear them preached, you will know where they lead to and whose program they really propagate. Traits of False Prophecy Forty Ways to Discern False Prophecy The following statements reflect the hidden agenda of all false prophecies. What they share is a veneer of good deeds and positive motives that make one wonder what could possibly be false about them. Here is where the astute (and resolute) prophet must hold his or her ground. Despite the positive nature of the objectives, it is their motives and mission outcomes that must be suspect. How God-inspired are these cosmo-humanitarian aims? Are they steeped in carnality? Do they seek to replace the Creator’s plan and truth? Is there an underlying intent to divert the souls recovered to and from the Lord? Is there a fundamental seething against Him spearheading these good intents? Here is the greatest test: Does it exhibit the antichrist spirit? Does it aim to assault, discredit, scorn, or otherwise overthrow Jesus Christ, His kingdom, or deity? If so, then regardless of its humanitarian stance, it is not meant to serve the true and living God. Read the list of traits below and measure them against the questions just posed. False prophecy has one or more of these goals in mind. It aims to motivate or achieve any one or all of the following without the wisdom or involvement of the Creator:

1. 2. 3.

Clamors for peace on earth

Calls for the elimination of world hunger

Proclaims religious unity of man independent of God the Creator or the new birth (ecumenism)