The fifth test is fairly simple: If a prophecy contains predictions concerning the future which are not fulfilled, the prophecy did not come from God. Deuteronomy 18:20–22 talks about the possibility of a person making a prediction which does not come to pass. The Word of God says very simply and practically that this prediction was not spoken by the Lord. If the Lord had spoken it, it would have come to pass.

There is a situation referred to in Romans 12:6 where people begin correctly, but then they go too far.

Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion [or measure] of faith. …

Here is a situation that happens on occasion. People start prophesying in the Spirit, but then they get excited, puffed up, enthusiastic, and they go beyond that which the Holy Spirit actually gave them. I have seen many instances where this has happened. The persons were not out to deceive, nor were they false prophets. They just moved beyond the realm of the Spirit and reverted back to the flesh.

6. Does it encourage obedience to God?

Now we come to the sixth test, which is very important. Remember that the fifth test was that if the prediction doesn’t come to pass, then the person prophesying is a false prophet. However, it is possible to wrongly conclude that if the prediction does come to pass, the person giving the message must automatically be considered a true prophet. But that isn’t necessarily the case.

In fact, we are warned against jumping to this conclusion in Deuteronomy 13:1–5. Basically, even if a prophecy contains correct predictions or supernatural revelations, if it promotes disobedience against God, the word is not from God.

7. Does it bring a sense of freedom, peace, and confidence?

We find the seventh test in 2 Corinthians 3:17:

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

The Holy Spirit never produces bondage or brings us into bondage. Scripture attests that there are three conditions which are not the products of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:15: “You did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear.”
1 Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace …”
2 Timothy 1:7: “God has not given us a spirit of fear …”

Bondage, confusion and fear are not the products of the Holy Spirit.

8. Does it bring fresh life?

The eighth test is taken from 2 Corinthians 3:6: “… but the Spirit gives life.” True prophecy given by the Holy Spirit will always inject fresh life into a person or a meeting‐and it will harmonize with God’s overall purposes.

9. Does your spirit bear witness?

The last test is subjective, but legitimate. You must remember

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