Old Testament Prophets: Divine Calling and True Tests

The prophets of the Old Testament were divinely appointed messengers whose lives were marked by a sacred calling, specific spiritual functions, and a rigorous standard of truth that distinguished them from false pretenders.

Divine Calling and Character

A true prophet’s mission begins with a specific call from God, often occurring early in life or under difficult circumstancesPK 305.2+1.

• Youthful Calling: Both Isaiah and Jeremiah were called to their prophetic missions while they were still young menPK 305.2+1. Jeremiah initially felt overwhelmed by his unworthiness, stating he was but a child, yet God had ordained him from birth to be a prophet to the nations Jeremiah 1:5-6.

• Total Consecration: Prophets are required to be unreservedly consecrated to God’s service, maintaining a life of humility, dignity, and refinementGW92 155.2+1. They must discard all uncouth manners and represent Christ through a holy example18MR 370.3+1.

• Sacred Trust: The work is a high and holy calling and a sacred trust that requires the messenger to shun every influence that might divert the mind from God’s workPC 16.4+1.

Roles and Functions

The primary function of a prophet is to be a bearer of God’s message to His peopleBHOTV4 102.1.

• Warning and Reproof: Prophets are called to bear messages of warning against sin and to call the people to repentancePK 407.1+1. They point out that calamities like earthquakes and fires are often agencies God uses to arouse people to their dangerChS 52.3.

• Education and Guidance: They provide instruction, strengthen the faith of the church with visions of future glory, and ensure the people remain in harmony with the law of GodCCh 29.5+1.

• Intercession and Leadership: Prophets often pray for the people and, like Moses, lead them out of bondage Genesis 20:7+1.

Inclusion of Women Prophets

The gift of prophecy has never been restricted by gender; God has bestowed this gift upon women throughout historyBHOTV4 102.1.

• Miriam: The sister of Aaron was recognized as a prophetess and led the women of Israel in worship Exodus 15:20.

• Deborah: She served both as a prophetess and a judge in Israel, providing divine leadership during a time of need Judges 4:4.

• Universal Promise: The prophecy of Joel, confirmed by the apostle Peter, indicates that in the gospel dispensation, the Spirit is poured out upon both sons and daughters, meaning handmaidens also receive the prophetic gift Joel 2:28-29SGOM 19.2.

True vs. False Prophets

There are specific, divinely appointed tests to distinguish between a true messenger of God and a false prophetCET 246.1+1.

Test	Description	References
Harmony with Scripture	Their message must be in complete harmony with the law of God and the testimony of previous prophets.	Isaiah 8:20CCh 29.5+1
Fulfillment of Predictions	If a prophet predicts an event in the name of the Lord and it does not come to pass, they have spoken presumptuously.	Deuteronomy 18:21-22SGL 32.2+1
The Fruit of the Life	A true prophet bears good fruit; those who encourage men to look upon sin as a light thing or speak only to please the carnal heart are false.	Matthew 7:15-204BC 1158.3+1
Exaltation of Christ	A true prophet exalts Jesus Christ "first, last, and all the time," and confesses His incarnation in the flesh.	1 John 4:1-3CET 246.1+1

It is a common misconception that miracles are the primary sign of a true prophetGSAM 306.2. While some prophets worked miracles, many true prophets, like John the Baptist, Isaiah, and Daniel, have no biblical record of performing miracles John 10:41GSAM 306.2+1. Conversely, the "false prophet" and even spirits of devils are capable of working miracles to deceive the world Revelation 16:14+1GSAM 306.2+1. Therefore, the ultimate test remains the character of their fruit and their adherence to the "law and to the testimony" Isaiah 8:205T 671.4+1.