In the Old Testament, various signs or works pointed to a true or false prophet. Many of these can be applied today.
1. Does the prophet use fortune-telling?
Divination was expressly forbidden by God (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). No true teacher or prophet would use fortune-telling or have any dealings with spirits of the dead (Jeremiah 14:14; Ezekiel 12:24; Micah 3:7).
2. Have the prophet’s short-term prophecies been fulfilled?
Deuteronomy 18:22 used this as a test. Do predictions come to pass?
3. Is the prophet marked by a desire to say only what pleases people?
Many false prophets told people what they wanted to hear. A true prophet serves God, not people (Jeremiah 8:11; 14:13; 23:17; Ezekiel 13:10; Micah 3:5).
4. Does the prophet draw people away from God?
Many teachers draw people to themselves or to the system or organization they have built (Deuteronomy 13:1-3).
5. Does the prophet’s prophecy confirm the Bible’s main teaching?
If a prophecy is inconsistent with or contradictory to Scripture, it is not to be believed.
6. What is the prophet’s moral character?
False prophets were charged with lying (Jeremiah 8:10; 14:14), drunkenness (Isaiah 28:7), and immorality (Jeremiah 23:14).
7. Do other Spirit-led people discern authenticity in this prophet?
Discernment by others who are led of the Spirit is a key test (1 Kings 22:7). The New Testament speaks of this a great deal (John 10:4-15; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 14:29, 32; 1 John 4:1).