Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #6 — Character

Picture: Counsel #6 — Character CCW 169.1

Disobedient prophets have certainly existed—two examples include 1. Balaam, and 2. an unfortunate prophet who a lion ate in 1 Kings 13. But in these cases, the prophet's disobedience resulted in ultimate rejection by God or a punishment. God did not continue to speak through Balaam. Other prophets who disobeyed God were restored to His favor but were punished more harshly for their behavior than non-prophets. God severely and publicly punished David for his sin with Bathsheba. He also denied Moses entry into Canaan for his sin of anger and disobedience. It is safe to say that if God continues to speak through a prophet, that prophet will demonstrate a righteous character and a spirit of repentance for their sins.^[251] CCW 169.2

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22, 23 NKJV CCW 169.3

“God's will is expressed in his holy law. This is the only correct standard of righteousness, and if a man's character stands in harmony with the Lord's standard, his testimony may be received and relied upon; but if he stands in opposition to the requirements of God, he measures himself and others by his own finite, fallible standard, and may claim as much as does the pope of Rome.” Ellen White in Review and Herald, July 24, 1888, par. 11 CCW 169.4

Reflect: According to our Bible verse, what qualities should be evident in a prophet's character? CCW 169.5