The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church

Some of the Spiritual Tests of the Prophet of God

There are many features to distinguish the true prophet from those that make false claims to the prophetic office. These are outlined in the Divine Word, and we might notice the following. BSPC 136.5

True prophets will— BSPC 136.6

Exalt the true God. Deuteronomy 13:14. BSPC 136.7

Teach in harmony with the word of God. Isaiah 8:20. BSPC 136.8

Encourage obedience to the commandments of God. 2 Chronicles 24:19, 20; Revelation 12:17. BSPC 136.9

Confess that Christ is come in the flesh. 1 John 4:2, 3. BSPC 136.10

Be led by the Spirit of God. 1 Peter 1:10, 11; 2 Peter 1:19. BSPC 136.11

Be known by their good fruits. Matthew 7:15-20. BSPC 136.12

Speak in harmony with the Sabbath of the Lord. Isaiah 56:1-6. BSPC 136.13

F. M. Wilcox has very concisely set forth the evidences of Mrs. White’s divine call: BSPC 137.1

“1. Mrs. White’s teachings are in harmony with the great standard of all truth and doctrine, the Holy Scriptures. If she was possessed of the gift of the Spirit, in the very nature of the case this would be so. A lack of harmony between her teachings and the teachings of the Bible would indicate that her claims were false. BSPC 137.2

“2. Her writings are not set forth as an addition to the Sacred Canon. On the contrary, their object is to exalt that Word. The great principles of truth expressed in the Bible have been drawn out in finer detail and applied to the various phases of Christian life and experience. BSPC 137.3

“3. On many occasions, in striking instances and in marvelous ways, God used His messenger to save His church in severe crises from mistakes or divisions, and to safeguard His people from specious error in doctrine or in Christian experience. BSPC 137.4

“4. She showed throughout her entire experience deep spiritual vision and strength of character in the active part she bore in the development of every phase of the Second Advent Movement. Her testimony was and is a ringing call to deeper consecration, to the putting away of sin, to the enthronement of Christ in the heart, to more active Christian service in the homeland and in the great mission fields. Her life and labors proved a mighty incentive to the carrying of the gospel message to earth’s remotest bounds. BSPC 137.5

“5. Her messages make a direct appeal to the heart, and are proving in thousands of lives a transforming power, and an inspiration to Christian service. BSPC 137.6

“6. Her life and Christian experience conformed to the pure, simple, dignified principles of the gospel of Christ. She exemplified in her own life, as does every true prophet, the principles of truth she taught to others.”—Ibid. BSPC 137.7