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Spiritual Gifts. Volume 1
may look for the development of the gifts, in connection with the
third angel’s message---a message which will bring back the church to
apostolic ground, and make them indeed the light---not darkness---of
the world.
Again, we are forewarned that there would be false prophets in the
last days, and the Bible gives a test by which to try their teachings,
in order that we may distinguish between the true and the false. The
grand test is the law of God, which is applied both to the prophesyings
and to the moral character of the prophets. If there were to be no
true prophesyings in the last days, how much easier to have stated the
fact, and thus cut off all chance for deception, than to give a test by
which to try them, as though there would be the genuine as well as
the false. In
Isaiah 8:19, 20
, is a prophecy of the familiar spirits of
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the present time, and the law is given as a test. To the law and to the
testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there
is no light in them. Why say, “if they speak not,” if there was to be
no true spiritual manifestation or prophesying at the same time? Jesus
says, beware of false prophets,...ye shall know them by their fruits.
Matthew 7:15
. This is a part of “The Sermon on The Mount,” and
all can see that this discourse has a general application to the church
throughout the Gospel age. False prophets are to be known by their
fruits; in other words, by their moral character. the only standard by
which to determine whether their fruits are good or bad, is the law
of god. Hence we are brought to the law and to the testimony. True
prophets will not only speak according to this word, but they must live
according to it. One who speaks and lives thus I dare not condemn.
It always has been a characteristic of false prophets that they see
visions of peace; and they will be saying peace and safety when sudden
destruction comes upon them. The true will boldly reprove sin and
warn of coming wrath.
Prophesyings which contradict the plain and positive declarations
of the word are to be rejected. An example is given in the manner of
Christ’s second coming. When Jesus ascended to heaven in the sight
of his disciples, it was declared most explicitly by the angels, that this
same Jesus should so come in like manner as they had seen him go
into heaven. Hence Jesus in predicting the false prophets of the last
days, says, if they shall say unto you, behold, he is in the desert; go
not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. All