Errors in prophesies allowed?
Errors in prophesies allowed?
One of the marks of identifying a false prophet is the “inaccurate predictions or false prophecies" which the Bible clearly deems to be a grave offense.
Here are some quotes from leading charismatic teachers:
Wayne Grudem (a prominent evangelical theologian and professor emeritus of theology and biblical studies at Phoenix Seminary) ~ in his doctoral thesis at Cambridge University wrote in defense of the idea that God regularly gives Christians prophetic messages by bringing spontaneous thoughts to mind. He stated that strong impressions should be reported as prophecy, even though he admits that such prophetic words “can frequently contain errors.” Grudem further goes on to say that “there is almost uniform testimony from all sections of the charismatic movement that prophecy is imperfect and impure, and will contain elements which are not to be obeyed or trusted.”
Bill Hamon (a prominent figure in the Christian prophetic movement) stated ~ “we must not be quick to call someone a false prophet - simply because he said something inaccurate. Missing it a few times in prophecy does not make a false prophet. No moral prophet is infallible; all are liable to make mistakes.”
In another statement Bill Hamon describes a sneaky way out for prophecies; “all personal prophecies are conditional, whether or not any conditions are made explicit.” That is, prophecies “can be canceled, altered, reversed or diminished. For prophecy of this kind to come to pass requires the proper participation and cooperation of the one who receives the prophetic word.”
Jack Deere (an American charismatic pastor and theologian) stated that even if a prophet were to “miss is so badly” that his prophesy “had immediate destructive effects” in people’s lives, it would still not make him a false prophet.
But how would we know that a certain prophecy is indeed a true revelation or is something that is concocted in our own imagination?
Wayne Grudem in effort to answer this said the following; “Did the revelation ‘seem like’ something from the Holy Spirit; did it seem to be similar to other experiences of the Holy Spirit which [the person] had known previously in worship. . . . Beyond this it is difficult to specify much further, except to say that over time a congregation would probably become more adept at making evaluations of prophecies, . . . and become more adept at recognizing a genuine revelation from the Holy Spirit and distinguishing it from their own thoughts.”
This is not what the scriptures teach. People should not be judged based on how many details they get right (even demons sometimes make accurate predictions - Acts 16:16), but by the fact that even one false prophecy was enough to classify someone as a false prophet.
According to Deuteronomy 18:20-22, if a prophet claimed to speak in God’s name and their prophecy did not come to pass, they were considered false and deserving of death by stoning. This underscores the seriousness with which God regards the integrity of His word and the danger of speaking presumptuously in His name.
Those who claim to deliver direct revelation from God must do so without error in order to avoid being exposed as liars. In other words, modern prophecy is no more reliable than a magic eight ball or a lottery.
In conclusion, the concept of allowing errors in prophecy is entirely inconsistent with biblical teaching. Scripture is clear that a true prophet of God speaks with complete accuracy because they are delivering God’s words, not their own.
The standard set forth in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 leaves no room for "mistakes" in prophecy. To permit or justify errors undermines the integrity of God’s Word and opens the door to deception, falsehood, and spiritual harm.
As believers, we are called to test all things against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21) and reject teachings that deviate from its truth. Genuine prophecy, according to the Bible, aligns perfectly with God's revealed Word and glorifies Him alone.
Any teaching that seeks to normalize or excuse inaccuracies in prophecy should be approached with extreme caution and discernment, as it ultimately leads to confusion, division, and a distortion of God's character.
The high standard of truth and holiness required in prophecy serves to protect the church and uphold the honor of God’s name.
But what about Romans 12:6
Romans 12:6 (NKJV)
Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith;
Charismatics often use this verse to argue that the accuracy of prophecy is dependent on the measure of a person’s faith.
However this is not even close to Paul’s intended meaning in this verse.
The root word translated “our” in the NJKV is actually a definite article in Greek (indicating something that has already been mentioned in the past). The word is more accurately translated as “the”, hence Paul is instructing His readers that those with the gift of prophesy must prophesy in accordance with “the faith” ~ the body of previously revealed biblical truth.
Jude 3 (NKJV)
Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Additionally, the word prophecy (Romans 12:6) in context does not refer to future predictions or new revelations, rather simply refers to “speaking forth truth”.
Those born with the gift of teaching should preach and proclaim the word of God authoritatively to the world. So an accurate paraphrase of Romans 12:6 would be as follows; “If your gift is proclaiming God’s word, do it according to the faith.”
The New Testament prophetic gift is primarily centered on declaring God’s truth rather than delivering new revelation. Similarly, teachers today are called to speak for the edification, exhortation, and comfort of others (1 Corinthians 14:3).
This is not achieved through presenting new revelations but by proclaiming and applying the truths already revealed in Scripture. The emphasis shifts from "foretelling" future events to "forth-telling"—boldly and faithfully declaring the Word of God.