And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the LORD has not spoken?’—when a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:21-22

A New Year is upon us, and with that comes an array of prophecies from various individuals claiming to hear the Word of the Lord and to know what lies in store for nations and for the church. When taking time to search online, prophetic words for 2024 are easy to find. There are words targeting the United States and the need for watchmen and gatekeepers rising up to partner together and to thwart the enemy’s plan in coming through the gates. (Forgive my sense of humor, but the gatekeeper word took me back to my childhood in the 80’s and the scene in Ghostbusters where Sigourney Weaver’s character asks Rick Moranis’ character if he is the Key Master. Sometimes, finding some humor in the midst of such error acts as a coping mechanism.)

There was a word containing a vision of a Christmas cookie and a political message for the United States attached to it as a vague warning. One professing prophet had multiple words for 2024, including a vision in heaven of a roundtable with Jesus and a group of apostles and prophets having had “ascensions”. Blueprints were said to be given, and legislation power was delegated. A counter demonic roundtable was also seen by this same individual, and it was said that Christians were in the room with these demons, receiving plans to infiltrate churches and the other seven mountains of influence. Other words were equally general and vague in their message, being so broad and convoluted that testing the word would make it difficult yet possible to attempt claiming as accurate.

Scripture is peppered in with these words, and the Hebrew calendar is a major focus for mystical and prophetic significance. When referencing Scripture, the prophetic words are preceded by “The Lord is saying” or “The Holy Spirit told me”, followed by speaking in the first person on behalf of God. At the same time, these individuals will state that they do not hear God perfectly and that they are merely sharing what they believe God is telling them.

This type of talk brings confusion to many, as they believe these people are hearing from God and have special access to His thoughts while claiming that their words are not authoritative. However, these words are stamped with God’s name, and they are authoritative. A reference to 2 Chronicles 20:20 is used at times to encourage the masses to listen to those who say they are prophets. By listening to them and believing their words, they are guaranteed their ways will prosper.

The belief that fallible prophecy is Biblical is actually unbiblical. The belief that we are in need of fresh revelation undermines Scripture, the more sure Word of prophecy. When searching Scripture, there is no true prophet of God that ever had an inaccurate word from the Lord. It is an interesting point to consider that those who believe in fallible prophecy hold to being under a better covenant, which is true. However, the allowance of fallible prophecy places the Old Covenant in a much better light given that the prophets of God prior to Jesus’ earthly ministry had zero trouble hearing from the Lord, speaking with authority, and speaking with accuracy.

It is also important to note the hundreds of prophecies fulfilled in Scripture that were explicit and not ambiguous. God never spoke in vague generalities. He is omniscient and His ways are perfect. He told the prophets what He wanted them to know and what to say. There were prophecies given with specific time frames, and they were fulfilled. There were prophecies concerning specific individuals, and we know that the Bible testifies of Jesus Christ through and through. Hundreds of details surrounding Jesus were proclaimed hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth, truly God and truly man. The Lord fulfilled those prophecies.

The Word of God is rich with the testimony of Jesus. It contains all the prophecy we will ever need. It sufficiently contains all that God wanted us to know about Him and about what is to come. Our hope is not found in those who claim to be prophetic voices with special anointings and premium access to heaven and the throne room of God. Our hope is in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1,2 says, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” The Word also reminds us that the standard for prophets has never changed, and the cycle of presumptuous prophets in our day has not run dry.

The way in which to test those claiming revelation from God has not waivered. His instruction is clear and coherent. God takes it seriously for someone to speak in His name, and those entertaining these individuals and their claims today should give serious pause. God thinks so much of someone falsely speaking in His name that He issues the death penalty in the Old Testament and He makes them equal to false teachers in impending judgment in the New Testament. Jesus calls false prophets ravenous wolves in sheep’s clothing, and their fruit is bad. I praise God who grants mercy and repentance to those who would dare do such a thing. Be encouraged. You need not fear these presumptuous prophets.

Listen to this episode discussing some prophetic words for 2024 and comparing them to true prophecy in Scripture: The Lovesick Scribe Podcast: The Presumptuous Prophets of 2024 on Apple Podcasts