If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,
When a prophet or dreamer arises among the people, the verse sets God's commandments before him as the test of his character. That test is not outward impression but inward loyalty, measuring the claimant by obedience to what God has commanded. It distinguishes what is truth from what is error, exposing whether the foundation will stand sure in storm and for eternal life. It also shows whether souls are being led away from the truth under the claim of prophetic guidance.
Sanctification comes through the truth and not through emotion or feeling, so the Scriptures must be searched in order to know the truth by which the prophet is proved. Christ kept His Father's commandments and stands as the perfect pattern of that obedience. The true prophet must therefore do the commandments from the heart, studying to carry out in life the principles of the Sabbath commandment that God has placed in the bosom of His law.
When a prophet or dreamer arises among the people, the verse sets God's commandments before him as the test of his character. That test is not outward impression but inward loyalty, measuring the claimant by obedience to what God has commanded. It distinguishes what is truth from what is error, exposing whether the foundation will stand sure in storm and for eternal life. It also shows whether souls are being led away from the truth under the claim of prophetic guidance.
Sanctification comes through the truth and not through emotion or feeling, so the Scriptures must be searched in order to know the truth by which the prophet is proved. Christ kept His Father's commandments and stands as the perfect pattern of that obedience. The true prophet must therefore do the commandments from the heart, studying to carry out in life the principles of the Sabbath commandment that God has placed in the bosom of His law.