The Apostle John gave us a test by which we can know if a prophet is true or false. The test centers on what they believe and teach about Jesus Christ. We believe He was born into the world as God’s Son, by the Holy Spirit, to the Virgin Mary, He is fully God and fully human. As God’s Prophet reveals the truth, He is the measure by which we judge all truth claims. Also, He came as God’s Redeemer, to pay the sin debt of all humanity. Having sacrificed His innocent life to pay for our sins, God the Father has declared Him Ruler over heaven and earth. Jesus Christ is now King over God’s entire creation. We receive forgiveness of our sins and membership in His kingdom when we confess our sinfulness and place our faith in Him. John wrote in his first letter chapter 4, “Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God … If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God.” As followers of Jesus Christ, we claim Him as God’s Son and our Savior. We live to please Him, share the message of God’s love, and promote justice and righteousness right here in our world.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
