The Test Of A True Prophets

In a powerful reminder to the Christian community, Prophet Okwudili Eze, Bishop of Zion Heritage Ministries, Abuja, has called for a return to the true standards of prophetic ministry, emphasizing that the test of a genuine prophet goes beyond spiritual gifts and manifestations. He made these remarks while unveiling insights from his book, The Mandated Prophet.

Speaking extensively, Prophet Eze declared, “The tests of a true prophet are those godly virtues that a called prophet of God must possess richly in order to impart his generation. Gifts can attract a crowd, but it is character that sustains ministry and builds the body of Christ.”

Referencing Galatians 5:22, he stressed the primacy of spiritual fruit over spectacular displays of power: “A true prophet must manifest genuine fruits of the spirit — love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith — beyond the manifestation of spiritual gifts.”

Prophet Eze warned the faithful not to be swayed by signs and wonders alone. “Many are carried away by manifestations without seeking for the fruit of godly living and integrity. Please don’t tell us what you preach, show us your everyday life, driven by God’s scriptural injunctions,” he said. “A prophet who performs miracles but lives in moral compromise is dangerous to the flock.”

Quoting Matthew 7:20, he added: “By their fruits, ye shall know them. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. Character and integrity must be the lifestyle of a genuine prophet. Your ministry must be consistent with your lifestyle and character.”

Drawing parallels with biblical figures, Prophet Eze commended Prophet Samuel, saying, “Like Samuel of old, a true prophet should be able to stand before the people and say, ‘If anyone has something against my ministry, speak now.’ And no one would speak. That’s a level of integrity worth emulating.”

He also noted that a genuine prophet must be deeply rooted in the Word of God. “The mouth of a true prophet must echo the voice of God. According to Deuteronomy 18:18 and Jeremiah 23:28, a prophet must be faithful in speaking only what God commands, not personal opinions or fables,” he said.

Prophet Eze emphasized that the prophetic office must always lead souls to Christ. “If your prophetic ministry is not pointing men to Jesus, then it’s misaligned. The Samaritan woman in John 4 encountered the prophetic and ran back to town, saying, ‘Come, see a man… is not this the Christ?’ That is the true essence of prophecy — pointing people to the Saviour,” he stated.

Beyond spiritual direction, Prophet Eze believes the prophetic should uplift and bless lives practically. “How God anointed Jesus… who went about doing good… That should be the standard. A prophet must do good and heal the broken,” he noted, citing Acts 10:38.

On discipline and spiritual accountability, the Abuja-based Bishop urged prophets to be covenant practitioners. “You can’t enjoy divine backing if you ignore divine instructions. A prophet must obey God, give, tithe, and live the word he preaches. A bread seller isn’t nourished by merely selling bread, but by eating it. Likewise, a prophet must practice what he proclaims,” he said.

Referencing Job 36:11, Prophet Eze concluded: “If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasure. Obedience to divine principles is the foundation of lasting prophetic influence.”

The Mandated Prophet, authored by Bishop Okwudili Eze, is available in leading Christian bookstores nationwide and continues to serve as a spiritual compass for aspiring and established ministers.