How Shall We Know the Truth?
Tests of a true Prophet of God
Please note that this page is intended as a summary of the other articles on this website. For more detail behind the points we assert regarding Ernie Knoll, please see those other articles.
Jesus said, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. Only as we cling to Him can we know truth.
Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. An unsanctified person cannot discern truth. We must lay aside all our personal opinions, agendas and desires. We need to plead for the Lord to reveal truth to us, with earnest heart searching and deep humility.
God has given us many guidelines in His Word and in the Spirit of Prophecy to guide us in determining if a message or messenger is sent from Him.
Many serious Bible and Spirit of Prophecy students have examined the claims of Ernie Knoll, and have found that the "Herald", the content of the dreams, and/or Ernie himself, have violated many important principles God has given us. While mankind's response to God's actions has never been a good test of Heavenly authenticity, the rejection of Ernie's messages by a large number of respected Bible students should be cause for greater scrutiny.
Furthermore, we firmly believe that any individual claiming to have messages from God should first and foremost be an upstanding, model Christian themself. Several of the Scriptures quoted below relate to this point and demonstrate what the behavior of a true Christian should be, regardless of one's particular calling or role in God's work. One who claims to have inspired messages directly from God must live up to these standards, and to an even greater degree than that of "normal" church members, in proportion as the calling of a Prophet is so much higher.
- God's messages from prophets will be in perfect harmony with His Word.
Diligent study must be made to see if a message/messenger is true.
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isa 8:20
Are there discrepancies in the dreams that don't square with scripture? Yes. Diligent Bible/Spirit of Prophecy students have gone through the dreams and discovered significant discrepancies. The articles by such individuals on this website are only representative; this website is not an exhaustive compilation.
- A true prophet will insist that his messages be tested by the Word. He
will not encourage people to go by impressions and feelings.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:19-21
Do the dreams encourage one to use feelings and impressions to determine if the dreams are from God? Yes. The messages appeal to the emotions rather than to solid Biblical truths. The listeners are encouraged to believe based on Ernie's experience rather than on the Word.
- Spiritual insight and prayerful, diligent study is required that we may
understand the deep truths of the Word. A prophet must set the example
of being a deep student of the Word.
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Thess 2:15
Has Ernie been an eager, persevering student of the scriptures, and through diligent study gained a vast knowledge of the Word? No. He admits that he has a very limited knowledge of scripture. Even a year after having been "called", he acknowledges a lack of Bible knowledge. Deep Bible study should have been Ernie's number one priority if he truly was called to be a prophet. Instead, he is told that he has more knowledge than he knows: "As for me not having a broad understanding of the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, the Herald says that I have a broader understanding than I might know and that because I am not ordained of man does not mean I am not ordained of God. The angel says that the Great Teacher has many ways of teaching other than what one can read in what He has written." This is a HUGE sign that his messages are not of divine origin.
- We must test every prophetic claim, and only hold on to that which passes
ALL biblical tests. One failed test disqualifies the message and
messenger.
Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good. 1 Thess 5:19-21
Does the human messenger, the "divine" messenger, and the messages pass all the biblical tests? No. Many tests fail. See below.
- Jesus said that every Word of God is important. Every word of a
"supernatural being" must be weighed and measured
by the standard of God's Word.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4
Are the hearers encouraged to test every word? No, they are labeled as "not understanding" if they have any questions about the message. The "Herald" discourages close scrutiny.
- Jesus said every jot and tittle is important. It is not
"nit-picking" to notice little discrepancies. Close
scrutiny should be encouraged.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matt 5:18
Are little discrepancies analyzed and tested? No, they are overlooked. Anyone who raises concerns is accused of "nit-picking".
- Even a tiny bit of error makes the entire message dangerous. It should
never be excused as insignificant.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Gal 5:9
Is this fact acknowledge: that a tiny bit of error makes the whole message dangerous? No, instead, emphasis is placed on the words of truth as evidence of their divine origin. But does not satan specialize in deceiving by mixing a small bit of error with mostly truth? Most certainly he does. Therefore, the more powerful the truth is that is presented, the more subtle the deception if a tiny bit of error is mixed in. So even more intense scrutiny should be advised.
- Extreme
caution must be exercised before accepting a messenger claiming to have
divine revelations. The one receiving the messages should be very
cautious before accepting them as from God.
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Peter 2:1
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 2 Cor 11:13
These dreams were accepted as from a divine source without much deep studying and prayerful consideration at the start. The supernatural element was assumed to be from God. This is never a safe assumption. These dreams should not have received endorsement from any godly person until a thorough testing was made for a period of time. Instead, many promoted the dreams and helped to spread them far and wide, so that a wide support base was obtained before they could be deeply studied. Many of those who initially supported the dreams have now changed their minds, and are speaking against them. However, the initial support for others gave Ernie confidence that he should have not received.
- We are warned many times about false prophets. False prophets will be more
abundant than true prophets, and there will be MANY of them. Therefore,
any claim of the prophetic gift must undergo rigorous testing.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Matthew 7:15
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. Matthew 24:11
Again, this testing process was neglected. The pressure Ernie felt from the supernatural being to share the messages should have given him a clue as to their source. God would certainly provide adequate evidence of a divine source, and would not put undue pressure on someone without giving them adequate time to become spiritually grounded. The fact that Ernie was a biblical novice, and was being supernaturally pressured to share the dreams bespeaks of a devious source.
- Miracles
should not be promoted as decisive evidence that the message/messenger
is from God.
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Matthew 24:24
For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Rev. 16:14
Ernie's healing is provided as evidence. However, we are told in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy that miracles are not evidence of divine origin. The enemy can "heal" in order to gain credibility. Supernatural healings of demonic origins will increase in the last days.
- Shining
Angels may be evil angels in disguise. They must stand up under extreme
scrutiny of the Word. Their message must not deviate in any particular
from proven inspiration.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Gal 1:8
Ernie depends on his heavenly name being spoken by the angel as evidence that it is a holy angel. This is not a biblical concept, or test of the spirits, but is a strange doctrine. We will be given our new name and our crown at the same time, after the coming of Christ. Our new names are symbolic of victorious overcoming, of a character perfected by faith in Christ. Not one of us can claim this condition this side of the second coming. To be given a heavenly name would give one a sense of false confidence. No other prophet ever mentions hearing their heavenly name in a dream or vision. This is just one of the strange doctrines found in the dreams.
- As
Satan can and does quote scripture, this should not be accepted as
absolute proof of a divine source.
And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. Matthew 4:6
Scripture quoted is given as proof of divine origin. "I now know I am safe because of what the angel just quoted and that these are angels of God and not of Satan. These three angels meet the criteria of testing the spirits." If all satan has to do is quote scripture, and many accept it as from God, he will certainly snare multitudes!
- Since
Satan will personate Christ, and will speak many beautiful words of
truth and righteousness, we should not test the messenger/message based
on the many beautiful truths presented in a message if it contains one
speck of error or uncertainty.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2 Cor. 11:14
All the truth in the dreams do not justify any error. The more powerful the truth presented that is mixed with error, the more powerful the deception.
- A true prophet's predictions will come true.
The prophet which prophesieth of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be known, that the LORD hath truly sent him. Jeremiah 28:9.
And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him. Deut 18:21,22
At least 2 predictions have not come true, one regarding Doug Batchelor and one regarding Shawn Boonstra. These two men do not support Ernie's dreams. While it may be said that these individuals may yet do so, the longer time passes without such endorsement, the more evident it is that these prophecies from Ernie are false.
- A
vision from God will bring a plain message, so God's people
will know what to do.
Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Hab. 2:2
Much about the dreams is unclear. People don't know how to comply. For example, does Jesus like our worship services, or not? How will we know?
- The
messenger should have no doubts regarding the source of the dreams.
Thorough testing should be carried out before he shares them publicly.
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 1:12, 13
A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. James 1:8
Ernie stated at the beginning that he was unsure of the source of the dreams. The dreams and the assertion of Divine origin were not tested. He did not go to spiritual leaders for counsel. He did not submit the dreams to spiritual leaders to be prayed over and evaluated.
- God
never exalts or praises man. If a messenger or message exalts himself
or any other human, this is evidence that the message is not from God.
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 1 Peter 5:5,6
Humans are exalted and praised in the dreams. "Anonymous" might in fact be a woman of great faith, but it's interesting that she didn't want her name in the dream, even though Ernie wanted to put it in there. But to have a "divine" being tell you that your faith is pleasing to God would bring a tremendous temptation to feel spiritual pride.
- When "new light" is proposed, the counsel of many godly
men should be sought. It should be studied carefully.
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Acts 17:11
Again, no effort was made to counsel with the brethren. In fact, Ernie compared himself to Jesus by explaining that Jesus didn't need to go to the Pharisees for permission to teach the gospel. He explained that since his message was a "divine" message, he didn't need human approval.
- Those
who are not willing to test everything by the Word will accept error.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Tim 4:3,4
People are accepting error without testing. For many whose minds seem to be made up, no amount of reasoning or evidence will persuade them to reconsider. There seems to be a stubborn determination to close the eyes and ears to the appeals to look at all the evidence.
- A true prophet knows that his fruit must be tested, so he will make his
life an open book, being honest and not hiding his past. He will
welcome close scrutiny of his life and practices.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 1 Tim. 4:15
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: 2 Cor 6:3
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 2 Cor 8:21, 22
But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 2 Cor 4:2
Ernie's character flaws and a lack of conversion experience are not revealed, and instead, the claim of being an elder and lay pastor is presented as evidence of a dedicated Christian man. The withholding of pertinent facts regarding Ernie's character and experience reveals a lack of integrity.
- A
true prophet edifies the church, bringing unity, direction, and focus
to God's people. Anything that would tear down the work of
the church is not of God.
But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 1 Corinthians 14:3, 4· 3
Diverting tithe tears down God's Work. Knowingly accepting tithe is self-edifying.
- Any
message from God will uplift Christ as the divine Son of God, not as a
created being.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1 John 4:1-3
Jesus is called a created being. This is not biblical, nor does it agree with the Spirit of Prophecy:
The lovely Jesus laid aside his glory, and came into this dark world, and took upon himself our nature…" YI, August 1, 1852.
And that doctrine that denies the absolute Godhead of Jesus Christ, denies also the Godhead of the Father; for no man knoweth the Son but the Father. The mightiest created intelligence cannot grasp divinity. ST, June 27, 1895
- A
true prophet can be recognized by the results of his work. The fruits
will include unity, heartfelt repentance, and powerful evangelism.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20
Ernie's ministry brings division, confusion, and exclusivity, as well as denunciations upon those who oppose it.
- God's
messenger and messages are pure, uplifting, holy, free from silliness
or triviality. God's messenger will be sober and vigilant,
not jesting.
That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Titus 2:2, 6, 7
Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. Eph. 5:4
The dreams include humorous, trifling, light content.
- God's messenger will not forsake the assembling together in a church setting,
or avoid frequent fellowship with the saints. He will seek to mingle
with all of God's people, not just those who accept his
message.
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25
How can a body of believers evaluate Ernie's claims if he does not fellowship regularly at a local church? If he is not a participant in a group fellowship of unbiased Bible and Spirit of Prophecy students, how can he in turn benefit from their study and counsel? He doesn't even attend the church where he holds his membership.
- God's messenger will be recommended by others, who will confirm his
integrity, faithfulness and godly life in the past, such as past
employers, associates, co-laborers and relatives.
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. Acts 15:40
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 3 John 1:3
Ernie does not come highly recommended by his former employer, or those who have known him prior to the dreams.
- God's messenger will be a godly example in all things that God's
people can safely follow.
Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. 1 Cor 4:16
Ernie has not been a good example in lifestyle. He admits that he wasn't following the counsels of the Spirit of Prophecy, such as the Health Message, prior to his dreams.
- God
knows the danger of self-exaltation and pride if an immature believer
or Laodicean professor were to be exalted into a high spiritual
position. Thus, God does not call the novice or uncoverted to a lofty
position.
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:1
Ernie admits he was unconverted prior to his dreams.
- If
we harbor doubt of God's love, or bitterness against God in
our hearts, we open ourselves up to the evil one.
For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Acts 8:23
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Hebrews 12:15
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 1 John 5:10
Ernie tells of his doubt of God's love, his challenge of God to prove His love for him, his blaming of God for his problems.
- When
a prophet encounters divinity, he humbles himself greatly before Him
Isaiah: Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Isaiah 6:5
Ezekiel: Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the LORD stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face. Ezekiel 3:23
Daniel: Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. Daniel 10:9
Paul: And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Acts 22:7
John: And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: Rev 1:17
In the View of the "Heaven" dream, Ernie casually encounters Jesus, and talks about trivial things. He does not bow before Him in deep repentence.
- God's
prophet will be approachable, responsive, and easy to appeal to.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:17, 18
Ernie is not open to rebuke and counsel. His "divine" messenger counsels him to not pay any attention to them.