Verifying Prophecy

Q

I believe in all the prophesies in the Bible. But what about those extra-biblical predictions like St. Malachy and such? I know in Joel 2:28, God said that there will be people who prophesy. So how do we (Christians) discern which revelation is from God and which isn’t? If I received a vision, how can I be sure that it is from God?

A

Deut. 18:21-22 answers your question. You may say to yourselves, “How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD ?” If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.

Prophecies from the Lord always come true. Modern day prophecies also have to conform to God’s already revealed word, because He can’t change His mind or contradict Himself.

The prophecies of St. Malachy concerning Papal succession are interesting and have historical support for their accuracy. For this reason they bear watching.