A Wrong Way to Test a Prophecy -- 'The Inner Witness Test'

Scripture is clear: we need to test prophecy.Because this teaching is inescapable, even NAR leaders would agree that prophetic words should be put to the test before being embraced wholeheartedly. But as it turns out, not all tests are created equal.One method of discerning the accuracy of prophecies that is promoted in the NAR movement is woefully inadequate as a way to separate  truth from error: that is, the method of the "inner witness." Yet, through this emotionally compelling method, NAR leaders are able to give lip service to "discernment" while clouding any real discernment.The inner witness test is promoted by a very influential NAR prophet, Bill Hamon, of Christian International Ministries in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.The Inner Witness TestHamon describes the test this way:

The inner witness of the Spirit with our spirit is one way of determining that a prophetic utterance is of the Lord. (from Prophets, Pitfalls and Principles)

Hamon says an inner witness may include physical sensations that let us know if a prophecy is true. He said physical sensations occur in the “upper stomach or lower chest area" (from Prophets and Personal Prophecy). Here is his description of the sensations that indicate a prophecy is false.

A negative spirit-witness, with a message of either “No,” “Be careful,” or “Something’s not right,” usually manifests itself with a nervous, jumpy, or uneasy feeling, a deep, almost unintelligible sensation that something is not right. (from Prophets and Personal Prophecy)

And here is his description of sensations that indicate a prophecy is true.

There is a deep, unexplainable peace and joy, a warm, loving feeling, or even a sense of our spirit jumping up and down with excitement. (from Prophets and Personal Prophecy)

But Scripture never says to test prophecies by an “inner witness.” The claim that prophecies can be tested by physical sensations that occur in the lower chest area is remarkably similar to the Mormon claim that God confirms the truth of the Mormon faith by giving people a burning sensation in their bosoms. In both examples, revelation is confirmed apart from any rational thought processes.Yet, that seems to be exactly Hamon's intention. I say this because he claims that rational thought can actually interfere with the inner witness test.

This sensation [the negative sensation that identifies false prophecies] can only be trusted when we are more in tune with our spirit than with our thoughts. If our thinking is causing these sensations, then it could be a soulish reaction rather than the spirit bearing a negative witness. (from Prophets and Personal Prophecy)

He also says:

Our reasoning is in the mind, not the spirit. So our traditions, beliefs, and strong opinions are not true witnesses to prophetic truth. In fact, these parts of us often bring doubt, confusion, resentment, rejection, and rebellion against true personal prophecy. Our head may say, “No” while our heart says, “Go.” Our soul may say, “I don’t understand,” while our spirit says, “It’s fine; don’t lean to your own understanding. (from Prophets and Personal Prophecy)

By encouraging people to turn off their thoughts and to ignore their opinions, Hamon is repudiating their God-given ability to critically evaluate prophecies. I have discussed this NAR tactic in previous posts—the tactic of discouraging people from using their minds.Hamon acknowledges that the inner witness test is subjective. “For that reason,” he says, “we should not discard a word as inaccurate or incorrect simply because we do not ‘witness’ to it” (from Prophets, Pitfalls and Principles).Of course, following the logic of Hamon’s position, the inner witness test works only for true prophecies. Thus, it is useless for identifying false prophecies.It is troubling that Hamon would even suggest such a frankly subjective test. Why should someone ever trust a “yes” answer?-- By Holly Pivec