Sorry for the length but this is an issue that hits a nerve with me, because I lost a loved one as an ignorant and backslidden Christian. I too lean that this likely is not of God. I write to perhaps raise the level of discernment and discuss the notion if an angel would tell someone to get ready, especially if they do not have one foot out the door in age. My biggest concern is if the angel is demonic then it could have first given true words to set up the aunt's voice later so that it will be more believable. Installing fear is a big point we all should be alert about. The right confession is too. (Death and Life are in the power of the tongue) For anyone, don't be saying, I am only going to live ___ so much longer or until age ____? If you have in your head your going to die in such and such a way, or an early time frame that too is probably wrong.
First, anyone hearing from God regularly, should have a life that is pretty committed. All the fundamental things like praise, teaching, fellowship and prayer should be occurring. God should be the main source, Guides, or angels, etc, can be used but the Holy Spirit and word are the primary sources of God speaking. If this is missing, then it is a huge red flag. I also would look at the context. Where are these voices taking place and what attitude do you have when they come?
The second litmus test is: what is being said and for what purpose?. I know there have been "prophets" that have used all kinds of information about others, even their names and addresses, perhaps their jobs etc. I would say who cares? It is not a carnival show. Admittedly, the bible says that the secrets of a heart may be disclosed so that you can know that God is aware of everything. It is a sign to someone that otherwise can not be reached. I have seen this happen with prophetic evangelism. In theory, it is possible that God would reveal a family sin to avert an even worse disaster.
1 Corinthians 14:24-25 (NASB)
24 "But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; 25 the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you."
Jesus did this to the woman at the well. She knew the living water was true because Jesus told her about all her husbands and boyfriends. It had a point. It was prophetic evangelism and others knew too that Jesus was real. Does all that this angel say line up with the word? What is the purpose? It might be to distract and get you fooled. The devil commonly uses truth and lies to get someone hooked.
Issues concerning one's safety could come from God. However, impending death is a spirit of fear that the devil will use to get one to meditate on it; even to the point you will be like Job,
Job 3:25 "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me."
Unlike Job we have the promises of God. Unlike Hezekiah we have the spirit of God inside of us. Note too that Hezekiah asked the prophet about his sickness. God can tell you not to go somewhere, not to eat something, not to get in certain transportation. An angel did tell Joseph in a dream to leave with Jesus. Angels help deliver and rare if ever would they say death is coming, unless the person was old and seeking confirmation. They might say if you do that you might die. But a final death notice seems very odd to just come out of the blue. This verse in Psalms says strength or will is involved. not too mention it is Ps 91 that has a verse "with a long life I will satisfy you." If the angel was going to deliver a message, it would be to prevent a death.
Still, it is true that some have foreknowledge of death? But the key is what are you doing with that foreknowledge? At a minimum one could do like Hezekiah, and fast and pray. Take the negative notion to God and pray until you have peace. Sometimes too we have to listen to hear if God is saying to avoid something or someone for a reason. Many may not be radical enough to move out of evil's path.
An exception would be a martyr's death. Here one might know they will die but do it anyway. Paul was told 3, or 4 times that his life was in danger if he went to Jerusalem, yet he still went and almost died.
While most Westerners are taught accidents just happen and there is not really anything spiritual about most, if not all of them. Others may see every event as spiritual. Regardless of what you believe, we should know that Satan is in the "steal, kill and destroy" business. Certain evil plans can be thwarted by believers. For instance, Jesus prayed that Peter's faith would hold, because Satan wanted to sift him like wheat.
Other deaths might be more like what almost happened to Epaphroditus, Paul's friend.
Phil 2:27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow."
The third item in having good discernment on this would be what is her impression? Is their fruit of the spirit? or dread? Are the words she is getting only for her family? God too can confirm any word through an independent source and of course your own inward witness.
Overall, I'd be concerned about familiar spirits. "A familiar spirit is
any demonic assignment that surveys and studies people, territories, and bloodlines of families." Source:
Breaking The Power Of Familiar Spirits - Day 1 of 3
Fearful, nightmarish types of things could be from God but the way God will show you will have some grace and peace attached to it. I do not say anything here to install fear. Instead I would suggest she pray until she has the assurance from God that she is not going to die an untimely death. If she really thinks it is God still, ask him what the escape plan is. "The afflictions of the righteous are many but the Lord delivers them out of them all." God bless!
