What Does the Bible Say About False Prophets?

What Does The Bible Say About False Prophets?

Prophets in the Bible were people who heard the voice of the Lord and were responsible for relaying His words to others. False prophets are either prophets of a false god (an idol) or those who claim to speak for the true God but do so falsely.

We see examples of examples of false prophets throughout the Bible. True prophets of God spoke against those who gave messages to the people that they claimed were from God, but were really of their own making (Jeremiah 14:14; 23:21-33; Zechariah 10:2). These false prophets told the people smooth words and vain hope, reassuring them that everything was fine when God was pronouncing judgment on Israel because they were living in sin: "They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, 'Peace, peace,' when there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11; Jeremiah 23:16). Because of the false prophets the Israelites wandered like sheep and were afflicted without the leading of the Lord (Zachariah 10:2).

While today we do not have prophets in the same function, there are many people who claim to speak on God's behalf yet do so falsely! There are even false prophets who come into the church, bringing destructive heresies and leading people astray from the truth with their enticing doctrine. Peter warned, "But falsew prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who brought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction" (2 Peter 2:1). False prophets do not teach the truth of the Bible. Sometimes they teach that which is blatantly  contrary to the Word of God. Other times they twist the truth or add to it their own opinion, doctrine, and lifestyle. While some false prophets are themselves deceived and unaware that they are peddling lies, many others are driven by greed and pride (2 Peter 2:3). Their goal is not to make disciples of Jesus but disciples of their own teaching.

Jesus warned about false prophets, saying, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name?" And then will I declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness" (Matthew 7:15-21).

Thankfully, the gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church, and false prophets are no different. God condemns false prophets with some of the most intense description of judgment in the Bible. God promises that their destruction will be swift, and "for them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved" (2 Peter 2:12).

John gives us a good test for false prophets: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God; every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God" (1 John 4:1-2). Anyone who is truly speaking the words of the Lord will proclaim Christ's death and resurrection first. What they prophecy will come to pass, their teachings will be in accordance with Scripture, and their ministry will result in changed lives and the spreading of righteous living.

~Compelling Truth~