What Does The Bible Say About False Prophets?
False prophecy, or prophecies that are not inspired by God, are a major religious issue that has been addressed since the early days of Christianity. False prophecy is defined as a prediction that doesn’t come true or doesn’t come true in the way that it was predicted. False prophecy plays an important role in the Bible, which is the source of the Christian faith. The Bible contains numerous warnings about false prophets and their ability to lead people astray.
The Bible repeatedly explains the consequences of following false prophets and warns about their ability to deceive people. Deuteronomy 13:1-4 says: “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” This passage makes it clear that followers of God must not be led astray by false prophets.
God also warns against false prophets in Jeremiah 23:16, which reads: “Do not listen to the words of prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes; they speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.” Here, Jeremiah is warning his listeners against relying on the words of false prophets, which are not trustworthy and could lead them to foolishly hope for something that will not come to pass.
God expresses his anger and condemnation of false prophets in Ezekiel 13:2-3: “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!’” This passage illustrates that God is displeased with false prophets and will harshly punish them for their deception.
The Bible also contains advice to distinguish false prophets from the true prophets of God. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 says: “If you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’- when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”
The Bible also offers advice on how to distinguish false prophets from true prophets. In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus warns his disciples, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits you shall know them.” This passage emphasizes that followers of God should be able to distinguish false prophets from true prophets based on the “fruit” of their actions, i.e., what comes out of it.
False Prophets in the New Testament
False prophets are also mentioned in the New Testament. In 2 Peter 2:1, Peter warns his readers that, “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.” This passage reminds us of the danger of false prophets, and that they should be shunned.
In Matthew 24:11, Jesus says, “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” This passage shows that false prophets can have a great influence on the lives of believers, and should be avoided, as they are “deceivers”.
The Characteristics of False Prophets
False prophets can typically be identified by certain characteristics. False prophets typically focus on themselves rather than on God. They emphasize material gain and often make predictions about the future that never come true. False prophets are also often unable to provide tangible results of their ministry, as God does not honor their work.
False prophets also often contradict themselves and speak out of both sides of their mouths when making predictions and promises. They also typically fail to provide evidence of their claims and predictions. False prophets also often use gimmicks to draw attention to themselves, such as ostentatious clothing or loud behavior.
The Punishment of False Prophets
The Bible is clear that false prophets will be held accountable for their words and actions. Deuteronomy 18:20 says, “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.” This passage shows that God takes false prophecy seriously and will punish false prophets with death.
In Revelation 22:18-19, John writes, “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” This passage emphasizes that believers must follow the words of the Bible and not be led astray by false prophets.
The Effects of False Prophets
False prophets can have a number of negative effects on believers. First, following false prophets can lead to spiritual and psychological damage, as well as physical damage, if the false prophet’s prediction does not come true. This is especially true for those who give false prophets money.
Second, false prophets can cause confusion and lead people to doubt the truth of the Bible. This can lead to people abandoning their faith in God and following a false religion or worldview.
Finally, false prophets often lead people away from God and into sin. The goal of false prophets is to lead people away from God and into the arms of the enemy.
The Message for Believers
The Bible makes it clear that false prophets are dangerous and should be avoided. Therefore, believers should be on guard against false prophets and not be misled by their words. Further, they should be wary of claims that don’t come from God and not give in to temptation. If a claim goes against the word of God, it is likely false and should be avoided.
Avoiding False Prophets
Believers should be discerning when it comes to prophets and their prophecies. It is important to remember that the Bible is the only source of true and trustworthy prophecy. Therefore, all claims should be examined in light of the Bible and only accepted if they line up with its teachings.
In addition, believers should be wary of anyone who focuses on material gain or makes predictions about the future that never come true. If a prophet is not able to provide tangible results of their ministry, they should also be avoided.
Finally, followers of God should be willing to risk their comfort and security in order to follow God’s commands. The Bible calls believers to stand firm in the face of persecution and false prophets and refuse to be swayed by their words.
Exposing False Prophets
The Bible also teaches believers to expose false prophets and their teachings. By examining the message and examining it in light of scripture, warnings can be signaled out to those who are in danger of following false prophets and their teachings. Scriptures such as 1 Timothy 5:20, which states “Rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,” and Galatians 1:8-9, which warn, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed,” instruct believers to take action against false prophets.
False Prophets and the Church
False prophets can also be a threat to the church and believers within it. False prophets can try to lead followers astray and away from true faith in God. They can also use their influence to draw people away from authentic Christian practices such as worship, fellowship, and service. Finally, they can use their influence to lead believers down paths of sin and away from God.
The Bible is clear that the church must take action against false prophets and their teachings. The church must be vigilant in discerning which prophets are of God and which are false. The church must also be willing to confront and rebuke false prophets, in order to protect the flock and guard against deception.
Being a Witness of Truth
Finally, believers should be a shining witness of truth and sound doctrine. Believers should strive to be knowledgeable of the Bible and grounded in faith, so as to be able to recognize false prophets and stand firm against their words. Believers should also be willing to share the truth of God’s word with others, in order to combat the lies and deception of false prophets.
It is clear that the Bible is clear on the issue of false prophets and it is important that believers be discerning and vigilant. False prophets are a threat to believers and must be avoided at all costs. The Bible warns against being led astray by false prophets and reminds believers to hold fast to the truth.
