What Does the Bible Say About False Prophets?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

When it comes to false prophets, the Bible warns us to be vigilant. These individuals, masquerading as true prophets, spread teachings that diverge from God’s Word, leading many astray. The Bible advises discernment, encouraging believers to test every spirit and examine their teachings in light of Scripture. The New Testament, especially, is teeming with guidance on recognizing and dealing with false prophets, reminding us that their presence is not only anticipated but also a testament to our need for vigilance and adherence to the truth in Jesus.

Are you curious to find out more about what the Bible really says about false prophets, how to identify them, and what to do once you do? Stay with us! There’s a lot more to uncover.

What Does the Bible Say About False Prophets?

The Bible is unequivocal about the peril of false prophets. They come in sheep’s clothing, subtly propagating doctrines that deviate from God’s truth. The deceptive nature of false prophets is emphasized across both the Old and New Testaments. It’s a recurring theme because their influence can lead many into sin, thereby separating them from the love of God.

The Bible is quite clear on God’s view of false prophets, portraying them as entities sowing discord and propagating false teachings. To cope with this, followers of Jesus are called to exhibit discernment, measuring every prophetic claim against the infallible Word of God. This discernment enables believers to recognize contradictions and discrepancies in the teachings of false prophets and to uphold the teachings of Jesus. The emphasis on discernment underscores the importance of knowing the Scripture, as it is the standard against which all teachings are validated.

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Identifying false prophets is not about being judgmental but about securing the integrity of one’s faith. It is about adhering to what is allowed according to the Scripture and discerning what isn’t, as ignoring these guidelines could lead to spiritual jeopardy. Additionally, false prophets are often driven by ulterior motives, typically rooted in greed and a desire for power, exploiting the faith of the unwary. This exploitation is contrasted sharply with the life of Jesus, who embodied humility and selflessness, living to serve rather than be served.

Bible Verses About False Prophets

  1. Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” This verse is a direct caution from Jesus, stressing the covert and deceitful nature of false prophets. It reinforces the need for watchfulness and discernment in distinguishing genuine teachings from the deceptive ones.
  1. 1 John 4:1 “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.” Here, the Bible advises believers not to accept every teaching blindly but to test and confirm their alignment with God’s Word. This testing is crucial in a world where many claim to speak for God.
  1. Deuteronomy 18:20 “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.” This Old Testament verse reflects God’s absolute intolerance for false prophets. It underscores the seriousness of misrepresenting God and leading people away from His truth.
  1. 2 Peter 2:1 “But false 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 bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.” This verse, from the New Testament, alerts believers to the inevitability of encountering false teachings and emphasizes the secretive and destructive nature of heresies introduced by false prophets.
  1. Matthew 24:24 “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Jesus warns that the deception of false prophets will be so compelling that even the very elect could be misled, highlighting the importance of unwavering vigilance and steadfastness in the faith.
  1. Jeremiah 23:16 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord.’” God, through the prophet Jeremiah, advises against heeding the words of false prophets, emphasizing that their visions are not divinely inspired but are products of their own imaginations.
  1. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.” These verses elucidate the deceptive strategies employed by false prophets, masking themselves as bearers of light and truth, mirroring the deceptive tactics of Satan.
  1. Acts 20:29 “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.” Apostle Paul, expressing his concern for the early church, anticipates the advent of false prophets post his departure, likening them to fierce wolves preying on the flock, emphasizing the predatory nature of false prophets.
  1. 1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” This verse predicts that many will forsake the true faith, yielding to deceitful spirits and demonic teachings, underlining the spiritual warfare inherent in the confrontation with false prophets.
  1. Matthew 7:21-23 “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.” Here, Jesus emphasizes that merely professing belief is not sufficient; one must align with the will of God, warning that many who claim to prophesy in His name may not enter the kingdom of heaven.
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These verses provide substantial insight into recognizing and dealing with false prophets, allowing believers to safeguard their faith against deception and adhere to the true teachings of Jesus. They act as guidelines for discernment, urging believers to be meticulous and vigilant in their spiritual journey, ensuring alignment with God’s truth, and avoiding the pitfalls of deceptive teachings.