The False Prophet
According to the Bible a false prophet is one who pretends to speak for God but in reality speaks for himself and is moved by his own selfish intentions and evil heart (Jeremiah 14:13–15; 23; Ezekiel 13:2, 3, 10, 11).
A false prophet is he who professes that it is possible for men to enter the kingdom of God by the broad gate and easy way. Such teachers are “thieves” with the goal to steal, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:7–10). The apostles Peter, Paul, and John warned the believers of falling for the unbiblical teachings of these false prophets (Acts 20:28–31; 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 7; 2 Peter 2; 1 John 2:18, 19).
False prophets appear in sheep’s clothing to deceive the sheep into a false sense of security. But in reality, they are “wolves” that are opposed to truth. It is their purpose to bring harm to the sheep in order to bring benefit to themselves. Moved by greed for gain and for power, they speak lies (John 8:44).
Jesus taught that the “sheep” can certainly detect the “wolves” by the way they act. And He gave the test of character saying, “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?” (Matthew 7:16). A “prophet’s” life and words must match that of his Master Jesus Christ and be in harmony with His Word.
Jesus promised that the “sheep” who know their Shepherd’s voice (John 10:4) will not be deceived by the good words and even miracles of the “wolves.” As believers live a life of surrender day by day to God’s will, in obedience to His Word, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, they will be safe from all deception (Hosea 4:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
