Beware of false prophets – Part 2

The true motive or intention of false prophets is hardly discerned. They come in “sheep’s clothing”, but in reality, they are “ravening wolves”. They are very deceptive, and those who are running after signs and wonders easily fall into their deceptive plots. False prophets take advantage of people’s need for healing, deliverance, jobs, children and money; and give undue emphasis to such needs in their preaching. “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; in so much that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect” (Matthew 24:24).

John, the apostle of love, warned believers concerning false prophets: “For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ comes in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist” (2 John verse 7). Without equivocation, he warns “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed” (verse 10).

Part of the deception of false prophets is to twist the word of God to confuse the children of God. By their lies and deception, they encourage the unrighteous; those not living right and discourage the righteous. Believers who are living peaceful, joyful and happy lives are made sad by their negative prophecies. “Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked that he should not return from his wicked way by promising him life” (Ezekiel 13:22). The dreams, visions and prophecies of false prophets are mere divinations of their own minds.

There is damnation for the false prophets and those who follow them. “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire” (Matthew 7:19). On the last day, many who lay claim to having used the name of the Lord to prophesy, cast out devils and perform many wonderful works would be utterly disappointed. The ringing condemnation will be: “… I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity.”

Those who forsake the truth they once believed and now defend error and lie may eventually be given up by God. They will be allowed to be under “strong delusion, that they should believe a lie” and will be given “Over to a reprobate mind to do those things which are not convenient”. Balaam, a prophet in the Old Testament knew the Lord before, but covetousness came into his heart. He spurned the warning of God and eventually died a deceiver and a false prophet. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

Further Reading (King James Version): Ezekiel 33:1-7; Matthew 7:13-15. Matthew 7:15-17; 2 Peter 2:1; Acts 20:29-31; Jeremiah 2:8; 50:6; Isaiah 9:16; Romans 16:17,18. Matthew 7:15; 24:24; 2 John 7-11; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 2 Corinthians 2:17; Ezekiel 13:22; Jeremiah 14:14; 23:16. Matthew 7:19,22,23; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; Romans 1:24,28; Numbers 22:12,13,15-21.32,34,35; Numbers 23:10; 31:8,16.