What does the Bible say about false prophets?
Scripture repeatedly warns about the danger of false prophets, both in the Old and New Testaments. These individuals claim to speak for God but ultimately mislead people, promoting deception and falsehood. Jesus Himself cautioned against them, saying, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). The issue of false prophecy is not just about individuals spreading error—it is a spiritual battle for allegiance. The Bible presents this deception as an ongoing challenge for God’s people, requiring discernment and faithfulness to the truth.
In the Old Testament, false prophets led Israel into idolatry and self-deception. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 warns against prophets who, even if performing signs and wonders, lead people away from the worship of the one true God. During King Ahab’s reign, court prophets assured the king of victory, while the true prophet Micaiah, who spoke God’s actual words, was disregarded and imprisoned (1 Kings 22). False prophets often aligned with worldly power, offering messages that were convenient rather than truthful. Jeremiah 6:14 rebukes them for proclaiming “Peace, peace,” when destruction was imminent. These examples illustrate that false prophecy is not always obvious; it can be subtle, appealing to human desires while undermining true devotion to God.
The New Testament continues these warnings, showing that deception persists even after Christ’s coming. Jesus predicted that in the last days, “many false prophets will arise and lead many astray” (Matthew 24:11). He warned that they would perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect (Matthew 24:24). The apostle John echoed this concern, writing, “Many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). These passages emphasize the need for ongoing discernment, as false teachings can masquerade as truth. The ultimate test of a prophet’s message is whether it aligns with the gospel of Jesus Christ and His kingship.
False prophets share common characteristics that help in identifying them. They often claim supernatural abilities, such as predicting the future or performing miracles, but their message may contradict God’s revealed truth (Deuteronomy 18:20-22). They frequently promote immorality, as seen in the warnings against the Nicolaitans and Jezebel in Revelation 2-3, who led the once faithful into idolatry and sinful practices. False teachers also deny key doctrines, particularly concerning Jesus’ divine identity and His authority as King (2 Peter 2:1). Their ultimate goal is to lead people away from God’s kingdom, shifting their allegiance toward worldly or spiritual deception.
The Bible calls believers to vigilance in discerning truth from falsehood. Paul exhorts, “Do not go beyond what is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6), emphasizing Scripture as the final authority in testing prophetic claims. The church plays a crucial role in this process, providing accountability and guarding against deception through sound teaching (Ephesians 4:11-14). Recognizing that spiritual warfare is real, the Christian must rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom while remaining firmly rooted in God’s Word. False prophets will continue to arise, but by standing firm in the truth and pledging allegiance to King Jesus, the faithful can avoid deception and walk in the light of His kingdom.
