What About False Prophets?

False prophets. What about false prophets? The book of Matthew lays out warnings for us because there are dangers in listening to false prophets. Namely: Diversion, Division, and Damnation. This blog is written to make you keenly aware that God expects us to believe and obey His Truth and that to be led astray by false teachers is serious business. You would be wise to read Matthew 7: 15-20 regarding this subject so that you will know the things I write here are warnings from Jesus Himself. In the book of Matthew, we read Jesus words, "Beware of false prophets." It's interesting to note that this warning comes in the midst of Jesus discussion regarding the narrow road (way) versus the broad road (way) to heaven. Just as many will enter in at the wide, broad way, so also there will be false prophets (ministers, pastors, teachers) who will try to deceive us out of going the narrow way. False prophets are disguised as "sheep" but the Bible warns us, they are really devouring wolves leading us astray.

Jesus also tells us that they can be identified if you are paying attention. Just as a tree is known by what fruit it bears (if apples hang from the limbs, it is an apple tree. If pears, a pear tree. If cherries, a cherry tree). Likewise spiritually, a false prophet is known by his fruit. False prophets generate bad fruit. Identifying FALSE doctrine, FALSE teaching, FALSE words, takes discernment. The only way you can spot a lie from truth is to know the Word, to know what to look for. That comes by reading and educating yourself in the scriptures. So what is a false prophet? His teaching do not line up with, is in opposition to, or has changed what God wrote in His Holy Word. You can refer to Deuteronomy 18:20 or Deuteronomy 13:3. But there's more. False prophets will also divert you from the truth to steer you away from the true narrow course Jesus spoke of, "Enter in through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it." There are two choices we can take. Narrow or broad. Narrow is ONE WAY=JESUS. Broad is many ways, religions, opinions, and ideas. Jesus said the wider, broad way leads to destruction. 1 Timothy 1:19-20 describes being diverted from the faith as a shipwreck. When is it that a ship ends up wrecking? When it has lost its course; when it has been diverted. This is what Timothy was explaining. He further states that those who went off course were delivered to Satan. I sure don't want to sail that ship!! This is what Satan wants from us, to be diverted. DIVERSION: To cause someone or something to change course or turn from one direction to another. Satan uses many types of tactics and schemes to divert us ... fear, doubt, deceit, confusion, opinions, lies, etc. Ephesians 6:11 tells us to "Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil."

This is a very serious matter! 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 warns, "For such are false prophets, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers (false prophets) also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their fruits." 1 Timothy 6:20 -21, "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith." Individuals who are diverted from the faith cause division. Paul wrote of this in Romans 16:17-18. You can read the Biblical account but I'll state it in the 21-century account: ... I'm telling you, note those teachers, pastors, preachers or Christians who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which Jesus taught and is written in His Word, and avoid them at all costs. They are wolves in sheep's clothing and don't really serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but serve themselves by their own wants and desires and with good words, fair speeches, and tickling of your ears, give you what you want to hear even if it veers from the truth and by so doing, deceive the simple of heart. The simple truth is, those who teach contrary to the doctrine recorded and written 2000 years ago bring division among the Church as well as to the unread, unskilled. Satan wants nothing more than to confuse and misdirect you. He wants contentions among us, divisions and fighting, accusations, and arguments. If we are divided how can we stand? Paul gave warning to be alert even after his death, knowing that, "after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:29-30). This is so obvious even now in 2019. How perverse is it for women to claim they have the right to kill a baby at full term if they decide at the last moment of crowning they no longer want the baby? God said he hates the shedding of innocent blood (Proverbs 6: 16-19). Isn't a newborn baby THE MOST INNOCENT among us?? Yet, there are preachers and "Christians" who stand firm on the deception that abortion is not murder! This is perverse. It shows a deliberate and obstinate desire to behave in a way that is unreasonable for a civilized nation and it's unacceptable. Despite the spiritual consequences or implications, they act in their own self-interest and have erred from the faith. Satan wants to draw people away and divide the Church and conquer it through division.

Lastly, let's talk about damnation. It's pointed out in scripture that those who teach a different gospel other than that which written and delivered by the disciples is accursed. Even our 21st century defines the word accursed as damned, doomed, condemned. Here are four places in God's Word to back that up. I cannot write them all out they are too long, but I will give you the basic understanding. Look them up to back up what I say and to know I am not using my own words.
1) Galatians 1:6-9. Speaks of people who have drifted from Jesus and the truth to go unto another "gospel." It's still the gospel of Christ if you will, but His words have been perverted and changed. Diversion and deception entered. Example: Preachers that won't preach there is a hell because it would be harmful to your self-esteem! The Book of Revelation, chapter 22 verse 18 warns anyone who would add to or subtract from the words of the prophecy of Jesus testimony, all the plagues that are written in the book will be added to that person! Scary.
2) 2 Peter 2:1-3 Speaks of false prophets among the people that will bring in damnable heresies, insomuch they will deny Jesus even saved them. These will bring swift destruction upon themselves but not only that, many will follow their pernicious ways (damaging, destructive, lethal, wicked, evil, fatal ways) and through their feigned ways (insincere, pretentious ways) make merchandise of you!! They sell you their lies, their books, and use you for their gain. These will be damned.
3) 1 Timothy 6:3-5 Speaks of those destitute of the truth, who will not consent to the words Jesus spoke but are constantly causing strife by asking questions that make you doubt the wholesome doctrine of Jesus which is according to godliness. These sow seeds of envy, strife, obstruction, theory, and speculation, debates and discussions of men whose minds have been corrupted. Timothy says from such turn away and withdraw yourself.. retreat, pull-back, leave! Why? They are dangerous and can corrupt your mind with all the tactics above. These will be sent a strong delusion by God that they will believe and be damned for not believing the truth once delivered to them, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

My thoughts: God will surely judge all counterfeiter's as scripture reveals and they will not be spared. Remember the Biblical account when the angels fell? God judged the angels. When the world became polluted in Noah's day, God judged them with a flood. When Sodom and Gomorrah became sexually perverted. God judged them with fire and brimstone. GOD WILL JUDGE FALSE PROPHETS, PASTORS, AND TEACHERS. Please don't get caught up with false, counterfeit Christianity. The world is full of counterfeits! Examine their fruits! Is beheading a human being a peaceful theology? Is worshipping a cow truly how you honor God? Is obtaining Nirvana how you become enlightened to Jesus' wisdom & knowledge? Is marrying someone of your same gender Biblical teaching? Is seeking riches and blessings of temporal things that will pass away your priority, or is learning about and serving the Lord and enriching your soul what's really important? There are two ways before you. Each revealing their fruit. From which will you eat and live?
Until next time,
-Pat-