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False Christs, False Prophets, & False Teachers
One of the important topics that every Bible student needs to grapple with, at some point, is the problem of false messiahs, false prophets, and false teaching. Accordingly, there are three items that I want to note at the beginning of this paper. First of all, the early church was blessed with the ministry of Jesus’ Apostles, who taught the same doctrine in every church (1Corinthians 4:17; 7:17; Ephesians 4:4-6). Second, what the world sees as “Christianity” 20 centuries later is a very fragmented and doctrinally confused conglomeration of denominations and cults. Third, Jesus and His Apostles identified a major cause of what would cause this fragmented and confused situation that we face - they warned repeatedly that many false christs, false prophets, and false teachers would be coming throughout the Church Age. It is my belief that the current situation concerning the lack of Christian unity and doctrinal consensus is, largely, the result of these predictions being fulfilled and the church has been successfully assaulted by the predicted false messengers. Thus, it would be wise for us to seek a better understanding of how to identify these predicted false messengers and where they have corrupted the teaching that originated with Jesus and His Apostles.
First of all, some definition of terms is needed. Prophets are spokesmen and mouthpieces for someone else, thus prophets speak the words that someone else puts into their mouths. Teachers are those who explain things to others. A Christ/Messiah is one who is anointed to rescue or redeem others. Accordingly, a “false prophet” is one who claims to speak for God, but has not really been authorized or commissioned by God to say the things they are saying in His Name. A “false teacher” claims to be explaining God’s Word to people, but what they teach, at least in part, is not true. Finally, a “false Christ” is one who claims to be anointed by God as a savior figure, but is really operating on their own without God’s blessing and approval. The obvious concern that arises from these definitions is “how can God’s people distinguish true and false servants of God?” We shall address this issue at the end of this paper. First, we need to get a handle on the type of problem we are dealing with. Old Testament Roots of Falsehood The Old Testament Scriptures are supposed to be a valuable source of information for New Covenant people (Romans 15:4; 1Corinthians 10:11) and so they are on this topic. Let’s gain some foundational insights on the problem from the Law and Prophets. Satan At the beginning of the problem with spiritual falsehood stands the original rebel - the Serpent, the Devil, and Satan (Revelation 12:9). It was he that initiated leading questions about God’s goodness and instructions, responded to human misunderstanding about God’s instructions with outright contradiction of God’s Word, and offered false promises to those contemplating charting their own course (Genesis 3:1-6). It is he that brings false accusations against the righteous (Job 1-2; Zechariah 3:1-2; Revelation 12:10). The ultimate blame for false religious leaders and false doctrine goes to our spiritual adversary (the Devil), for Jesus said that Satan was a liar and murderer from the beginning (John 8:44). Thus, it is often the Devil that is speaking to and through people to contradict the message and purpose of God (Matthew 16:21-23; John 13:2,27; Acts 5:3; 2Thessalonians 2:1-12). His influence brings about a form of “wisdom” that breeds turmoil and division (James 3:14-16). Satan disguises himself as an “angel of light” and leads a host of human followers that are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ and servants of righteousness (2Corinthians 11:13-15). False Prophets God warned Israel that false prophets might arise within their midst and offered two tests by which they might be identified (more on that later). As we survey Old Testament history and the writings of the prophets, we get a fuller picture of what false prophets were like and what we can be on the lookout for. Israel’s king Ahab had 400 false prophets at court that always told him what he wanted to hear (1Kings 22:6) and Jesus, possibly commenting on this, said that false prophets were usually pretty popular in the religious community, Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way. (Luke 6:26) Probably the greatest amount of information on how false prophets operated during the Old Testament era comes from the writings of Jeremiah and Ezekiel - two of God’s prophets that had to deal with this problem around the time of Judah’s fall to the Babylonian empire.
Jeremiah and Ezekiel tell us that false prophets speak visions that come not from God but from their own imaginations, Thus says the Lord of hosts, "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are leading you into futility; They speak a vision of their own imagination, Not from the mouth of the Lord. . . . How long? Is there anything in the hearts of the prophets who prophesy falsehood, even these prophets of the deception of their own heart, (Jeremiah 23:16,26) Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy from their own inspiration, 'Listen to the word of the Lord! Thus says the Lord God, "Woe to the foolish prophets who are following their own spirit and have seen nothing. (Ezekiel 13:2-3) They tend to promise blessings and peace rather than judgment to rebellious and self-willed people, They keep saying to those who despise Me, 'The Lord has said, "You will have peace"'; And as for everyone who walks in the stubbornness of his own heart, They say, 'Calamity will not come upon you.' (Jeremiah 23:17) They tend to ignore God’s Word, But who has stood in the council of the Lord, That he should see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and listened? (Jeremiah 23:18) They focus on their own dreams and boastings, I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy falsely in My name, saying, 'I had a dream, I had a dream! . . . who intend to make My people forget My name by their dreams which they relate to one another, just as their fathers forgot My name because of Baal? . . . Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams," declares the Lord, "and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit," declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 23:25,27,32) Their claimed “message from God” is nothing more than faddish words and phrases they have stolen from each other, “Therefore behold, I am against the prophets," declares the Lord, "who steal My words from each other.” (Jeremiah 23:30) They claimed that God was speaking to them when He was not and claimed that God had sent them, when, in fact, He had not, "I did not send these prophets, But they ran. I did not speak to them, But they prophesied. (Jeremiah 23:21) There is much in the description of false prophets by Jeremiah that parallels things throughout church history and even up to the present time. Even though this material was written to those living under the Mosaic covenant, there is still much there that we can and should learn from (1Corinthians 10:11 & Romans 15:4). Warnings for the Church Age From Jesus On several occasions, Jesus Himself warned of the danger of false prophets, false followers, and false teaching from within the religious community. "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15)"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.' (Matthew 7:21-23) And Jesus said to them, "Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." "How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:6,11-12) "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. "Behold, I have told you in advance. (Matthew 24:24-25)
From the Apostle Paul A prominent and recurring theme in the writings of the Apostle Paul was giving warning about this matter of false leaders and false teachings that were coming. To the elders of the church in Ephesus he said, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. "I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. (Acts 20:28-30) Paul said that “savage wolves” would arise from within the eldership of the church and they would speak perverse things in order to draw disciples away from Christ to follow them. Do not naively assume that all church leaders are submissive to Christ and concerned about the unity and welfare of Christ’s Church. Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. (Romans 16:17) Even during the lifetime of the Apostles, the church in Rome was being threatened by smooth-talkers, who through flattery were deceiving the unsuspecting and causing divisions within the body. Stick with the Apostles’ teaching! But what I am doing, I will continue to do, that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their deeds. (2Corinthians 11:12-15) During Paul’s lifetime, there were men troubling the church in Corinth by claiming that they also had Apostolic authority, although they were falsely claiming such authority and were working deceitfully. Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to Him, that you may not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he may be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. And then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. And for this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they might believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. (2Thessalonians 2:1-12) The church in Thessalonica was being troubled by false teaching about the 2nd Coming. In reality, Paul said that the Lord would not return until after a great drifting away from the original faith (see: Hebrews 2:1-4) had occurred, centered on a lawless man who would arise within the Church and claim divine authority. His claims would be supported with Satanic power and false miracles. Many would be deceived by this, but an escape is available by continuing to “love the truth” and following original Apostolic teaching received verbally or through their writings (2Thessalonians 2:15). As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. (1Timothy 1:3-7) Even in Paul’s time there were men in Ephesus who were teaching “strange doctrines, myths, and genealogical matters” that just caused further speculation on issues that could never be settled. Although these men wanted to be “teachers of the Law” and spoke confidently, they really did not know what they were talking about. But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. (1Timothy 4:1-3) From the Holy Spirit, Paul passed on the warning that some people would eventually “fall away” from the faith because they pay attention to lying spirits and demonically-inspired doctrines that would be spread by hypocritical liars with seared consciences. Specific false teachings that they would spread would be the forbidding of marriage and abstaining from certain foods. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. (2Timothy 4:3-4) Paul told Timothy that the day would come when some who claim to be “Christians” would not appreciate sound doctrine, but would prefer teachers who affirm the false ideas and myths that they have already chosen to believe. These folks will turn their back on sound Biblical teaching. But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep. (2Peter 2:1-3) From the Apostle Peter As occurred in the Old Testament era with false prophets, Peter predicted that "false teachers" would arise within the Christian community and they would quietly introduce “destructive heresies,” even denying Jesus (as Lord/Savior, as a real historical figure, etc). Sadly, Peter says that many will follow their “senses-oriented” approach and that harsh criticism of Christianity will result from their teaching and that many would leave the faith because of their influence. These false teachers will be driven by greed and will exploit people (financially) with their false teachings. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord to be salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard lest, being carried away by the error of unprincipled men, you fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. (2Peter 3:14-18) In his final letter, Peter affirmed Paul’s apostleship and written teachings, placing them in the "inspired Scripture" category. He notes that Paul did write some things that take a little more work to understand. However, there are “untaught and unstable” people who distort and misrepresent what Paul wrote and they do the same thing with other portions of Scripture. Not everybody that handles Scripture does so with integrity and sound principles. Distinguishing True/False Servants of God God did not leave Israel defenseless against the claims of false prophets and we can benefit from all that has been revealed in Scripture concerning this problem. Being able to distinguish true/false servants of God is very important and the Law of Moses provided two tests for evaluating those who claimed to be God’s messengers. The following is the first test, If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder comes true, concerning which he spoke to you, saying, 'Let us go after other gods (whom you have not known) and let us serve them,' you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams; for the Lord your God is testing you to find out if you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. "You shall follow the Lord your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4) God was implying that such a situation could/would happen in Israel’s future. If someone arises and claims to be a messenger from God and even demonstrated miraculous signs, the content of their message was the ultimate test of their authenticity - their doctrine needed to be in harmony with earlier revealed covenant information, specifically the Law of Moses. Testing things against the Mosaic Law was the principle behind what the Prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Malachi were calling Israel to do, And when they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter," should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn. (Isaiah 8:19,20) Thus says the Lord, "Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, Where the good way is, and walk in it; And you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.' (Jeremiah 6:16) "Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel. (Malachi 4:4) The second test provided in the Law of Moses clearly identified distinguishing true/false prophets as a valid concern and declared that predictive prophecy that is truly given by God will be fulfilled 100%! But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die. "You may say in your heart, 'How will we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?' When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22) Thus Samuel grew and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fail. And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord. (1Samuel 3:19,20) Let’s move on to some other sound tests for distinguishing true and false prophets and teachers.
Humility - False prophets tend to be aggressive self-promoters. A common feature of false leaders is that they seek popularity, prestige, and privilege in the religious community and actively maneuver so as to get on the stage, in the spotlight, and on the marquee (Matthew 6:1-5). This is why Jesus said that popularity can be dangerous, because the false prophets that deceived Israel tended to be pretty popular (Jeremiah 5:30,31; Luke 6:26). On the other hand, authentic servants are "Called by God" (Moses; Amos 7:14,15; the Apostles) and are not seeking the role. Men did not become prophets by their own will (Jeremiah 14:14; 23:21,22; 2Peter 1:21), but were commissioned by God and did not promote their own names or organizations (Jeremiah 20:7-9). True prophets often have to be prodded into it (Exodus 3-4 & Numbers 12:3; 1Kings 19; Amos 7:14-15; Jeremiah 20:8-9) or knocked down and blinded so as to humble them and get them off of their own agenda and onto God’s path (Acts 9:1-18). Rather than becoming famous and wealthy, God’s servants often have to give up a lot in their service (Acts 9:15-16; 2Corinthians 11:22-28; Philippians 3:8; Hebrews 11:35b-39). True servants of God are to humble themselves, serve others, and seek the lowest place (Matthew 20:25-28; Luke 14:7-11). Because they do not tell rebellious people what they want to hear, true prophets are often rejected and mistreated (2Chronicles 36:15-16; Matthew 5:10-12; 2Corinthians 6:8). The message delivered through true prophets was not something that was contrived and designed to attract support for the prophet or advance them personally through fame and fortune! True prophets spoke God’s Word and did His will even when it was not what they wanted (Jonah 4:2; Matthew 26:36-44). True prophets did not always understand their own message, but it did fit with God’s long-range purposes (Daniel 7:15; 12:8; 1Peter 1:10-11). True prophets proclaimed God’s message even when it brought them grief (Isaiah 6:11; Habakkuk 3:1,2).
Moral Character - true prophets were Godly men/women, because they knew the Law of God applied to them as much as to others. However, false prophets were not so moral in their character! The false prophets would prophesy for money (Micah 3:5,11), were sometimes drunkards (Isaiah 28:7), were profane and wicked (Jeremiah 23:11), conspired to deceive and defraud (Ezekiel 22:25), were adulterous (Jeremiah 23:14), and were often generally immoral in life and conduct (Jeremiah 23:15). This is why Jesus said that you could identify false prophets by their “fruit” and whether or not they personally submitted to God’s will in day-to-day life (Matthew 7:15-23). False prophets tend to be religious opportunists who speak a message that is: (1) what degenerate people want to hear (Isaiah 30:10,11; Micah 2:11 - they are “ear-ticklers” 2Timothy 4:3-4), (2) filled with optimistic promises of peace and prosperity (Jeremiah 14:13; 23:17; Ezekiel 13:1-16; Micah 3:5), (3) steeped in divination/”signs” to look for (Jeremiah 14:14; Ezekiel 22:28), and (4) originated in their own minds/imaginations rather in God’s authentic revelation (Jeremiah 23:16; Ezekiel 13:2,17).
Moral Message - True prophets always proclaimed repentance and traditional morality, calling God’s prophets to repentance, holiness, reverence toward God, and obedience to the Covenant (Micah 3:7,8; Isaiah 58:1; Jeremiah 23:22; Daniel 4:26,27). False prophets, on the other hand, tended to emphasize the hope of material and physical security and wealth in the present (Jeremiah 28).
Methodology - True prophets were not allowed to use the methods, practices, or tools of heathen diviners and seers (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). False prophets might do anything that would bring them an audience and money.
The Name of the Lord - Seventh, true prophets always speak "in the Name of the Lord" and they do not prophecy in the name of any other God. False prophets were not above prophesying in the name of other gods that were popular amongst the people (Jeremiah 2:8; 23:13). Reasons for Concern in Our time Having reviewed the Biblical material concerning the importance of distinguishing true and false prophets and teachers, we need to apply this to our own time.
Are there any “popular” preachers around today with large followings, sometimes even emphasizing signs and wonders, but who teach things that are not taught in Scripture while ignoring and denigrating things that are taught in Scripture?
It is hard to avoid having some questions about the entire modern evangelical movement, with its emphasis on salvation by “faith alone” and antipathy towards Christian baptism. These are two obvious issues where popular beliefs and Scripture are in contradiction. Evangelical theology is in direct contradiction to Biblical teaching concerning ‘faith alone,” for this movement asserts boldly that salvation is by “faith alone.” However, the only occurrence of this phrase in the entire Bible asserts that justification is NOT by “faith alone” (James 2;24). Who are you going to believe? And there are countless Evangelical and Baptist preachers who are in direct contradiction with New Testament teaching on the importance of water baptism in the context of conversion. They adamantly deny that baptism has any connection with salvation and the forgiveness of sins, yet the Apostle Peter and God’s appointed messenger to Saul of Tarsus (Ananias) clearly indicated that there is a direct connection (Acts 2:37-41; 22:16; 1Peter 3:15). Who are you going to believe?
Roman Catholicism also raises many concerns, for their current doctrine and practice contradicts a number of Scripture. Rome determined that priests were forbidden to be married, whereas Paul identified this as a doctrine originating from demons (1Timothy 4:1-3). Rome says that each of its clergy should be called “Father,” while Jesus said that Christian spiritual leaders should NOT be referred to with that title (Matthew 23:9). Rome says that Mary should be worshiped and is a co-mediator with Jesus, while Jesus denied that His mother should be worshipped (Luke 11:27-28) and Paul wrote that there is only ONE mediator between God and humanity - Jesus (1Timothy 2:5-6). Rome claims that the headquarters of the church is Rome, while Scripture teaches that it is heavenly Jerusalem (Galatians 4:26; Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 11:13-16; 12:22-24) and they call Rome “the eternal city,” while Scripture teaches that not even earthly Jerusalem should be our focal point (John 4:2-24; Hebrews 13:14).
At least some of the charismatic "name it and claim it" faith-teachers fall into the charlatan category. In spite of the big claims, it is very hard to find any actual cases of people truly raised from the dead and "not enough faith" or "doubted your healing" are easy escapes when their promises are not fulfilled. Oral Roberts' TV producer admitted that he never saw any real miracles occur during the three years that he worked for Oral. Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart really gave that whole movement a black-eye, with their antics and then being caught in immoral and financially dishonest activities.
Without final faith in the written word of God, we have no solid standard for evaluating what we see and hear around us. However, those who are truly loyal to Jesus will listen only to His voice (John 10:1-11).
Regardless of whether or not any claimed miraculous signs are offered, New Testament warnings should cause us to raise some “red flags” at some of what is taught as “Christian Doctrine.”
Have there been any popular “prophets” in the last two centuries that claimed that their predictions of future events were from the God of the Bible, yet their “prophecies” did not come to pass as they foretold?
On the basis of Biblical material, I label the psychic (who claimed her power came from God and used a crystal ball) Jean Dixon, the Mormon leader Joseph Smith, and the TV preacher Oral Roberts as “false prophets” Each of them predicted things that were to occur within a specified time range and they did not come to pass. There were moral, legal, family, and other spiritual issues in the lives of Joseph Smith and Oral Roberts that suggest to us that something was wrong there. There are a lot more TV preachers and ministries that border on fitting within the Biblical warnings of false prophets and teachers that I do not name as “false,” but certainly have suspicions about.
Are there any preachers/priests who have been caught in ongoing morality problems?
Are there any preachers who plainly maneuver for publicity, fame, prestige, financial wealth, and/or gathering big crowds?
How many people claiming to be God’s servants have taught and done things that have misled people and brought dishonor to Christianity?
Are there people who call Jesus “Lord,” but are not concerned about submitting to God’s will in their personal lives, especially in areas where they “disagree with Scripture”?
Are there any preachers that proclaim a message significantly different from the one originally delivered through the apostles? (Galatians 1:6-9).
The answer to all of these questions is obviously “YES.” The reason for this is that the predicted false christs, false prophets, and false teachers have come and are still coming to assault the Lord’s people. If you follow Biblical information, both they and the damage they have caused are fairly easy to identify. Accordingly, as it has been in every age,[1] the same question is laid before each of us - who are you going to follow, serve, and obey?
A Ministry of Severn Christian Church (Severn, Maryland) Unless otherwise noted, all material produced by Charles E. McCoy All Scripture citations/quotations from New American Standard Bible To send a question to Chuck: chuck@severnchristian.org
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Several
crucial pieces of information can be learned from these warnings. False
prophets do not come to the Lord's people openly presenting themselves as
“wolves,” but rather they come dressed in "sheep-suits" so that the undiscerning
think they are one of the Lord’s flock (right). We should not assume that
everyone who calls Jesus “Lord” is truly one of His people, but we should also
check their "fruit" (Galatians 5:22-23?) periodically to see if they are submissive to all of God’s will. Jesus did not spend
much time warning His disciples about worldly philosophies that were in error,
but rather He did warn them about the dangers of false teaching coming from certain
major groups within divided Judaism. The elect are not inherently immune to
deception, but must heed the warning because false saviors and unauthorized
spokesmen (some even showing signs and wonders) would be coming and it is
possible that even the elect could be misled if they are not discerning. These warnings
should cause us to be more discerning about things being taught and practiced
within divided Christendom.
