False Prophets
From Encyclopedia Reformata
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False Prophets in the OT Period
Distinction Between True and False Prophecy
The distinction between the true and the false prophecy and prophets is a clear biblical teaching. Among those given to false prophesying were the ones who spoke after “the deceit of their own heart” (Jer 14:13,14); those who without real prophetic gift borrowed a message and assumed the speech of prophecy (Jer 23:28,31); and those who sought the prophet’s role in order to gain the material gifts which came from the people to their prophets (Mic 3:5). Above all they did not speak in line with previous biblical revelation and without any clear understanding of God's covenantal purpose in Christ.
These, when discovered, were counted worthy of punishment and even death. There were, however, false prophesyings from men who honestly believed themselves to have a message from Yahweh. These prophecies from self-deceived prophets often led the people astray. The dream of national greatness was substituted for the voice of Yahweh.
It was against such prophesying that the true prophets had to contend. The test here was the truth and spiritual character of the utterance, and this test demanded a certain moral or spiritual sense and knowledge of previous revelation which the people did not always possess. Consequently, in times of moral darkness the false prophets, predicting smooth things for the nation, independent of repentance, consecration and the pursuit of spiritual ideals, were honored above the true prophets who emphasized the moral greatness of Yahweh and the necessity of righteousness and repentance for the nation.
Deuteronomy 13 {1} If there arise in the midst of you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and he give you a sign or a wonder, {2} and the sign or the wonder come to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, “Let us go after other gods” (which you have not known) “and let us serve them;” {3} you shall not listen to the words of that prophet, or to that dreamer of dreams: for Yahweh your God proves you, to know whether you love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul. {4} You shall walk after Yahweh your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and you shall serve him, and cling to him. {5} That prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because he has spoken rebellion against Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to draw you aside out of the way which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk in. So you shall put away the evil from the midst of you.(WEB)
Self-Deception
There are ones who sincerely think God is speaking through them, but it is really their imagination. They do more harm than good. Misusing God’s name in this way is breaking the 3rd commandment. See Exodus 20:7 Notice also that the ones seeking after those prophets will be punished just as severely as the prophets themselves.
False Prophets in the NT Period
Scripture References
Jesus said:
Matt. 7:{15} “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. {16} By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? {17} Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. {18} A good tree can’t produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. {19} Every tree that doesn’t grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. {20} Therefore, by their fruits you will know them. {21} Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. {22} Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ {23} Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’(WEB)
In New Testament times false prophesying did much injury in the church.
See Also:
Prophesy Heresy Heretics
Source: ISBE,
