The Real Thing

Facing False Prophets

​In a world saturated with information, voices, and various claims to truth, discerning what is genuine can feel like an overwhelming task. This challenge is amplified when it comes to spiritual matters, particularly with the rise of individuals who claim to speak for God but lead people astray. The Bible frequently warns us about false prophets – those who offer a counterfeit message, masquerading as divine truth.

​The danger of false prophets is not new; it's a theme woven throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Their presence highlights a critical need for believers to be discerning, grounded in truth, and able to distinguish "the real thing" from clever imitations.

​The Warning is Clear

​From the earliest days of Israel, God's people were cautioned:

​"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 about, 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 whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

— Deuteronomy 13:1-3

​Notice this profound truth: even if a false prophet performs miracles or makes accurate predictions, their ultimate agenda will always steer people away from the one true God.

His established Word.

​Jesus Himself strongly cautioned His disciples:

​"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."

— Matthew 7:15

​And the Apostle Peter echoed this sentiment:

​"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."

— 2 Peter 2:1

​How to Discern: The Bible's Litmus Tests

​Given the prevalence and subtlety of false prophets, how can we, as believers, stand firm and identify the genuine article? The Bible provides several crucial tests:

​1. The Test of Their Message: Does it Align with Scripture?

​This is the primary and non-negotiable test. A true prophet's message will always be consistent with the established Word of God. They will never contradict Scripture, diminish its authority, or add to it with doctrines that are foreign to its core teachings.

​False prophets often present "new revelations" or special insights that go beyond or undermine the Bible. They might cherry-pick verses out of context or twist meanings to support their own agendas.

​The real thing upholds the full counsel of God's Word, emphasizing repentance, salvation through Christ alone, holiness, and the glory of God.

​2. The Test of Their Fruit: What is Their Character and Impact?

​Jesus said, "You will recognize them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). This refers to their character, their lifestyle, and the spiritual "fruit" their ministry produces in the lives of their followers.

​False prophets often exhibit pride, greed, sexual immorality, love of popularity, manipulation, or an insatiable desire for power. Their followers might be characterized by spiritual immaturity, division, or a focus on worldly gain.

​The real thing demonstrates humility, integrity, love, self-control, and genuine care for the flock. Their ministry leads people to greater love for God, obedience to His Word, spiritual growth, and Christ-likeness.

​3. The Test of Their Prophecy: Does it Come True (and does it glorify God)?

​In the Old Testament, a prophet's words had to come to pass to prove their authenticity (Deuteronomy 18:22). While this is still a valid test for predictive prophecy, we must remember the caveat from Deuteronomy 13: if a prediction comes true but leads you away from God, it's still a false prophet.

​False prophets might make vague predictions, prophecies that never materialize, or predictions that subtly undermine true worship.

​The real thing speaks with accuracy when God gives a prophetic word, and critically, their words always lead people closer to God, encouraging reverence for Him.

​4. The Test of Christology: What Do They Say About Jesus?

​The Apostle John gives us a direct test regarding the person of Jesus Christ:

​"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist..."

— 1 John 4:1-3

​False prophets will often downplay Jesus' divinity, His unique role as Savior, His atoning sacrifice, or His bodily resurrection. They might suggest other paths to God or present Jesus as merely a good teacher.

​The real thing boldly proclaims Jesus as the Son of God, fully God and fully man, the only way, the truth, and the life, who died for our sins and rose again.

​Be Discerning, Be Rooted

​In an era of spiritual confusion, the call to discernment is more urgent than ever. We are called not to be naive, but to be wise. We must be like the Bereans, who "received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (Acts 17:11).

​Don't outsource your spiritual investigation. Immerse yourself in the "real thing"—the unadulterated, unchanging Word of God. The more intimately you know God's voice, the easier it will be to recognize a counterfeit.

​Stay rooted in Scripture, pray for discernment, and hold fast to the truth of Jesus Christ. That is our sure defense against every false prophet and deceptive teaching.

​What practices help you stay grounded in God's Word and discern truth from error? Share your insights in the comments below!