7 SIGNS OF A FALSE PROPHET

The disciples asked Jesus for the sign of his coming and the end of the age. Jesus’ first response was “Don’t let anyone mislead you”- Matthew 24:4. The fact is that whenever we look for signs, we become very susceptible to being deceived.

We are in the last day whether you like it or not, believe it or not, accept it or not. All indication points to the fact that our King is ready to be unveiled to the world. One of the first subject Jesus spoke about in the last days is the “rise of false prophets”. Today, we see them on TV, Tabloids, Radio and even social media. 

There are many “false prophets” around with counterfeit signs of spiritual power and authority. Some people today claim they have messages from God. God still speaks to his people but we must be cautious before saying that someone is God’s spokesman.  

Let us therefore look at the seven signs of a false prophet.

1.   Does the Prophet use fortune-telling?

Divination is expressly forbidden by God. No true teacher or prophet would use fortune-telling or have any dealings with the spirits of the dead.

Jeremiah 14:14-16

Then the Lord said, “These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts. ¹⁵ Therefore, this is what the Lord says: I will punish these lying prophets, for they have spoken in my name even though I never sent them. They say that no war or famine will come, but they themselves will die by war and famine! ¹⁶ As for the people to whom they prophesy—their bodies will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem, victims of famine and war. There will be no one left to bury them. Husbands, wives, sons, and daughters—all will be gone. For I will pour out their own wickedness on them.

2. Have the short-term prophecies been fulfilled?

We can check their word against the Bible. God never contradicts himself, so if someone say something contrary to the Bible, we can know that this is not God’s word. Remember that God is not interested in the score line of your favorite sports team, lottery results, or the prediction of a boxing bout.

Deuteronomy 18:22 

3. Is the prophet marked by a desire to say only what pleases people?

Many false prophets told people what they wanted to hear. A true prophet serves God, not people.

Jeremiah 8:8-10

“‘How can you say, “We are wise because we have the word of the Lord,”
    when your teachers have twisted it by writing lies?
⁹ These wise teachers will fall
    into the trap of their own foolishness,
for they have rejected the word of the Lord.
    Are they so wise after all?
¹⁰ I will give their wives to others
    and their farms to strangers.
From the least to the greatest,
    their lives are ruled by greed.
Yes, even my prophets and priests are like that.
    They are all frauds.

4. Does the prophet draw people away from God?

Many teachers draw people to themselves or to the system or organization they have built.  It is possible to say the right words but still lead people in the wrong direction.

5. Does the prophet’s prophecy confirm the Bible’s main teaching?

If a prophecy is inconsistent with or contradictory to scripture, it is not to be believed.

6. What is the prophet’s moral character?

False prophets were charged with lying, drunkenness and sexual immorality. Jesus said “by their fruits you shall know them’. Do not lift one’s talents above his character. If he has a bad character, his talent is useless.

7. Do other spirit-led people discern authenticity in this prophet?

Discernment by others who are led of the spirit is a key test. 1 Kings 22:7. We must check the spirit of any prophet who claims to speak for God. 1 john 4:1

Brothers and Sisters, false prophets are still around. The wise will carefully test ideas against the truth of God’s word.

The only sure way to keep yourself from being deceived is to focus on Christ and his words. Don’t look for special signs, and don’t spend time looking at other people. Look at Christ.