In these modern times, and ever since the establishment of the Body of
Christ after Jesus' ascension to heaven, there have been a numerous amount of false prophets. They are very common in these times, and they
certainly were rampant in the times of the early christians. It seems, as the
old saying goes, they're a dime a dozen.
The Bible warns several times about false prophets. We must be very careful when dealing with those types, for they are very deceiving, for they
have slick tongues. Let's see where scripture opens up to the world of
false prophets.
In Matthew, it warns us that we must be cautious of false prophets who come in deceptive inwardly, but outwardly, come very innocently.
Matthew 7:15
15 "Beware of false prophets, which come
to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
After that, the book of Matthew indicates to us that we will know those who
are false by their fruits ( works, faith, etc.)
Matthew 7:16-20
16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do
men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
17 "Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."
18 "A good tree cannot bringeth forth evil
fruit, neither can a corrupt fruit bringeth forth good fruit."
19 "Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire."
20 "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
Now, we will know them by their "fruits". This means that those who are
christian, and who are really well guided by the Lord Jesus Christ, will be able to tell who is false and who is true. This is called discernment.
1 John 4:1 states that we should try the spirits.
1 John 4:1
1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit,
but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false
prophet are gone out into the world."
This also most likely ties in with the prophecies foretold by Jesus Christ in Matthew 24. In Matthew 24, several verses correspond with the topic at hand. Jesus warns us there that many false prophets will be sent out into
the world nearing the time of the end, and the Day of the Lord.
Matthew 24:11,24
11 "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."
24 "For there shall arise false Christs, and
false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch
that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."
In Peter, it also warns that there will be many false prophets and false teachers, who will come to spread heresies, and will claim absurd things.
2 Peter 2:1-2
1 "But there were false prophets also
among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who
privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord
that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
2 "And many shall follow their pernicious
ways: by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of."
Brethen, hear me now. Be careful, and be watchful of the times. Don't let
one of Satan's minions deceive you with a slick tongue, with a tongue of fire. Always glory in the Lord, and ask the Lord for discernment of any and all those who come claiming they are prophets of God. Let not yourself be-
come those who will hear not the truth, those who have itching ears.
Peace brethen, and may the Lord Jesus Christ bless you richly.