What is a False Prophet? (Part 1)

 Text: Deut. 13:1; Matt. 24:24

"If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a miraculous sign or wonder." (Deut. 13:1)

"For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." (Matt. 24:24)

Introduction

Why is it so important to address the issue of false prophets? The reason for such is that so many of God's people have such a misunderstanding as to what is a false prophet. Many within the church are convinced that God is speaking through modern-day prophets these days to give such supernatural revelations, signs, and wonders. In so many words just like there were prophets then in the Old Testament that there are prophets NOW. If in fact there are modern-day prophets within the church today then why is it necessary to have God's written Word? According to Ephesians 2:20: "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone." The apostles establish the church; the prophets reveal God's will through such "special" revelation but Jesus Christ Who is the chief cornerstone is God's Final revelation (Heb. 1:1-2). The early church even up to this present time is already established by which there is no need for apostles, prophets, or any new revelation (2 Pet. 1:19-21).

The title of my article "What is a False Prophet?" will be explain based upon God's Word the character of a false prophet (Deut. 13:1). When I talk about the character of a false prophet is to who they are and what they represent. So it is important as we look at Deuteronomy 13:1a that we pay close attention to the context of the passage of scripture. Context, context, context rule! In order to fully understand that a passage or passages of the Bible are to compare scripture with scripture even those difficult passages that are difficult to understand (1 Cor. 2:13, 14). So, the question is: "What is a false prophet?" We must keep in mind the historical context, grammar, and biblical-theological understanding of Deuteronomy 13:1ff.

A false prophet will perform great signs and wonders (Matt. 24:24). How is it that many false prophets can perform great signs and wonders? Many false prophets are under the influence of Satan by which the Enemy of man's soul will duplicate the authenticity of signs and wonders performed by God. Moses who was a prophet was able to part the Red Sea because of the fact that God was with him. God Who is the Source for which the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea but that Moses was the instrument by which to part the sea by which he led the people of God. 

Not only those false prophets can perform great signs and wonders by which they are influenced by Satan but to convince others that what they experience is based upon true authentic miracles. There are many professing Christians who will say, "They must be from God because of the miracles they performed. I witness people being healed even myself experiencing divine healing." False prophets who claim to be divine healers have in fact trick people into believing that what they are experiencing is from God. They become the object of worship because of the miracle they performed, but the miracle in and of itself becomes sensationalize by which people are so enamored.  Even Jesus says, "if it was possible the very elect will be deceived." (2 Cor. 11:3) Within many Charismatic circles that the sign of a truly "anointed" ministry is when it is accompanied by signs and wonders. What is missing concerning those who called themselves modern-day apostles and prophets is that Christ is not the center of their message and their explicit denial of sound biblical theology. (2 Tim. 4:3-4)

Many false teachers are characterized by immorality. They beguile unstable souls. They have eyes full of adultery that cannot cease from sin. In so many words because of their immorality they live a life of habitual sinning by which their sinful nature is unrestrained by the Holy Spirit. They look like saints but they are sinners in saint's clothing. They are wolves in sheep's clothing by which they make such false profession (Matt. 7:15-20).

The church needs spiritual discernment in an age of spiritual deception (1 Tim. 4:1). We must model the Bereans in that "they searched the scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. (Ac. 17:11)

Rev. Darryl Miller is the Lead pastor of Contending for the Faith Reformed Church in Atlanta, Georgia. As a conference speaker, author, and lecturer he is in great demand both in the United States and around the world. Darryl is the Host of "Darryl Unplugged Podcast" which airs on the various social media platforms. Darryl lives with his wife Vivian and their puppy "Little Baby" in metro Atlanta.