Discerning between ‘True’ vs. ‘False’ Prophets

This blog takes a quick look at the topic of ‘true’ versus ‘false’ prophets and their prophesies. It seems pertinent given the recent rise in the number of questionable religious leaders claiming to be prophets.

In Christianity, figures widely recognized as prophets chosen and called by God are mentioned in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The message that a prophet conveys is called a prophecy.

Although prophets and religious prophecies are most commonly associated with Judaism and Christianity, they are also found throughout many other modern and ancient religions of the world.

According to the Bible, God sent prophets throughout history to guide and warn His people, but as often happens, the people turned their backs on His ‘true’ prophets and didn’t follow the instructions and warnings sent from God. Instead, they turned to listen to one of the many ‘false’ prophets that constantly seem to crop up throughout history.

Old Testament ‘Major’ Prophets Isaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel Daniel

Other Selected Old Testament Prophets Elijah Elisha Nathan Samuel

‘True’ vs. ‘False’ Prophets: It is generally understood that ‘true’ prophets are motivated by loyalty to God above all else, whereas ‘false’ prophets are motivated by self-interest and a desire to be ‘popular’ with powerful rulers and the people. No prophets in the Scriptures were noted for being rich. Further, predictions by ‘true’ prophets will occur as predicted, while ‘false’ prophets are usually exposed when their prophesies don’t happen.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus warns his followers about false prophets:

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit.” (See Matthew 7:15–20)

For more detailed information on prophets, check out the following links on Wikipedia: Prophets, Prophets of Christianity, and False prophets

In addition, the following are selected articles about prophets that you might want to read. The emphasis of these articles is on recognizing ‘false’ prophets.

• Prophets | BibleInfo
• Four ways to tell a Prophet from a Political Puppet
• Search of Scripture on False Prophets - BibleGateway
• Search the Scriptures: The fruit of a False Prophet
• What does the Bible warn about False Prophets? - Christianity
• What does the Bible say about False Prophets? - Got Questions
• The Problem with False Prophets - Then and Now

I personally believe in the existence of prophets who have brought prophesies from God to warn and guide us. However, I do pay close attention to the following scripture.

1 John 4:1 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

What about you? Do you believe in prophets? Do you test them to ensure you are not being misled by ‘false’ prophets.

Selected Videos How to Read the Prophets - YouTube BibleProject The rise of recent 'Self-Proclaimed' Christian prophets