How Do You Identify False Prophets — In Biblical Context

The Biblical Context

Jesus warned, 'Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits' (Matthew 7:15-16). He predicted, 'Many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many' (Matthew 24:11). John commanded, 'Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world' (1 John 4:1). The primary test is christological: 'Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God' (1 John 4:2). Deuteronomy provides the prophecy test: 'When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken' (Deuteronomy 18:22). Paul warned of those who preach 'another gospel' (Galatians 1:8-9). Peter described false teachers who 'privily shall bring in damnable heresies' and are motivated by greed: 'Through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you' (2 Peter 2:1-3). Jude described them as 'clouds without water... trees whose fruit withereth' (Jude 1:12). Characteristics include: twisting Scripture, living immorally, seeking personal gain, denying core doctrines, and producing spiritual confusion rather than fruit.

Where It Sits in Scripture

Supporting Passages