The Clear Distinction Between True and False Prophets

Matthew 24:24

“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

The false prophets of the Old Testament serve as a shadow of the false prophets who would arise in the New Testament era. Many of the tactics they used then are still visible today.

False prophets could mislead new believers and, at times, even unsettle mature believers. An example is Hananiah during the time of King Zedekiah. When God declared that Jerusalem would be destroyed and the people exiled to Babylon, Hananiah boldly told the king, the priests, and the people that God had promised all the confiscated items would be returned in two years. Yet Scripture makes clear that God had not sent him. Humanity often favors messages that sound good, even if they are false.

Similarly, Jeremiah experienced opposition when he proclaimed Jerusalem’s impending destruction. The king and people, not wanting to hear a message they deemed unpleasant, ordered him bound. (Jeremiah 28)

During King Ahab’s reign, there were 400 prophets who always gave favorable prophecies. But when God’s judgment was to fall upon Ahab, a prophet named Micaiah stood faithfully and spoke truth before God. God revealed, “Ahab will die in battle,” yet Ahab chose to listen to the false prophets promising him success—and, as foretold, he perished. (2 Chronicles 18:1–34)

These examples reflect the reality that even today, there are true prophets chosen by God. Likewise, the Old Testament also records groups of false prophets whose primary role was to mislead believers. (1 Kings 13)

1 Kings 13:1–32 (Summary)
A man of God was sent from Judah to Bethel. He condemned the altar and proclaimed God’s word: “A descendant of David will be born, and the priests at the altar will be burned.” A miraculous sign accompanied his prophecy—the altar split and ashes scattered.

King Jeroboam invited him to eat, but God had commanded that he neither eat nor drink there and should return by a different route.

An older prophet persuaded him to disobey God’s command, leading him to eat and drink. On the way home, he was killed by a lion.

This account illustrates that even a faithful servant of God, standing firmly in faith, can be misled by false prophets who only speak words that please the listeners.

Jeremiah 14:14

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I did not send them or command them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, and deceitful things from their own hearts.’”

We see clearly that we should not believe every voice promising only success and blessings. False prophets often conceal God’s call for justice, repentance, and warning. The pleasures of the world may seem attractive, but God’s truth is immutable. (Matthew 24:24; Hebrews 12:14)

If we hear prophecies promising only temporary happiness or success, we must exercise discernment. God’s Word is unchanging, no matter how appealing worldly promises may appear. We must remain steadfast in our calling and election rather than being swayed by deceptive voices.

May God bless you and grant you wisdom to stand firm in these last days.

Print this post