How to Spot a False Prophet

Repeatedly the New Testament warns believers to beware false prophets. In fact, of all the biblical writers, the Lord Jesus Himself had the most to say about false prophets. For example, He said in Matthew 7:15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” In Matthew 24:11 he said, “Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.” He said in Matthew 24:24, “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (cf. Mk.13:22).

The apostles also warned of false prophets. Paul, like Jesus, called them “wolves.” He said to the Ephesians elders in Acts 20:29-31, “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch, and remember that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.”

Peter wrote, “But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction” (2 Pet.2:1).

John wrote, “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” (1 Jn.4:1).

Now let’s go back to the description of false prophets as wolves. Jesus said they will come to you “in sheep’s clothing.” What does this mean? Have you ever seen pictures of the plains Indians hunting bison before they acquired horses? They covered themselves in buffalo robes so as to fool the buffalo and get close enough to kill them.

Jesus said that there are men who are like “ravenous wolves” who cover themselves “in sheep’s clothing” to hide their true identity from the sheep. Paul called them “savage wolves.” He said they come “from among yourselves,” from within the church, the framework of Christianity. They “rise up, speaking perverse things.” They speak what is contrary to sound doctrine. Why? They want to “draw away disciples after themselves.” They want to build a following for themselves. They want to be popular, successful and well-liked.

Paul says “watch” out for them. Jesus says “beware” them. So how do we spot them? How will we know them? There are two ways in these verses.

First, they will come “speaking perverse things.” What they say may sound good, it may sound right; it may even be laced with biblical verses. Yet it is “perverse.” The Greek word is diastrepho. It means “distorted.” They will distort truth so that it is pleasing to men. They will reduce the gospel to praying a prayer and the Christian life to a few simple steps.

Second, people will “speak well” of them. Jesus said in Luke 6:26, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, For so did their fathers to the false prophets.” Why will people “speak well” of them? Because what they say it easy. It tickles the ears. It makes men feel better about themselves. It builds large crowds and appeals to all kinds of people.

Becoming a genuine Christian is far more than asking Jesus into your heart. It requires faith in Christ alone, not a prayer. It requires real repentance that produces a change of lifestyle. Authentic Christianity is not about finding purpose in your life but about dying to your selfishness, giving up what appeals to your flesh and living for God’s glory.

So how do you spot a false prophet? Run from anyone who makes our faith seem easy.

Soli Deo Gloria!