Uncovering the Truth of False Prophets

The false prophets at the end times refer to individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God but promote false teachings and lead people away from the truth. The Bible warns about the rise of false prophets in the last days, who will: 1. Appear as sheep but inwardly be ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15) 2. Perform signs and wonders to deceive many (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22) 3. Speak in the name of other gods or promote false doctrines (Deuteronomy 18:20-22, 1 Timothy 4:1-2) 4. Deny the power of God and the truth of His Word (2 Timothy 3:5, 2 Peter 2:1) 5. Lead people astray with doctrines of demons (1 Timothy 4:1, Revelation 16:13-14) Some characteristics of false prophets at the end times include: 1. They will be charismatic and persuasive, able to deceive many with their words and actions. 2. They will focus on material wealth and prosperity, promising their followers a life of ease and comfort. 3. They will deny the importance of repentance, the cross, and the blood of Christ. 4. They will promote a false sense of security and peace, contradicting the warnings of Scripture. 5. They will be anti-Christ, opposing the truth of Jesus Christ and His teachings. 6. Deceitful (Matthew 7:15, 2 Peter 2:1): False prophets appear as sheep but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 7. Self-proclaimed (Revelation 16:13-14, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4): They claim to speak for God but lack divine authority. 8. Focus on Materialism (2 Timothy 4:3-4, 1 Timothy 6:5): They emphasize wealth and prosperity over spiritual truth. 9.Deny the Cross (1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Timothy 2:17-18): They reject the power of the cross and the blood of Christ. To protect yourself from false prophets, remember: 1. Test every spirit and prophecy (1 John 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21) 2. Hold fast to the Word of God and sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13, Titus 1:9) 3. Be discerning and wise, not following every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14, Hebrews 5:14) 4. Stay humble and dependent on God, seeking His guidance and truth (Proverbs 3:5-6, John 16:13) By being aware of these characteristics and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid the deception of false prophets at the end times and remain faithful to the truth of God's Word. False prophets have been a recurring problem throughout human history, leading people astray with their false teachings and claims. The Bible provides insight into the origin of false prophets, warning us about their dangers and how to identify them. The Source of False Prophets - Satan (Matthew 13:38-39, 1 John 4:1-6): The devil is the ultimate source of false prophets, using them to spread lies and deceive humanity. - The World (1 John 4:5, 2 Timothy 4:3-4): The world system, driven by human pride and rebellion, gives rise to false prophets who cater to human desires and fleshly appetites. - Human Heart (Mark 7:20-23, Jeremiah 17:9): The human heart, prone to sin and self-deception, can produce false prophets who speak from their own imagination and desires. The Harm Caused by False Prophets 1. Emotional Manipulation: Followers are often subjected to emotional abuse, leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. 2. Financial Exploitation: False prophets frequently demand money or assets from their followers, leaving them financially ruined. 3. Social Isolation: Followers may become disconnected from family and friends, leading to social isolation and loneliness. 4. Spiritual Damage: False prophets can lead people away from genuine spiritual growth and connection with the divine. Examples of False Prophets - Balaam (Numbers 22:5-24, 2 Peter 2:15-16): A prophet who spoke blessings for pay. - Jezebel (1 Kings 16:31, 2 Kings 9:22): A queen who promoted Baal worship and persecuted God's prophets. - The False Prophet (Revelation 16:13-14, 19:20): A future prophet who will perform signs and wonders to deceive humanity. Bible verses - Isaiah 8:19-20 - "When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists...should not a people inquire of their God?" - Jeremiah 23:16 - "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes." - Matthew 24:11 - "Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people." - 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 - "Such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ." False prophets come from the sources of Satan, the world, and the human heart. They are characterized by deceit, self-proclamation, materialism, and denial of the cross. By understanding their origin and characteristics, we can identify and avoid false prophets, staying faithful to the truth of God's Word.

What does Bible say about religious people?

All religious leaders must be held accountable for their actions. They are not above God. “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Romans 13:1). Sadly, there are many religious people who will be expecting to go to Heaven and will be denied entrance. Most of these religious people are lonely, broken, shattered, tragic, sad, disconnected, mentally, psychologically and demonically affected people. Claiming to be holy people from different religious organization, pretending to be holy, anointed and sanctified yet living in horrible sinful and defeated lives. No past, no present, no future. They belittle the sanctity of the marriage relationship. They are denied normal relationships, the friendship of marriage. They are more submissive to their human superiors then Jesus Christ himself., The people who are into religious orders beguile themselves by imagining that their outward customs and rules will dazzle God, while simultaneously they evade managing the transgression that is in their souls. However, obviously, God sees directly through everything. He requires “truth in the deepest being” (Ps. 51:6). So, joining a religious groups or organization cannot gain anyone access to heaven because it only deals with external matters. Everyone who has obeyed the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a priest, and as priests, we are expected to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise” and service to God through Christ (Hebrews 13:15–16). Every individual is responsible to God for his actions, whether he is in power over others or in a situation under power. God isn’t biased by culture, education, titles, number of degrees one has or position, or riches, and He will pass judgment on every individual as indicated according to His righteous standards. All true believers in Christ are considered to be part of a “royal priesthood” Matthew 6:1–34:“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. … Matthew 7:5 :You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 23:27 :“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 2 Corinthians 11:14 :And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. James 1:26–27 :If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. 1 John 3:10 :By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. Matthew 23:23 :“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. Matthew 23:13 :“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. 1 John 4:20 :If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. Matthew 23:15 :Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. Mark 7:6 ;And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Matthew 23:13–15 :“But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves. Matthew 6:2 :“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. Matthew 7:3–5 :Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 6:5 :“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. Isaiah 29:13 :And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men, Matthew 23:25 :“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Matthew 23:1–39: Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 2 “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, 3 so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. 4 They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear,[a] and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. 5 They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, 6 and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues 7 and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi[b] by others. 8 But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers.[c] 9 And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. 10 Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. 11 The greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in.[d] 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell[e] as yourselves. 16 “Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.’ 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that has made the gold sacred? 18 And you say, ‘If anyone swears by the altar, it is nothing, but if anyone swears by the gift that is on the altar, he is bound by his oath.’ 19 You blind men! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift sacred? 20 So whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it. 22 And whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who sits upon it. 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean. 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. 28 So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, 30 saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ 31 Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell? 34 Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town, 35 so that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah the son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. 36 Truly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. Matthew 7:2–5: For with the judgment, you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:21–23: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Matthew 23:27–28 :“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness. So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. James 1:26 :If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 2 Timothy 3:5 :Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. Matthew 23:23–24 :“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel! Ezekiel 22:26: Her priests have done violence to My law and have profaned My holy things; they have made no distinction between the holy and the profane, and they have not taught the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they hide their eyes from My sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Jeremiah 5:31: The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule on their own authority; And My people love it so! But what will you do at the end of it? Zephaniah 3:4; Her prophets are reckless, treacherous men; Her priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law.