What Does The Bible Say About False Prophets?

The Bible has a lot to say about “false prophets”. It warns that these leaders will deceive people into thinking that they “know the truth”, when in fact, someone has lied to them.

So, what does the Bible teach about “false prophets”?

First: There will be MANY false prophets

 Both the Old and New Testaments frequently warn God’s people of false prophets. Not only does the Bible give us many warnings about them, but it specifically says that there will be a lot of them.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

“And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray” 

(Matthew 24:11).

Second: They will deny true doctrine, and introduce false doctrine

This is the hallmark of a false teacher…that he teaches things contrary to Word of God.

“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness he is puffed up with deceit and understands nothing” (1 Timothy 6:3-4).

Third: They will claim to have seen visions and dreams

The false teacher rarely claims to have come up with new doctrines on his own. And because God’s Word is so clear about what is and isn’t true, the false prophet must fabricate claims that he has had a vision, or a dream from God commanding the new doctrine.

 “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD’” (Jeremiah 23:16).

“Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, declares the LORD, and who tell them and lead my people astray by their lies and their recklessness, when I did not send them or charge them” (Jeremiah 23:32).

Forth: They will offer “another gospel”

The primary goal of a false prophet is to deceive people into not believing the Gospel. That is why false prophets always attack the one and only Gospel of the Bible by either changing it, or offering another one altogether.

“There are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:7-8).

Fifth: They may have “supernatural” abilities

Some of these false prophets may exhibit “spiritual powers”. But these powers are not from God, and therefore do not authenticate their message, but condemn it!

 “For false christs, and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:24).

Sixth: They will appear righteous to some

No one introduces himself as a false prophet, but instead pretends to be trustworthy to gain influence over others. Many people will be deceived by these false prophets, all the while believing that they are godly people.

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

Seventh: Many people will believe and follow them

The Bible teaches that many people will be deceived by these false prophets. Even good people will believe the lies and be led astray.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from the listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3).

So, if the Bible teaches that there are many false prophets, and many who are being deceived by them…how can we know who these false prophets are to avoid falling prey to their lies? Jesus answers this question in Matthew chapter 7. 

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:15-16). 

We have a responsibility to judge those who claim to teach in God’s name. Mormons, then, have a God-given commandment from Jesus to search out the truth of Joseph Smith, his character, and his teaching. We are explicitly instructed not to defend false teachers, and we will be held accountable for holding all of our spiritual leaders to God’s standard.