What does the Bible say about false prophets? from Compelling Truth
Prophets in the Bible were people who heard the voice of the Lord and were responsible for relaying His words to others. False prophets are either prophets of a false god (an idol) or those who claim to speak for the true God but do so falsely.
We see examples of false prophets throughout the Bible. True prophets of God spoke against those who gave messages to the people that they claimed were from God, but were really of their own making (Jeremiah 14:14; 23:21–33; Zechariah 10:2). These false prophets told the people smooth words and vain hope, reassuring them that everything was fine when God was pronouncing judgment on Israel because they were living in sin: “They have healed the wound of my people lightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11; see also Jeremiah 23:16). Because of the false prophets the Israelites wandered like sheep and were afflicted without the leading of the Lord (Zechariah 10:2).
While today we do not have prophets in the same function, there are many people who claim to speak on God’s behalf yet do so falsely. There are even false prophets who come into the church, bringing destructive heresies and leading people astray from the truth with their enticing doctrine. Peter warned, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1). False prophets do not teach the truth of the Bible. Sometimes they teach that which is blatantly contrary to the Word of God. Other times they twist the truth or add to it their own opinion, doctrine, and lifestyle. While some false prophets are themselves deceived and unaware that they are peddling lies, many others are driven by greed and pride (2 Peter 2:3). Their goal is not to make disciples of Jesus but disciples of their own teaching.
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False prophets bring destruction upon the church. Their twisted doctrine entices “unsteady souls,” people who don’t have a solid footing, people who are just beginning to seek God or who don’t have a strong relationship with Him (2 Peter 2:14). Even Christians who are strong in their faith may be deceived for a short time before they realize the false teacher’s true intentions. They preach freedom, but their doctrine only leads to chains (2 Peter 2:19). Peter says that “Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed” (2 Peter 2:2). Ultimately, the work of false prophets blasphemes God’s name and mars the reputation of His people.
