False Prophets: Who, What are They?
I've heard it said that the Bible's only reference to "false prophets" is of those who know the truth, and know that what they're saying is not true, or is false; and that it's not correct to use that title for someone who is not knowingly teaching a falsehood - like someone who's just ignorant, immature, impulsive or unwise in their speech or teaching. Do you agree?So, who's a real "false prophet?" Benny Hinn? Tim LaHaye? Paula White? Robert Tilton? Any one of many on TBN?
What's the Biblical definition of a false prophet? What your definition? Are they the same or different?
posted by TSHusker @ 10/10/2009 11:05:00 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Let's see - the bible is clear, a false prophet should be tested by his words. If he says something that does not come true- voila- not a prophet. Scripture reference Deuteronomy 18:20
Good thought provoking post, as we need to understand that the Lord provides us with keys to test those who are leading the people. We must never forget that to be a disciple is to be a student, and we should be studying for "finals" everyday, by reading His word and studying it, and praying about it.
Jennifer
Another scripture reference that comes to mind is Matthew 7:16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" I think Humble Wife (hi, Jenn!) is absolutely right that as disciples, we must be students of the Gospel ...not just sheep. I believe that the more grounded we are individually in the Word, the less vulnerable we are to false teaching.
I find in defining biblical terms it is always best to research the language the term originated from. I recommend every student access a Strong's concordance when seeking such answers.
This site is easy to use;
http://www.blueletterbible.org/
It's search engine is not demanding of precise wording as some, the words don't have to be in exact order, and it'll still get you there.
Having said that a search for false prophet will yield several verses, one of which is Acts 13:6 where you find false prophet is Strong's Greek#5578
Strong's G5578 - pseudoprophētēs
from-from G5571 and G4396
meaning:
1) one who, acting the part of a divinely inspired prophet, utters falsehoods under the name of divine prophecies
2) a false prophet
I only give this short illustration because what we think false prophet might mean actually doesn't count for a whole lot, it is what Word describes as a false prophet that should truly concern us.
I'm aware many choose not to dig that deep, and that is a personal matter, however it is God's letter to us personally. Why would He go to the bother of writing it if He didn't want us to study it closely??
i somewhat agree with angrywhiteman in that it is important to read the bible seeing that it is God's letter to us.
In the bible it says false prophets will be disguised and we can identify them by their actions James 7:15 "Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheeps covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 by their fruits you will recognize them. never do people gather grapes from thornes or figs from thistles, do they? 17 likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit.20 really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those [men]."
So i do believe when we see church leaders blessing both sides of wars and using icons and images for worship when the bible plainly states not to( Exodus 20: 4, 5"you shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the the earth beneath or in the water below. you shall not bow down to them.") that we can see for ourselves this isn't the right path to go down.
In response to humble wife not only are we suppose to be a student contantly taking in knowledge but also teachers matthew 28: 19" Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit."
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