What Does the Bible Say About Modern Day Prophets?

There’s hardly any life issue that we won’t find in the scriptures. But what does the Bible say about modern-day prophets? God’s Word serves as a manual for Christians and also warns against those prophets who seek to mislead the church. God communicates with His people through various means, including prophets.

And the scriptures prove God has spoken through prophets for a long time now. We can see that in Hebrews 1:1, which says, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets.” Given this, it is undeniable that true prophets play a crucial role in guiding believers towards God’s will. But not everyone who claims to speak God’s Word is truly God’s prophet.

We must follow the word of God as Christians but must remain careful of wrong teachings that can mislead us. Today, some modern-day prophets introduce wrong doctrines that contradict the Bible, and make false claims of divine revelation. We’re in the last days, so it is more important than ever to discern between true and false prophecies.

This ensures that the Gospel of Jesus Christ remains pure and keeps our faith in check. It would also help Christians to mature spiritually, enabling them to tell good from evil and truth from false. We don’t need any spiritual gifts to know a fake prophet. God’s Word serves as a guide to identifying them in various ways. It also holds several warnings against fake prophecies every believer should know. Keep reading as we explore this in detail using scriptural references.

Also see Old Testament Prophecies

Biblical Truth About Modern-Day Prophets

God’s Word provides clear warnings against modern-day prophets in both the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible. These warnings serve as a foundation for understanding the nature of their prophecy and its consequences.

1. They Aim to Lead God’s People Astray

Moses warns the Israelites against fake prophets who may arise among them. These prophets may perform signs and wonders; they will often deceive by predicting false future events (Deuteronomy 18:22). But their main aim is to lead God’s people astray. Additionally, the passage tells us how important it is to verify prophetic claims through God’s Word.

Further guidance on dealing with these prophets lies in Deuteronomy 18:20-22. Here, the passage makes it clear that if a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord but the prophecy does not come to pass, that prophet is considered fake.

In Jeremiah 23:9-40, the prophet Jeremiah condemns the false prophets of his time. They were speaking lies and deceiving the people, claiming that God had spoken to them when He had not. Prophet Jeremiah also speaks of the importance of speaking God’s Word truthfully, rather than speaking lies or wrong prophecies. Understand that this also applies to the prophets today and the modern church entirely.

Also see Fulfilled Prophecies in the Bible

2. They’re Deceptive and Dangerous

In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns His followers about the dangers of listening to pretentious prophets. He describes them as “ravenous wolves” who come in sheep’s clothing, disguising themselves as genuine spiritual leaders. However, their true nature is revealed by their actions as they prey on vulnerable believers, exploit their trust, and destroy their faith with their fake prophetic word. Surprisingly, they’re everywhere today, preaching those things that are contrary to their actions. Believers who are not careful often fall victim to these prophets. While some may be lucky to escape their evil schemes, others will suffer from serious consequences.

Also see What Is a Prophecy in the Bible

3. They Bear Bad Fruits

They often lack the fruit of the Spirit, bearing bad fruit that reveals their true nature. Jesus teaches that true prophets will produce good fruit, while fake prophets will produce bad fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). This fruit refers to the prophet’s character, behavior, and the result of their ministry. A tree that bears rotten fruit will ultimately to be cut down and cast into the fire. At first, these prophets will display godly behaviors to make people believe they’re real. But as time goes on, they’ll begin to show their true selfish and evil character.

4. They Prioritize Personal Gain

Another Biblical truth about these prophets is that they are driven by self-serving motives and what they stand to gain. They’re drawn to power and respect rather than the well-being of others. Micah 3:5-8 vividly describes these charlatans who exploit and manipulate people for their benefit. A true prophet’s work should reflect God’s glory and not misuse the name of the lord for personal gain. Most times, these false prophets target wealthy people to make scary declarations to them that are not from God. Once their schemes become successful, they’ll exploit their victims until there’s nothing more to get from them. Apostle Paul warns believers about these prophets in Philipians 3:18-19 saying, “For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”

5. They will Experience God’s Wrath

God’s Word teaches that some modern prophets will face death as punishment for their actions. This severe penalty reflects the gravity of leading people astray from God’s truth. If a prophet encourages the people to follow other gods or engage in idolatry, they are to be put to death (Deuteronomy 13:5).

Moreover, they will face eternal condemnation, separated from God’s presence forever. This punishment reflects the irreversible nature of their sin. God’s Word in 2 Peter 2:3 supports this claim, saying, “And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

The Bible warns that these prophets will experience shame and humiliation, both in this life and in eternity. Their reputations will be ruined, and they will be exposed for their deceit. Jeremiah 23:40 reflects on this saying, “And I will bring upon you everlasting reproach and perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.”

In the book of Ezekiel 13:8-9, the Lord God declares that He is against fake prophets because of their false words and lying visions. He also says His hand will be against such prophets and they will not belong to the council of His people nor be able to enter the land of Israel.

​See Also: 15 Fulfilled Prophecies in the Old and New Testaments

Consequences of Following Modern day Prophets

Following fake prophets has severe consequences that affect believers. God’s Word clearly warns about these dangers, which include:

1. Spiritual Stagnation

Believers who follow the teachings of many modern day prophets often find it hard to grow spiritually. Instead of holding on to the knowledge provided by the word of God, they’ll get carried away by the teachings of these false prophets. Apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” When Christians spend a lot of time listening to these bunch of false prophets, their knowledge of the word of God will be limited and they’ll become spiritually stagnated.

2. Idolatry

These prophets often promote idolatry, encouraging people to abandon the one true God. With time, the group of people following them will begin to see them as a god, which is a form of idolatry. The Bible makes it clear that our God is a jealous God (Exodus 34:14). Hence, believers should have no relationship whatsoever with idols. 1 Corinthians 10:14 says, “Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatary.” Similarly, Jonah 2:8 says, “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.”

Following the teachings of these prophets can be compared to idolatry because they convince their followers to abandon the divine covenant of our lord God. Eventually, careless believers will start to lose their spiritual identity and reject God’s laws and principles.

3. God’s Judgment

God takes true prophecies seriously and would judge those who claim to speak in His name but lead others astray. Jeremiah 23:30-32 declares that God will punish those who prophesy wrongly, using His name to deceive others. Furthermore, if people believe them, God’s punishment would be on both the prophets and those who followed them (Ezekiel 14:9-10). Fake prophets and their followers would equally face public shame. Not to mention, if their followers chose not to mend their ways, they would suffer eternal separation from God. God’s Word in Matthew 7:22-23 says, “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?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

How to Protect Yourself from Modern day Prophets

To avoid falling prey to the teachings of modern-day prophets, it’s essential to take proactive steps by doing the following:

1. Know God’s Word

Like the early believers, familiarize yourself with the Word of God to recognize wrong biblical teachings. Christ Jesus commands believers to “watch out for false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15). Have a good knowledge of the son of God, then spend quality time praying, studying, and meditating on Scripture to help you develop a strong biblical foundation. This would make you recognize falsehood when you see one, especially when a prophetic message is not consistent. If you become familiar with God’s word, you will understand His character, nature, and promises. It’s a foundation that will help you protect yourself from deception.

2. Test All Prophecies

Examine all prophecies with the standard of God’s Word. John 4:1 says, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Paul also instructs believers to “test everything” and “hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Check if their prophecies promote Jesus Christ and if they agree with the Word of God. Do well to study the prophet’s character and motives carefully and the prophecy’s impact on your faith and life. Testing prophecies involves logical thinking, discernment, and a commitment to biblical truth. By examining spiritual claims carefully, you’ll avoid being misled by fake teachings of many modern-day prophets.

3. Seek Wise Counsel

Seeking wise counsel involves humility, recognizing your limitations, and being willing to learn from others. Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in abundance of counselors there is safety.” Many people today rely on their understanding while handling spiritual issues and that’s why they fall prey to those who claim to be the Lord God’s prophet when they’re not. Surround yourself with mature believers and prophets of God who can offer guidance. A spiritual church leader who prioritizes God’s Word can also offer good counsel. Share your views with fellow believers who are committed to biblical truth for divine guidance. However, exercise extreme caution when looking for someone to seek counsel from among the brethren.

4. Correct Biblical Errors

Believers should correct errors by simply restoring truth and promoting biblical accuracy. Use Scripture to correct wrong biblical teachings, stating how important it is to be biblically accurate. While doing this, be patient and not aggressive. Your primary focus should be on restoring the truth according to instructions in the Word of God. Before you can confidently correct biblical errors, you must have a good knowledge of the Bible. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Read and meditate on the scriptures, not as though you’re reading a novel, but with deep understanding from the throne of grace. Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:4 that, “For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.”

5. Pray for Discernment

Pray for discernment to be able to differentiate real prophets from fake ones. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Ask God to give you wisdom to know what’s true and what’s false with the help of the Holy Spirit. Pray that the spirit of God dwells in your heart and that your faith in Him grows stronger. Ask Him to also give you the courage to stand firm in biblical truth and help you understand the Bible better. A prayer of this kind helps prepare you to prevent every teaching that contradicts the voice of the Lord. Whenever you receive a prophet’s message, pray that God will reveal His will concerning it.

Wrapping Up

Many times, the teachings of Modern-day prophets are false because they have no basis in the word of God. They divide the body of Christ and lead a lot of people astray, compared to the true prophets of God. Understand that a new revelation must never go against the testimony of Jesus Christ. True divine revelation will always align with the scripture and false teachings will go against it. As it was in the early church, believers should be cautious of false teachers who have taken over many modern churches in the world today. May God grant us the wisdom, discernment, and a deep understanding of His Word, so that we will be able to discern true teachings from false ones.

Kennie Oguntoyinbo is a freelance content writer, editor and proofreader with over 4 years of experience. She is highly skilled in creating captivating and informative content across the Christian, relationship, and parenting niches. With a deep love for Christian-related articles, she writes content that inspires the readers, combining biblical lessons with practical knowledge. Whether writing devotional blogs, relationship advice, or family-focused articles, she aims to glorify God while connecting with readers through relatable, encouraging, faith-driven articles. You can follow Kennie on LinkedIn or Instagram.

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