The false teaching of prophets in our time
Part Two: It is time to study the Word and see that there are no prophets today
Yesterday we discussed the issue of so-called apostles in our time, and we showed that they do not exist today, despite the claims of some. The Word of God, and rightly dividing the Word, are your guide. You can have the Word of God, but if you do not apply proper exegesis and hermeneutics, you will not find out what the Word actually teaches. This week, we look at the claims of “prophets” in today’s church, and why this is nothing but deception.
In the Old Testament, a prophet was someone who was chosen by God, to speak on God’s behalf, for a specific purposes, mostly warning people of their sin. Peter defines a prophet:
21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. – 2 Peter 1:21
For years people did not have access to any written form of God’s Word, and thus the prophet became the mouthpiece for God’s communication with man. He could prophesy, or foretell the future, if God gave him a prophecy, but communicating prophesies was not his primary ministry. His task was to speak God’s truth and warning to the people. Some forty prophets are identified in the Old Testament, and eleven in the New Testament. A time came when the role of the prophet stopped, as explained by the writer to the Hebrews:
1God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; – Hebrews 1:1-2
Nothing can be clearer. In the past God spoke to people through prophets, but in these last days He has spoken (present perfect tense, ongoing) to us through His Son, the Word. Prophets, along with the apostles, were required for the foundation of the Church:
19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; 20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; 21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: 22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. – Ephesians 2:19-22
Since the foundation has been laid, there is no further need for the voice of a prophet. God already speaks to us through the Word, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Word is what the Church needs to grow and edify members. Jesus gave certain ministries so that three things could happen: guiding us as believers in the truth; doing the work required in the ministry; and to edify the body:
11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: – Ephesians 4:11-12
The fact that different ministries are mentioned, does not mean all of them still function today. Some were required for a period, and then ceased to operate because they had served their purpose. If you build a house, someone may start by laying the foundation and once the concrete has set, they leave, job done. Today what we have left is the work of evangelists (we must still obey the command for the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20); we still have pastors to shepherd churches; and we still have teachers to rightly divide the Word.
Since the canon of the Word has been determined, we do not need any further revelation. It is all contained in the Bible and there is no need for any self-proclaimed “prophet” to reveal anything anymore. Does it mean it is not possible for someone to bring a message of edification? No, but we are still commanded to test the spirits to see if they are from God:
1Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. – 1 John 4:1-3
How do we test (try) them? By measuring them against the Word of God. This requires you to have intimate knowledge of the Word, and since many believers lack this, it makes them easy targets for false teaching. Jesus warns us specifically against false prophets:
15Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. – Matthew 7:15-23
Note that “true” (as opposed to false) prophets are never mentioned, simply because this position does not exist anymore. False prophets though, are on the increase as we move closer to the end of this dispensation and the devil is doing everything he can to derail believers. The best place to do this is in the church. You need the guidance of the Holy Spirit now more than ever before to protect you against their onslaughts. They will use the name of Jesus – prophesying, casting out devils, and doing wonderful works sound so real but it will be called iniquity and the messengers are banished out of the sight of our Lord.
Jesus Himself indicates the end of the period of the prophets:
16The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. – Luke 16:16
It is simple to understand: Until John. No further.
Conclusion
Carefully evaluate what others say to you. If you compare it to the Word and it is in line, accept it. However, a message that “God told me to tell you to…” is false and contradictory to the Word as explained in Hebrews 1:2. If you are blind enough to be misled by such people, you are on the wrong track. Rather confess, denounce the false prophets who are the tares in the field, and turn back to the true Word, the Creator of the universe, Jesus Christ.
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