False
Prophets
Now consider the distinction
between a false and a true prophet from Josh McDowell’s
Evidence That
Demands a Verdict, 1972:
False prophets were usually paid
staff under the king. . . They
"prophesied" what the king wanted to hear. . . he preaches of peace.
. .
They steal the name of the Lord,
use their own authority in His name and
claim their own self-exalted status. . . They lead the people with false
assurance. (p. 269).
True prophets. . .do not begin with a message of
peace because god-like
peace comes only through holiness, righteousness and repentance. The
theme of the true prophet has been set by Moses, which is the theme of
God’s law. The true prophet is commissioned by God and speaks in His
name, with His authority. . . He challenges his hearers head on to examine
themselves. (p. 270).
Isaiah 29:12 Act stupid and be
stupefied!
Act blind and be blinded!
(They are drunk, but not from wine,
They stagger, but not from liquor.)
For the Lord has spread over you
A spirit of deep sleep,
And has shut your eyes, the (false) prophets,
And covered your heads, the seers;
So that all prophecy has been to
you
Like the words of a sealed document.
Mt. 24:24 There shall arise false Christs, and
false prophets,
and shall show great signs
and wonders; insomuch
that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very
elect. (However they shall be so well informed that
this is not
possible.)
The above quote is from The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand, by Ed Roache