For a long time, I have been burdened by the knowledge that the church is full of false teachers and prophets. Their teaching has damaged, even destroyed, many within the body of Christ. Many, although not all, of these teachers lead very large congregations, run huge organizations, and have thousands of followers.
This post is a guide for you, to help identify, expose, and discredit the false teaching that is running rampant throughout the Body of Christ.
The Persistent Danger of Deception
The existence of false teachers is not a new problem; it is a persistent, biblical reality that we must be prepared for.
1. The Warnings of Scripture
The Bible is clear that we must remain vigilant. The Old Testament is full of warnings about prophets who spoke out of their own imagination, not God’s will:
Ezekiel 13:2 NIV Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the Lord!
The New Testament confirms this danger is even more pronounced in the last days:
2 Peter 2:1 NIV But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Jesus Himself warned us:
Matthew 24:24 NIV For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Paul reveals the source of this deception—Satan himself:
2 Corinthians 11:13-14 NIV [13] For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. [14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2. The Dangers of "Another Gospel"
Paul described this false teaching not just as error, but as “another gospel”—a dangerous spiritual poison that ruins the hearers and causes ungodliness.
Galatians 1:6-7 NIV [6] I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— [7] which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
The danger is immense: it leads many Christians astray, causes confusion and disorder, and spreads like a disease:
2 Timothy 2:14 NIV Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
This post is a guide for you, to help identify, expose, and discredit the false teaching that is running rampant throughout the Body of Christ.
The Persistent Danger of Deception
The existence of false teachers is not a new problem; it is a persistent, biblical reality that we must be prepared for.
1. The Warnings of Scripture
The Bible is clear that we must remain vigilant. The Old Testament is full of warnings about prophets who spoke out of their own imagination, not God’s will:
Ezekiel 13:2 NIV Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the Lord!
The New Testament confirms this danger is even more pronounced in the last days:
2 Peter 2:1 NIV But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Jesus Himself warned us:
Matthew 24:24 NIV For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.
Paul reveals the source of this deception—Satan himself:
2 Corinthians 11:13-14 NIV [13] For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. [14] And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2. The Dangers of "Another Gospel"
Paul described this false teaching not just as error, but as “another gospel”—a dangerous spiritual poison that ruins the hearers and causes ungodliness.
Galatians 1:6-7 NIV [6] I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— [7] which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ.
The danger is immense: it leads many Christians astray, causes confusion and disorder, and spreads like a disease:
2 Timothy 2:14 NIV Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
How to Identify False Teachers and Prophets
The best way to guard yourself against false teachers and teaching is to know the truth. Careful study of the Word of God will help you identify a counterfeit because once you know the genuine article, you will be able to quickly spot a fake.
2 Timothy 2:15 NIV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Test 1: What Do They Say About Jesus?
Any person who challenges Jesus Christ's work of redemption is suspect. If they deny that Jesus is equal with God, or downplay His sacrificial death, or reject His humanity (refusing to teach that He is at once fully God and fully man), then they are false teachers.
2 John 1:7-10 NIV[7] I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. [8] Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. [9] Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them
1 John 2:21-23 NIV [21] I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. [22] Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. [23] No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. (emphasis mine)
Test 2: Do They Preach the Gospel?
The Gospel is the good news concerning Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection:
1 Corinthians 15:3-5 NIV [3] For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.
Messages like “God wants you to be wealthy,” or “God loves you just as you are” sound wonderful, but they are not the complete message of the Gospel. If the primary message is not Christ's sacrifice for sin and salvation by grace through faith, beware!
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.
Test 3: Do They Exhibit Godly Character?
Jesus said we would know these false teachers by their fruits:
Matthew 7:15-16 NIV [15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
A lack of righteous character, a pursuit of greed, or a rebellious, defiant spirit are all signs of a false shepherd
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV [1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (emphasis mine)
They may have a “form of godliness but deny its power.”
Test 4: Is the Prophecy 100% Accurate?
A true prophet's message is forth-telling (speaking God's word) not fortune-telling. If they speak something in God’s name and it does not come to pass, or if they use occultist techniques, they are false. Furthermore, even if a prophecy comes true, if the prophet points you to anyone other than the true Jesus or other gods, they are to be rejected:
Deuteronomy 13:1-4 NIV [1] If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, [2] and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” [3] you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. [4] It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. (emphasis mine)
What to Do Next: Expose and Avoid
Once you have identified false teaching, the Bible gives clear instructions.
1. Expose and Rebuke
We are not called to silently tolerate error. We are commanded to shine a light on it:
Ephesians 5:11 NIV Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
2. Avoid Them
We must decisively reject their message and their fellowship so we do not share in their evil works:
Titus 3:10-11 NIV [10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. [11] You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. (emphasis mine)
2 John 1:10-11 NIV[10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. [11] Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.
3. Study the Word Daily
The ultimate defense is to be so immersed in Scripture that the counterfeit is instantly recognizable. Recite it, study it, and treasure it in your heart.
Psalms 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Let’s work together to rid the Body of Christ of the false teaching that casts a shadow over the love of God for mankind, the sacrifice of Jesus for our sin, and the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain us. Imitate Christ and follow those who do the same.
The best way to guard yourself against false teachers and teaching is to know the truth. Careful study of the Word of God will help you identify a counterfeit because once you know the genuine article, you will be able to quickly spot a fake.
2 Timothy 2:15 NIV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Test 1: What Do They Say About Jesus?
Any person who challenges Jesus Christ's work of redemption is suspect. If they deny that Jesus is equal with God, or downplay His sacrificial death, or reject His humanity (refusing to teach that He is at once fully God and fully man), then they are false teachers.
2 John 1:7-10 NIV[7] I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. [8] Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. [9] Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them
1 John 2:21-23 NIV [21] I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. [22] Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. [23] No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. (emphasis mine)
Test 2: Do They Preach the Gospel?
The Gospel is the good news concerning Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection:
1 Corinthians 15:3-5 NIV [3] For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.
Messages like “God wants you to be wealthy,” or “God loves you just as you are” sound wonderful, but they are not the complete message of the Gospel. If the primary message is not Christ's sacrifice for sin and salvation by grace through faith, beware!
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast.
Test 3: Do They Exhibit Godly Character?
Jesus said we would know these false teachers by their fruits:
Matthew 7:15-16 NIV [15] “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. [16] By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
A lack of righteous character, a pursuit of greed, or a rebellious, defiant spirit are all signs of a false shepherd
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NIV [1] But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. [2] People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, [3] without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, [4] treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— [5] having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (emphasis mine)
They may have a “form of godliness but deny its power.”
Test 4: Is the Prophecy 100% Accurate?
A true prophet's message is forth-telling (speaking God's word) not fortune-telling. If they speak something in God’s name and it does not come to pass, or if they use occultist techniques, they are false. Furthermore, even if a prophecy comes true, if the prophet points you to anyone other than the true Jesus or other gods, they are to be rejected:
Deuteronomy 13:1-4 NIV [1] If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, [2] and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, “Let us follow other gods” (gods you have not known) “and let us worship them,” [3] you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul. [4] It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him. (emphasis mine)
What to Do Next: Expose and Avoid
Once you have identified false teaching, the Bible gives clear instructions.
1. Expose and Rebuke
We are not called to silently tolerate error. We are commanded to shine a light on it:
Ephesians 5:11 NIV Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
2. Avoid Them
We must decisively reject their message and their fellowship so we do not share in their evil works:
Titus 3:10-11 NIV [10] Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. [11] You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. (emphasis mine)
2 John 1:10-11 NIV[10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. [11] Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.
3. Study the Word Daily
The ultimate defense is to be so immersed in Scripture that the counterfeit is instantly recognizable. Recite it, study it, and treasure it in your heart.
Psalms 119:105 NIV Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Let’s work together to rid the Body of Christ of the false teaching that casts a shadow over the love of God for mankind, the sacrifice of Jesus for our sin, and the power of the Holy Spirit to sustain us. Imitate Christ and follow those who do the same.
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