Over the centuries since Christ’s death and resurrection, countless impostors have pretended to be the Messiah or claimed to know details about the future they could not possibly know. While false prophets are nothing new, they will become increasingly prevalent and destructive in the End Times. Jesus warned us about these individuals in His Olivet Discourse: “many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:11).
In Matthew 10:16 and Luke 10:3, Jesus warned His followers about “wolves” who would be openly hostile to the Gospel. But Matthew 7 presents a more subtle threat—wolves disguised as sheep. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15). These are false prophets who infiltrate the Church and lead people astray.
Jesus warned that false prophets would deceive many people in the Last Days, but we don’t have to fall for their schemes. The Bible provides many warning signs and practical ways we can respond to false teaching.
Just as clever hoaxes have conned many brilliant people, it is possible for Christians—even mature believers—to be duped by false teachers. Many philosophies that have nothing to do with the cause of Christ masquerade under the banner of Christianity. Without the wisdom and grace of God, we’re all vulnerable to deception…
