The terms “false prophet” and “false teacher” carry significant weight in Christian circles, often thrown around too casually. But what exactly constitutes a false prophet or teacher, and when are we simply dealing with someone who’s made a mistake?

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At The Remnant Radio, we believe it’s crucial to approach this topic with both discernment and grace. Our position is that the terms “false prophet” and “false teacher” consistently refer to individuals actively attempting to lead people away from Jesus and the one true God. (Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Deuteronomy 18:20-22, Matthew 7:15-23, 2 Peter 2, 1 John 2:18-19, 1 John 4:1-3, Galatians 1:6-9)

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Scripture uses the labels of false prophet and false teacher for those deliberately steering people toward false idols and doctrines of demons. They’re not just getting a detail wrong; they’re actively sabotaging faith. Deuteronomy 13:1-5 presents a particularly deceptive scenario: it’s not about a prophet stumbling or making an error, but rather a prophet who appears successful, accurately performing signs and wonders. The danger lies in the fact that this success is then used to lure people away from the worship of Yahweh and toward other gods, making their initial signs a tool for ultimate betrayal.

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The High Stakes of First-Tier Doctrines

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To better understand this, consider the analogy of teaching. Just because someone has a different viewpoint on secondary doctrines like the Sabbath, eschatology, or the role of women doesn’t automatically label them a “false teacher.” They might be wrong, and it’s worth discussing, but it doesn’t make them a heretic. To earn the “false teacher” label, they’d have to attack first-tier doctrines – the foundational pillars of our faith like the Trinity or the hypostatic union (the perfect unity of divine and human natures in the one person of Jesus Christ). These are the non-negotiables. Likewise, an incorrect teaching based on written revelation (Scripture) doesn’t automatically make someone a heretical false teacher. It depends on the stakes: Is it a first-tier issue? And what are their intentions?

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Applying the Same Principles to Prophecy

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The same principles apply to prophecy. Just because someone misses a prophetic word doesn’t automatically make them a “false prophet.” It depends on the stakes. It’s crucial to consider the intent and the impact.

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Here’s our working framework:

• Automatic False Prophet: If a prophecy leads people away from the one true God (as described in Deuteronomy 18) or contradicts fundamental doctrines (1 John 4), that’s a clear red flag.
• Character Matters: If someone's lifestyle does not align with Christian principles and/or does not come under a local church authority, that raises serious concerns about their character. This suggests a deeper issue than just a missed word.‍
• Consistent Error & Lack of Accountability: Another issue is when individuals consistently give incorrrect prophetic words without being accountable. A pattern of inaccuracy coupled with a refusal to acknowledge or repent of errors is a serious concern.
• High Stakes, High Accountability: While consistent inaccuracy coupled with a lack of accountability is a serious concern, a single, high-stakes missed prophecy can also be enough to warrant the label “false prophet.” This is especially true when someone prophesies something significant to a massive audience, and then fails to repent. Deuteronomy 18 provides a framework for this: when an individual poses as a Messiah-like figure before an entire nation and misses a major prophecy, we don’t need multiple errors to recognize the potential for harm. A modern example would be those who have prophesied massive economic downturns, leading many to make detrimental financial decisions. Delivering a prophecy with such significant consequences, before a vast audience, requires a high degree of responsibility.
• Grace for Growth: But what about a fruit-bearing believer who misses a prophecy and genuinely seeks to correct it? Are we ready to slap the “false prophet” label on them? We believe in extending grace. Mistakes happen. The key is humility, accountability, repentance, and a willingness to learn.

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The Prophet’s Perspective: Revelation, Interpretation, and Application

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Why might a prophet make a mistake? Even when a prophet receives a genuine revelation, the journey from divine insight to accurate application can be tricky. It’s a multi-stage process: receiving the revelation, interpreting its meaning, and then applying it to the specific situation. It’s at the interpretation stage where things can get murky. A prophet might receive a clear picture or word, but their understanding of the context, the timing, or the intended audience might be flawed. This can lead to an incorrect interpretation of the message, even if the initial revelation was authentic. Think of it like this: God gives you a puzzle piece (the revelation), but you might try to force it into the wrong spot on the puzzle board (the interpretation). The piece itself is valid, but its placement is incorrect.

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It’s About the Heart and the Trajectory

Ultimately, discerning between a mistaken prophet and a false one requires wisdom and discernment. We need to consider the person’s heart, their overall character, and the direction their ministry is taking. Are they genuinely seeking to honor God, even when they stumble? Or are they leading people astray?

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This is a complex issue, and we’ve only scratched the surface here. We’ve dedicated entire episodes to exploring missed prophecies, how to handle them with grace, and how to test prophecy effectively. You can watch a playlist of How to Test the Prophetic here.

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Stay tuned for more on The Remnant Radio as we continue to navigate the fascinating and sometimes challenging landscape of the prophetic!