Definition and Characteristics:

False prophets and dreamers are individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God or possess divine insight through dreams but are, in reality, deceivers. They often lead people astray with messages that contradict the teachings of Scripture. The Bible warns against such figures, emphasizing the importance of discernment and adherence to God's revealed Word.

Biblical Warnings and Identifications:

The Old Testament provides clear instructions regarding false prophets. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 states, "If a prophet or dreamer of dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and if the sign or wonder he has spoken to you comes to pass, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods’ (which you have not known) ‘and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer." This passage highlights that even if a sign or wonder occurs, the message must align with God's commandments.

Jeremiah 23:16 further warns, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'" Here, the emphasis is on the origin of the message—whether it is from God or from the prophet's imagination.

New Testament Perspective:

The New Testament continues to caution believers about false prophets. In Matthew 7:15 , Jesus warns, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." This metaphor illustrates the deceptive nature of false prophets, who appear harmless but are dangerous.

The Apostle Paul also addresses this issue in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 , stating, "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness." Paul underscores the cunning nature of false prophets and their alignment with evil.

Tests for Authenticity:

The Bible provides tests to discern true prophets from false ones. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 offers a straightforward test: "You may ask in your heart, ‘How can we recognize a message that the LORD has not spoken?’ When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the message does not come to pass or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him."

Additionally, 1 John 4:1 advises, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This calls for spiritual discernment and testing against the truth of Scripture.

Consequences and Judgment:

The Bible is clear about the consequences for false prophets. In the Old Testament, false prophets were subject to severe punishment. Deuteronomy 18:20 declares, "But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must be put to death."

In the New Testament, the ultimate judgment for false prophets is spiritual condemnation. Matthew 7:21-23 records Jesus' words: "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name...?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’"

Conclusion:

The Bible consistently warns against false prophets and dreamers, urging believers to remain vigilant and grounded in the truth of God's Word. Through discernment and adherence to Scripture, Christians are called to recognize and reject those who would lead them astray.