Definition and Nature
False visions and divinations refer to deceptive or counterfeit revelations and predictions that claim to be from God but are not. These phenomena are often associated with false prophets and diviners who mislead people by presenting their own imaginations or demonic influences as divine truth. The Bible consistently warns against such practices, emphasizing the importance of discernment and adherence to God's true word.

Biblical Warnings and Examples
The Old Testament contains numerous warnings against false visions and divinations. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, God explicitly forbids the Israelites from engaging in divination, sorcery, and other occult practices, stating, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD."

The prophet Jeremiah frequently confronted false prophets who claimed to have visions from God. In Jeremiah 14:14, the LORD declares, "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name. I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, worthless divination, the deceit of their own minds." This highlights the danger of individuals who, driven by their own desires or deceit, lead others astray with false messages.

Ezekiel also addresses this issue, condemning those who fabricate visions. In Ezekiel 13:6-7, God says, "They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they hope for the fulfillment of their word. Have you not seen a false vision and spoken a lying divination when you proclaim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ even though I have not spoken?"

New Testament Perspective
The New Testament continues to warn believers about false prophets and deceptive practices. Jesus Himself cautions in Matthew 24:24, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible." This underscores the potential for false visions and divinations to lead even the faithful astray.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, also warns against being deceived by false teachings and prophecies. In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, he describes the coming of the lawless one as being "in accordance with the work of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing."

Discernment and Response
The Bible encourages believers to exercise discernment and test all spirits to determine their origin. In 1 John 4:1, it is written, "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 call to discernment is crucial in identifying and rejecting false visions and divinations.

Believers are urged to rely on the Scriptures as the ultimate authority and guide. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily to verify the truth of the teachings they received. This practice serves as a model for Christians to ensure that their beliefs and practices align with God's revealed word.

Consequences of False Visions and Divinations
The Bible outlines severe consequences for those who engage in or propagate false visions and divinations. In the Old Testament, false prophets were subject to the death penalty (Deuteronomy 18:20). While the New Testament does not prescribe such penalties, it warns of spiritual judgment and separation from God for those who persist in deceitful practices.

In Revelation 22:15, those who practice falsehood are excluded from the heavenly city: "Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood." This serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal implications of embracing or spreading false visions and divinations.