Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." href="https://biblepic.com/53/23332.jpg">
Jesus predicted that “many false prophets will appear and deceive many people” (Matthew 24:11 NIV. News headlines frequently highlight the accuracy of Jesus’ prediction. One recent example of a false prophet doing this was made publicly on December 23, 2024.
“I have made and entered [into a] covenant with God and on December 6, 2056, I’ll see you all later. I’m out of here, 120 years old,” televangelist Kennth Copeland claimed on December 23, 2024, predicting the date of his death. This false prophet, like all false prophets, contradicts the Bible with his predictions.read more
Are the Doctrines of Purgatory and Hellfire in the Bible?
“Those who contend with you shall be as nothing and will perish . . . Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent”—Isaiah 41:11,12 NASB
The Bible teaches that death is non-existence. Purgatory is a Catholic doctrine which teaches there is an intermediate state after physical death in which some of those ultimately destined for heaven must first undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven, holding that certain offenses can be forgiven in this age, but certain others in the age to come. But what does the Bible teach? Let’s compare some Catholic claims about the doctrine of Purgatory to the Scriptures.
Is the doctrine of Purgatory a true Biblical teaching?
Catholics claim:
Those that build their foundations on wood, grass or straw will be burned when we are purified to go to purgatory. Yet they will saved though only as men are saved by passing through fire. All people who go to purgatory will be saved though suffering (fire).
Paul was using word pictures, such as metaphors, in the account at 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. He uses simile in verse 15 saying “the person will be saved, but ONLY AS THROUGH FIRE.” (Catholic New American Bible [NAB])
The fire is figurative for spiritual cleansing and difficulty prior to death, not after! Even the Catholic New American Bible (NAB) footnote on this verse admits: “THE TEXT OF V 15 HAS SOMETIMES BEEN USED TO SUPPORT THE NOTION OF PURGATORY, THOUGH IT DOES NOT ENVISAGE THIS.”
Catholics claim:
1 John 5:16 gives us the idea that there are sins “unto death” and sins that “are not unto death.” Sins that are unto death are those sins committed that kill the soul. Those sins that are not unto death are those sins that injure the soul but do not kill it. These are the sins that are forgiven in purgatory. We see purgatory all over the Old Testament sometimes called the bosom of Abraham or Sheol.
When you actually look at the scriptures, such as 1 John 5:16, you’ll see that it says: “IF ANYONE SEES HIS BROTHER SINNING, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God.” (NAB) This is obviously talking about a brother that is sinning who is still alive, not someone who is dead in “purgatory.”
Purgatory is a “myth” that “does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Timothy 1:4; 1 Timothy 6:3 NAB) There are ZERO OCCURENCES OF PURGATORY IN THE BIBLE. Sheol is the Hebrew word, meaning the symbolic common grave of mankind. It is not literal, so there is no literal fire, or burning, there.
Catholics claim:
These are places where the Old Testament Fathers await Christ to come and preach to them to set them free.
Not according to the Bible — “For Sheol cannot praise you, nor Death celebrate you; those who go down to the pit can hope no longer in your constancy. The Living, the living are the ones who praise you as I do today.” (Isaiah 38:18 Catholic NJB)
Catholics claim:
What possible reason would Christ have to go to Hell to preach to the damned? The Damned will not get any consolation from it. It would be more likely that he went to the righteous to show them that He was the messiah and that it was time for them to follow Him to heaven.
The Bible says that Jesus: “WENT TO PREACH TO THE SPIRITS IN PRISON, WHO HAD ONCE BEEN DISOBEDIENT WHILE GOD PATIENTLY WAITED IN THE DAYS OF NOAH.” (1 Peter 3:19-20 NAB) This, along with Genesis 6:4; 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 7 makes clear that these “spirits” Jesus preached to were demons.
Catholics claim:
You are saying that Jesus went to the underworld to preach to demons. Because of this, the Demons could be saved? Was Jesus just telling them, “Ha! Ha! You guys are going to fry here in hell for all time?”
No, he simply preached a message of judgment. As the demons asked Jesus at Luke 4:34 (NAB), “Have you come to destroy us?” Jesus confirmed that he would indeed eventually “destroy” or obliterate them – not “fry” them in a hot roasting hell for eternity.
Catholics claim:
Hades and Purgatory are the same thing. Hades is Greek and Purgatory is Latin.
Hades is in the New Testament 22 times. So-called “Purgatory” is in the New Testament zero times. The New Testament was written originally in Greek, not Latin. The meaning Catholics assert for their myth “Purgatory” is in stark contradiction to the meaning the Bible attaches to Hades.
Catholics claim:
There is a problem with the Greek because Hades means both a temporal place of punishment or a permanent place of torment, Hell.
It means neither.
The New Testament Greek uses Hades in place of the Old Testament Hebrew, Sheol. The Bible uses these words to mean one thing only, that is, the symbolic common grave of mankind, or nonexistence, until resurrection.
“For you will not abandon me to Sheol, you cannot allow your faithful servant to see the abyss.” (Psalm 16:10 Catholic NJB)
“He spoke with foreknowledge about the resurrection of the Christ: he is the one who was not abandoned to Hades, and whose body did not see corruption.” (Acts 2:31 Catholic NJB)
You can see from the verses above that the terms Sheol and Hades are interchangeable – they mean the same thing in the Bible. People who will receive a resurrection are said to go there, even righteous people, such as Jesus when he died.
Catholics claim:
Purgatory will be emptied in the final days. That means it exists now. Remember, you are saved if you are in Purgatory.
You’d better read it again. It says Hades will be emptied. It says nothing about Purgatory.
“The sea gave up its dead; then Death and Hades gave up their dead. All the dead were judged according to their deeds”—Revelation 20:13 NABread more
The Bible Completely Equips Us & Doesn’t Need Supplements
Many people professing to be Christians today believe the Bible is useful but incomplete and needs to be supplemented by their own teachings and writings. But is this the case? Is it possible that the Bible completely equips us?
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17) The Bible completely equips Christians because it is the only divinely inspired writing.
“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.” (Prov 30:5-6) The Bible is perfect because it is God’s Word and does not need to be supplemented.
“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. ” (1 Jn 4:1)
“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.” (Rev 22:18-19) Adding to or subtracting anything from the Bible is condemned by God.
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.” (Jn 17:17)The Bible is God’s Word.
“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. ” (Jude 3) This body of truth, or faith, contained in the Bible was delivered once for all time, being completed by around 100 CE.
“Remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.” (Jude 17) The word of the apostles was authoritative. The New Testament was written by four apostles directly chosen by Jesus, namely, Matthew, John, Peter and Paul. Four other close associates of the apostles also wrote the New Testament.
1 Cor 15:7 – “Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.” Jesus appeared to James.
The Bible is the court of final arbitration, so if something is true it has to be in agreement with the Bible. Otherwise, it is false. So if Trinitarians want to provide evidence for the Trinity doctrine, their argument should be in agreement with the Bible. Likewise, if we believe the Trinity is false, our belief should be in agreement with the scriptures.
Does Bible teach the Trinity?
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)
The Bible says that God is one, not three:
“The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Mark 12:29 HCSB)
This is the same God referred to in Galatians 1:1 (NASB): “Through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead.”
God and Jesus are separate and distinct. When someone says “One Divine Being who exists in three persons,” they are using a very different definition of God from what the Bible uses.
“There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Pr 16:25)
Trinitarian “evidence” is not found in the Bible. How could someone say such a thing?
“They will believe what is false.” (2 Thess 2:11 HCSB)
We respect them as persons and know they sincerely believe what they think is true. However, sincerity of belief does not equate to truth.
“No lie comes from the truth.” (1 Jn 2:21 HCSB; NIV) The Trinity is a lie, which is viewed by God as a very serious problem. We mean no disrespect to them when we point out the falsehood of the Trinity.
Trinitarians use several scriptures to “prove” that Jesus has always existed. Let’s consider some examples:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (Jn 1:1-3)
This says that Jesus was “with God” at the “beginning” of the universe. It does not say that Jesus has always existed.
“‘Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!'” (Jn 8:58)
Jesus says he existed before Abraham was born, but he does not say he always existed.
“And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.” (Jn 17:5)
Jesus says he was with his Father “before the world began,” but he does not say he always existed.
“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (Heb 1:3)read more
False Prophets and Prophecies – How to Identify Them
“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. ” (1 John 4:1) Biblical ‘testing’ will help us to identify false prophets and prophecies.
The Bible tells us to discern the origin of prophecies. “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians5:19-21 NIV). According to the scriptures, we should ‘test all prophets and prophecies.’ The Bible gives us all the information we need to identify false prophets and prophecies.
Real prophecy strengthens the church. “Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy. For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious. But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them. A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.” (1 Corinthians14:1-4 NLT). Genuine prophesy strengthens the entire church, but false prophets and prophecies do not.
Let the others evaluate what is said to access whether it is indeed a word from God. “Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said.” (1 Corinthians14:29 NLT) Listening what others, especially mature Christians, think can be beneficial.
Don’t be easily excited or alarmed by purported prophecy. “Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us.” (2 Thessalonians 2:2)
Test prophecies against Bible teachings. “Do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.” (1 John 4:1-3)
Gauge the character of “prophets.” “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” (Matthew7:15-20 NLT)
Christian discipleship is not confirmed by prophecy. “On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.'” (Matthew 7:22-23) Rather, Christian discipleship is confirmed by obedience. “Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” (Matthew 7:21b)
Reject those who say the day of the Lord has already begun. “Let us clarify some things about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and how we will be gathered to meet him. Don’t be so easily shaken or alarmed by those who say that the day of the Lord has already begun. Don’t believe them, even if they claim to have had a spiritual vision, a revelation, or a letter supposedly from us.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” (Matthew 24:6) “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming . . . ‘The end is near.’ Do not follow them” (Luke 21:8 NIV).
Remember Jesus’ warnings of deceit and false prophecy. “Jesus told them, ‘Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many.'” (Matthew 24:4,5 NLT) “And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.” (Mt 24:11) “Then if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah,’ or ‘There he is,’ don’t believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. See, I have warned you about this ahead of time. ‘So if someone tells you, ‘Look, the Messiah is out in the desert,’ don’t bother to go and look. Or, ‘Look, he is hiding here,’ don’t believe it!” (Mt 24:23-26)
Any prophet whose prediction fails must be branded as false, even if he claims to speak for God. “But any prophet who falsely claims to speak in my name or who speaks in the name of another god must die. But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared.” (Deuteronomy18:20-22) The mere claim is false if it goes unfulfilled. Check any prophecy against the Bible. “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” (1 John4:1) God never contradicts Himself. “Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or miracles occur. If they then say, ‘Come, let us worship other gods’—gods you have not known before—do not listen to them. The Lord your God is testing you to see if you truly love him with all your heart and soul. Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him. The false prophets or visionaries who try to lead you astray must be put to death, for they encourage rebellion against the Lord your God, who redeemed you from slavery and brought you out of the land of Egypt. Since they try to lead you astray from the way the Lord your God commanded you to live, you must put them to death. In this way you will purge the evil from among you. Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them. You must put them to death! Strike the first blow yourself, and then all the people must join in. Stone the guilty ones to death because they have tried to draw you away from the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 13:1-10) False prophets discovered among the God’s people of the Old Covenant were to be executed. Under the New Covenant, Christians are to reject false prophets and their prophecies. “Watch out that you are not deceived, for many will come in my name, claiming . . . ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them'”(Luke 21:8 NIV).
False prophets will try to hide who they really are. They disclaim the responsibility for the accuracy that goes with the office. “On that day people will be ashamed to claim the prophetic gift. No one will pretend to be a prophet by wearing prophet’s clothes. He will say, ‘I’m no prophet; I’m a farmer. I began working for a farmer as a boy.’ And if someone asks, ‘Then what about those wounds on your chest?’ he will say, ‘I was wounded at my friends’ house!'” (Zechariah13:4-6)
God’s holy Spirit could never be the source of error. “The Helper, the Holy Spirit which the Father will send in my place, will teach you everything and remind you of everything that I have taught you” (John 14:26 AAT). “I write you these things about those who would deceive you. As for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, so that you do not need anyone to teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false, just as it taught you, remain in him” (1 John 2:26,27 NAB).
False prophets invent their own prophesies from their own imaginations. “Then this message came to me from the Lord: ‘Son of man, prophesy against the false prophets of Israel who are inventing their own prophecies. Say to them, ‘Listen to the word of the Lord. This is what the Sovereign Lord says: What sorrow awaits the false prophets who are following their own imaginations and have seen nothing at all!'” (Ezekiel 13:1-3 NLT) “Now, son of man, speak out against the women who prophesy from their own imaginations.” (Ezekiel13:17 NLT) False prophets utter false prophecies!
The Bible predicts that there will be false prophets and what will happen to them. “But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves.” (2 Peter 2:1) In fact, it speaks of “many false prophets.” (1 John 4:1)
False prophets are like straw, but God’s word is like grain. God’s word is like a hammer that pulverizes rock. (Jeremiah23:25-32) False prophets and their prophecies are worthless. The Bible helps to identify and expose false prophets and their prophecies.
