The Judgment and Purpose of False Prophets
Written on 12 April 2025.
The Judgment and Purpose of False Prophets
False prophets are some of the most dangerous figures in the spiritual landscape. They come in the name of Jesus Christ but are inwardly ravening wolves, deceiving many. But what if, in God's sovereign wisdom, even these false prophets serve a purpose? What if the very deception they bring becomes the breaking point for someone who, in that brokenness, finally sees their need for the true Saviour?
The Bible tells us:
> "And if the prophet be deceived when he hath spoken a thing, I the LORD have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out my hand upon him, and will destroy him from the midst of my people Israel. And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity: the punishment of the prophet shall be even as the punishment of him that seeketh unto him;" > — Ezekiel 14:9–10 (KJV)
This is a terrifying and humbling truth. Not only does the false prophet face judgment, but also those who seek unto him. God holds both accountable. Yet this passage also reveals something deeper: many people seek out false prophets **because they reject the truth**. They want comfort over confrontation, and ease over repentance.
> "Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:" > — Isaiah 30:10 (KJV)
Many today, like in Isaiah's time, prefer the road they have always been on. They are more comfortable not believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. They feel safer continuing in a lie than facing the truth that would require them to humble themselves and be saved.
Yet even in this rejection, God can work. When someone follows a false prophet, the consequences of that deception — the disillusionment, the emptiness, the destruction — may be exactly what is needed to break them.
> "Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word." > — Psalm 119:67 (KJV)
> "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." > — Psalm 51:17 (KJV)
> "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble..." > — Isaiah 57:15 (KJV)
False prophets deceive, but God can use that deception as part of His larger plan — to bring people to the end of themselves. To bring them to that place of contrition, where they finally cry out for the truth. For the real Saviour. For eternal life, not just religion.
Yes, the anger many feel toward false prophets is valid. But we must also recognize the deeper layers of judgment, free will, and divine mercy. Some will never listen to a true prophet. Some will reject the real gospel until they've been broken by the consequences of following a counterfeit. And then — and only then — will their spirit become contrite, their heart humbled, and their ears open to the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because even in judgment, **God desires mercy.**