Why Does God Permit False Prophets?

Why Does God Permit False Prophets?

Quoting AW Pink . . .

\tThis is a very solemn question, and we must restrict ourselves to what the Scriptures say by way of reply.

"You shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams. For the Lord your God is testing you, to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul". (Deuteronomy 13:3).

From those words it is clear that God allows teachers of error for the same reason as He does persecutors of His people: to test their love, to try their fidelity, to show that their loyalty to him is such that they will not give ear unto His enemies. Error has always been more popular than the Truth, for it lets down the bars and fosters fleshly indulgence, but for that very reason it is obnoxious to the godly.

The one who by grace can say "I have chosen the way of Truth" will be able to add "I have stuck unto Thy testimonies" (Psalm 119:30, 31), none being able to move him therefrom.

"For there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized." (1 Corinthians 11:19).

Error serves as a flail, separating the chaff from the wheat. Let some plausible and popular preacher come forward with an old error decked out in new clothes and empty professors will at once flock to his standard; but not so with those who are established in the Faith. Thus, by means of the false prophets, God makes it appear who are the ones who hold the Truth in sincerity: they are faithful to Him despite all temptations to turn away unto a "broader-minded" way. The genuine gold endures every test to which it is subjected. Thus too are the unregenerate "converts" revealed: the counterfeit gold will not withstand the fire. Those who are attracted by a novelty do not endure but are soon carried away by some newer innovation.
\t
From: \tSermon on the Mount

When we look at Matthew 24v11 it tells us, 'Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.'

Also, verse 24 of the same chapter says, 'For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.'

Quote: 'The genuine gold endures every test to which it is subjected.'

We know we will be tested and, and should expect it. It is not necessary for us to fail, Jude 24, but we should seek desperately, for us and ours, to be kept from all deception.

If, in light of scripture, we still follow a false prophet, we cannot say we have not been warned.

May the Lord help us to use discernment, and fill ourselves on His word that we have room to take in anything else.

God bless.

Amen. The Lord has been showing me this for several years now. He allows false prophets to raise up in order to test His people. So, when you see folks like Todd Bentley raising up to great prominence almost over night, and having such a great attraction, know that such us ultimately of the Lord. But also remember that "...this too shall pass..." God will eventually bring such men down and bring an everlasting reproach upon such men.