Objective:
Before there is any question regarding whether or not we believe in prophecies, I affirm that yes, we believe in all words truly coming from God, whose purpose is sometimes: to exhort, correct, guide regarding the future sometimes using the past, to bring to light something hidden through revelation, or even to give hope to His servants, so that they remain firm regarding His promises.
But it is necessary to highlight that there are many people who live disoriented, discouraged, without motivation, because at some point they believed in lies that came to them as prophecies, or as words of guidance that would be coming from God, but in truth they were deceived with false words, coming from irresponsible people, often driven by dubious interests, or even by having "good intentions", however, they were people who spoke of themselves, without any anointing or authority coming from God, generally they did so driven by emotion, without considering the consequences.
Because of this, we will address this subject many times avoided, or even neglected by some, so that we can contribute and try to prevent more people from falling into these deceptions, but are free from any falsehoods.
Points for Reflection:
Do you really know what a prophecy is?
Is there any problem or danger in believing in and being guided by prophecies?
In your life, do you think you have made decisions based on any prophecy you believed in?
Do all prophecies come from God?
Is it a sin to doubt prophecies or question them, what does the Bible say about this?
What are the possible damages we can have from believing in false prophecies?
Are there consequences for false prophets?
What really is a prophecy for us Christians? What is it about?
If we look up its meaning we will have the following:
1. prediction of the future, which is believed to be of divine inspiration; vaticination.
2. prediction made by an individual who claims to know how to read the future; forecast.
In the meanings it says that it is a prediction of the future, that is, to say something that will happen in the future in advance, in short, before it even happens, and this is also our understanding of what prophecy is.
For Christians, the words that speak about the future, that is, prophecies, only have validity if they truly originated from Jesus Christ, the True God, whether they came from Him directly, or using His vessels, these being the prophets like Moisés, Daniel, João, etc. or people to whom He gave the gift of prophecy.
We can assert and say categorically that the Bible is the greatest prophecy of all time, because in addition to explaining the origin of humanity, and showing God's purposes for His people, it also speaks of their future here on earth and for eternity.
It is also good to highlight that increasingly we see documentaries, even from those channels that have always been committed to contradicting or casting doubt on the facts narrated in the Bible, sometimes placing them as fantasies, sometimes trying to discredit them, but many of these today have recognized the biblical truthfulness, regarding the past that is presented to us by it. Given this, we can ask the following question: If everything that is in the Bible regarding past facts is true, would God fail to fulfill His prophecies spoken to His people, regarding the glorious future that was promised by Him?
Is there any problem or danger in believing in and being guided by prophecies?
The answer is very simple, if they are only words coming from human will as a form of direction, comfort, etc., in short, coming from false prophets, it is certain that whoever lives under such false guidance, or receives comfort even in moments when they should be corrected, certainly whoever maintains themselves in these conditions is usually in danger, and at risk, because such people would not be guided by God truly, but by false prophecies, that is, they live in a lie, and allow themselves to be led by them, and it is good to say that a life of lies always brings its consequences.
But if on the other hand they are indeed prophecies coming from God, there is no problem whatsoever, because He is faithful to fulfill, just as He has fulfilled everything since always, and this is what is in His Word: "God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: has he said, and shall he not do it? or has he spoken, and shall he not make it good?" Numbers 23:19.
In your life, do you think you have already made or make decisions based on any prophecy you believed in or believe in?
Depending on who you are, perhaps you would say that you have never made decisions based on prophecy, but I dare say yes, obviously that in this case I am referring to incentives that others usually give regarding the future, but some have it as truth, considering it as if it were a true prophecy.
You know those words that are used to motivate people and encourage them to continue their course?
There are several such as:
In the end everything will work out, when you die it's over, live intensely today without worrying about tomorrow etc.
What I want to highlight here is the fact that many people live their lives, and make decisions based only on these catchy phrases, which in their majority are nothing more than empty words, with the purpose only of motivating, and of course consequently will have any effect, if principles are not obeyed and taken into consideration. Examples are not lacking, let us cite some: How can someone who has no appreciation for studying to seriously form themselves in something, with the necessary knowledge and do well? How can someone who is not concerned with work prosper in something? How can doing everything wrong lead to something right? How to be happy and obtain Salvation if you do not walk in the Ways of Jesus Christ obeying His Word? These are only some examples that principles and means are important in order to reach a satisfactory end.
We cannot fail to point out here that there are also those who live off false prophecies, live off lies, because many times someone posing as sent by God, deceives and leads many to enviable situations, generally those who do not have commitment to the Truths of the Bible, so it is necessary to reflect, if the actions one takes, are made based on something solid, reliable? And as for the future is it really guaranteed, where one intends to go?
Living pleasing God has its requirements, its principles which need to be known through His Word.
Do all prophecies come from God?
Simple and direct answer, if all prophecies came from God, He Himself would not have warned His servants, see: "And many false prophets shall appear, and shall deceive many." Matthew 24:11.
When we observe carefully, we perceive that the problem is worse than imagined, because it was said that "many" false prophets would arise, if only a few were to arise it would already be a problem, because even if there were few false ones, many would choose to follow them, since the majority prefers to deviate from the truth, but being many false prophets, those who follow them is of an incalculable number, and we need to be careful not to fall into the snares of the enemy of our souls, because his purpose is to deceive.
Is it a sin to doubt prophecies or question them, what does the Bible say about this?
To answer this question we will need to rely on the Bible itself which is the greatest of prophecies, so see: "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." 1 João 4:1.
Based on biblical instructions we can assert categorically that it is not a sin to doubt prophecies, nor is it to question them, since many speak of themselves.
I have seen much false prophet using the Bible to support themselves and want to place themselves above good and evil, and in some cases repeating texts like: "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." 1 Chronicles 16:22.
The greater issue here is regarding false prophecy, so I do not believe it is worth trying to oppress or even mistreat those we think or are sure are false prophets, the most prudent is to leave them in God's hands, because it will be to Him that they will account, as for us, it is enough that we ignore their lies, and follow strong in the ways of the Lord, without allowing these stumbling stones to hinder us.
We also see wise counsel coming from Paul, like "Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things. Hold fast that which is good." 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21.
So there is no confusion, we need to make it clear that here Paul is even encouraging God's servants not to inhibit the action of His Spirit in their lives, that is, to allow themselves to be used by Him as vessels of blessings.
It was also said not to despise prophecies, it is good to understand that here it is about true prophecies, that is, those truly coming from God, and not the lies coming from the flesh and deceitful hearts of false prophets.
Finally we have the golden guidance, which is to keep what is good, so everything that is evil or can cause us harm, must be discarded.
What are the possible damages we can have from believing in false prophecies?
It is not possible to measure the damages, because they are unimaginable, however the most common cases are: frustrations, loss of faith and in some cases even being able to have depression from waiting for the fulfillment of something that did not come from God.
There were those whose relatives lived with the hope and under the false words of irresponsible people, who told them that they would see and live situation A or B in their lives, but they saw them die without experiencing the false prophecy, and because of these events they simply lost faith in God, however the revolt should be with the false prophecies, not with Him who truly uses His prophetic vessels when necessary.
There was a situation that for me was very shocking, in the case, the fact that a young woman tried to take her own life, because she was discouraged by seeing a relative constantly being mistreated by another member of the family, due to problems with drinking and other evils, because there was a "promise", a "prophecy" that one day this relative would turn to the ways of the Lord.
Let us imagine the frustration of this young woman, waiting for the fulfillment of this word that she once heard from someone, who certainly did not measure the consequences, and it is worth remembering that false prophets are always irresponsible, they do not take into consideration the damage they can cause in the lives of others.
Let us put ourselves in the place of this person who experienced so much suffering, and yet still waited for the fulfillment of a lie, without a shadow of doubt these things only worsen, so we cannot allow ourselves to be deceived.
If I am asked if I believe that this gentleman can still come to repentance and become someone better, the answer is yes, but not because someone once fed this hope with false prophecy, but because I believe in the transforming power of Jesus, who does as he wishes and owes explanations to no one.
Are there consequences for false prophets?
In order for us to understand and for me to continue and base this approach, first let us read the text from chapter 13 of the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, which will serve as our guide.
Read Ezekiel 13:1-23:
"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel that prophesy, and say thou unto them that prophesy out of their own hearts, Hear ye the word of the LORD;
Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!
O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes in the deserts.
Ye have not gone up into the breaches, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.
They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD saith: and the LORD hath not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.
Have ye not seen a vain vision, and have ye not spoken a lying divination, whereas ye say, The LORD saith it; albeit I have not spoken?
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD.
And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the LORD GOD.
Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there is no peace; and one buildeth up a wall, and, lo, others daub it with untempered morter:
Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.
Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it?
Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; I will even rend it with a stormy wind in my fury; and there shall be an overflowing shower in mine anger, and great hailstones in my fury to consume it.
So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered; and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it;
To wit, the prophets of Israel which prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and which see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord GOD.
Likewise, thou son of man, set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophesy out of the imagination of their own heart; and prophesy thou against them,
And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs upon the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will ye hunt the souls of my people, and will ye save the souls alive that come unto you?
And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hear your lies?
Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, wherewith ye there hunt the souls to make them fly; and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that ye hunt to make them fly.
Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life:
Therefore ye shall see no more vanity, nor divine divinations: for I will deliver my people out of your hand: and ye shall know that I am the LORD."
In the text above there is all the content of chapter 13 of Ezekiel, but the answer to the question is here: "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Because ye have spoken vanity, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, saith the Lord GOD. And mine hand shall be upon the prophets that see vanity, and that divine lies: they shall not be in the assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the LORD GOD." Ezekiel 13:8,9.
We know that God does not leave unpunished those who induce and lead His people to deception, and in this text it is explicit that to those who say God says, this or that, when in truth He did not say it, these will not escape receiving proper correction, and we have no notion of how great and terrible the consequences can be for false prophets, but it is worth reinforcing that they attract God's wrath upon themselves, and it is necessary also to recall the text that says: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Hebrews 10:31.
When we observe the book of Ezekiel we can see what were the consequences of those who falsely spoke as if God had sent them, not only to them, but to those who ignored the true prophet of God.
Final Considerations.
There is no doubt that God continues to truly use His prophetic vessels even to this day, so that He can keep alive the hope of salvation and keep His servants firm in His way, this is a truth, and we know that it is not only the gift of prophecy, but diverse gifts He has given to those who seek Him with sincerity, for as we see it is written: "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men." Ephesians 4:7,8.
God's servants need to be constantly vigilant, because as we saw above in the reference in Ezekiel, there are those who speak according to their own heart, and being not truly used by God, and the consequences are inevitable, both to the false prophets, and to those who allow themselves to be guided by them.
May God continue to bless your life greatly, and may you follow firmly, knowing that what He truly speaks through His vessels, He will fulfill it, and we await the Fulfillment of the Great Promise, this being The Day when all of us will be together with Him, and There will be no pain, suffering, or any bad things that happen to us here on earth, but joy and constant worship to Him, Jesus Christ, The Only God and Lord, who Lives and Reigns forever and ever, amen.