And beware from the false prophets, who come towards you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15).
Many individuals will come to Israel claiming to be the Christ while Israel is under the protection of the man of lawlessness (Matthew 24:5). Their purpose is to deceive Israel (Matthew 24:4). During this period, numerous false prophets will arise, leading many away from the truth (Matthew 24:11). If possible, they would even deceive the elect by performing great signs and wonders (Mark 13:22). These individuals will assert that the Messiah is coming, but their intent is solely to deceive (Matthew 24:26).
Those who seek to deceive will present a gentle appearance but are, in reality, ravenous wolves. They act as extortioners, taking what they desire. Their true character is revealed by their actions, not by their outward appearance. A good tree produces good fruit, while a corrupt tree produces bad fruit (Matthew 7:16–18). Similarly, just as a tree that does not bear fruit is cut down and cast into the fire, so too will those among the Israelites who do not bear fruit be cast out (Matthew 7:19–20). Fruit is not the result of self-effort but is a manifestation of faith.
False prophets have historically plagued Israel, and many more will emerge during the Tribulation Period. In contrast, the primary threat to the Church is the presence of false teachers among the saints (2 Peter 2:1). Since the gift of prophecy ceased with the completion of the canon of Scripture, the Church is instructed to reject anyone who claims to be a prophet today (1 Corinthians 13:8–10), including those who assert they have dreams and visions. Therefore, it is false teachers, rather than false prophets, who trouble the Church by introducing destructive heresies such as adherence to the Beatitudes or living under the law (2 Peter 2:1). These individuals blaspheme the way of the truth—how to have victory over sin—and exploit the saints for personal gain (2 Peter 2:2–3).
The warning given by Christ in Matthew 7:15 pertains to Israel during the Tribulation Period. In the wilderness during the latter half of this period, God will pour out His Spirit upon Israel. At that time, their sons and daughters will prophesy, young men will see visions, and old men will dream dreams (Joel 2:28). God will once again engage with Israel as a nation. In contrast, the Church will be resurrected and will reside in the heavens with Christ (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The warning relevant to the Church during its time on earth concerns false teachers.
Similar to false prophets, false teachers are identified by their fruits, which refer to the works they produce. A false teacher is incapable of producing good works, although they may attempt to imitate the actions of genuine Christians. They introduce destructive heresies that deny the truth, distort the grace of God into licentiousness, equate material gain with godliness, and exploit the saints for personal profit (Jude 4, 11). Paul warned the pastors in Ephesus about wolves who would infiltrate their ranks and not spare the flock (Acts 20:29). Additionally, some individuals from within the Church would arise, speak perverse things, and draw disciples after themselves (Acts 20:30).
Finding truth in these last days is difficult. Many are fond of themselves, putting their name on their ministry and their face to draw people after them. They are boasters, proud, attribute false things to God, unthankful, unloving, and are fond of money (2 Timothy 3:1–4). They have a form of godliness while denying its inherent ability (2 Timothy 3:5). Thus, they focus on abiding by law as a means of displaying one’s own righteousness, yet they themselves are not bound to the things they bind others with (Romans 2:21–23).
In Matthew 13:24–30, Jesus presents a parable concerning the wheat and the tares. The wheat represents the sons of the kingdom, while the tares symbolize the sons of the malignantly evil one (Matthew 13:38–39). This parable illustrates how Satan has placed his sons within the Church to imitate the saints and divert them from the truth. His ministers appear as ministers of righteousness, just as he presents himself as a messenger of light to spiritual beings (2 Corinthians 11:14–15).
Wheat and tares reveal their true nature at two distinct points: when they emerge from the ground and through the fruit they produce. Similarly, we can identify false teachers by two criteria. The first is their doctrinal foundation for salvation: what do they teach as the basis for salvation? If their teaching deviates from Christ’s death on behalf of our sins and His resurrection three days later, they should be considered false teachers (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). Additions or alterations to the gospel, such as requiring individuals to make Jesus the Lord of their life, repent of their sins, accept Jesus into their heart, or confess Jesus as Lord, are examples of such deviations. The second criteria is their works: what kind of fruit do they produce? Do they advocate adherence to the law? Do they behave differently in public than in private? These are indicators of false teachers within the Church.
Israel will contend with false prophets and individuals claiming to be the Messiah. The Church, by contrast, faces the challenge of false teachers who introduce destructive heresies to deceive the saints.
