Jesus warned that in the last days, many false teachers would arise, deceiving even believers. Today, we see more distortion of God’s Word than ever before. As we witness an unprecedented proliferation of false doctrines and twisted interpretations of Scripture, it becomes increasingly clear that we are living in the very times Christ and the apostles warned us about.
The Prophetic Warning
The rise of false teachers is not a surprise to those who study Scripture—it was prophesied long ago. Jesus Himself declared, “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). This warning came as part of His discourse on the signs of the end times, indicating that deception would be a hallmark of the last days.
The apostle Peter echoed this warning with sobering clarity: “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you” (2 Peter 2:1-3).
Even in the Old Testament, God warned His people through Jeremiah: “For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely” (Jeremiah 6:13). The pattern of false teaching has plagued God’s people throughout history, but Scripture indicates it will intensify as we approach the end times.
Characteristics of False Teachers
Scripture provides clear markers to identify false teachers. The apostle Paul warned Timothy: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Greed and Exploitation: Peter specifically mentions that false teachers are driven by covetousness and will make merchandise of believers with feigned words (2 Peter 2:3). They often focus on material gain, promising prosperity while enriching themselves at the expense of their followers.
Twisting Scripture: False teachers are skilled at manipulating God’s Word. As Peter warns, they wrest the Scriptures “unto their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16). They take verses out of context, ignore clear biblical principles, and create doctrines that appeal to human desires rather than God’s truth.
Denying Fundamental Truths: Many false teachers subtly or openly deny core Christian doctrines. Peter mentions those who deny “the Lord that bought them” (2 Peter 2:1), while Jude warns of those who “deny the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 1:4).
Appealing to Desires: False teachers tell people what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. They cater to “itching ears” and promote teachings that justify sinful behaviour or promise easy paths to blessing without repentance or sacrifice.
Modern Examples
Today’s landscape is filled with examples of false teaching that fulfil these biblical warnings:
Prosperity Gospel: Teachers who promise health, wealth, and success in exchange for faith or financial contributions distort the Gospel message. They ignore Christ’s teachings about suffering, self-denial, and the reality that “in the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33).
New Age Spirituality: The infiltration of Eastern mysticism, positive thinking philosophies, and self-help doctrines into Christianity represents a fundamental departure from biblical truth. These teachings often promote self-worship and deny the need for salvation through Christ alone.
Rejection of Core Doctrines: Many modern teachers deny the authority of Scripture, the reality of sin, the necessity of repentance, the exclusivity of salvation through Christ, or the reality of eternal judgement. They present a “user-friendly” gospel that requires no transformation or commitment.
Moral Relativism: False teachers often compromise on biblical morality, redefining sin as acceptable or even blessed by God. They prioritise cultural acceptance over biblical truth, leading many astray from God’s standards.
The Danger of Deception
The consequences of false teaching are severe and far-reaching:
Leading Many Astray: Jesus warned that false teachers would “deceive many” (Matthew 24:11). The tragedy is that these deceptions often target sincere believers who lack discernment or deep biblical knowledge.
Undermining Faith: False teaching creates confusion, doubt, and spiritual instability. When people discover they’ve been deceived, many lose faith entirely rather than seeking the truth of God’s Word.
Dishonouring Christ: Peter notes that because of false teachers, “the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Peter 2:2). False teaching brings reproach upon the name of Christ and gives unbelievers reason to reject the Gospel.
Eternal Consequences: Most seriously, false teaching can lead people away from genuine salvation. Paul warned the Galatians that those who preach another gospel, “let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8-9), emphasising the eternal stakes involved.
How to Guard Against Them
Scripture provides clear guidance for protecting ourselves from deception:
Test Everything by God’s Word: The Bereans were commended because they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). Every teaching must be measured against the complete counsel of God’s Word, not isolated verses taken out of context.
Know Sound Doctrine: Paul instructed Titus to “speak thou the things which become sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1). We must be grounded in fundamental biblical truths to recognise when they are being compromised.
Exercise Spiritual Discernment: John commanded believers to “try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). This requires spiritual maturity and the ability to discern between truth and error.
Seek Godly Leadership: Look for teachers and pastors who demonstrate humility, biblical faithfulness, and lives that align with their teaching. Avoid those who display pride, greed, or moral compromise.
Stay Alert: Jesus repeatedly warned His followers to “watch” and “be ye also ready” (Matthew 24:42, 44). Spiritual vigilance is essential in these last days.
Conclusion
As we witness the fulfilment of biblical prophecy regarding false teachers in our time, we must respond with both urgency and wisdom. The deception is real, the stakes are eternal, and the need for discernment has never been greater.
Let us heed Paul’s exhortation to Timothy: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
In a world increasingly filled with deception, let us cling to the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Let us be like the wise who “shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). The time is short, the harvest is great, and the need for faithful witnesses to the truth has never been more critical.
Stand firm in the faith. Test everything by Scripture. And remain faithful to the end, knowing that our Lord Jesus Christ will soon return to establish His kingdom of truth and righteousness.