A Testimony of False Prophecy and Redemption

I was a false prophet—one of many false prophets in the church today who mislead others in God’s name. That is why it is vital to warn false prophets and point them to the true gospel. There is no joy in making such a statement, but there is great joy in salvation from the wrath of God for my sins—a salvation only Christ can provide. For years, I believed I was a modern-day prophet of God. I was affirmed by a self-professing apostle, as well as by other leaders associated with what many identify as the New Apostolic Reformation. I said things that came to pass, and I said things that did not. Though I was sincere in my intentions, I led people away from God’s written Word and toward my own words, claiming they were from Him. I relied on dreams and visions as divine revelation. I blasphemed His name by ascribing to Him things He did not say.

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'”
(Matthew 7:21–23)

The Gospel We Must Never Forget

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of God’s mercy and grace. I once came across a quote from Martin Luther: “We need to hear the gospel every day because we forget the gospel every day.” How beautifully true and terribly tragic. We forget the glorious gospel daily—some in small ways, others in life-altering ways. Personally, I need this reminder every day.

I never want to “get over” the gospel of Jesus Christ. I never want to forget from what I’ve been saved, or treat God with anything less than reverence and awe. It was His Word, though once twisted in my presentation, that ultimately drew me to Him—the Shepherd of my soul—away from the cliff of damnation and despair. I need the gospel daily because I am prone to wander. I forget the richness of His holiness and His steadfast love.

The Reluctance to Call Out False Teachers

Some have disagreed with my profession of being a former false prophet. Within parts of the Charismatic movement, there seems to be great reluctance to call someone a false prophet or teacher. Some believe such a label condemns a person to hell. Others insist one must personally know someone before making such a determination. But Scripture says otherwise. Jesus told us that bad trees bear bad fruit, and good trees bear good fruit (Matthew 7:15–20). A bad tree cannot bear good fruit, nor can a good tree bear bad fruit. The Lord has made this clear.

Personal relationships or positive experiences with someone do not override the reality of rotten fruit. We’re seeing this now in the devastation surrounding Mike Bickle and other leaders associated with IHOP-KC. Often, the actions we witness reveal the desires of the heart. When people remain in unrepentant sin and refuse to bring it into the light, it shows a deep spiritual problem. These are serious matters, and they must be addressed out of love for God and love for others.

See also: How to Biblically Discern False Teaching

When Discernment Is Blurred by False Categories

Some leaders in the Charismatic movement have created extra categories for prophets—such as “carnal” or “spiritual” prophets—or even for false prophets, dividing them into those who use the devil’s power and those who supposedly “traffic in the Lord’s power.” These distinctions are troubling. They blur the line between truth and error, making it difficult—if not impossible—to identify real danger. Worse, they suggest that unbelievers can wield the power of God, which brings reproach upon His name and misrepresents His holiness. When we make room for such ambiguity, wolves dressed in wool can walk freely among the sheep, eventually devouring them.

The Need for Accountability and True Restoration

I’ll be candid: I am deeply concerned with the standards (or lack thereof) upheld in much of this movement. There seems to be a greater desire for public ministry restoration than for true restoration to God. Yet we will all stand before Him one day and give an account. This should stir both joy and holy fear in the hearts of believers. Our reverence for the Lord must not be diminished. Each day brings us closer to eternity.

Why We Must Boldly Warn False Prophets in the Church

I take great comfort in the Lord because He has delivered me from the bondage of these egregious practices. Yes, I was a false prophet. And false prophets need to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is the most loving thing we can proclaim to them. They need to repent. They need to hear of the wrath that abides on them if they do not turn. God is both loving and just. He is merciful and holy.

The most loving thing we can do is to mark and avoid those who bring division through false doctrine (Romans 16:17–18). The most loving thing is to call them to repentance and saving faith in Christ alone. And yes, the most loving thing is to warn others about false teachers and prophets.

I pray God grants them repentance, just as He granted it to me (2 Timothy 2:24–26). I desire nothing less for them than what Christ has graciously done for me. To wish for their destruction would be sinful. By the grace of God, there go I.

God’s Standards Are Clear and Loving

False prophets and teachers are both dangerous and deceptive. This is clearly seen in 2 Peter 2:1–3. They are not defined by sincerity, but by the content of their message and their rebellion against God’s Word. It is not unloving to identify them according to Scripture. What is unloving is creating loopholes and gray areas that allow wolves to stay among the flock. It is unloving to our holy God, who has given us His clear standards.

If we love God and His people, we will not fear to expose the unfruitful works of darkness. False prophets in the church are not just a theological concern—they are a spiritual danger. God’s Word gives us the clarity we need to identify false teachers and lovingly call them to repentance. May we be faithful in exposing error and proclaiming the true gospel. As Christians, we must not shrink back—we must warn false prophets with love, truth, and unwavering confidence in God’s Word.

Get Equipped to Discern

Want more resources on biblical discernment? Explore Drew article on calling out false teachers in Christ’s Church for more gospel-strengthening content.