CHAPTER ONE –PROPHETS—TRUE AND FALSE
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In the wake of the apostasy—the falling away—each splinter developed its own set of false doctrines. Some groups recognize them and others do not. Naturally, people are the same. Some care, and will anoint their eyes and wake up, and others will not. This is human nature.
The Bible states that there are prophets, and that all of them fall into one of two categories—either true orfalse. All prophets—past, present or future—are one or the other. They cannot be both, and they cannot be in-between.
Understand that this book must be studied in its entirety to see the GRAVE DANGER that false prophets pose! You cannot skip around, reading only selected parts, or you will miss the full picture. This subject is much more important than most have realized!
What does God say about prophets? Since He states that there are true and false prophets, He must explain how to distinguish between them. But in this longer section, we will primarily study what the Bible and Mr. Armstrong say about “That Prophet” of Deuteronomy 18:15 —and the importance of distinguishing true prophets from false.
Ephesians 2:20 states that the New Testament Church is “built upon the foundation of the apostles andprophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.” The context of that passage shows that Christ’s role is to build the Church—the Body of Christ—“fitly framed together growing unto a holy temple in the Lord.”
Make no mistake! These two high offices merge with Christ’s role in building His Church. So, there must be no misunderstanding the role and identity of a true prophet when Christ sends one. Since Christ builds His Church partly on prophets (those of the Old Testament), He knows the true from the false. He expects us to know the difference as well. Therefore, He would never leave His people in the dark, unable to identify false prophets, and thus vulnerable to their devices and their deceit. You will learn that He does and that the difference is not hard to see for those who look closely.
The apostle Paul said that in the “last days” many “would not endure sound doctrine” and be turned to “fables” (II Tim. 3:1; 4:3-4). Understand! The calling, role and function of prophets have always been matters ofdoctrine—of correct TEACHING—within God’s Church. The Bible and Mr. Armstrong make this plain. I intend to leave you with a clear picture of “sound doctrine” regarding true and false prophets, and their roles.
False prophets have always been associated with the Church of God “landscape.” On the surface, they rarelyappear to be what they are. Just as Paul warned of “false apostles who come as angels of light” (II Cor. 11:13-15), false prophets can also appear to be “angels of light.” The New Testament account describes false prophets confusing God’s people. Therefore, God must show exactly how to distinguish true prophets from counterfeits—IMPOSTORS—with one’s crown at stake. There could be no room for doubt or confusion. Paul also warned that certain deceivers have an amazing ability to “transform” themselves into something that they are not. Herein lies the danger. History shows that when false leaders or false prophets appear, the majority of people—in the Church or the world-at-large—are perfectly willing to let them get away with their actions!
False prophets were foretold to appear at the end (Matt. 24:3, 11). There will be many before the Great Tribulation arrives. There will almost certainly also be false “Elijahs.” Since many brethren no longer believe Mr. Armstrong was the final Elijah, they have set themselves up to be victims of men who may take this title. The final, great “false prophet” of Revelation will almost certainly claim it. (Our thorough book I Will Send Elijah to Restore All Things explains more about this.)
As you read, do not be paralyzed by the fear of men! Paul also wrote, “God has not given us the spirit of FEAR; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7). People of sound mind are much better able to hold fast to “sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1; II Tim. 4:3). God’s mind in yours will always reject UNSOUND doctrine—if you are willing to examine all the facts, and fully “anoint your eyes.” This book addresses the subject of prophets head-on and contains the facts. It explains God’s warning to His people.
The all-powerful living Christ will give you the POWER to act on the facts, if you ask Him for it. You may soon face a crucial decision, profoundly more important than you now know!
A great many present and former brethren have contacted RCG from the organization where thousands have been told by their leader that he is “That Prophet” of Deuteronomy 18:15! Is this claim true or false? Can it be proven? Must we guess at the answer with salvation at stake? Do you care about the answer? When shown God’s truth, will you act on it?
The reader should note that the term “That Prophet” is used throughout. It is derived from John 1:20-21, where certain priests and Levites were questioning John the Baptist. (You may wish to read this passage before proceeding.) These leaders were referring to Deuteronomy 18:15, which speaks of “a Prophet” whom God would send “like unto me [Moses].” Of course, Moses recorded this prophecy. While we will revisit John 1 ALL momentarily, the reader should know why the use of the term “That Prophet” instead of “a Prophet.” These terms have always been interchangeable.
True ministers of God strive to never attack other human beings. They are for the truth rather than against people—and there is a big difference. Therefore, I have determined to actively resist and teach against any falsedoctrines that are deceiving people among the splinters. However, the subject of That Prophet presents a unique problem with this policy, requiring some explanation.
When a leader teaches a false concept or doctrine, it rarely has anything to do with himself. Generally, the heresy can be clearly singled out and countered without having to necessarily address the man who teaches it. For instance, if someone teaches that Christians are “born again” in this life or “the Sabbath is done away,” it is easy to counter such claims with the truth, without addressing the particular man or men teaching these errors. But consider! What if the wrong teaching is inseparable from who and what a leader says that he is?
What if the matter is also at the core of who a Christian worships?
Does a true minister say, “I cannot dispel this kind of false teaching because if I do I would also attack itsauthor”? The reasoning might continue, “I know that this man is deceiving thousands of God’s people, but I cannot address his error, or try to help those he is deceiving, because I would also be attacking him, not just his error.” The problem could go further. If a man claimed to be Moses, Elijah or one of the Two Witnesses, must we give him a “free pass” because, in dispelling such an outrageous heresy, we would also appear to be attacking the man making the claim? What if someone stated that God had revealed to him that he was an apostle? Can we not question—PROVE!—him, asking for facts, evidence and fruit? What if he asserted himself to be Christ? The question looms even larger.
When Elijah mocked the prophets of Baal, was he attacking them? No! God inspired Isaiah to “Cry aloud and spare not!…Show My people their sins!” (Isaiah 58:1). This volume does that—and it will soon be evident that one of the greatest sins a Christian can commit lies at the heart of the subject we are addressing.
I was under no illusion. It was obvious that what is written here would evoke a ferocious attack against me personally. It did. However, a faithful minister always strives to “lay down his life for the sheep.” Believe me, I am not a masochist, and I do not enjoy persecution any more than you. But my job is to help God’s people make it into His kingdom. If I can help even one, but at some personal expense, it is worth it!
Do not be duped into believing that if a minister fights for sheep (John 10:11-13) who are being deluded by a leader elevating himself into extraordinary offices that he does not hold, the minister has attacked, slandered or name-called the man. I hope you can understand that somebody had to write this book, even at the risk of being called an accuser. There is no way to separate the doctrine of “That Prophet” from the man who claims to hold that office! It is my hope that you understand what is at stake.
But we must first learn what a prophet is.
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