Expert: Pastor Don Carpenter - 3/1/2008

Question
in the bible it mentions that in the last days there will be false prophets and false teachers, and they will deceive even the elect, is this true? What is a false prophet or false teacher, is there a way to recognize them? Is it true that some of the worlds greatest pastors are angels of satan? Is Benny Hinn an angel of satan?

Answer
Hi Karol,

Thank you for this great question.  I am sorry for my late response.  I have been very sick with a nasty flu bug. The Bible gives us several warnings and admonitions about false teachers.  I will try to give you some keys to recognize them:

1.  A false teacher is anyone who preaches anything other than the simple gospel fo salvation by grace through faith alone.

Gal 1:8  But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:9  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

2.  False teachers tend to forbid people to eat meat on certain occasions, or forbid certain people like clergy to get married.

1Ti 4:1  Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1Ti 4:2  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3  Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
1Ti 4:4  For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
1Ti 4:5  For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer

3.  False teachers tend to tell people what they want to hear, all the while making money off of the backs of their followers.

Pe 2:1  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.
2Pe 2:2  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
2Pe 2:3  And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.


4.  Some false teachers will not even mention Jesus Christ at all.

1Jn 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:
1Jn 4:3  And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.


I hope that this is a place for you to start in your journey of discernment.  Remember, check everything with the Bible.  If the teacher does not square with the Bible, then throw it out!

Benny Hinn concerns me even though I am not very familiar with his specific teachings.  I have seen him wave his hand and catipult people across the stage with some kind of power.... that is not in the Bible.  He seems to make millions of dollars promising things that the Bible does not.  

I hope that this helps you.

In Christ
Pastor Don