1. God Warns About False Prophets
Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly warned His people that men would arise claiming to speak in His Name, but in reality spreading lies.
“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, KJV)
Corruption was not only among the people, but even among the religious leaders.
2. False Prophets Speak From Their Own Imagination, Not From God
God clearly states that their message does not come from Him.
“The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not… they prophesy unto you a false vision.” (Jeremiah 14:14, KJV)
True prophecy comes from God, not from man’s mind.
3. Jesus Foretold the Rise of False Prophets in the Last Days
Christ warned that religious deception would become extremely powerful.
“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:24, KJV)
Truth must not be judged by miracles, but by Scripture.
4. Idolatry and Human Teachings Are the Root of Apostasy
When men think themselves wise, they replace God’s truth with lies.
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:22, KJV)
“Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator.” (Romans 1:25, KJV)
False religion is a form of idolatry.
5. False Prophets Are Motivated by Greed
The apostle Peter reveals their true purpose: profit.
“And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you.” (2 Peter 2:3, KJV)
They use religion as business.
6. They Disguise Themselves as Ministers of God
The apostle Paul warns that such men appear holy, but are not.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:13, KJV)
“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14, KJV)
True deception often comes through religious appearance.
7. Religious Deception Is Satan’s Work
In the last days, deception will be accompanied by satanic signs.
“Whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders… and with all deceivableness.” (2 Thessalonians 2:8–10, KJV)
Not everything supernatural comes from God.
8. Corrupt Priests Dishonour God
God rebukes religious leaders who despise His Name.
“A son honoureth his father… if then I be a father, where is mine honour?” (Malachi 1:6, KJV)
9. Prophets and Priests Are Described as Profane
“Her prophets are light and treacherous persons: her priests have polluted the sanctuary.” (Zephaniah 3:4, KJV)
Religion without truth becomes corruption.
10. Religious Leaders Plotted Against Jesus
The Gospels show repeatedly that priests and elders were among Christ’s main opposers.
“The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes.” (Luke 9:22, KJV)
“The chief priests… sought how they might destroy him.” (Mark 11:18, KJV)
11. They Bought Judas’ Betrayal
“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests… and they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.” (Matthew 26:14–15, KJV)
“They sought how they might take him by craft, and put him to death.” (Mark 14:1, KJV)
Corrupt religion prefers power over truth.
12. The Priests Organized a False Trial
“Now the chief priests… sought false witness against Jesus, to put him to death.” (Matthew 26:59, KJV)
“The chief priests moved the people.” (Matthew 27:20, KJV)
13. They Demanded the Death of the Messiah
“But they cried out the more exceedingly, Crucify him.” (Luke 23:23, KJV)
“We have no king but Caesar.” (John 19:15, KJV)
This is the ultimate picture of religion without God: killing His Son.
14. Priests Compared to Murderers and Thieves
The prophet Hosea condemns corrupt priests.
“And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder in the way.” (Hosea 6:9, KJV)
15. The Lesson for Christians: Flee Deception and Follow Only Christ
Scripture calls believers not to follow men, traditions, or corrupt systems, but Christ alone.
“Take heed that no man deceive you.” (Matthew 24:4, KJV)
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, KJV)
General Conclusion
The Bible clearly teaches:
- false prophets and corrupt priests will arise
- they disguise themselves as God’s servants
- they are driven by greed and power
- religious leaders rejected and killed Jesus
- believers must follow Scripture and Christ alone
“The prophets prophesy lies.” (Jeremiah 14:14, KJV)
“False prophets… shall deceive many.” (Matthew 24:24, KJV)
“Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14, KJV)