Connect Ezekiel 13:16 with New Testament teachings on false prophets. Setting the Scene: Ezekiel 13:16 • “the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem and who see visions of peace for her when there is no peace, declares the Lord GOD.” • Context: self-appointed prophets assured Jerusalem of safety while the Babylonian siege loomed. Their “visions of peace” contradicted God’s revealed word through Ezekiel. • Core issue: people trusted soothing promises instead of the Lord’s truth, and judgment followed. Core Themes to Notice • False assurance: telling people what they want to hear. • Claimed divine authority without divine commission. • Imminent judgment despite optimistic prophecies. • God personally disowns and denounces them. Jesus Echoes the Warning Matthew 7:15 – “Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 24:11, 24 – “Many false prophets will arise and deceive many… They will perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” • Same pattern: smooth exterior, destructive core. • Like Ezekiel’s day, the danger intensifies when crisis approaches (end-time tribulation in Jesus’ teaching). Acts and the Pauline Letters Acts 20:29-30 – “savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock… even from your own number.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 – “false apostles… disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 – deceptive signs accompany the lawless one “because they refused the love of the truth.” • Paul ties deception to counterfeit miracles, persuasive personalities, and a rejection of truth—parallel to Ezekiel’s picture of convincing but empty visions. Peter and John Intensify the Alert 2 Peter 2:1-3 – “there will be false teachers among you… many will follow their depravity, and the way of truth will be defamed.” 1 John 4:1 – “Test the spirits, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” Revelation 16:13-14 – demonic spirits perform signs “to gather the kings” for judgment. • Both apostles spotlight doctrinal error and moral corruption as hallmarks, culminating in end-time deception much like the coming Babylonian invasion Ezekiel foretold. Shared Characteristics Across Testaments • Pretend divine visions (Ezekiel 13:6, 7; Matthew 24:24). • Promise peace or blessing while ignoring sin and judgment (Ezekiel 13:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:3). • Manipulate for gain or popularity (Ezekiel 13:19; 2 Peter 2:3). • Lead people away from repentance, leaving them exposed when judgment falls. The Litmus Test Jesus Gives Matthew 7:16-20 – “By their fruit you will recognize them.” • Doctrine: does it align with all Scripture? • Character: do they display holiness or hidden greed? • Outcome: does their ministry produce genuine disciples or disillusioned casualties? Living the Truth Today • Hold fast to Scripture as the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Stay alert to teaching that downplays sin or skips the cross. • Evaluate claims of supernatural experiences against the written word. • Build discernment in community—sheep are safest in the flock under faithful shepherds. The prophetic drama of Ezekiel 13:16 finds its New Testament counterpart in every warning passage about false prophets. From Babylon’s gates to the last days, God’s people are called to cling to His unfailing word and refuse the lure of soothing but empty visions. |
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