Biblical Answer

False prophets are indeed more common than you think. In fact, the Bible warns us that false prophets would arise among the people, even as there would be false teachers among the church (2 Peter 2:1). These false prophets would secretly bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. This warning is not just a theoretical possibility, but a real threat that we must be aware of.

A biblical prophet is distinct from other types of prognosticators, such as astrologers. A biblical prophet is a servant of God who must predict with 100 percent accuracy. To be less accurate is to be proven false, which is unacceptable in a biblical prophet. In contrast, astrologers of the past have often been known to be inaccurate in their predictions. However, a biblical prophet's accuracy is not just a matter of being correct or incorrect, but also of being in tune with God's will and purposes. A true prophet's message and awe-inspiring prophecies carry conviction and debunk their gainsayers.

In the Old Testament, prophets like Isaiah were known for their accurate prophecies and their ability to speak God's words with authority. Their prophecies were not just vague predictions, but specific and detailed messages that were fulfilled in history. Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus and his apostles were also known for their prophetic messages and their ability to speak God's words with authority. These prophetic messages were not just limited to predicting future events, but also spoke to the moral and spiritual condition of the people. A true prophet's message is not just a matter of predicting the future, but also of calling people to repentance and faith in God.