In your article on "forceful men" you refer to those who consider themselves to be "called by God" and say "The Lord has 'put something on my heart.' " Should such people be regarded as false prophets? -- Daren Willcock (United Kingdom)
Good question.
Persons who believe God is on their side are many in this world. This hardly qualifies one for being a false prophet. According to the Scriptures--for example, 2 Peter 2:1-3 and the book of Jeremiah--a false prophet makes things up in order to exploit the people. He invariably makes the path of truth "wider" than it really is (Matthew 7:13-14). He compromises in order not to offend. His message is "Peace, peace" (Jeremiah 6:14, 8:11).
It is, in the final analysis, not possible for us to know whether God has put something on someone's heart or not. (I am not sure where I would even begin in making this judgment!) While I will always remain skeptical, and will likely consider such a person to be projecting his wishes onto the magical screen of "the will of God," I'd be hesitant to call him a false prophet. Unless what he is teaching is blatant untruth. After all, no one has all the truth, and if we are too severe in our judgments of others--well, the same measure just might be used against us!
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