“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” (Matthew 7:21-23; all Scripture quotations are from the English Standard Version).

This passage continues the thoughts discussed in my last article, examining Matthew 7:15-20. In that passage, Jesus taught His disciples that a false prophet would bear bad fruit. Here, He warned them and us about the fate that awaits false prophets and others who seem to have spiritual gifts but do not have godly character.

I have spent most of my adult life in the charismatic branch of the body of Christ. I attended the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary, was assistant pastor of a nondenominational charismatic church, and have attended a variety of Pentecostal and charismatic churches (as well as a few non-charismatic congregations). Currently, I attend a Charismatic Episcopal Church. Spiritual gifts have been a significant part of my relationship with God and worship over the last 40 years.

Some Christians make a big deal about spiritual gifts. However, we should always be more concerned about the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) than the gifts of the Spirit. Fake spiritual gifts often lead people astray, especially when they love drama, excitement, or extravagance. The fruit of the Spirit may not be flashy or exciting, but it will always bring more long-term glory to God.

Some people may look like they are exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit, but they may have an occultic demonic “anointing” instead. They can mimic divine power to deceive others. They are like Pharaoh’s magicians: When Moses and Aaron approached Pharaoh, demanding that he let God’s people go free, Aaron threw his rod on the ground where it turned into a snake. Pharaoh’s magicians did the same thing, although Aaron’s rod-snake ate all of them (Exodus 7:8-13). In the same way, people with a false anointing can imitate genuine divine power.

How can we tell if it is genuine or fake? We can try to determine if the person bears the fruit of the Holy Spirit and godly character.

Does this person seek glory for himself or God? Does he want people excited about the signs and wonders or does he use them as opportunities to introduce people to Jesus Christ? Is he jealous if other ministers have a greater impact?

Does he love God and other people, or does he mainly love himself? Does he use people to build his reputation or does he bless people to glorify God?

Most importantly, does he try to do God’s will? Is this person living by the Word of God, or is he trying to justify his excuses for not following Scripture? Some claim to have “new revelations,” which redefine Bible verses, making them mean something different from what they seem to say. The new revelations often justify their actions. They are trying to force God’s Word to submit to them when we should submit to Scripture.

Christians should exercise spiritual gifts and ministry with humility, submission to God, and love for people. If those qualities are lacking, the wrong kind of spirit gave the “gifts.”

Jesus warned us that false prophets would deceive many in the last days:

“And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect” (Matthew 24:22-24).

We must learn to be discerning. We must not quench the Holy Spirit or despise prophecies (1 Thessalonians 5:19-20) but, on the other hand, we must avoid deceptive religious charlatans whom Satan is using to deceive people.

Finally, every Christian must remember to trust Jesus Christ for salvation. None of the “extras” will save you. It does not matter whether you have a distinguished religious title (“Reverend,” “Pastor,” etc.), an impressive seminary degree, a prominent ministry, a bestselling book, a large following for your religious group page on social media, or if you seem to have several high-powered spiritual gifts (sick people get healed when you pray, you give prophetic messages that come true, etc.). You will not go to heaven because you are a big name in the body of Christ. Believe in Jesus and follow Him as your Lord and Savior. You will get to heaven only through Him.

Lord, we trust You for salvation. Help us bear fruit and use whatever gifts and talents You give us to glorify You. Help us to distinguish between true ministers who serve You and those who deceive people. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

How do people see that Jesus is working in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments area below.

Copyright © 2024 Michael E. Lynch. All rights reserved.