May 25, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde
(The views expressed in this article are my personal interpretations of the Bible, particularly concerning biblical prophecy and the end times. They are offered for discussion, study, and personal reflection. I do not claim special revelation, nor do I speak on behalf of any church, denomination, religious organization, or its leaders. Readers are encouraged to study the Scriptures for themselves, seek God’s guidance through prayer, and draw their own conclusions.)
For those who study end times prophecy, they know that deception will be very profound in the last days.
One thing that I have discovered personally through my research is that one of the greatest deceptions that is happening throughout the Christian community, is that MANY do not believe that the prophecies from the PROPHETS OF GOD, and recorded in the bible, do not apply to them.
Since church leaders are not teaching them, they must not be important, right? Is that what you really think? Do you believe that God would dedicate one third of the Bible to end times prophecy if it wasn’t important for YOU?
Here is another deception that is clear to me. People don’t think that certain scriptures apply to them, they believe that they were written for other people. Let me share an example of what I’m referring to:
Matthew 24:24 (KJV)
“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.”
A parallel passage appears in Matthew:
Mark 13:22 (KJV)
“For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.“
Let me ask you, do you feel like you are the “very elect” of God? If not, do you feel that you are something less than very elect?
Regardless of how you answered these questions, both of these scriptures were written for YOU. God is warning all of us that false prophets will come in the last days that will deceive EVEN THE VERY ELECT. Certainly, if they are capable of deceiving the very elect, they have the ability to deceive even those who are something less than very elect.
So, logically this scripture was written by a prophet of God to warn ALL OF US that false prophets are coming, and that we need to be aware that they intend to deceive us…That’s right “prophets” will come in our lifetime that will deceive us.
Who are those, in the past 200 years, that have declared to be prophets of God. Let’s take a look at the list.
| Years Active | Name | Movement |
| 1820s–1844 | Joseph Smith (1805–1844) | Founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| 1844–1877 | Brigham Young (1801–1877) | LDS Church |
| 1860–1914 | Joseph Smith III (1832–1914) | Reorganized LDS Church (now Community of Christ) |
| 1877–1887 | John Taylor (1808–1887) | LDS Church |
| 1889–1898 | Wilford Woodruff (1807–1898) | LDS Church |
| 1898–1901 | Lorenzo Snow (1814–1901) | LDS Church |
| 1901–1918 | Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) | LDS Church |
| Late 1800s–1915 | Ellen G. White (1827–1915) | Seventh-day Adventist Church |
| Late 1800s–1916 | Charles Taze Russell (1852–1916) | Bible Student Movement |
| 1918–1945 | Heber J. Grant (1856–1945) | LDS Church |
| 1920s–1986 | Herbert W. Armstrong (1892–1986) | Worldwide Church of God |
| 1930s–1965 | William Marrion Branham (1909–1965) | Healing Revival / Branham Movement |
| 1945–1951 | George Albert Smith (1870–1951) | LDS Church |
| 1951–1970 | David O. McKay (1873–1970) | LDS Church |
| 1954–2012 | Sun Myung Moon (1920–2012) | Unification Church |
| 1970–1972 | Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) | LDS Church |
| 1972–1973 | Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) | LDS Church |
| 1973–1985 | Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) | LDS Church |
| 1970s–1978 | Jim Jones (1931–1978) | Peoples Temple |
| 1980s–1993 | David Koresh (1959–1993) | Branch Davidians |
| 1985–1994 | Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) | LDS Church |
| 1980s–1997 | Marshall Applewhite (1931–1997) | Heaven’s Gate |
| 1980s–2018 | Shoko Asahara (1955–2018) | Aum Shinrikyo |
| 1994–1995 | Howard W. Hunter (1907–1995) | LDS Church |
| 1995–2008 | Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) | LDS Church |
| 2002–Present | Warren Jeffs (1955–Present) | FLDS Church |
| 2008–2018 | Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) | LDS Church |
| 2018–2025 | Russell M. Nelson (1924–2025) | LDS Church |
| 2025–Present | Dallin H. Oaks (1932–Present) | LDS Church |
You will see that there are only two “current prophets” on the earth today. (Just an interesting fact to note).
There are people on this list that we can assume who are the exact person that God was warning us about, “false prophets.” But assumptions get us nowhere. Don’t you wished that you had the ability to find out who the false prophets are? Well, we are in luck, for God has given us scripture, so that we can know for ourselves, who is a false prophet.
Shall we perform a litmus test right now?
Using the scriptures as our guide, let’s take a moment to see who on this list is a “false prophet.”
- Are They Preaching a Different Gospel?
Galatians 1:8–9 (KJV)
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
2 Corinthians 11:3–4 (KJV)
“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit… or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”
Isaiah 8:20 (KJV)
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
If a prophet teaches doctrine that contradicts what God has already revealed in Scripture, God says there is “no light in them.”
When Jesus Christ came to the earth, He brought this “Gospel” that the scriptures are talking about. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is COMPLETE, and does NOT require any updates or revisions.
Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”
Jesus is not going to come to the earth and preach that you are saved by grace, and then revise His gospel to say that salvation now includes your good works, as well as religious ordinances.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
With today’s technology, it is easy to compare the “Doctrine of your church” to the Doctrine that Jesus Christ taught when He was on the earth. Try this yourself, and you will see what is truth and what is not.
Let’s continue with our test.
2. Do Their Prophecies Come True?
Deuteronomy 18:21–22 (KJV)
“And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken?
When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.”
A prophet who claims to speak for God but whose predictions fail is not speaking for God. This is very helpful in identifying a false prophet. You can do your own research on this one, again which is quite simple with today’s technology. Just type in your search, “Prophecies that (name of the prophet) made that did not come to be.”
3. What Kind of Fruit Does Their Life Produce?
Matthew 7:15–20 (KJV)
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
Jesus taught that a prophet’s character, conduct, and the results of their ministry reveal their true nature.
Notable Things to Consider
Pride and Self-Exaltation (John 12:43, KJV) (Proverbs 16:18, KJV)
False prophets often elevate themselves rather than Christ.
Love of Money (2 Peter 2:3, KJV) (1 Timothy 6:5, KJV)
Scripture repeatedly warns that false teachers often use religion for financial gain.
Deception and Dishonesty (Jeremiah 23:16, KJV)
False prophets often distort facts or misrepresent truth. Changing stories. Making false claims. Rewriting history. They explain away Unfulfilled prophecies.
Desire for Power and Control (Acts 20:30, KJV)
False prophets frequently seek control over people’s lives. Demanding obedience to themselves or religious organization. Controlling relationships or decisions. Discouraging independent examination of Scripture.
Immorality (2 Peter 2:14, KJV)
A pattern of sexual sin, abuse, covering up abuse, or hidden corruption is a serious warning sign. Sexual misconduct. Exploitation of followers. Secret sinful or lavish lifestyles.
Refusal to Accept Correction (Proverbs 29:1, KJV)
A true servant of God can be corrected by Scripture. False prophets never admit error, nor apologize. Reject accountability. Treat criticism as rebellion.
Creating Followers for Themselves Instead of Pointing to Christ (Acts 20:30, KJV)
False prophets gather disciples around their own personality. Excessive devotion to the leader. Leader becomes more important than Jesus. They teach that members should listen to them and not personal revelations from God.
Lack of Genuine Love, Humility, and Servanthood (John 13:35, KJV)
Jesus taught that God’s servants are known by humility and love. False prophets display Harshness, Arrogance, Manipulation, Lack of compassion, Cruel treatment of critics and Control.
Testing Complete!
So, were you able to determine who is a false prophet? If you use these scripture “outlines” you will certainly come to know if someone who is a prophet is a false prophet. Are you surprised with your findings? Do you recall the scripture that says that false prophets will deceive even the VERY ELECT?
The adversary has created so much religious deception in our lives. Deception coming from a religion? That’s crazy, right?
Here’s another one: The Importance of the Bible…And what is actually written in the Bible. We might occasionally read a certain scripture in the bible, but have you really studied the Bible? If you did, you would have a full understanding of ALL 21 events of the final 7 years on earth. We have been so distracted with church history, and other doctrine, that the content of the bible has been pushed aside. This too has been a major religious deception.
Let’s keep learning…
Thessalonians 5:21 (KJV):
“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 (KJV)
“Quench not the Spirit.
Despise not prophesyings.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
Abstain from all appearance of evil.”
What Does “Prove All Things” Mean?
To test, examine, scrutinize, or evaluate something to determine whether it is true and from God. This is OUR assignment from God. Are you fulfilling His request, or are you just taking your church leaders word on everything?
I don’t know about you, but I like to be in charge of my own spiritual learning. Just myself, God, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ as He taught when He was on the earth. I don’t like to be “controlled” by other people. I don’t like it when church leaders tell me what I can study, and what I cannot, for that is not what Christ taught.
I invite all of you to begin your own search for truth. Don’t focus on what’s false, for that serves no purpose for us spiritually. Find out, and focus on, those things that are TRUE. This is what truly matters.
We are about to enter into the final 7 years on earth. We are days/weeks away from the rapture taking place, and Jesus coming to get His followers, to meet us in the clouds, and remove us from the terrible things that will happen during the 7-year Tribulation Period.
Spend your immediate time ensuring that you will be included in the rapture. Study the teachings of becoming born again, and being “in Christ” as taught in the New Testament. These are the people who will be included in the rapture.
On a personal note, I realize that it is difficult when you finally realize that you have been deceived by religious leaders. To be betrayed on such an intimate level can be emotionally damaging, and difficult to navigate forward. I can help you with this.
Even though we have been deceived, our church life probably was a very positive thing in our life. Be grateful for this. Be grateful for the teachings of service, love of our neighbors, and helping one another stay on the path towards Jesus Christ. Your life has NOT been a waste of time, just because you been deceived all of these years. It has been a very good life, agreed? I must also state, that belonging to your church may have actually been the very best environment for you and your family to have been in throughout your life.
As you realize the positive things that I have mentioned, and ask for God’s assistance, you can eventually extend forgiveness to those who have hurt you so deeply.
So, if my church life has been so positive, why does it matter that I learn the truth now?
“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32, KJV)
A church may provide friendship, purpose, service opportunities, family support, and many positive experiences. Those things can be genuinely valuable. But according to Scripture, the ultimate question is not whether a religious experience was beneficial—it is whether it is true.
Jesus warned:
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…“ (Matthew 7:21, KJV)
And even more sobering:
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?… And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you…“ (Matthew 7:22–23, KJV)
Notice that these people had religious experiences and performed religious works. Their problem was not a lack of sincerity; it was that they were not truly following Christ as He taught.
The apostles also emphasized the importance of sound doctrine:
“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” (1 Timothy 4:16, KJV)
And Paul warned:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” (2 Timothy 4:3, KJV)
A common biblical analogy would be this: if a traveler is on the wrong road but enjoys the scenery and companionship along the way, the journey may still be pleasant. Yet if the destination is wrong, it is still important to discover the correct path before the journey ends.
Jesus said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6, KJV)
According to the Bible, truth is not merely about being right; it is about knowing and following Christ Himself.
Let me conclude by sharing the following personal experience.
Throughout my life, I’ve never known where I would end up when I died. Was I good enough? Had I done enough? Have I repented for everything? Does God forgive all of my sins? Did I pay enough tithing? Did I complete all of the churches “boxes” to check off so that I can go to heaven? This has been a very stressful life of not feeling good enough, and certainly NOT having any firm answer to where I would be in “Heaven(s).”
Through studying the Gospel as Christ taught, I have come to realize that I will 100% be going to “heaven” when I die. I KNOW that I will be raptured, and that I will be seated in the “Judgment Seat of Christ” where I will be judged. NOT for any sins that I have committed, for they are all removed due to the GIFT of the atonement which Christ gave to me. By there I will be “rewarded” with “Crowns of Glory” for the good works that I have done.
This is the “Freedom” that I have been given as a result of searching for the TRUTH that Jesus Christ taught.
I have no fear, or uncertainty for what the next few weeks will bring. I am excited, prepared, and waiting for the return of my Savior, who will come for me soon, and has promised that I would “Forever be with Him.” This is why you too should leave the comfort of your religion, and discover the teachings of Jesus Christ and the prophets of the Old Testament.
Your spirituality is up to YOU. Take back the ownership and learn the truth for yourself. I hope to see all of you soon, when we are lifted up to meet the Lord in the clouds.
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