Jeremiah 23:16 Thus said the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.
‘Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you.’ This is the only command in Jeremiah 23:1-40. In previous chapters, there have been as many as 8 to 16 commands. We must follow the same command today as God warned us against the false prophets numerous times (Matt. 7:15; 24:11, 24; 2Pet. 2:1).
‘Vision of their own heart.’ Three sources of revelation: The human spirit (23:16-17, 20, 26, 23; Isa. 44:20; Ezek. 13:17; Heb. 3:10). Demon and satanic spirits (1Sam. 18:8-10; 1Kin. 22:21-24; Acts 16:16; 1Tim. 4:1; 1Jn. 4:1-6). The Holy Spirit (Acts 3:21; 2Cor. 12:1-11; 2Tim. 3:15-17; 2Pet. 1:21).
‘Not out of the mouth of the LORD.’ In detecting false spirits from the true, one should realize that any doctrine which denies, or in any way causes doubt and unbelief concerning anything taught in Scripture, is demon inspired. Furthermore, any power, influence, or doctrine which causes one to become passive, inactive, submissive, and unresisting to all supernatural workings seeking to control the life contrary to Scripture, is not of God. We are warned not to give heed to the doctrines of devils (1Tim. 4:1). To urge departure from the faith, is the first work of demons. This results in departure from holy living, and acceptance of doctrines that will damn the soul. Men who pretend inspiration and revelation and false teachers of all kinds are the agents of demons (2Cor. 11:14-15). Every religion that denies the reality of God; Christ; the Holy Spirit; the atonement; the death and the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ; sin; sickness; satan; demons; hell; heaven; and the other fundamental doctrines of Scripture are as much of satan and demons as the Bible and Christianity are of God.
End times: Prophetic Scriptures 