False prophets

What would you call a man that was chosen by God to have His Holy Spirit upon them and that acted as a true prophet about the coming of David and/or Jesus? Would you say he was “saved” or “elect” - even predestined maybe? What would you say about him?

Consider Balaam:

And Balaam lifted up his eyes and saw Israel dwelling tribe by tribe; and, the spirit of God came upon him.

(Numbers 24:2)

He was a Davidic/Messianic prophet:

I see him - but not now. I behold him - but not near. There shall step forth a star out of Jacob; and, a scepter shall rise out of Israel and shall smite through the corners of Moab and break down all the sons of Seth.

(Numbers 24:17)

          This was a man that God chose to speak directly to and through several times. (Numbers 22 and 23) If you read the verses cited you will notice this man was also physically visited by “the angel of the LORD”. Would you say he was “saved” or “elect” - even predestined maybe? What would you say about him?

But, Balaam turned away from YHWH and taught against God’s laws:

Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor; and, there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

(Numbers 31:16)

What was his end?

And Balaam, son of Beor, the diviner, have the sons of Israel slain with the sword, among their wounded ones.

(Joshua 13:22) (See also Numbers 31:8)

What would his end have been if he had not turned against God?

What did the Apostles say to “New Testament” believers about him?

Woe to them; because, they went the way of Cain and gave themselves up to the error of Balaam for reward and perished in the speaking against of Korah!

(Jude 1:11)

Which have forsaken the right way and are gone astray: following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.

(2 Peter 2:15)

What did Jesus say to “New Testament” believers about him?

But I have a few things against you, because you have them that hold the doctrine of Balaam: who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel - to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication.

(Revelation 2:14)

          Remember Balaam the next time someone tells you that obedience is not required; or that once saved always saved; or, that the elect are predestined to salvation.

          Also, when you are ready to truly follow Jesus as more than your Savior but as your Lord and Master too; then, compare Balaam’s errors with the teachings of Saul of Tarsus. May the Holy Spirit guide you to all Truth.