detection..?

[nHissvc]

Can the "false apostles" of the first passage ever become the "false prophets" of the second passage?

If so, is it implied that their transformation of themselves could not have included confessing "that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh"?:



"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:13-15)



"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." (1 John 4:1-3)



Thanks, all...

--Blessings

[Lookin^Up]

I think "false apostles" and "false prophets" are pretty much the same category. Note the adjective they have in common. If someone has a delineating definition of the two, I would like to know.

[nHissvc]

Thanks, Lookin, for addressing my questions...

Can we infer from the scripture above that neither could confess "that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh"?

[lynnmosher]

Will have to look this up. But a thought strikes me...can could one be an apostle without saying Jesus had come in the flesh?

[Lookin^Up]

I would think no, in no case can one be a true apostle and not believe Jesus is God in the flesh. While they were disciples (a different term; every religious leader has disciples, but they never go on to be apostles--as far as I know), some did doubt. But to become an apostle in the most literal biblical sense (first-hand knowledge of Jesus' ministry from start to finish), one would have to acknowledge that most basic fact.