Testing the Spirits

Fakes only exist because the genuine articles exist. In fact, the presence of many counterfeits is somewhat proof that the real thing exists. And so in a time when there is genuine prophetic activity we should also expect fake prophetic activity (whether the charismatic gifts continue is a discussion for another blog). We hear of so many prophets today, some may be genuine some may just be charlatans, but how do we know who is real and who is fake?

Here is what Apostle John says:

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:1-6

The first test is the confession that Jesus has come in the flesh. That is the belief that Jesus is 100% God and 100% man and that the Father sent him to appease the wrath of God on all mankind due to their sin so that whosoever puts his/her trust in him will not be destroyed at the final judgment but have eternal life. This is because he has fulfilled all God’s requirements for salvation for those that believe in him by living a sinless life and shedding his blood on the cross as a payment for their sins. This is the Good News of Christianity: when a sinner puts his/her trust in Christ, his/her sin is forgiven and God saves that person from eternal punishment, gives him/her eternal life, and enables him/her to live a life that is pleasing to God and loving to others.

May you not believe anything less than the Good News today! May you not trade the eternal riches of the Good News of Jesus Christ for temporal “blessings” that fade and rust with age! May you sift through the many so-called “prophecies” and “words from God” to test them if they are consistent with the Gospel or mere enticements to the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life! May you test the spirits by God’s Gospel standard! Amen!