Dear friends,

Don’t trust every spirit blindly, but carefully examine them to determine if they truly come from God, as many false prophets have spread throughout the world. (1 John 4:1)

It’s interesting that this verse instructs believers to “test the spirits” to discern whether they are genuinely from God. But I wonder if we ever do this or know how to do it… This instruction is repeated in other parts of Scripture. For instance, in 1 Thessalonians 5:20–21, Paul advises Christians not to reject prophecies but to “test everything; hold fast to what is good.”

False doctrines and false prophets were common cautionary teachings from Jesus and the Apostles.

These verses are just a few examples of the many warnings given to Christians to carefully evaluate the messages that people or spirits share, especially when someone claims to speak on God’s behalf.

This is just as relevant for us today! We are encouraged to be discerning listeners and readers of all messages. The reason for this caution to “test the spirits” or “test all things” is that there are many “false prophets” or “wolves in sheep’s clothing” who try to mislead Christians.

Unfortunately, many people claim to speak for God but present a false gospel that cannot save. (I will cover this topic with regard to Ellen G. White’s version of the Gospel and Adventism’s use of it in later posts, but I digress.) Such misguided teachings provide false hope of salvation and can prevent people from understanding the true message. Those who are deceived into believing everything is fine are often more resistant to the truth. Doctrinal complacency is an unfortunate spiritual disease.

In 2 Corinthians 11:13–15, we are warned that “such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So, it is no surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” This is why it is crucial to test the spirits, prophets, and all religious teachings to determine if they are truly from God or if they are deceptions from Satan and his followers.

So, how do you test a spirit or prophet?

The way to test what is being taught is to compare it with the clear teachings of the Bible. The Bible alone is God’s Word; it is inspired and without error (When I state without error, I mean the source of inspiration.  I do recognize there are scribal, textual, and copying errors.  These are human errors. But the source of inspiration is without error.) Therefore, the way to evaluate the spirits is to see if what is being taught aligns with Scripture. In Acts 17:10–11, the Berean Jews were praised because, after hearing the teachings of Paul and Silas, they “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” The Bereans were called “noble” for doing this.

Here are some biblical parameters that you should follow:

1. Accuracy of Prophecies: A true prophet’s predictions will come true. In Deuteronomy 18:21-22, it is stated that if a prophet’s message does not come to pass, that prophet is not sent by God, and the people should not be afraid of them.
2. Consistency with Scripture: A true prophet’s message will align with the teachings of Scripture and the character of God. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 warns that even if a prophet performs signs or wonders, but their message leads people away from God or contradicts God’s commands, they are false.
3. Fruits of Their Life and Ministry: Jesus taught in Matthew 7:15-20 that false prophets can be recognized by their fruits. If their life and teachings produce bad fruit, such as leading people into sin or causing division, they are not true prophets. Remember, the text doesn’t say that they ONLY produce bad fruit, but rather a tree that has bad fruit will be cut down. What fruit might we test them by? The Fruits of the Spirit would be a great place to start, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22-23)
4. Focus on Christ: In the New Testament, 1 John 4:1-3 emphasizes that a true prophet will acknowledge Jesus Christ came in the flesh and is from God. If a prophet denies Christ or teaches contrary to His message, they are false. The Book of Galatians is clear: if anyone comes to you preaching a different Gospel or a different Christ, may he/she be accursed. Some translations use much stronger language: May they be damned to hell.

These tests help believers discern whether someone is truly speaking on behalf of God or if they are a false prophet.

Testing the spirits requires knowing how to “examine the Scriptures.” Instead of accepting every teaching, discerning Christians diligently study the Bible. This allows them to know what the Bible says and, therefore, “test all things and hold fast to what is true.” To do this, a Christian must “be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The Word of God is meant to be “a lamp” and “a light” for our path (Psalm 119:105). We must let its light guide us as we evaluate the teachings and doctrines we encounter; the Bible alone is the standard by which all truth should be judged.

Paul is adamant when he engages the believers in Galatia:

But even if we (Paul and the other Apostles) or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. (Gal 1:8)

I pray that we will test any teacher, preacher, prophet, prophetess, or even “The Lord’s Messenger.” Even if the claimed message is from an angel, from God himself, or whatever other claim is made…

In Christian Love,