Biblical Tests of the True
Spirit
-
"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not
according to this word, it is because there is no light
in them." Isaiah 8:20. This is the most important
test. If the message contradicts God's
law or the testimony of the previous prophets, it is not
of God.
- "Wherefore by their fruits
ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20. Are all the
fruits of the Spirit manifested? See Galatians 5:22-24.
- "When the word of the
prophet shall come to pass, then shall the prophet be
known, that the Lord hath truly sent him." Jeremiah
28:9. Accuracy of prediction is necessary.
- "Whosoever shall confess
that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and
he in God." 1 John 4:15. "Hereby know ye the Spirit of
God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is
come in the flesh is of God. 1 John 4:2. The fourth
test is that the message affirms the two essential
facts about Jesus: He is the Son of God; and
He came to earth in the same flesh that we possess.
- "He that prophesieth
speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and
comfort.... He that prophesieth edifieth the church."
1 Corinthians 14:3, 4. A true messenger of God will handle
such matters as that benefit the church, rather than
sensational or trivial matters of gossip.