Biblical Tests of the True Spirit

  1. "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.
  2. "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20. Are all the fruits of the Spirit manifested? See Galatians 5:22-24.
  3. "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.
  4. "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.
  5. "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.