1John 4:1-3
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
This is a verse that may have been simpler and easier to follow in the days of the early church. Today we even have people claiming to be followers of Christ, who are clearly not being led by God. (I am thinking of leaders of cults or those out to profit monetarily from their popularity.) But the message behind John’s words is clear: we learn from God by inviting the Holy Spirit into our hearts and listening. In this way we are better able to discern the truth. Prayer is my connection.
Holy One, You have provided a way for me to reach you at any time, any place. I am so thankful. Teach me and lead me, and I will try to learn as much as I can. Amen.
Becky, transforming
Friday, June 10th 2022
1 John 4:1-3
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.
Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God. (1 John 4:2).Does this person acknowledge that Jesus Christ—fully God and fully human—has come in the…
1John 4:1-3
John’s criteria for discernment is as valid today as it was in NT times. “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.” Anyone who claims to preach or teach in Jesus’ name, but who denies the virgin birth, divinity and bodily resurrection of Jesus denies Christ His place in the Trinity. This “spirit of antichrist” exists among some churchgoers, but can be found in pulpits and seminaries as well. If Jesus is simply a great moral teacher, but not God, our faith is in vain. To combat the spirit…