Bible Question: How can a true work of the Holy Spirit be distinguished from that which is false? |
Bible Answer: Carefully study 1 John 4. "From a careful study of 1 John 4, the great theologian and pastor Jonathan Edwards was able to identify five distinguishing characteristics of the Holy Spirit's work. In short, a true work of the Holy Spirit: (1) Exalts the true Christ, (2) Opposes Satan's interests, (3) Points people to the Scriptures, (4) Elevates truth, and (5) Results in love for God and others. "(The following material is condensed, adapted and excerpted from Jonathan Edward's The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God.) "How can a true work of the Holy Spirit be distinguished from that which is false? "It Exalts the True Christ. "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, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world." (John 4:2-3) When a ministry raises people's esteem of the one true Jesus Christ, who was born of a virgin and was crucified-if it confirms and establishes their minds in the truth that He is the Son of God and the Savior of men-then it is a sure sign that it is from the Spirit of God. (...) "It Opposes Satan's Interests "You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them." (1 John 4:4-5) "When the spirit that is at work operates against the interests of Satan's kingdom, against sin, and against worldly lusts-this is a sure sign that it is a true, and not a false spirit. (...) "It Points People to the Scriptures "We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error." (1 John 4:6) "The spirit that causes people to have a greater regard for the Holy Scriptures and establishes them more in the truth and divinity of God's Word is certainly the Spirit of God. (...) "Therefore the devil is engaged against the Bible and hates every word in it. We may be sure that he never will attempt to raise anyone's esteem of it. "It Elevates Truth "We know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" (v. 6). "Another rule by which to judge spirits is that whatever operates as a spirit of truth, leading people to truth, convincing them of those things that are true-we may safely determine that it is a right and true spirit. (...) "On the other hand, the spirit of darkness will not uncover and make manifest the truth. Christ tells us that Satan is a liar, and the father of lies. (...) "It Results in Love for God and Others "The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love" (v. 8). (...) "We love, because He first loved us," verse 19 says. The spirit that makes the soul long after God and Christ must be the Spirit of God. When we desire the presence and communion of the living Savior, acquaintance with Him, conformity to Him, a life that pleases and honors Him, we must be under the influence of His Spirit. (...) "Conclusion (...) "The very reason the apostle John gave these marks was so that we could test the spirits. Therefore try the spirits by these rules and you will be able to distinguish the true spirit from the false." (As appearing in John MacArthur, Reckless Faith [Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1994], appendix 2, pp. 225-31) To read the entire article, go to the following web page: http://www.gty.org/IssuesandAnswers/archive/truespirit.htm |
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