What does it mean to test the spirits?

[Quasar92]

"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" (1 John 4:1).

In this verse believers are commanded to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God." This same command is echoed in other parts of Scripture as well. For example, in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 we find Paul exhorting the Christians to not "despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."

These two passages are just a few of the many that warn Christians to test the message that people or spirits proclaim. This is true in all situations but most importantly when a person or spirit is claiming to speak for God. Christians are to be discerning hearers and readers of all messages. The reason for the admonition to "test the spirits" or "test all things" is that there are "many false prophets" or "wolves in sheep's clothing" that try to lead Christians astray. Sadly, there are many people who claim to speak for God who are presenting a false gospel that is powerless to save. Such errant teaching leaves people with a false hope of salvation and, in a way, inoculates them from the true message. People who are deceived into thinking everything is fine will be more resistant to the truth.

Second Corinthians 11:13-15 warns us that "such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, 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." So the reason for testing the spirits, for testing all religious teaching, is to see if it is truly from God or if it is a lie from Satan and his servants.

The test is to compare what is being taught with the clear teaching of the Bible. The Bible alone is the Word of God; it alone is inspired and inerrant. Therefore, the way to test the spirits is to see if what is being taught is in line with the clear teaching of Scripture. In Acts 17:10-11 the Berean Jews were commended because, after they heard 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 so.

Testing the spirits means that one must know how to "examine the Scriptures." Rather than accept every teaching, discerning Christians diligently study the Scriptures. Then they know what the Bible says and therefore can "test all things and hold fast to what is true." In order 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 to be "a lamp" and "a light" to our path (Psalm 119:105). We must let its light shine on the teachings and doctrines of the day; the Bible alone is the standard by which all truth must be judged.

Recommended Resource: How to Study the Bible, Revised Edition by John MacArthur

From: www.gotquestions.org


Quasar92

 

[BABerean2]

"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" (1 John 4:1).

In this verse believers are commanded to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God." This same command is echoed in other parts of Scripture as well. For example, in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 we find Paul exhorting the Christians to not "despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."

These two passages are just a few of the many that warn Christians to test the message that people or spirits proclaim. This is true in all situations but most importantly when a person or spirit is claiming to speak for God. Christians are to be discerning hearers and readers of all messages. The reason for the admonition to "test the spirits" or "test all things" is that there are "many false prophets" or "wolves in sheep's clothing" that try to lead Christians astray. Sadly, there are many people who claim to speak for God who are presenting a false gospel that is powerless to save. Such errant teaching leaves people with a false hope of salvation and, in a way, inoculates them from the true message. People who are deceived into thinking everything is fine will be more resistant to the truth.

Second Corinthians 11:13-15 warns us that "such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, 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." So the reason for testing the spirits, for testing all religious teaching, is to see if it is truly from God or if it is a lie from Satan and his servants.

The test is to compare what is being taught with the clear teaching of the Bible. The Bible alone is the Word of God; it alone is inspired and inerrant. Therefore, the way to test the spirits is to see if what is being taught is in line with the clear teaching of Scripture. In Acts 17:10-11 the Berean Jews were commended because, after they heard 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 so.

Testing the spirits means that one must know how to "examine the Scriptures." Rather than accept every teaching, discerning Christians diligently study the Scriptures. Then they know what the Bible says and therefore can "test all things and hold fast to what is true." In order 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 to be "a lamp" and "a light" to our path (Psalm 119:105). We must let its light shine on the teachings and doctrines of the day; the Bible alone is the standard by which all truth must be judged.

Recommended Resource: How to Study the Bible, Revised Edition by John MacArthur

From: www.gotquestions.org


Quasar92

What was the "spirit" of Margaret McDonald's dream?

Sometime between 1825 and 1830 a teenage girl named Margaret McDonald claimed to have had a dream where she saw the Church being removed before the tribulation period.
The idea was later published in "The Morning Watch", which was the periodical of the Irvingites.

After Irving died in 1834, John Nelson Darby adopted the idea and later claimed it as his own idea.

Those such as Dr. Thomas Ice claim Darby had the idea after a fall from his horse, around 1827.
However, Darby's paper of 1829 was written from the Historicist, Amill viewpoint, thereby disproving Ice's claim.


PROPHETIC DEVELOPMENTS
with particular reference to the early Brethren Movement.
F. Roy Coad (Brethren Historian) pages 10-26
http://brethrenhistory.org/qwicsitePro/php/docsview.php?docid=418


Lacunza, Manuel, “Coming of Messiah in Glory and Majesty“
PDF Files


Origin of the Pretrib Rapture Doctrine
Pastor Tim Warner
http://www.answersinrevelation.org/pretrib_history.pdf


Pretribulationist Revisionism
(Grant Jeffrey’s revision of early Church Posttrib viewpoints)
Pastor Tim Warner
http://www.answersinrevelation.org/Jeffrey.pdf


.

 

[tdidymas]

"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" (1 John 4:1).

In this verse believers are commanded to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God." This same command is echoed in other parts of Scripture as well. For example, in 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 we find Paul exhorting the Christians to not "despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good."

These two passages are just a few of the many that warn Christians to test the message that people or spirits proclaim. This is true in all situations but most importantly when a person or spirit is claiming to speak for God. Christians are to be discerning hearers and readers of all messages. The reason for the admonition to "test the spirits" or "test all things" is that there are "many false prophets" or "wolves in sheep's clothing" that try to lead Christians astray. Sadly, there are many people who claim to speak for God who are presenting a false gospel that is powerless to save. Such errant teaching leaves people with a false hope of salvation and, in a way, inoculates them from the true message. People who are deceived into thinking everything is fine will be more resistant to the truth.

Second Corinthians 11:13-15 warns us that "such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, 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." So the reason for testing the spirits, for testing all religious teaching, is to see if it is truly from God or if it is a lie from Satan and his servants.

The test is to compare what is being taught with the clear teaching of the Bible. The Bible alone is the Word of God; it alone is inspired and inerrant. Therefore, the way to test the spirits is to see if what is being taught is in line with the clear teaching of Scripture. In Acts 17:10-11 the Berean Jews were commended because, after they heard 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 so.

Testing the spirits means that one must know how to "examine the Scriptures." Rather than accept every teaching, discerning Christians diligently study the Scriptures. Then they know what the Bible says and therefore can "test all things and hold fast to what is true." In order 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 to be "a lamp" and "a light" to our path (Psalm 119:105). We must let its light shine on the teachings and doctrines of the day; the Bible alone is the standard by which all truth must be judged.

Recommended Resource: How to Study the Bible, Revised Edition by John MacArthur

From: www.gotquestions.org


Quasar92

I agree, and I will give an example. There has been a false idea going around for decades, and still exists in some circles, that a person can be born again, and have Christ as Savior, but not as Lord. That a Christian can live in sin and still be saved. This is the idea that a person can acknowledge Jesus with words, but not acknowledge Him with actions. That a Christian has an option whether or not to be a disciple of Jesus. It is like saying Jesus is Lord by confession, but Jesus is not Lord in real life. Like Jesus delivers from hell but not from sin. As if we have a free will (free from God) that gives us the option whether to obey God or not.

Such is a false and unbiblical idea. The epistles of James, John, Jude, and 2 Peter were written about such people having that idea. The New Testament condemns such people. Such an idea comes out of a humanistic (and/or atheistic) philosophy, and is very ingrained in the culture of many nations including the U.S.

2 John 1:7 "For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist." I get that the phrase "as coming in the flesh" is specific to the time, is against Gnosticism, and is an application of the idea that is being portrayed. The idea is: not acknowledging Jesus. A person living sinfully (with no interest in repenting) is a person who does not acknowledge Jesus in actions. And this is confirmed in the other epistles I mentioned.
TD

 

[seventysevens]

What was the "spirit" of Margaret McDonald's dream?.

If someone fell off a horse today and had the same dream you would also attribute their dream as the same nonsense connection you make here
Scripture also say "you will know them by their fruit"
people who have an agenda to spend nearly all their time attacking people's view and not using their time wisely.
Is it possible to appeal to your level of sensibilities?
do you understand what is appropriate and what is not ?
Jesus taught to do unto others as you would want them to do unto you but yet you totally disregard that teaching .
Is your relentless attacks stemming from something someone did unto you ?

 

[Quasar92]

What was the "spirit" of Margaret McDonald's dream?

Sometime between 1825 and 1830 a teenage girl named Margaret McDonald claimed to have had a dream where she saw the Church being removed before the tribulation period.
The idea was later published in "The Morning Watch", which was the periodical of the Irvingites.

After Irving died in 1834, John Nelson Darby adopted the idea and later claimed it as his own idea.

Those such as Dr. Thomas Ice claim Darby had the idea after a fall from his horse, around 1827.
However, Darby's paper of 1829 was written from the Historicist, Amill viewpoint, thereby disproving Ice's claim.


PROPHETIC DEVELOPMENTS
with particular reference to the early Brethren Movement.
F. Roy Coad (Brethren Historian) pages 10-26
http://brethrenhistory.org/qwicsitePro/php/docsview.php?docid=418


Lacunza, Manuel, “Coming of Messiah in Glory and Majesty“
PDF Files


Origin of the Pretrib Rapture Doctrine
Pastor Tim Warner
http://www.answersinrevelation.org/pretrib_history.pdf


Pretribulationist Revisionism
(Grant Jeffrey’s revision of early Church Posttrib viewpoints)
Pastor Tim Warner
http://www.answersinrevelation.org/Jeffrey.pdf


.

The following is provided for all members who are interested, in the extensive works of Thomas Ice, pertaining to John Darby, as a defense for him in response to the above contribution.

John Nelson Darby did not invent the Pre-tribulation doctrine of the Church. But rather, Jesus, Matthew, Luke, John and Paul, all had a hand in doing so in the original text of the NT.

The Biblical teaching of the pre-trib rapture of the Church:

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/dee...g-of-the-pre-trib-rapture-of-t-t19401898.html

For information on John Nelson Darby and how he fits into the pre-trib rapture of the Church teachings, check out the following by Thomas Ice, PhD:

http://www.pre-trib.org/articles/view/j ... he-rapture


Quasar92

 

[BABerean2]

If someone fell off a horse today and had the same dream you would also attribute their dream as the same nonsense connection you make here
Scripture also say "you will know them by their fruit"
people who have an agenda to spend nearly all their time attacking people's view and not using their time wisely.
Is it possible to appeal to your level of sensibilities?
do you understand what is appropriate and what is not ?
Jesus taught to do unto others as you would want them to do unto you but yet you totally disregard that teaching .
Is your relentless attacks stemming from something someone did unto you ?

1Ti_1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

1Ti_4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

2Ti_4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

Tit_1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.

2Pe_1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

.

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[seventysevens]

2Pe_1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, .

Yes you have

 

[BABerean2]

Yes you have

.

 

[seventysevens]

[

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Yes you have
a partial truth is still a fable

 

[BABerean2]

Yes you have
a partial truth is still a fable

Former Dispensationalist Jerry Johnson exposes the doctrine of John Nelson Darby.

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[seventysevens]

Former Dispensationalist Jerry Johnson exposes the doctrine of John Nelson Darby..

You don't seem to understand that you are being exposed as someone who continuously on a daily basis of accusing the brethren-
very puzzling why you cannot find something positive and edifying to do instead of the relentless attacks of the people you disagree with -

 

[BABerean2]

You don't seem to understand that you are being exposed as someone who continuously on a daily basis of accusing the brethren-
very puzzling why you cannot find something positive and edifying to do instead of the relentless attacks of the people you disagree with -

You seem to have a problem distinguishing between attacking a false doctrine and attacking a person who adheres to that doctrine.
They are not the same.

None of us should hold back from exposing any of the beliefs of atheists or any of the cults.
If we love them, we should tell them the truth.

The Two Peoples of God doctrine of modern Dispensational Theology is no different.
I have friends who are Dispensationalists.
I still love them, even if their Bible doctrine is not correct.

I hold no personal grudge against you...


Mat_18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

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[seventysevens]

I have friends who are Dispensationalists.

I bet you don't attack their views as often as you do here - logic indicates they would not want to be around you if you did

 

[BABerean2]

I bet you don't attack their views as often as you do here

Well, you got it right this time.

I do not attack them.

However, their modern doctrine should be exposed to the light of day.

If they can read the New Covenant promised to Israel and Judah in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which was fulfilled by Christ during the first century in Hebrews 8:6-13, and specifically applied to the Church in Hebrews 12:22-24, and 2 Corinthians 3:6-8, and still believe in the Two Peoples of God doctrine, then what could I say to change their mind?

I could only suggest they get some new reading glasses...

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[seventysevens]

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