Introduction

Understanding how to test spirits according to 1 John 4:1-3 is crucial for discerning between the Holy Spirit and the Antichrist spirit. This article explores the biblical guidance provided by John and how to recognize deception from false teachings.

Testing the Spirits

According to 1 John 4:1-3, it is essential to carefully test the spirits before accepting any teaching or guidance. This passage establishes that only those who are from God will listen to the truth, while those who are not from God will not follow. John provides clear instructions on how to discern the true spirit from the false one.

One of the methods outlined in the text is to ask the spirit about Jesus Christ. Specifically, John writes, "We are from God and whoever knows God listens to us, but whoever is not from God does not listen to us." (1 John 4:6). By employing this method, one can easily determine the nature of the spirit.

Furthermore, John provides a direct question that spirits cannot deceive on: "Is Jesus Christ returning in the flesh, and was Jesus the fullness of Christ in the flesh?" This question, virtually verbatim from 1 John 4, is a powerful tool for discerning the spirit's authenticity. If the spirit cannot answer affirmatively to these questions, it is likely of the Antichrist.

Identifying Antichrist Spirits

Antichrist spirits often masquerade as God in an attempt to deceive believers. The Antichrist spirit did not directly deny the existence of Jesus in the flesh, as it would be too obvious. Instead, it developed sophisticated methods to indirectly reject the truth of Jesus in the flesh.

One key difference noted by Apostle John was the role of the Holy Spirit and the Antichrist spirit. The Holy Spirit guided the disciples based on Jesus' words delivered in the flesh, while the Antichrist spirit led to false truths based on spirit-delivered words. Both embraced Jesus the person and His name, but only one embraced His words accurately.

This deception was further exemplified in the interactions between Jesus, His disciples, and later, Saul (Paul). Jesus in the flesh did not harm anyone and even healed through His disciples, whereas Paul, teaching in the spirit, showed a different approach. Paul preached the third gospel of "Grace of God" rather than the "Kingdom of God" as initially taught by the twelve apostles. This deviation from the authentic teachings of Jesus led to confusion and division among early Christians.

Building a Relationship with the Holy Spirit

According to John, the cornerstone for discerning the truth is to verify all teachings with the words of Jesus delivered in the flesh. This practice builds a relationship with the Holy Spirit, as its primary task is to remind you of Jesus' words and guide you to the truth.

Christians are encouraged to reject teachings that do not align with the words of Jesus in the flesh. This is important not only for avoiding the Antichrist spirit but also for producing the true fruits of the Holy Spirit. False disciples often claim to believe everything in the Bible, which reflects their lack of discernment and understanding of the true gospel of Jesus.

For genuine disciples of Jesus, the true gospel provides a clear understanding of spiritual progress and the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Branches attached to the true vine will produce the true fruits, while those mixed with false teachings will stumble and fail to understand the true meaning of Jesus' words. True disciples will always be cautious and discerning, recognizing the pot holes and inconsistencies in false teachings.

Conclusion

Testing the spirits according to 1 John 4:1-3 is a fundamental practice in discerning the truth from deception. By carefully examining the teachings and verifying them with the words of Jesus in the flesh, one can build a strong foundation in their faith and avoid the influence of the Antichrist spirit. Emphasizing Jesus' words and maintaining a close relationship with the Holy Spirit ensures a true and transformative Christian life.