“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” (1 John 4:2)
John provides practical advice for discernment in a world with many false teachers seeking to deceive believers.
We can test every spirit by its view of Jesus Christ – specifically whether they acknowledge the core truth of the incarnation.
The Incarnation
The concept of God taking on human flesh at a point in time is central to the Christian faith. Jesus, eternally existent as the divine Son, added humanity to His deity when He was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
This mind-blowing, divisive reality – the infinite, unseen God wrapped in fragile human skin – ushered in our salvation. The pure, spotless Lamb of God took on the punishment we deserved.
Those who deny this vital truth reject the very heart of the gospel message.
Exposing Counterfeit Voices
John equips us to differentiate between truthful and deceptive spiritual voices. Those who follow the true Spirit will always affirm biblical teachings about who Jesus is – both fully God and fully man.
When we encounter messages downplaying Christ’s deity or resurrection, we can recognize the voice of false religion rather than divine truth.
Voices that distract from the Son’s centrality should raise instant red flags in our minds. Leaders who stir controversy and division over clear Scriptural principles should give us great concern as well.
We must filter every theological debate through this grid – does it align with apostolic writings on Jesus Christ?
Standing Firm in Truth
As we study Scripture, praying for discernment, we can learn to distinguish truth from warped gospels and false teachings.
We must choose to stand firm, rather than getting blown off course by persuasive arguments or cultural trends that undermine biblical faith.
By anchoring ourselves to the cornerstone of Christ and testing every spirit against this measure, we can mature in spiritual insight and avoid deception. Celebrate the profound mystery: God with us!
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