Test the Spirit

“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods, which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.” 1 Tim. 4:1-3

People often ask, “How can I determine if what I am hearing or being taught is truth or error?” That question is being asked with greater frequency these days. How can you decidedly know the truth?

Give any teacher and his or her teaching this test. Failure at any point indicates error and non-Christian thought.

1. What do they teach concerning the virgin birth of Christ?
If they reject it, they are false teachers.

2. Is Christ’s death viewed as the method of atonement for sin or as the natural result of mankind’s rejection of Jesus the man?
Christ’s death is the hub around which Christianity is built. Disregard its value and you have an empty religion.

3. Is Christ’s bodily resurrection accepted?
If not, He isn’t viewed as God, nor is He considered all-powerful.

4. Does this belief teach that it is necessary to have a “new birth” experience?
If so, ask: “What kind of new birth?” Their answer may be - reincarnation. Scriptural? No.

5. Is there only one way to heaven?
False teachers often fail here because they reject Jesus as the only way. To them, He is a way. Test new ideas. If proven false, drop them.

Be in the Word! Read it, study it, memorize it! The more you know and understand, the harder it is for someone to deceive you.