Testing the Spirits

Read 1 John 4:1-12.

The last verse of 1 John 3 reveals that God gave us His Spirit to dwell in us (see v. 24). Then John goes on to exhort us to “test the spirits” (4:1). There are some who think that to be a Christian is to be naïve and gullible. They surmise that a Christian believes everyone and shouldn’t question or test the claims of others. But on the contrary, John calls believers to put everything to the test to see if it is consistent with the testimony of the Holy Spirit, who dwells in us.

Then John goes on to explain by what measure we are to test the spirits: “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, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world” (1 John 4:2-3).

Now, you might note that many people invoke the name of Jesus; they’ll add a little Jesus to their life so long as He makes no demands. But John is talking about Jesus as God of very God—Jesus as the only “name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). So, every spirit that acknowledges Jesus as the only Lord and Savior—as the only way, Truth, and life—is from God. No one can make it to heaven without Him. The test for godliness is not based on our feelings nor on popularity. The test is based on Truth—based on the Word of God.

Why does John put such emphasis on acknowledging Jesus, the Son of God, as the only Savior? Because if He is not the only way to heaven, then Christianity is just another religion with no power to save. But Jesus became man so that all who believe in Him could be saved—and not only saved but also transformed. Jesus gave up the throne of heaven to take on flesh to live perfectly on our behalf and die in our stead so that we could participate in His divine nature (see 2 Peter 1:4), which is without a doubt life at its best. His divine nature is so powerful that it can overcome deception and temptation—which means through His sacrifice, He has made us overcomers (see Romans 8:37).

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for taking on flesh to save me. May I test the spirits rightly to keep in step with Your Spirit and cling to Truth to the glory of Your name. I know that I can overcome sin and Satan’s lies because You have made me more than a conqueror. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.