Testing the Spirits
by Prof. Johan Malan
Christians should be able to test all doctrine in creeds, sermons, books, articles, as well as statements made during discussions, to determine if they are a true reflection of Scriptural truth: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Every religious message has a spiritual dimension to it – either the Spirit of truth who wants to guide us into all truth (John 16:13), or Satan’s spirit of error who is intent on deceiving as many people as possible, also within churches (1 John 4:6; 2 Pet. 2:1-2).
The testing is done by carefully comparing a particular statement or message with biblical pronouncements to determine its authenticity. If this is not done, false teachings will naively be accepted by those who are ignorant of what the Bible teaches (cf. 2 Cor. 11:3-4). Rather follow the example of the Berean Jews who welcomed Paul’s message with great eagerness but examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul had said was true (Acts 17:11). Their enthusiasm for the gospel, as well as their high regard for the apostle, did not preclude them from critically examining Paul’s message to ensure that what they believed was in full agreement with God’s Word.
Spiritual discernment
One needs spiritual discernment to be able to correctly understand God’s Word. When the Holy Spirit convicts a person of his sin, the righteousness of Christ, and the sinner’s need to be spiritually born again, He enlightens his mind to understand the basics of the gospel message (John 16:8).
However, newly converted people do not immediately understand all aspects of the more comprehensive “doctrine of Christ” (2 John v. 9), as they are babes in Christ who have to be fed with the milk of the basic principles of the Word (1 Cor. 3:1-2; Heb. 5:12-14). During this phase they are still “children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14).
The main problem with spiritually immature people is that they experience an inner conflict between the uncrucified flesh (their old, sinful nature which has been established through the force of habit) and the indwelling Holy Spirit who regenerated them during conversion (Gal. 5:17). They might understand certain principles of the gospel of salvation but still have to go a long way to become truly spiritual people.
A full surrender needs to be made to crucify the “old man” and to fully put on the new nature of Christ (Eph. 4:22-24). This deeper work of the Holy Spirit will sanctify the believer and give him enlightened eyes of the mind to better understand the rich heritage of the saints in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:18).
The experience of sanctification will set in motion a process of spiritual growth which should continue for the rest of our lives, moving further away from deception by being firmly established in God’s truth (2 Pet. 3:17-18). During this ongoing process of sanctification we should make sustainable progress towards ultimate perfection and complete holiness.
Although we will not reach this level of completeness during our earthly lives we must nevertheless move in that direction. Christ said to His disciples: “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). God says, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet. 1:16)
It is important to notice that the commands towards perfection and God-like holiness are written in the aorist tense, which is “an unqualified past tense of a verb (esp. in Greek), with reference to duration or completion” (Oxford Concise Dictionary). It is an imperfect tense denoting an action which is still in progress and therefore not completed.
Those who can testify of walking in the Spirit have made different degrees of progress on the way of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ towards attaining the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. That is the reason why there would be differences among Spirit-filled (but imperfect) disciples of Christ – they are all still learning and should continue striving after perfection. Paul says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me” (Phil. 3:12). He was crucified with Christ and therefore emptied of self-interest, personal prejudice and human agendas (cf. Gal. 2:20), but final perfection was not yet achieved.
While we are in a human body we are subject to weaknesses and limitations imposed upon us by our humanness – these include physical, emotional and intellectual weaknesses which somehow impede our ability to reach the perfection to which we are called. We sometimes become weary and despondent, or inclined to taking shortcuts by neglecting our quiet times as well as a proper study of Scripture, which will certainly manifest as weaknesses in our interpretation and presentation of God’s Word.
Because of these factors, as well as the vested interests of our “own church” (a typical human way of seeing things, often entrenched in ecclesiastic tradition) we know in part (1 Cor. 13:12) and often misrepresent the Word in one or other way. The Word of truth should be rightly divided (2 Tim. 2:15) in order to avoid distorted and deceptive presentations of it.
The bottom-line is while sanctified disciples of Christ may be able to fully comprehend with all the saints the width, length, depth and height of the love of Christ (Eph. 3:18-19), they may still differ on a number of other matters. It is up to the individual believer to conduct a serious and impartial study of the Bible in order to gain clarity on controversial issues, even if it means breaking away from a long-standing family or national tradition.
The problem of the carnal and the unsaved
As for carnal believers, there is virtually no limit to their fantasies. They would agree to certain basic Christian tenets, but for the rest rely more on human reasoning than on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They are more easily influenced by the theological constructions of certain church fathers and “leading theologians” than on the basic meaning of Scripture itself. The spiritualising and allegorising of Scripture, as well as replacement theology, offer them the opportunity to exalt human reasoning above the basic meaning of Scripture, thereby ending up with doctrines that are fraught with erroneous assumptions.
Many of these carnal theologians are academically well qualified and therefore in an ideal position to influence the thinking of students and other believers who listen to them or read their books. They take the lead in producing deceptive doctrines such as predestination, baptismal regeneration, covenant theology, dominionism, mysticism, and the denial of the literal, end-time fulfilment of biblical prophecies – including Israel’s restoration, the rise of a personal Antichrist, the rapture, the tribulation period, the second coming of Christ, and the subsequent Messianic reign of peace on earth.
Some of those who pose as great spiritual leaders are not even saved and only maintain a form of godliness. Their reasoning is also carnal, based upon human wisdom, but they do not even confess basic Christian beliefs such as the virgin birth and deity of Christ, the significance of His atoning death on the cross, as well as His physical resurrection and Ascension; neither do they honour the literal, divine inspiration of the Bible as God’s Word. Paul says, “And from such people turn away!” (2 Tim. 3:5).
It remains a tough challenge to grow up in the grace and knowledge of Christ without being spiritually deceived or derailed by the proponents of false doctrines – regardless of whether they are partially wrong or altogether wrong. The doctrines and teachings of those who mix truth and error are more difficult to discern. It is for good reasons that the Lord Jesus said: “Take heed that no one deceives you” (Matt. 24:4).
I thank you sir for your message,may God bless you in Jesus name.Amen.
Prof Malan, it remains a fact that whatever man preaches must be under constant scrutiny. There are too many warnings in the Bible that false teachers and prophets will mislead people.
While under His grace and by the power of the Holy Ghost the Lord will never deceive those who are obedient to Him.
We should all seek the Lord and study diligently.
Keep u the good work as Paul wrote: 1Co 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
http://gatewaynews.co.za/2011/10/26/heavenly-signs-on-day-of-prayer/
The `open heaven` comment in this article caught my eye. Looks bit like chem trails to me.
Sorry if off the point but the mass prayer gatherings always catch my attention.
Prof Malan’s articles are always a great blessing and based on sound Biblical exegesis. At work, I am surrounded by humanists and those who are saved, hold to reformed/calvinistic soteriology. Once again in Prof’s article he addressess these doctrines as deceptive. I have done my own research and was in a reformed type of church for a short while but we had to apply 2Tim 3:5 “and from such people turn away”. if you know the truth, it will be an easy task to turn away.
Peace be with the reader.
The time has come, judgment time.
Those who know me, recognize me.
See: rev:19:11-13
The faithful witness
Christ(my new name is Duke)
(The one that censors(‘moderates’) this comment
will be held accountable)
Peace be with all those who read this comment.
“We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”
The question is this : Is there a way to test the spirits without reverting to religious dogma?
Yes there is. We know that natural man is deluded,
we also know that the present world system is a product of natural man. How can we put this product to the test?
“The Inconvenient Reality” is a way to put the teachings of natural man to the test. Here is a link to the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBLlf0FpsOc
The faithful witness(see rev 1:5)
@Duke
We know that the natural man is deluded. Yep you are right there. But the spiritual mind is also deluded. Other wise how do you explain all the different doctrines and factions in Christianity. I just read the post on the seven day Adventists. Boy do they go into the scripture. I used to say let fifty people read one verse and you will have fifty different versions of it. My denomination split up because one half wanted Bible college training for its Pastors and the others said that revelation by the Holy Ghost is all you need. No wonder Christianity is divided. Its a free for all. If you do not like a teaching start your own church. At least the Catholic church has unity of Doctrine. Every thing has to be sanction by the Pope. In the other churches every one wants to be the Pope.
Morning
thanks for this article from Prof Malan – well said
how can i put comments under Kobus van Rensburg
i see a couple of people use ‘ judge not to be judge , and i wonder whether they understands it in it;s contex or they just use it according their own opinion.
i confronted Kobus by e-mail directly and on the one the response was only ‘ peace ‘ and on the other mail no response at all
Love in Christ
Brother Riaan
Riaan
Hi there, I closed the comments section under the Kobus articles because I was being bombarded by this followers with the same garbage day in and day out. I am going to put up a new article soon. Watch this space – I know for a fact that Kobus van Rensburg does. – http://www.discerningtheworld.com/2011/12/13/kobus-van-rensburg-lied-about-his-healing-multiple-times/
You make some claims such as “Some of those who pose as great spiritual leaders are not even saved and only maintain a form of godliness”, yet nothing is quantified? Is it EVERY great Spiritual leader? Only those spiritual leaders who are not writing a critique of other spiritual leaders?
Is there a difference between being in error vs. sending people to Hell by their false teachings?
If someone believes they are predestined – and it turns out they were wrong – does that error disqualify them from eternal life?
I don’t believe believe in the Rapture or the 7 year tribulation.. does that mean that Tim LeHaye will be going to Heaven while I wallow in Hell?
Bottom line… I think many of us (myself included) get so wrapped up majoring in the minors that we take our eyes off the MAJOR! I’m SAVED and I Pray that Y’ALL are too!!!
BLESSINGS
Will4God,
I’m not judging you in terms of your final destination, but if you are born again, and have tasted the streams of living water, i.e. Christ, i’m most concerned if you cannot see the 7 year Trib? as it’s in your face, you just have to read the bible, the rapture takes a bit more time to study and identify, which brings me back to being born again. (you will want to study the Word)
I recently met up with a so-called christian bike group here in Western Cape, as I love to hit the roads on a sunday afternoon, anyhow, only to find they belong to the Dutch Reformed church.
This was not a problem at first, the problem started when the dominee said that homosexuals can be born again, and the guy organising the trips did not know what the rapture was when I asked him… their fruits identified them for what they are, when I was invited to a braai, and the entire church group were dopping, smoking, and cussing.
What I’m trying to say is this, if you cannot see the obvious, you will not see the not so obvious, like the dutch reformed, they are totally blind, do not believe in adult baptism, rapture, etc. The blind leading the blind.
I will seriously examine myself to establish whether I’m in the faith,the only, Jesus Christ!
Email from Natasha C
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Although I do not “follow” any of these preachers that this site condemns, although I have heard their preaching before, I must say I am sad to read what is going on here. I have been a member of this site for about 3 years now and I am more and more disappointed. Jesus once asked me when I faced disappointment and confusion with the Christians, “Do you want to love me with your whole heart? … Then Love my church!” Who is His Church? – ALL who confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus came in the flesh, is our Savior, the Son of God, died on the cross and rose again…
I agree with what Jeremy wrote who commented in the subject about Angus Buchan. This site is not beating in the same rhythm as the heart of God! It is not doctrine that bind us together but love! This site is nothing more but becoming “as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal” it has and shows no love (1Cor 13). Why on earth are we picking on brothers and sister in Christ. No-one is perfect or has a perfect message and God uses the foolishness of preaching (1 Cor 1:21). I believe that everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and Savior is my brother and sister in Christ and WE OUGHT TO COVER ONE ANOTHER, not expose one another. You purify yourself by learning to love like this. If we love Jesus we should be loving one another it’s the only real proof that you love God (1Peter 1:22/Col 3:14/Prov 10:12/ 1Cor 13:1-13/) 1Jo 2:4 “He who says, I have known Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him”. What is His commandments? Love God and Love your brother.
1Jo 2:4 He who says, I have known Him, and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.
1Jo 2:5 But whoever keeps His Word, truly in this one the love of God is perfected. By this we know that we are in Him.
1Jo 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked.
1Jo 2:7 Brothers, I do not write a new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the Word which you have heard from the beginning.
1Jo 2:8 Again, I write a new commandment to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true Light now shines.
1Jo 2:9 He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness until now.
1Jo 2:10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no offence in him.
1Jo 2:11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness, and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because darkness has blinded his eyes.
Luk 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return. And your reward shall be great, and you shall be the sons of the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.
Luk 6:36 Therefore be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Luk 6:37 Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven.
Luk 6:38 Give, and it shall be given to you,(THIS IS NOT TALKING ABOUT MONEY BUT JUDGING, CONDEMNING, FORGIVING) good measure pressed down and shaken together and running over, they shall give into your bosom. For with the same measure that you measure, it shall be measured to you again.
- this site is not based on Biblical principles. Calling Cobus a liar instead of covering a suffering fellow Christian who is battling a awful illness is so short sighted. We cannot as mere human beings know exactly what is going on in his life. Who are we to judge. Calling our brothers and sisters deceived and their works false is demonic and blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. A church divided against itself will not stand!!
I use to enjoy this web site exposing the world, its media, cults and satan. I enjoy it when the devil is exposed and the carpet taken out from under him but this web page seems to be more interested in harming its own, our brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus builds the church and is the head of the church, We should trust Him to know what He is doing, we have no business trying to control it blinded by our own arrogance claiming to have all the right answers and everyone else is wrong. This is a sign of cultism. The devil us using this web page to take the focus from what is really happening out there – we are on the edge of a new world order – this site is causing confusion amongst ourselves. The oldest trick in the world which is not mixing truth with error Robbie, but causing us to ask ourselves, “Did God really say…” The oldest trick in the world is to cause us to doubt Gods word and this site promote that.
Please do not ignore this warning – What you dish out will come back pressed down, shaken together, and running over. They shall give into your bosom.
I cannot be in covenant with your pursuit against brothers and sisters in Christ. I tried to unsubscribe from your site but am still receiving your mail. Please remove me from your site. My posts and perspectives are in line with biblical doctrine. I have posted on your site and you do not post my mail, why?
Sincerely
Natasha
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Natasha
As replied to in an email:
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My website has always CONDEMNED these preaches that you speak of. Kobus van Rensburg and Angus Buchan etc and its FOLLOWERS. If you had been on my site for 3 years you would know this. Nothing has changed. You lie Natasha you have not been on my site for 3 years if ever. You are an Angus follower…
My website binds GENUINE Christians together who LOVE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST – It UNITES the Genuine Bride of Christ. Your false Gospel binds you together in false love with every other fake Christian out there like Angus and Kobus. ‘
Next time comment on my website.
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Natasha C
>> I have been a member of this site for about 3 years now and I am more and more disappointed
That is a lie, you only registered to receive emails on the 3rd of June 2011!
>> I have posted on your site and you do not post my mail, why?
And you have not commented on this blog before… so don’t lie. I have checked the SPAM section and the Trash section and no where is your name to be found.
What spirit in you makes you lie the way you do? An Angus spirit? Or is it the Kobus Spirit?