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.
