“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone
into the world. “ I John 4:1
We live in an age where two powerful evils attack us. The first view tells us to be tolerant, more accepting, loving toward others who are
different or who believe different than we do. You may not agree but
just let live. Diversity of beliefs makes the world richer we are told. The second view is the post-modern one that states there is no absolute truth. Everyone has their own view which to them is truth. All views (truths) are valid as long as they are sincere and you have no right to tell another their view is wrong. The only reason one would not be tolerant of another’s truth is that one is arrogant and opinionated – and that is the only true sin according the post-modernists. We are told in the last days false teaching will be prominent. Paul told Timothy, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” Deceive and deny – two strategies of Satan to defeat God’s truth.
Unfortunately this false teaching is not just in sects or cults opposed to Christianity. False teaching occurs in churches claiming the name of Christ. Pastors, in denominations and churches that were once
Bible believing, condone the trends of culture and bring them into the church. How do they do that? By claiming that the church must be tolerant and accepting what God calls sin. These church condone the world’s behaviors (what God calls sin) and preach the love of Jesus Christ to accept and save all no matter what kind of sin they embrace. (These churches don’t teach sin can be forgiven, that’s judgmental, but to condone it is your truth. Thus a person can be saved despite living in what God says is sin.) This is done, as Christ told us, from pulpits by people who speaks spiritual words but deny God’s truth. (Matthew 7:15)
Both John and Paul tell us to test the spirits. Paul told the Thessalonians, “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good”. John tells us not to believe every spirit but to test them. There are only two spirits that are operational in this life. The first is from God and the second is from Satan, demonic. God’s truth is clear and is documented in His word. God is a great communicator and He means what He says. In the Sermon on the Mount the Lord tells us that God’s word and way to Him is narrow (what people today call old and antiquated). It was relevant to the the culture when God sent it to us and it is relevant now.
Thus we must test what is preached and practiced by comparing it to God’s Word. God gives us an immovable standard and if any practice violates His truth we can be sure it is not of God’s spirit. Satan can speaks with a multitude of messages. He does not worry about one truth, he only has to create doubt about God’s truth – make it seem old, antiquated or unfair.
Today many churches embrace and practice evil to make salvation easy and acceptable to a sinful world. These same churches in effect deny the importance and truth of scripture. “Fairness” supersedes God’s truth
What can we learn? Believers live in perilous times. We are under heavy pressure to compromise, to set aside God’s truth. God, however, has given us a mooring – His word – so we can hold steady. Keep your Bible open and go to a church that preaches God’s truth!