How do we know the true gospel is authentic?

The authenticity of the gospel is rooted in its consistent proclamation through Scripture, which is God's revelation to humanity. According to 2 Peter 1:19, the written Word serves as a 'more sure word of prophecy' compared to personal experiences or charismatic phenomena. Authenticating the gospel does not rely on miraculous signs but on Scripture that God has preserved for His people. The early church was marked by the authoritative preaching of the apostles, grounded in the Old Testament and the words of Christ.

As the apostolic age came to a close, the church received the completed canon of Scripture, which provides all necessary revelation for salvation and life. Therefore, true believers should measure any teaching or experience against the Scriptures, ensuring that what they hear aligns with the established doctrines found therein. Anything claiming to be an addition to Scripture, such as modern prophecies or signs, should be critically examined through the lens of Biblical truth, as stressed in Matthew 24:24 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.