The Bible instructs us to test spirits to determine if they are of God, as many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).
According to 1 John 4:1, we are called to 'believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.' This directive highlights the importance of discernment in the faith, particularly in an age where many false prophets arise. The testing of spirits involves evaluating teachings against the standard of Scripture, as ultimate truth resides in God's Word. The passage emphasizes the necessity of being rooted in Scripture, as it keeps believers from misleading doctrines that may seem persuasive yet are inconsistent with God's revelation.
Scripture References:
1 John 4:1-4, 1 John 4:1-3, Acts 17:11, Isaiah 8:19-20
Commentary