Up to now, the tests in 1 John have been for us.\u00a0 We have been given tests to demonstrate whether or not Christ really lives in us and if we are really following after Him.\u00a0 Now, the tables are turned.<\/p>\n
Testing the spirits is a vital operation that we must carry out constantly.\u00a0\u00a0 In an age of tolerance, we are pressured into accepting everything that comes our way.\u00a0 Whether through social issues that arise or through spiritual teaching, discerning the Truth can be very difficult.\u00a0 Subtleties lie around every corner.<\/p>\n
John tells us that the bare minimum standard we must require is that the teacher fully affirm the diety and humanity of Christ.\u00a0 If a teacher sounds good, appeals to the masses and gives glory to “god,” that is not enough.\u00a0 Where do they stand on the issue of Christ?\u00a0 If they waffle on any aspect of the person of Christ, they are to be rejected.<\/p>\n
It goes further than this, though, because there are some who will claim the deity of Christ and get everything John is requiring here and still be misleading teachers.\u00a0 For instance, there are some Christian leaders, denominations, etc., that will align very clearly with the Bible’s description of Christ, yet change other parts of the Gospel:\u00a0 “Yes, Jesus is fully God and fully man.\u00a0 Yes, He came to die in our place, was physically born, killed, resurrected and ascended…but<\/em>, He’s not the only<\/em> way to salvation.”\u00a0 Bam! There it is, and they were sounding so<\/em> good.<\/p>\n Some preach a health and wealth gospel which is not in line with Jesus’ teachings.\u00a0 Some prove their own social agenda by denying that parts of Scripture are relevant today.\u00a0 Others will deny the authenticity and even the inspiration of some writers (Paul is a popular target) because he doesn’t support their claim.\u00a0 Watch out for these people.\u00a0 Test the spirit!<\/p>\n