How to Test the Spirits: A Biblical Guide for ChristiansThe apostle John issued a direct warning to the church:
“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but test the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
— 1 John 4:1
This verse is not a suggestion but a command. Christians live in a world where spiritual claims abound—visions, prophecies, teachings, miracles, and “new revelations.” Yet not all spiritual activity comes from God. Some come from human imagination, while others may even be influenced by deceptive spirits.
So, what exactly are we to test, and how do we know whether something is from God or not? The New Testament provides several “hints” and principles to guide us.
1. Test the Confession About Jesus Christ
“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not of God.”
— 1 John 4:2–3
The first and most important test is what the spirit teaches about Jesus.
- Does it acknowledge Jesus as the eternal Son of God who came in the flesh, died, and rose again?
- Does it confess Him as Lord and Savior, the only way to God (John 14:6)?
If yes: The spirit is aligned with God’s truth.
If no: It is the “spirit of the antichrist,” no matter how impressive or spiritual it appears.
2. Test the Message Against Scripture
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
— Acts 17:11
Every teaching must be examined in the light of God’s Word.
- A true spirit will never contradict Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
- False spirits often twist Scripture or add to it (Galatians 1:8–9; Revelation 22:18–19).
Practical test: Ask, “Does this message align with the whole counsel of God’s Word, or is it taking a verse out of context to support an agenda?”
3. Test the Fruit in Life and Character
“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?”
— Matthew 7:16
Jesus taught that the fruit of a teacher or prophet reveals the root.
- Does the spirit produce humility, holiness, love, and obedience? (Galatians 5:22–23)
- Or does it produce pride, greed, manipulation, and sin?
If a preacher’s life or followers are marked by ungodliness, arrogance, or exploitation, the spirit behind it is not from God—even if miracles are claimed.
4. Test the Effect of the Message
“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.”
— 1 Corinthians 14:33
- Does the message build up the church, leading to order, peace, and edification?
- Or does it bring confusion, division, and strife?
A true spirit will always aim to glorify Christ and strengthen His body. False spirits sow discord and chaos.
5. Test the Source of Power
“Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
— 2 Corinthians 11:14
- Not every supernatural sign or wonder is from God (Matthew 24:24).
- We must ask: Does this miracle point people to worship Jesus Christ alone, or does it exalt the messenger?
If the power draws attention away from Christ and toward human glory, it is not from God.
6. Test the Motives and Intentions
“For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God.”
— 2 Corinthians 2:17
- Does the spirit promote the gospel freely, or is it driven by greed and personal gain?
- True servants of God seek souls, not wealth (1 Peter 5:2–3).
7. Test the End Result
“The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
— James 3:17
- Does the spirit lead people into holiness, truth, and greater love for God?
- Or does it lead into sin, worldliness, and bondage?
Putting It All Together: A Practical Approach
When confronted with a teaching, prophecy, or spiritual manifestation:
- Examine the confession of Christ. Does it exalt Jesus as Lord and Savior?
- Compare with Scripture. Is it consistent with God’s Word?
- Look at the fruit. Does it produce righteousness and the fruit of the Spirit?
- Check the effect. Does it edify the church or bring confusion?
- Discern the source of power. Does it glorify Christ or the preacher?
- Weigh the motives. Is it sincere service or selfish gain?
- Observe the outcome. Does it lead people closer to God in holiness and truth?
Conclusion: Testing in the Era of Grace
Even though we live under grace, the responsibility to test the spirits has not changed. Grace does not excuse deception; rather, it equips us with discernment. Testing protects the church, preserves the truth, and keeps believers anchored in Christ.
The Spirit of God always points to Jesus, aligns with Scripture, produces godly fruit, and builds up the body in love. Anything that fails these tests must be rejected, no matter how appealing it looks on the outside.
“Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22
By faithfully applying these biblical tests, Christians can walk securely in God’s truth, resisting deception while holding fast to the grace and power of Christ.
7-Point Checklist: How to Test the Spirits (1 John 4:1)
1. Confession of Christ
- Does it clearly confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God, come in the flesh, Savior and Lord?
- If not → reject it (1 John 4:2–3; John 14:6).
2. Agreement with Scripture
- Does the message align with the Word of God in full context?
- If it contradicts or adds to Scripture → reject it (Acts 17:11; Galatians 1:8).
3. Fruit of Life and Character
- Does it produce holiness, humility, and the fruit of the Spirit?
- If it leads to sin, pride, or corruption → not from God (Matthew 7:16; Galatians 5:22–23).
4. Effect on the Church
- Does it bring peace, order, and edification?
- If it causes confusion, division, or strife → not from God (1 Corinthians 14:33).
5. Source of Power
- Does it glorify Jesus Christ or exalt the messenger?
- If miracles or wonders draw people away from Christ → reject it (2 Corinthians 11:14; Matthew 24:24).
6. Motives and Intentions
- Is the work sincere, free from greed, and focused on serving God’s people?
- If it is motivated by money, fame, or manipulation → not of God (2 Corinthians 2:17; 1 Peter 5:2).
7. End Result
- Does it lead to greater love for God, purity, truth, and godliness?
- If it results in worldliness, bondage, or error → reject it (James 3:17).
Summary Verse:
“Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21–22