Try the Spirits

In our world, there is a broad spectrum of religious systems.  Without being unkind, it is safe to say that they all cannot be right since they often have beliefs that contradict each other.  How do we know which is right and which is wrong?  The Bible provides us guidance in this area.

1John 4:1-3 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.  2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

These verses gives us one evidence of truth.  We are not to believe any “spirit”, but only those that profess Jesus Christ as God incarnate.  Other Scripture backs this up (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 1:19; 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16; et al.).  So, when determining what to believe, use this simple test.  Does this church or religious group teach that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh?  This is a key doctrine of Christianity and a clear teaching of the Bible.