Is This Holy? • The Todd Coconato Radio Show

Is This Holy? • The Todd Coconato Radio Show

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"Testing the spirits" to discern if something is holy is an important concept in Christianity, based on the teaching of the Bible. The primary reference for this is found in 1 John 4:1-3, which says: "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 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 that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world." Based on this and other biblical teachings, here are ways to "test the spirits":

1. *Confession of Christ's Lordship*: The spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ as Lord, who came in the flesh, is from God. This is a foundational truth in Christianity.

2. *Alignment with Biblical Teaching*: Anything that contradicts the core teachings of the Bible is not from God. This requires Christians to be well-versed in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

3. *Fruit of the Spirit*: Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit. A spirit that produces love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control is consistent with the Holy Spirit.

4. *Promotion of Righteousness and Truth*: 1 John 3:7-10 emphasizes that the one who does what is right and loves their brother or sister is born of God. Spirits that lead towards unrighteousness or deceit are not of God.

5. *Consistency with the Character of Christ*: Any spirit or teaching should be measured against the character and teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospels (Philippians 2:5).

6. *Edification of the Church*: The spirit that works for the edification, unity, and growth of the Church in love is from God (Ephesians 4:11-16).

7. *Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit*: For those who are believers, the Holy Spirit within them bears witness to the truth. As Romans 8:16 says, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” In summary, to test the spirits, one must be grounded in the truth of Scripture, discern the fruits and outcomes of the spirit or teaching in question, and rely on the inner guidance of the Holy Spirit. This process helps Christians discern what is truly holy and from God.