Discerning genuine revelation from false or mistaken ones is indeed a profound challenge and has been a concern for believers throughout biblical history. The Bible offers some guiding principles that can aid in this discernment:
- Consistency with Scripture: Genuine revelations from God will always be consistent with His Word. In Galatians 1:8, Paul cautions, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” This means that any true revelation will align with the teachings of the Bible.
- Fruit of the Spirit: Evaluate the character and actions of the person claiming the revelation. Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Someone genuinely guided by the Spirit will exhibit the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
- Wisdom and Discernment from God: Seek guidance and wisdom through prayer and the Holy Spirit. James 1:5 advises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Community of Believers: Engage with the community of believers. In 1 John 4:1, it is written, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” Input from mature and faithful believers can provide valuable insights.
- Test of Time: Sometimes, observing the outcomes over time can provide clarity. True revelations often bring lasting peace and produce positive, transformative effects.
Remember to approach such discernment with humility and love, understanding that humans are fallible and that God’s wisdom is infinitely greater than our own. Above all, trust in God’s guidance to lead you to truth and understanding.
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