How can we discern true spiritual experiences from false ones today? Setting the Stage with 2 Corinthians 12:1 “ I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to gain, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.” Paul acknowledges genuine, God–given experiences—yet he immediately downplays their value if they don’t serve Christ’s purpose. His restraint provides a roadmap for our own discernment. First Principle: Everything Must Match Scripture • 2 Corinthians 12:1 points to “revelations of the Lord,” not revelations that contradict the Lord. • Galatians 1:8 warns that even an angelic vision opposing the gospel is “under a curse.” • 1 John 4:1-3 tells us to “test the spirits” by their confession of the true, incarnate Christ. If an experience (dream, prophecy, vision) adds to, subtracts from, or twists the written Word, it is false—no matter how impressive it feels. Second Principle: Jesus, Not the Experience, Gets Center Stage • John 16:14—The Spirit’s role is to “glorify” Christ. • Revelation 19:10—“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” A true encounter magnifies Jesus’ person and saving work. A counterfeit encounter glorifies the messenger, the emotion, or a new “secret” revelation. Third Principle: Look for the Long–Term Fruit • Matthew 7:16—“By their fruit you will recognize them.” • Galatians 5:22-23 lists love, joy, peace, etc., as Spirit-produced evidence. Authentic experiences deepen holiness, humility, and love; counterfeits leave pride, confusion, or moral compromise. Fourth Principle: Examine the Messenger’s Character • Paul hints at this in 2 Corinthians 12:5-7—he speaks reluctantly, aware that pride could ruin him. • James 3:13—true wisdom shows itself in “good conduct.” If the one sharing the vision craves attention, money, or control, the source is suspect, no matter how dramatic the story. Fifth Principle: Seek Confirmation through the Body and the Spirit • Acts 15:28—decisions confirmed by “the Holy Spirit and us.” • Romans 8:16—the Spirit “testifies with our spirit.” The same Spirit who grants an experience will bear witness in other Spirit–filled believers and in a settled, inner assurance anchored to Scripture. Practical Checklist for Today 1. Compare the content with clear biblical teaching. 2. Ask, “Does this exalt Jesus Christ alone?” 3. Observe the resulting fruit over weeks and months. 4. Consider the life and motives of the person involved. 5. Invite mature, Bible-saturated believers to weigh in. 6. Rest in God’s Word; you lose nothing by rejecting a claim that fails these tests. Closing Insight God still grants “visions and revelations,” yet He never contradicts Himself. Measured by His unchanging Word, centered on His Son, and confirmed by His Spirit, true experiences will always shine with the light of the gospel and produce lasting, Christ-like fruit. |
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