How can we apply 1 John 4:2 in evaluating modern spiritual teachings? Setting the Stage 1 John 4:2: “By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” John writes to believers surrounded by competing voices: some denying Christ’s incarnation, others twisting His person and work. The same clash of voices fills our world today—podcasts, books, social media influencers, even pulpits. This simple verse gives a clear, Spirit-inspired filter for sorting truth from error. The Core Test from 1 John 4:2 • “Confesses” – an open, continual agreement, not a half-hearted nod. • “Jesus Christ” – the historical Jesus of Nazareth, the promised Messiah. • “Has come in the flesh” – true humanity added to undiminished deity. If a teaching or teacher diminishes or redefines any part of that confession, the source is not from God. Why This Matters Today • Religious pluralism applauds “spirituality” but rejects exclusive claims. • Some popular teachers stress Jesus as example or moral guru, yet sidestep His divinity. • Others celebrate mystical “Christ consciousness,” stripping away the literal incarnation. Our loyalty to the biblical Jesus guards us from these subtle distortions. Practical Steps for Discernment 1. Listen closely to the Christology. • Do they proclaim Jesus as both fully God and fully man (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9)? 2. Probe the gospel they present. • Is salvation rooted in His atoning death and bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)? 3. Watch for evasive language. • Vague references to “the Divine,” “the Cosmic Christ,” or “higher frequencies” betray a denial of the flesh-and-blood Savior. 4. Compare every message with Scripture. • The Bereans were “examining the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). Imitate them. 5. Observe the fruit. • True confession of Christ produces obedience and love (1 John 4:7-8). Supporting Scripture Cross-References • 2 John 7 – many deceivers “do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh.” • Matthew 16:15-17 – Peter’s confession, blessed by the Father. • 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 – warning about “another Jesus” and “another gospel.” • Hebrews 2:14-15 – the incarnation necessary to destroy the devil’s work. • Revelation 12:11 – victory “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” Common Modern Claims Measured Against the Test • “Jesus was a great teacher, but not God.” → Fails the test. • “Christ is a universal spirit who appeared in many avatars.” → Fails the test. • “Jesus awakened to divine potential; you can too.” → Fails the test. • “Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, died for sinners and rose again.” → Passes the test. Encouragement for Everyday Living Hold fast to the incarnate Lord. His real humanity means He sympathizes with weakness (Hebrews 4:15). His real deity guarantees His saving power (Romans 1:4). Let 1 John 4:2 be a pocket-sized guideline whenever a new teaching comes your way. Confession of the true Jesus is not just a doctrinal hurdle; it is the gateway to knowing God, walking in love, and resting in the assurance that the Spirit of truth is guiding you. |
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