READ: 1 John 4:1-3
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, … and is now already in the world.-1 John 4:3
John starts again with ‘Beloved.’ He addresses a matter of great importance, one that confronts every church member: the distinction between true prophets and false prophets. False prophets present themselves as true prophets and speak in the name of the Lord. The Bible judges their speech and conduct as deceitful and misleading.
They often say what people want to hear, in contrast to true prophets (1 Thess. 2:4,5). In several places, the New Testament warns about them because they pose a significant danger to believers (2 Tim. 4:3, 1 Pet. 2:1). John writes, ‘do not believe every spirit.’
This means their teachings must be tested against God’s Word. If they speak in accordance with God’s Word, they are “from God.” John 4:1 is a key text, mentioned in article 7, BC, that calls us to reject anything not in agreement with the infallible rule of Scripture.
The premise of John 4:1 has served in reformations and liberations and functions within the marks of the true church (article 29 of the Belgic Confession). The church must always remain vigilant against false prophets. The Lord Jesus already warned about them in Matt. 24:24,25: “For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time!”
John elaborates on how to recognize false prophets in his time. Some refused to believe that Jesus, as a human, was equal to the Son of God. However, the doctrine of the incarnation of God’s Son with His two natures must be upheld (see John 1:14; Heb.2:14,15; Q&A 15-18, HC, art. 19, BC). Whoever denies this is not from God but is a deceiver.
John calls this the spirit of the antichrist, the great adversary of Christ (Matt. 24:5,24; 2 Thess. 2:3-8; 2 John 1:7; Rev.13). It’s a warning to steer clear of theologians who deny the Christ of Scriptures.
What are the dangers of false teachings today?
Singing: Ps. 37:13