1 John 4:1 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Commentary says that these verses mean that we need to be sure that every spiritual experience or spiritual encounter is from God. I’m not going to lie, that really doesn’t clear up my confusion about these verses.
1 John 4:2 This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God,
Just like I wonder about prophecies and visitations from angels–were they really so prevalent two thousand years ago? Are they really so nonexistent today?–I wonder about the spirits mentioned in this verse who/what/where/when they were. Were there literal spirits in John’s time? The confusion is real.
1 John 4:3a …but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God.
Precious Savior, Thank You that I can admit when I am confused by Your word. Thank You that I can ask questions and wrestle with nuance. Thank You that I can love You and believe in You and shine Your light even when I do have questions about Your word. Amen.
1 John 4:3b …This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.
Have a blessed day. I love you.