Discerning revelation

Discerning Revelation

"Try the spirits and see if they are of God"

By Colin Smith

How To Discern if revelation is of God.

1. Is it consistent with the whole Bible in context - similar Scriptures? Some "revelations" are so scripturally fragile, when they are tested with the whole bible in context, they become unraveled like a cheap sweater.

2. Motive - What is the motive for revelation? New revelation to impress is dangerous. Pride= door of deception

3. Does it point people to God or man?

4. Is it consistent with previous foundational truths and revelation? (themes) Can you add it to what you have already learned or do you have to rip up the foundation? Foundations are like slabs of truth, Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone. Faulty foundations need to be removed, Sound foundations should not be moved only adjusted. Truth builds on truth, never tear up slabs of truth (proven truth) in order to fit new truth in. Once it is proven truth all other truths should fit like a jigsaw.

Be careful that you do not become "religious", set in ways, and unteachable. Even when your foundation will not be moved, (Psalm 15) do not be closed to strengthening and adjustment, as we are not perfect. (I Cor. 13) If the new truth contradicts previous truth: if necessary, reevaluate previous truth to make sure it is Scriptural. As Christians we tend to have an either/or mentality. Why have this or that when we can have both. People at a buffet have more sense than that, they load up their plates until they are spilling over. We need to add to what we have and not throw out the old for the new, or we will remain babies with nothing more than foundations. We need to build structure on top of the foundations.

5. Does it build or condemn. Conviction is fine, but never condemnation.

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