“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.” – (1 John 4:2)

As followers of Christ, we live in a world where there are many competing voices and spirits vying for our attention. But how can we know which voices to listen to and which spirits are truly from God? John gives us a clear answer in this verse. He tells us that every spirit that acknowledges Jesus Christ as come in the flesh is from God. This is the litmus test for discerning the Spirit of God.

What does it mean to acknowledge Jesus Christ as come in the flesh? It means to recognize that Jesus is not just a spiritual being or a mythical figure, but a real historical person who lived, died, and rose again. It means to affirm the incarnation, the doctrine that God became human in the person of Jesus Christ. When we acknowledge this truth, we are acknowledging the very heart of the gospel.

So let us be discerning, dear friends, and test every spirit by this standard. Let us not be swayed by false teachings or misleading voices. Instead, let us hold fast to the truth of the gospel, and acknowledge Jesus Christ as come in the flesh. May we be people who are led by the Spirit of God, and may we always discern the truth from error.