J.A. Matteson
Central to all spiritual discussions is a biblical litmus test among participants. "We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error" (1 Jn. 4:6). Apostolic teaching delineating the Person and work of Jesus Christ is inspired by the Holy Spirit. He who has the Spirit accepts the inspired teachings of the apostles as authoritative. He who does not have the Spirit rejects them for the natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit nor can he understand them for they are spiritually discerned (1 Cor. 2:14). The eternal Word became flesh in the Person of Jesus Christ. He who denies the incarnation of the eternal Word rejects the apostolic teaching. He who rejects the apostles rejects the Son who sent them and the Father who sent His Son. The central question to be asked in spiritual discourse is "Who do you say Jesus Christ is?" the answer to that question reveals whether the person to whom you are conversing with has the Holy Spirit, for no one can confess Jesus is Lord accept by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3). By this we know the children of God.
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