How to Distinguish Between the Holy Spirit and an Evil Spirit in Modern Times
In today's world, Christians and non-Christians alike are often puzzled about discerning between the Holy Spirit and an evil spirit. This question is particularly relevant given the teachings in the New Testament and the experiences of people who claim to interact with spirits. Let's explore how we can identify the nature of these spirits based on biblical principles.
Literature and Scriptural Context
The New Testament provides us with clear instructions on how to judge spirits. One of the most explicit passages is found in Matthew 7:16-20:
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
According to Matthew 7:16-20, the true nature of a spirit can be discerned by its actions and the results it produces. This principle is foundational to understanding whether a spirit is of divine or demonic origin.
Interpretation and Application
Many Christians believe that one can test a spirit simply by seeing if it declares that Jesus came in the flesh. However, this approach is problematic at best. It ignores the broader context and ignores the potential for deception. Entities that worshiped the idea of Jesus coming in the flesh may have done so for reasons that have nothing to do with divinity or truth.
For example, in the Old Testament, God was indeed able to send angels in the image and flesh of men, and evil spirits like the Watchers (or Nephilim) were also capable of such actions. If this is the case, the reason why entities in the New Testament worshipped the idea of Jesus coming in the flesh might be because they previously were not able to do this themselves, or they had not done so since the days of Noah.
Scriptural Analysis
The scripture in Daniel 7:25-26 further sheds light on the nature of these spirits:
25 And he shall speak great things against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
26 But the judgment shall sit, they shall take away his dominion to consume and to destroy it unto the end.
According to the interpretation of Daniel 7:25-26, Jesus changing times and laws indicates a will to alter divine and human laws. This aligns with historical and prophetic accounts where spirits have sought to change established truths and norms. The fall of the dominion implies a judgment and a resolution, suggesting that discernment and truth will triumph over deception.
Personal Experiences and Testimonies
Many people have reported encounters with spirits that falsely claimed to be the Holy Spirit. These encounters often involve false teachings and manipulation. For instance, someone might hear voices claiming to be Jesus, leading them to believe they are his spiritual wife or chosen prophet. Such experiences are concerning, as they can lead to serious mental and physical health issues.
The importance of discernment cannot be overstated. It is essential to seek God alone and to test spiritual claims for ourselves. We must rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance, not on false interpretations or worldly teachings.
Conclusion
The Holy Spirit and evil spirits are distinct. The fruits of their actions provide clear evidence of their true nature. Christianity teaches us to test the claims of spirits and not to rely solely on outward affirmations such as the declaration that Jesus came in the flesh. Instead, we should seek truth through prayer, study, and discernment, and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. By doing so, we can navigate the complexities of spiritual encounters and protect ourselves from deception and harm.