08. The Spirit, a proof of God's presence in us; the sure criterion to distinguish between truth ...

(8) The Spirit, a proof of God’s presence in us; the sure criterion to distinguish between truth and error (1 John 3:24;1 John 4:2) The believer dwells in God (in fellowship with Him) and God dwells in him (as witness); God abides in us. Such is the testimony of the Holy Spirit in us. The Apostle Paul confirms that the Spirit bears witness that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). Such a blessed assurance does not come from us; it is given through a divine operation in our hearts. However, we should keep God’s commandments (His Word) as obedient children in order to enjoy the reality of God’s presence in us.

There follows strong recommendations from the apostles as to the departure from God’s truth in the world. A twofold religious apostasy (Jewish and Christian) will develop. Already during the apostolic times, there were many false prophets in the world (2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:3). How distinguish between the spirit of truth and the spirit of error? John states here that we should not believe every spirit (v. 1); similarly, Paul speaks also about various spiritual manifestations (1 Corinthians 12:1). Both apostles reveal the sure criterion to judge any spiritual manifestation, whether it originates from God or from Satan: the Holy Spirit abiding in us. To confess Jesus as Christ (God’s Anointed) having come in the flesh proves the divine origin of a spirit. Moreover, "greater is he that is in you" (the Spirit) "than he that is in the world" (the devil). The presence of the Holy Spirit in us is the secret of the victory of Christian faith. Finally, "He that knoweth God, heareth us" (the apostles). The inspired writings of the apostles (the epistles) are authoritative. To accept them will practically guard us from the deadly influence of the spirit of error.