Test the spirits

There are a lot of signs lately, aren't there? Let's review what a sign, is exactly. Looking at the Greek behind the use of the word sign in verses such as Mt 12:38 or 39, it means sign or miracle. Not every unusual event is a sign but if something is a sign it will have certain characteristics. First, it will be a miraculous thing, either supernatural or natural. It is something that will point to Christ or the bible. It will be something that will either convince or confirm of the Word. It will be consistent with the Word.

Not everything supernatural is from God! Remember Paul warned in 2 Cor 11:14 that satan appears as an angel of Light. Signs and wonders have been performed by satan's agents all throughout the bible, notably in Exodus 7:11-12, and 22. And we are warned in 2 Thess 2:9-10 that in the future there will be signs and wonders performed by satan to deceive. Remember and take to heart that if your own eyes behold a sign or a wonder, not to immediately ascribe it to God, but, "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." 1 John 4:1

How do you test the spirits? First, ask for guidance and wisdom from the Holy Spirit and it will be given to you generously and without reproof. Secondly, you know that "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, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." (1 John 4:2-3)

Does the sign bear good fruit? By their fruits you will recognize them! (Matt 7:16-20) After the hubbub dies down from any sign you may have witnessed, pray for discernment and watch to see if the fruit the sign yields is good or bad.

If you have been visited by an angel, test what that angel said against the Word. It will utterly and perfectly conform. If it doesn't, remember, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:8-9)

The end time and especially the Tribulation will be full of false signs and wonders, as well as legitimate signs and wonders (the Two Witnesses, the instant conversion of the 144,000, Israel's Gog Battle success, the antichrist's apparent resurrection, and much more)  so just remember the second-most most important thing: Not everything supernatural is from God!

The most important thing is of course, Jesus saves you from your sin if you confess with your mouth and ask Him, and believe. He is coming soon. Are you ready?