A Work of the Spirit (Part 1)
July 15th, 2008
(By John MacArthur)
How can a true work of the Holy Spirit be distinguished from a false one?
From a careful study of 1 John 4, the great theologian and pastor Jonathan Edwards was able to identify five distinguishing characteristics of the Holy Spirit’s work. In short, a true work of the Holy Spirit: (1) Exalts the true Christ, (2) Opposes Satan’s interests, (3) Points people to the Scriptures, (4) Elevates truth, and (5) Results in love for God and others.
The following material is condensed, adapted and excerpted from Jonathan Edwards’s The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God.
It Exalts the True Christ.
“By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.” (John 4:2-3)
When a ministry raises people’s esteem of the one true Jesus Christ, who was born of a virgin and was crucified — if it confirms and establishes their minds in the truth that He is the Son of God and the Savior of men — then it is a sure sign that it is from the Spirit of God. If the spirit at work among a people convinces them of Christ and leads them to Him; if it confirms their minds in the belief of the history of Christ as He appeared in the flesh; if it teaches them that He is the Son of God to save sinners; if it reveals that He is the only Savior, and that they stand in great need of Him; and if it begets in them higher and more honorable thoughts of Christ than they used to have; if it inclines their affections more to Him — that is a sure sign that it is the true and right Spirit. This is true even though we are ultimately incapable of determining whether anyone’s conviction or affections reflect real saving faith.
The words of the apostle are remarkable. The person to whom the Spirit testifies must be that Jesus who appeared in the flesh — not another “christ” in His stead. It cannot be some mystical, fantastical “christ,” such as the “inner light” extolled by the Quakers. This imaginary christ diminishes their esteem of and dependence on Jesus as He came in the flesh. The true Spirit of God gives testimony for that Jesus alone.
The devil has a fierce hatred against Christ, especially in His office as the Savior of men. Satan mortally hates the story and doctrine of redemption; he never would go about to stress these truths. The Spirit that inclines men’s hearts to the Seed of the woman is not the spirit of the serpent that has such an irreconcilable enmity against Him.
(To be continued tomorrow)
This looks to be a great series. I especially am interested to read your third point, “(3) Points people to the Scriptures” - as much of what is commonly reported as a Work of the Spirit today does anything but point people to Scripture.
Thanks for being a beacon of truth.
Indeed. So much emphasis is placed on emotionalism and “feeling the presence of God” today. I like to hear messages that point to the scriptures (which emphasize no such thing).
This is a ‘must read’. Great timing for whats going on in the ‘churches’ today. Thank you for posting the truth. Its barely out in the world today and boy do we need truth!!
This is great…just keep us in suspense so that we’ll keep reading tomorrow
I just hope I don’t have to wait 5 days to get all 5 characteristics. Definitely applicable for today’s church.
Dear pastor John MacArthur:
May I have your permission to translate this article into Chinese and post it in my blog?
It’s a very timely article for Chinese Christians as well.
Thank you for your faithful teaching.
In Him,
Luke Luo
How can this mystical experience be any different than the “speaking in tongues” phenomena? It has been said that speaking in tongues causes an excitment and brings you closer to God. Hello?? Isn’t that toying with emotions and an unknown force???
John 4:2-3 is a great scripture but it says something much more profound when it says Jesus has come in the flesh. These scriptures are declaring that God (in the person of Jesus Christ) has come to the earth. The Holy Spirit exalting Christ is also reflected in 1 Jo 4:1-3:
[1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. [2] Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: [3] And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is in the world.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matt 1:23). The Spirit of God and the scriptures declare with authority that Christ is God. Anyone who calls himself or herself a Christian but deny’s that Jesus was God in human form is not a Christian.
What makes Jesus’ sacrifice so significant is the fact that God came down from Heaven and gave his perfect, human life for the sins of a very wicked world (of which you and I are a part of). Think about this: God (the Son) died…for you. It is the most mind-blowing and greatest act of love of all time and for all time. There is no love that compares to the love of God that was made manifest to the human race by the extreme suffering and death of God the Son.
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Tim 1:17)
Personally, between John Macarthur, John Piper and David Jeremiah listening and reading their articles have really helped me to grow in faith and understanding of God’s Word. I go to a church which is becoming increasingly hyper-charismatic & for a good long time I have been struggling with the increasing emphasis on emotionalism and simultaneous decrease on the emphasis of preaching the Bible.I am now completely anchored in faith by the Word & the Holy Spirit. Thank you John Macarthur et al.