For The Truth

Friday, January 14, 2011

What are distinguishing evidences of a work of the Spirit of God?

Jonathan Edwards lists the following sure proofs, rooted in Scriptures, that determine what is an authentic work of God’s Spirit.

1. A Confession of Christ, 1 John 4:2-3, 15

2. A Rejection of the World, 1 John 4:4-5; 2:15-16

3. A Regard for Scripture, 1 John 4:6

4. A Knowledge of the Truth, 1 John 4:6

5. A Love for God and Others, 1 John 3:23-24; 4:7, 9-10, 11-13, 16-19

From these verses, Edwards rightly deduced that a genuine revival would be a revival of love in the lives of God’s people. The churches would be places of increased love for one another.

Of course, Edwards warned there is a counterfeit love which is not to be mistaken for real, genuine love. Just because a group is united together in one place, working toward on common goal, does not automatically mean they have true love for one another. There is a false love that is not a work of the Spirit of God and should be acknowledged as such.

Taken from notes provided by Dr. Steven J. Lawson, “The Life and Legacy of Jonathan Edwards”, Session II, Unpublished document © 2004 Steve Lawson – Christian Heritage Conf