The Question

How can Christians discern between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error when evaluating modern movements that claim to be revivals?

The Call to Discernment

Every generation faces movements that claim to be a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Some truly are, leading to repentance, deeper devotion to God’s Word, and genuine love for Christ. Others are counterfeit, driven by emotionalism, personality, spectacle, or unbiblical teaching. Scripture calls believers to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1).

John’s concern in his epistle was pastoral. False teachers were infiltrating the church and distorting the gospel.
They claimed new revelations that contradicted the apostolic message. His instruction remains essential for us today. The Holy Spirit never contradicts the Word He inspired.

The Marks of the Spirit of Truth

In 1 John 4:6 the apostle writes, “We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us. Whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.”

The “we” refers to the apostles, whose authoritative teaching is preserved in Scripture. Therefore, the Spirit of truth always:

• Aligns perfectly with the written Word of God
• Exalts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior
• Produces repentance, humility, and obedience
• Promotes sound doctrine and holy living

Wherever the Word of God is central, the Spirit of God is active. Where the Word is sidelined or reinterpreted to fit
a movement’s agenda, another spirit is at work.

The Marks of the Spirit of Error

The spirit of error distorts truth and shifts the focus away from Christ. It elevates emotional experience above biblical conviction, personality above purity, and human achievement above divine grace.

Counterfeit revival creates excitement but lacks endurance. It multiplies noise rather than repentance, spectacle rather than sanctification, and feelings rather than faith. It may claim power, but it lacks the truth that frees sinners.

Testing the Spirits Today

To discern genuine revival, believers must return to Scripture and ask searching questions:

• Does this movement exalt Christ or man?
• Does it lead to repentance and holiness?
• Does it uphold the authority and sufficiency of God’s Word?
• Does it produce lasting fruit or only fleeting enthusiasm?

The Spirit of truth always draws people toward Christ, not away from Him.

Conclusion, Stand Firm in the Truth

True revival is not man made, it is God’s work. The Spirit of God works through the Word of God to awaken the people of God. Counterfeit revival may stir the emotions, but genuine revival transforms the heart, restores holiness, and magnifies the glory of Christ.

Believers are called to “test everything, hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). When the Holy Spirit moves, He always leads us deeper into Scripture and closer to the Savior.

For more from Contending for the Word Q&A please visit our page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.