HOW TO DETECT HERESIES

There are seven tests in First John four that are useful to test any impression, spirit or doctrine:

1. Does it confess the true humanity of Jesus Christ? — I John 4:2.

2. Does it confess the true divinity of Jesus Christ? — I John 4:9, 16.

3. Does it confess the vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ? — I John 4:10, 14.

4. Does it tend to worldliness, and to a love of the outward? — I John 4:4, 5.

5. Do the deeply spiritually-minded agree with it? — I John 4:6.

6. Does it witness to the spirit of divine love? — I John 4:7, 8.

7. Does it accord with the teaching of God's Holy Spirit? — I John 4:13.