Testing All Teaching Against Scripture in Christian Discernment
Christian discernment involves testing all teaching against the standard of Scripture. This principle is rooted in the belief that the Bible is "given by inspiration of God" and is the "Word of God" [2].
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to actively engage in this process of testing. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, he states, "We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" [1]. This verse suggests a rigorous intellectual and spiritual discipline where ideas and teachings are not passively accepted but are critically evaluated to ensure their alignment with Christian truth. Similarly, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to "prove (test) all" manifestations, implying that even spiritual phenomena or prophetic utterances should be scrutinized. The means of testing, according to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, include the "discerning of spirits" and, crucially, whether the professed revelation "accords with Scripture" [5]. The Bereans are presented as a positive example, as they "searched the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so" (Acts 17:11) [5].
The integrity and authority of Scripture are foundational to this discernment. The Bible is referred to by various names emphasizing its divine origin and authority, such as "Holy Scriptures," "Word of God," and "Law of the Lord" [2]. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, emphasized the role of Scripture in combating heresy, stating, "For 'all Scripture'" is useful for this purpose [7]. The book of Revelation includes a solemn declaration protecting its integrity, warning against altering its contents, which underscores the importance of preserving the divine message without human modification [6].
This testing extends not only to external teachings but also to one's own spiritual state. Paul challenges believers in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified" [3]. This internal examination complements the external evaluation of teachings, ensuring that personal belief and conduct are consistent with biblical standards. The "heart" is understood in biblical thought as the source of life's issues, and God is depicted as trying, knowing, and searching the heart [4].
The purpose of such testing is to ensure adherence to truth and to correct error. Those who oppose the truth are described as needing "instructing with correction," leading to repentance and a "full knowledge... of the truth" [8]. This process of discernment is not merely academic but is vital for spiritual health and growth, guiding believers away from false doctrines and towards a deeper understanding of God's will as revealed in His Word.
Sources
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 10:5 (BSB) — We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
- 2 Corinthians “Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. -- 2 Corinthians 13:5”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Heart, The — Issues of life are out of -- Pr 4:23. God Tries. -- 1Ch 29:17; Jer 12:3. Knows. -- Ps 44:21; Jer 20:12. Searched. -- 1Ch 28:9; Jer 17:10. Understands the thoughts of. -- 1Ch 28:9; Ps 139:2. Ponders. -- Pr 21:2; 24:12. Influences. -- 1Sa 10:26; Ezr 6:22; 7:27; Pr 21:1; Jer 20:9. Creates a new. -- Ps 51:10; Eze 36:26. Prepares. -- 1Ch 29:18; Pr 16:1. Opens. -- Ac 16:14. Enlightens. -- 2Co 4:6; Eph 1:18. Strengthens. -- Ps 27:14. Establishes. -- Ps 112:8; 1Th 3:13. Should be Prepared to God. -- 1Sa 7:3. Given to God. -- Pr 23:26. Perfect with God. -- 1Ki 8:”
- 1 Thessalonians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Thessalonians 5:21: Some of the oldest manuscripts insert "But." You ought indeed not to "quench" the manifestations of "the Spirit," nor "despise prophesyings"; "but," at the same time, do not take "all" as genuine which professes to be so; "prove (test) all" such manifestations. The means of testing them existed in the Church, in those who had the "discerning of spirits" (Co1 12:10; Co1 14:29; Jo1 4:1). Another sure test, which we also have, is, to try the professed revelation whether it accords with Scripture, as the noble Bereans did (Isa 8:20; Act 17:11; Gal”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 22:18: 22:18-19 I solemnly declare: John issues an oath to protect the integrity of the book of Revelation. He declares a curse upon anyone who alters the contents of the book or its message (cp. Deut 4:2; 12:32). The curse contrasts with the statement of blessing on all who read aloud, listen to, and obey the prophecy (Rev 1:3). At the time Revelation was written, scribes would sometimes alter books to suit their own views. Early Christians quickly developed means of authenticating both messages and messengers (see John 21:24; 1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; 2 The”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: 1117 al. “of the Spirit.” testimony, having first removed the old grounds on which they used to boast, either as having seen God or as having heard His voice. For as it was likely that they would disbelieve His voice, and picture to themselves what took place on Sinai, after first correcting their suspicions on these points, and showing that what had been done was a condescension, He then referreth them to the testimony of the Scriptures. [4.] And from these too let us also, when we war against heretics, arm and fortify ourselves. For “all Scripture”
- 2 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Timothy 2:25: instructing--Greek, "disciplining," instructing with correction, which those who deal in "uninstructive" or "undisciplined questions" need (see on Ti2 2:23; Ti1 1:20). those that oppose themselves--Greek, "oppositely affected"; those of a different opinion. if . . . peradventure--Greek, "if at any time." repentance--which they need as antecedent to the full knowledge (so the Greek for 'acknowledgment') of the truth" (Ti1 2:4), their minds being corrupted (Ti2 3:8), and their lives immoral. The cause of the spiritual ignorance which prompts suc”