Third identifying sign of the true church

3. The Church manifests the presence of the Holy Spirit

The third identifying sign of the true church is the manifestation of the presence of the Holy Spirit which unfortunately can be very deceptive especially to those who are void of the truth. Most people are bewildered by signs and wonders, but we have been warned saying; “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing.’

‘They perish because they refused to love the truth and be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).

The proof and evidence of the Holy Spirit is not in signs and wonders, neither is it in wealth and prosperity. We have been cautioned saying; “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God: This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world” (1 John 4:1-3).

To acknowledge that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is to believe that, “Both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the congregation I will sing praise to You.” And again: “I will put my trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me” (Hebrews 2:11-13).

It is to believe that, "We do not have a High Priest Who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin". And it is for this we were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps" (Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:21).

It is to believe that “Love has been perfected among us in this: that, we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment because as He is so are we in this world.” And, “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as he walked” (1 John 4:17; 1 John 2:6).

The evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit is in the truth of God’s Word. Jesus said; “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing, the words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

Jesus said again; “If you love Me keep My commandments, and I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that he may abide with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him; but you know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” And, “When he the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to Me by taking from what is Mine and making it known to you” (John 14:15-17; 16:13-14).

According to the scriptures, “God gives the Holy Spirit to those who obey Him.” And the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things, and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as it has taught you, remain in Him” (Acts 5:32; 1 John 2:27).

Therefore, regardless how charismatic, socially appealing emotionally gratifying the teaching may be as long as it is not supported by the word of God one should not be deceived by it.

With brotherly love

Lucius Joseph