A BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT CHECKLIST
(Christianity)
✅ BIBLICAL DISCERNMENT CHECKLIST
“Test the spirits to see whether they are from God...” (1 John 4:1)
1. 📖 Does it agree with Scripture—fully, clearly, and without twisting it?
God’s Word is the final authority (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
If the experience adds to, contradicts, or bypasses Scripture, reject it immediately.
🔴 Red Flag: “Jesus told me something new that’s not in the Bible.”
2. 👑 Does it glorify Jesus—or distract from Him?
The Holy Spirit always glorifies Christ (John 16:13–14).
If the focus is on the person’s emotions, journey, Mary, angels, animals, or "hidden secrets"... beware.
🔴 Red Flag: “Mary showed me a secret… Jesus wasn’t there.”
3. 💰 Is it freely given—or being sold?
True prophets in Scripture never charged for their message.
Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matt. 10:8)
🔴 Red Flag: “Buy my book to find out what Jesus told me in heaven.”
4. 💯 Is it 100% accurate and consistent over time?
Prophets were never allowed “learning curves” (Deut. 18:22).
Stories that change or grow over time are untrustworthy.
🔴 Red Flag: “Years later, I remembered more things Jesus told me…”
5. 🧱 Does it build up the Church—or feed fear, confusion, or division?
Real revelation edifies and calls to holiness (1 Cor. 14:3).
If the message stirs panic, dependence on objects, or mystical fear, it is not of God.
🔴 Red Flag: “Buy special candles and pray to Mary so you’re not cursed.”
6. 🩻 Is the testimony humble—or attention-seeking?
Genuine encounters with God usually lead to awe and repentance (Isa. 6:5, Rev. 1:17).
If someone seems proud, self-focused, or theatrical, test it harder.
🔴 Red Flag: “Jesus told me I’m a chosen messenger to deliver this to the world…”
7. ⚔️ Does it prepare believers for truth—or distract with fantasy?
Revelation from God strengthens faith in the gospel, not curiosity about the afterlife.
Watch for entertainment disguised as spirituality.
🔴 Red Flag: “Heaven has chocolate rivers, trees that talk, and pets that never die!”
8. 🌿 Does it produce repentance, holiness, and fruit?
Real revelation leads to changed lives, not just excitement. (Matt. 7:16–20)
What’s the long-term fruit of the message and the messenger?
🔴 Red Flag: “No transformation, just more visions and tours.”
9. 🧠 Is it consistent with sound doctrine—or full of theological errors?
Christ’s glorified body has form (Luke 24:39), and God doesn’t “wait” on doctors (John 11).
Wild claims about Jesus lacking human anatomy or bowing to Satan = false spirit.
🔴 Red Flag: “Jesus showed me He knelt before Satan…” ← blasphemy.
10. 🕊️ Is it tested and confirmed by mature believers and the local church?
Real prophecy is accountable and submitted (1 Cor. 14:29).
Most false prophets work outside of biblical community.
🔴 Red Flag: “My church didn’t understand my calling, so I started my own ministry online.”
🛑 Bottom Line:
Truth from God will never:
Contradict Scripture
Exalt anyone above Jesus
Cause fear or confusion
Require money to receive
Shift over time
Fail the test of fruit and doctrine
“My sheep hear My voice... and they follow Me.” — John 10:27
