Charismatic Movement ?
Is the Charismatic Movement From God?
From Michael Hisaw via Facebook, 5/23/2022
John warned, “Dear friends, 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” (1 Jn. 4:1 NIV). What tests should we apply to determine the truthfulness or falsity of those claiming to speak from God?
1. The Consistency Test. Both Paul (1 Cor. 14:37-38) and John (1 Jn. 4:1-6) wrote that one who is actually speaking by the Holy Spirit would speak consistently with their words. Since the Spirit is “the Spirit of truth” (Jn. 16:13), his words never contradict. How does the Charismatic Movement measure up according to this test? Consider these problems.
A. Of the approximately 500 million Charismatics, about 120 million of them are Catholics and about 250 million are a part of classic Pentecostal denominations. Differences between Catholics and Pentecostals include the following: the authority of the Pope, prayers to Mary, infant baptism, Penance, the Mass, etc. These aren’t small matters, as Luther would attest! All parties involved claim Holy Spirit guidance. Would the Holy Spirit lead Catholic Charismatics to believe these things and Pentecostals to reject them at the same time?
B. About 25 million Pentecostals are Oneness. Among other things, they believe that baptism in the name of Jesus ONLY is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. Other Pentecostals don’t believe that one has to be baptized for salvation, and baptize in the name of the Trinity. These are major differences! Both groups claim Holy Spirit guidance. Could the Holy Spirit possibly be responsible for leading both groups into their contradictory positions?
2. The Fulfillment Test. Moses took up the question of how to tell true prophecy from the false. He said that the predictions of true prophets always are fulfilled; they won’t fail (Deut. 18:21-22). However, he does say that the predictions of false prophets might occasionally come to pass (Deut. 13:1-5).
Consider Charismatic leader Pat Robertson. Prior to the 2012 Presidential Election, Benny Hinn interviewed Robertson on an episode of The 700 Club. Robertson said, “He’s going to have a second term. He’s going to win. Romney will win...the election.” Hinn asked Robertson, “What makes you believe that?” Robertson replied, “Because the Lord told me.” This can still be viewed on YouTube (https://youtu.be/P6xBo9EijIQ). Obviously, Romney didn’t win. Though Robertson confidently declared that the Lord had revealed this to him, God wasn’t behind it. Robertson’s failed prophecy isn’t an anomaly in the Charismatic Movement.
The Charismatic Movement is a very dangerous influence which moves people to seek the latest and greatest experience. God isn’t the only one who has given very emotional experiences!