Trying The Spirits III

As we saw in the previous test, the focus and who is interested wasan important indicator whether a thing is directed by the Holy Spirit.  This next one is similar.  I John 4:6 says, “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.”  Here, John is speaking specifically of hearing what the apostles and Prophets said.   II Peter 3:1-2 makes the same point of paying attention to the Apostles and prophets.  “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.”

II Peter 1:19-21 declares, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.   For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”  The apostles and prophets spoke as they were directed by the Holy Spirit, and no one has the right to make up thri own doctrine or interpret what they said to satisfy their own agenda.    If a person will not accept what the scriptures teach it is a clear proof that he is not led by the spirit that directed writing them.  Spirit led people, on the other hand will be focused on what the scriptures say.

II Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”   Many theologians and preachers have taught that only part of the scriptures are from God or is relevant today.  Such a belief clearly indicates they are not inspired by the Holy Spirit, regardless how many degrees they may have or how popular their teachings may be.    

I John 4:7-8 gives the final test.   “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.   He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”  The word translated ‘love’ is άγαπαω (agapao).  It refers to a deliberate choice to care deeply for a person, as compared to a mere emotional feeling toward them.  It is the kind of love God demonstrated  as Romans 5:8-10 describes.  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.   Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.   For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.”  Even though we were his enemies, Christ died for our sins because he loved us. 

Such love is not dependent on people doing what the person wants, and is not selfish or manipulative.  It is willing to sacrifice its own convenience or pleasure for those who are loved.   The evangelist who demands that people give him all their money or the preacher who spends all his time attacking those who do not do things as he thinks they should clearly indicates they are not being led by the Holy Spirit.  They are only concerned with themselves. 

Satan is a liar and his followers are deceptive.   They may be able to fool us in some areas, but by applying all the tests we can tell whether they are of God or not.  We are responsible to obey God, and so it is important we check out those who purport to tell us what God commands.  I Corinthians 14:29 commands, “Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.”  Acts 17:11 tells us the Bereans were greater Christians because “they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”  Don’t just blindly accept what people tell you. 

Trying The Spirits II

The second test for whether a message is inspired by the Holy Spirit is an examination of the life style of the messenger.  I John 4:4 states, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”   The Holy Spirit gived his people deliverance from the power of sin as I Corinthians 6:9-11 shows us.  “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.   And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

I John 3:5-9 is very specific that a person who lives a sinful lifestyle is not inspired by the Holy Spirit.  “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.  Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”

  

The third test is of the subject matter andf who it appeals to.  I John 4:5 says, “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.”    While they are important, things such as financial success, drug or alcohol addiction, physical or psychological health , and political affairs are of the world.  and should not be of primary concern to Christians.  Matthew 6:31-33 says, “ Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?   (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.   But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”   These things are things everyone is searching for and God knows we need them.   We don’t usually need some special spiritual instructions about them. 

Because they are things the world is concerned about, the world will flock to get advice about them.   People flocking to hear the messages is a clear warning the message may not be of God.  The world does not want to hear what God says, as John 15:19-21 tells us.   “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.   Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.   But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.”

To know if a program or message is of God we need first to look at the things it focuses on,   If the focus is just on making things better here on earth, it isn’t from the Holy Spirit, even though they may be good things.  Secondly, if it drawing large numbers of people we need to examine the composition of these crowds carefully.  Using these tests, many motivational speakers, seminars and religious programs are not inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Clearly a mega church that brags anyone can attend and be happy there is not a spiritual church.  Ungodly people will not be happy in a place where God is the focus.  They will either change or leave.  

Trying the Spirits I

While every Christian has the Holy Spirit, not everyone who claims to be a Christian really is, and many of those who are Christians are not following the Spirit.  As a result we see conflicts and contradictions in the teachings and actions of different groups.   We need a way of discerning which are being led by the Holy Spirit and which are from some other source.   I John 4:1-8 gives some important guidelines for discerning which is of God and which is not.    

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (I John 4:1)

Just because an idea popped into yoru head or you feel a compulsion to do a certain thing, or a pastor or prophet tells you to do a certain thing does not mean it is the Holy Spirit directing you.  We are to test the spirit to see whether it from God or not because other spirits have caused many to become false teachers and prophets.  II Corinthians 11:13-15 warns: ”For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.   And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”    Satan passes himself off as an angel from god so it should not surprise us that satanic spirits and false teachers pose as being from God.  Fortunately there are several ways to tell whether they are from God or not.    

The first thing to look for is what do they teach about Jesus Christ.  I John 4:2-3 states, “Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.”

There are two crucial elements in this statement.   First they must recognize that Jesus is in fact God, the creator of the world.   Hebrews 1:8-12 states, “But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom.  Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.  And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.” 

Although he is God, he came to earth as a true human, experiencing human life just as other humans experienced it, from birth to death.  Hebrews 2:14-16 tells us, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.  For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.”    This was crucial if he was to be the Messiah, the Savior of the world.   Hebrews 4:14-15 states,  “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

Jesus could not be Messiah if he were not God come in the flesh.  Refusing to accept Jesus as go in the flesh rejects him as the Messiah.  I John 2:22-23 tells us, “Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.  Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.”  Any teacher or group that refuses to acknowledge Jesus as God is not of God, no matter how much they may use God’s name.   He is not just a great teacher, or a good moral man, or a brother to Satan.  He is God. 

Anyone who preaches anything else is preaching another jesus and is lead by a different spirit.  In I Corinthians 11:3-4 Paul voiced a serious concern.  “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.”  They might well be led away from the truth by the an ungodly spirit.  To avoid that, Galatians 1:8-9 commands, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” 

If they preach that there is another way of salvation than through Jesus Christ as the messiah we are to consider them as being from Satan, even if they claim to be an angel from heaven or one of the apostles. 

Please understand this is only the first test.   There are others.  

Let The Holy Spirit Direct Your Tongue

In Acts 1:8, Jesus told his disciples, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”  It would be the Holy Spirit’s power that made them effective witnesses to the world.  He had already told them much the same thing in John 15:26-27.  “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning.”   

We need both the Holy spirits teaching and his power if we are to accomplish God’s work.  In I Corinthians 2:12-14 Paul talked about How the Spirit enabled him to witness and teach.  “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.  Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”  Without his direction and power we can only appeal to the natural intellect.  We must have the Holy Spirit’s power to reach the person on a spiritual level and bring them to Christ. 

Unfortunately we tend to focus on our understanding of what will reach people rather than letting the Holy Spirit lead us.  We teach classes in Hermeneutics or homiletics and train people is how to prepare sermon outlines to make them more effective.  Paul took a different approach, as he described in I Corinthians 2:1-5.  “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.   For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.  And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.  And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

Instead of studying our sermon and how we want to present it, we need to spend the time studying God’s word and let him speak through us to present the message.   Luke 21:14-15 commands, “Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.”  When he speaks through us, bringing to mind the things we have studied and learned, it will overcome any objections and preconceived ideas people may have. 

Matthew 22:15 tells the attitude of Pharisees when the confronted Jesus.  “Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.”  They intended to trip him up.  When Jesus answered them and shut them up, the Sadducees tried.  Finally Jesus asked them a question of his own.  Matthew 22:46 tells us, “And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.”  When we let the Holy Spirit lead us, we have the mind of Christ, according to I Corinthians 2:16, and will be able to stop the attacks the same way, and reach those we are talking to. 

Understanding what Jesus said, I wonder how much differently the Scopes trial would have turned out had they trusted the Holy Spirit rather than Clarence Darrow’s legal expertise.  As Jesus said in Matthew 13:11, “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.”

The Holy Spirit Is To Be Our Teacher

One of the Holy Spirit’s most important functions for the Christian is enable us to understand what we need to know to serve God.  I Corinthians 2:12 states, “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”   This is critical because, as I Corinthians 2:14 tells us, “…the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”   Normal human language simply does not have words to explain spiritual things.   Attempts to dumb it down so the unsaved can understand simply lose the meaning because the people lack the necessary vocabulary. 

Fortunately God understood this, and in John 14:26, Jesus said “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”   The Holy Spirit will cause Christians to remember everything Jesus taught and teach them to understand them. 

No matter how good or bad a teacher may be, how much a student learns will be limited by how much effort the student puts into learning.  If we are to learn what the Holy Spirit is trying to teach, we must put some effort into learning.  II Timothy 2:15 commands, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  If we do not want to be embarrassed when we stand before God, we will have to study God’s word to make sure we properly understand it.  II Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 

By studying all of the scriptures we can have all the information we need in order to please God completely.  We do not need any other books or teachers to teach us.  I John 2:27 states, “But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.”  The Holy Spirit is able to make us understand everything the scriptures teach. 

II Peter 1:19-21 addresses the same things.  “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.   But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” 

The scriptures were given by God.  Unfortunately the process of copying and translating them into various languages has introduced various errors.  As a result, we cannot base our interpretation of a passage solely on that passage, but must compare it with other scriptures, as I Corinthians 2:13 teaches, “…comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”  Many false doctrines have developed because people did not take the time to compare the scriptures to be sure they were understanding them properly. 

With this in mind, in I Timothy 4:13-15, Paul instructed Timothy, “Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.  Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.”  By spending his time reading and studying the word, not ignoring the Holy Spirit’s direction while meditating on what the scriptures taught, everyone would see the benefits . 

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.  He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.  All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.” (John 16:13-15)

If we will spend the time studying and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us, we learn everything possible about the Lord and what he expects and wants from us, as well as how much he loves us.  In I Corinthians 1:4-7 Paul told the Corinthians, “I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Because of the Holy Spirit’s working and teaching they were in no inferior to any other Christians. 

A Christian who has taken the trouble to study the scriptures and let the Holy Spirit teach him is just as spiritual and qualified as the best known and most respected preacher or college professor, even though he has never graduated from high school or attended Bible College, and frequently more so, because he got his teaching from the Holy Spirit rather than from men.   Learn to trust the Holy Spirit rather than  the commentaries.  

The Spirit’s Presence Results In A Godly Life

I John 5:5:8 states, “And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”  There are three things that indicate that we are God’s children in the world.   As we saw in the previous post, the water refers to the physical life or lifestyle.   Even that life style is a result of the Holy Spirit working in the person. 

In John 16:7-8 Jesus said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.”   One of the things the Holy Spirit does in the world is to make us aware of sin and its consequences.    Romans 1:32 tells us that those who are not of God reject the Holy Spirits warnings.  “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”   The Greek word translated commit means to practice repeatedly.  Those hardened sinners understand that those who live such lifestyles deserve death, but continue to practice them, and encourage others to get involved as well. 

I John 3 accentuates the difference between those who are of God and those who are not.   I John 3:2-3 states, “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”   People who have the hope of Salvation in themselves believe that one day they will appear before God with their sins forgiven.  As a result they make an effort to eliminate sin form their lives, emulating Jesus Christ.

I John 3:4 states, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.”  Any sin involves breaking God’s law. and as Romans 3:20 tells us,  “…for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”    Many today believe the law no longer applies, but in Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.  For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”  As long as the earth remains, God’s standard of right and wrong will be in effect.    Societal values may change but right and wrong does not. 

With that in mind, I John 3:5-10 continues.  “And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin.  Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.  0 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” 

Jesus came to take away sin, and there is no sin in him.  People who live in sin do not know the Lord.   We are not allow ourselves to be deceived that a person can live a sinful lifestyle and be satisfied.   If the Holy Spirit is there, he will be constantly reminding the person he is doing wrong until the person finally gives up their sin.  He cannot continue to practice the sin repeatedly because the Holy spirit is there.   As Romans 8:9 tells us, if he does not have the Holy Spirit, he is not God’s child.  A person’s way of life is a clear indicator of whether he is really a Christian or not.    

II Corinthians 5:4-9 expresses the same idea.  “For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.  Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.  Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.”

Real Christians are not just looking for their sins to be taken away, but for God to replace teir sin with something better.  They are not just looking to avoid hell fire and go out of existence as some religions teach.   Instead, they look forward to obtaining eternal life in heaven with God.   Because they have the Holy Spirit as proof of their salvation, they have the confidence to do what is right, in an effort to please him rather than the world around them.  They will resist the world’s efforts to get them involved in sin.    

The Earnest Of Our Salvation

When one agrees to buy a house or piece of land he is often required to put up a sum of money as earnest money as proof he intends to follow through on the deal.  If he backs out at some point, he forfeits the earnest money to help defray any losses to the seller because he cannot sell it to someone else.   If the transaction is completed, the earnest money is applied as part of the sale price.  Other industries may call the earnest money a restocking fee.    

II Corinthians 1:21-22 tells us, “Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.”  In other words, God gives us the Holy Spirit as proof that he will not back out on our salvation.    Ephesians 1:13-14 reinforces that statement.  “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,  Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”  He is the proof that our salvation is real. 

Romans 8:9 lends additional support.  “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”  Quite simply, if a person does not have the Holy Spirit, he has not been saved and is not a Christian, even though he may have joined the church, been baptized, prayed the sinner’s prayer or followed some other religious ritual. 

Jesus referred to this concept in Luke 8:13, when explaining the meaning of the parable of the sower.  “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. “   While they have performed the prescribed ritual, they do not have the Holy Spirit to connect them firmly to God or provide nourishment and strength.   They are frequently active in the church for years, but when problems arise they walk away.  As I John 2:19 tells us, “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.”

Clearly one’s assurance of salvation is not based on whether they have been baptized, or prayed the sinner’s prayer properly, or performed some other ritual.  Instead it is based on whether or not he has the Holy Spirit.  Romans 8:16 tells us, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: Ro 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”    If the Holy Spirit is present, he will provide assurance of one’s salvation.  Providing that assurance is part of his job.   

I John 5:5:7-8 states, “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.  And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”  Just as the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are in heaven making it clear that Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of the world, there are three things here that indicate we are the sons of God. 

John 3:5 tells us, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”  The phrase “born of Water” refers to the Physical birth.  In the same way, the water here in I John 5:8 refers to the Physical life or lifestyle as witnessing that we are the children of God.  The blood of Christ takes away our guilt, enabling us to have peace with God, and the Holy Spirit bears witness we are God’s children, as Romans 8:16 says.  All three will be in agreement for the person who is truly living in Christ.  If they do not agree, we need to find out why.