The Infallible Test by Francis M. Wilcox

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Apr 10, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 23.

The Infallible Test.

By Francis M. Wilcox

We cannot accept the claim of all in the world to-day who say that they are led by the Spirit of God. There are many who interpret the feelings of their own degenerate hearts as the impressions of the Spirit, and the promptings of their own fanciful minds as the Spirit’s leading. As says the apostle, “they profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable and disobedient and unto every good work reprobate.” We should settle forever this one fact in our minds,—the Spirit of God in us will lead us in the same direction and agree in every particular with the Spirit of God in his word. The Spirit and the word agree. 1 John 5: 7. The word was written through the power of the Spirit of God. God changes not, therefore his Spirit always testifies to the same truths. It never contradicts itself, therefore there can be nothing but perfect harmony between its teachings in the word and every impulse and impression given by it to the heart of man. The one who possesses a heart that leads him contrary to the word of God may be certain that God is not leading him, but that he is guided by that spirit which is opposed to God,—“the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience.” John says, “Many false prophets have gone out into the world,” and for this reason he admonishes us to “try the spirits whether they are of God.” God’s word is the great divine tester. “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” By the test of the Bible let every theory and doctrine stand or fall, as it is proved true or false. Our only safeguard against being led into the various phases of fanaticism that are developing in the world in these last days is by taking careful heed to this divine and infallible guide book. F. M. W.