Gen. 3:15 π 1 Cor. 2:15 π 1 Jn. 4:1
Taking first for consideration the list in Column 1.
1) Doubt of the experience, or "manifestation" being of God. We cannot emphasize too strongly the need of not quenching, and not ignoring the first doubt, for the "doubt" is actually the initial penetration of truth to the mind, and hence the first step to deliverance. Some have instantly quenched the first doubt, fearing to "doubt God," and in doing so, closed the mind to the first ray of light which would have led them into liberty. They have looked upon doubt as temptation, and resisted it, overlooking the distinction between true and evil, right and wrong, "doubt." This has its root in the mind of most Christians, in associating only evil with such words as "judging," "criticizing," "doubting," and "enmity," "hatred," "unbelief," etc., all of which dispositions and actions they thought to be evil, and evil only, whereas they are evil or good according to their source in spirit or soul, and in relation to their object, e.g., "enmity" against Satan is God-given ( Gen. 3:15 ), "hatred" of sin is good, and "unbelief" of spirit manifestations is commanded until the believer is sure of their source. ( 1 Jn. 4:1; top )
To doubt God - which means not to trust Him - is sin; but a doubt concerning supernatural manifestations is simply a call to exercise the faculties, which all spiritual believers should use to discern "good and evil." The deep doubt concerning some supernatural experiences is therefore not a "temptation," but really the Holy Spirit moving the spiritual faculties to action according to 1 Cor. 2:15 , "He that is spiritual judgeth - i.e., examineth - all things," the "things of God" thus being "spiritually discerned." (A.V.; top)
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