Biblical Truth vs Personal Revelation | A Christian Discernment Checklist

Biblical Discernment Checklist

“They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” Acts 17:11 (KJV)

Are you sure the person you are listening to is teaching Biblical Truth? We are in the End Times and the Bible warns of false teachers, we must take care who we listen to. Here’s a checklist to help find out.

Step 1: Test the Source

• Does the teaching affirm Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour? 

John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."

• Is the authority of Scripture upheld above personal revelation? (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Step 2: Compare with Scripture

• Does the message align with clear biblical teaching? 

Deuteronomy 4:2 [NIV] Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

Revelation 22:18-19 [NIV] I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

• Are verses used in context, not stretched to fit a personal story?

Step 3: Examine the Fruit

• Does the teaching lead to holiness, humility, and love? 

Galatians 5:22-23 [NIV] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

• Does it encourage obedience to Christ rather than dependence on the teacher?

Step 4: Watch for Additions/Subtractions

• Is anything being added to Scripture (new doctrines, secret knowledge)?

• Is anything being subtracted (downplaying sin, ignoring repentance)?

Step 5: Seek Confirmation

• Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance..

John 16:13 [NIV] But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.

• Discuss with trusted believers or leaders. Community helps guard against deception.

God calls us to discernment not to breed suspicion, but to protect our hearts and remain anchored in His truth. Every teaching, no matter how inspiring, must be measured against the unchanging Word of God.

Joyful Heart