Quote:
Originally Posted by Evangelical
What is the evidence that Paul was an apostle then? Did you test his spirit?
I suggest that the only reason that Paul is called an apostle today is because :
- the recorded story of his conversion experience and life
- he said he was
- others said he was
- He had a lot of fruits to confirm his commission - churches and salvations
To me the last test is the real test. Even if the Bible never recorded his story, even if he never called himself an apostle and others never called himself that, even if the Bible does not mention him - history itself proves his apostleship by the many churches that resulted from his ministry. |
Yes, the last test is the real test.
16 By their fruits ye shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. That is a very big test. So then you have to really define what is "evil fruit".
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
To my understanding anything that would cause someone to be "cast into the fire" would constitute evil fruit. Revelation 18 gives us a picture of what this "evil tree" looks like and concludes with this:
for thy merchants were the princes of the earth; for with thy sorcery were all the nations deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all that have been slain upon the earth.
3 key points: aligned with the world, use sorcery to deceive, and hidden within is the blood of prophets and saints. No true apostle or prophet could have any of these things, likewise if you see any of these things you know it is an evil tree. (sorcery is the use of power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits -- i.e. test the spirits). I think much of our understanding of "cult" really refers to the use of sorcery to deceive.
Every false prophet will say he is a prophet,
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by thy name, and by thy name cast out demons, and by thy name do many [c]mighty works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
he will have a conversion testimony,
15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing,
and others also will say he is.
"And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray."