Lesson 10: Guidance on How to Discern True Holy Spirit Manifestation from False Spiritual Mixture
Testing Every Spirit: Biblical Tests for Authentic Spiritual Experience
By Apostle Howard Tundu
Introduction
Spiritual mixture is real, and Scripture repeatedly warns that not every manifestation, power, or spiritual experience comes from God. The Bible also teaches that the Holy Spirit has clear, recognisable fruit and characteristics, and anything that contradicts these indicators must be rejected.
Below are key biblical tests that help one separate truth from mixture.
1. The TEST OF CHRIST — Does it EXALT Jesus?
The primary work of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ. Take note that anyone can mention the name of Jesus but that does not always mean glorifying Christ.
Scripture: "He will glorify Me…" (John 16:14)
"No one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed." (1 Corinthians 12:3)
True manifestation:
- ✔ Leads people to worship Jesus
- ✔ Exalts Jesus above the vessel (the person used)
- ✔ Deepens reverence for His Lordship
False or mixed manifestation:
- ✘ Draws attention to the human vessel
- ✘ Leads people to depend on the "prophet," not Christ
- ✘ Introduces teachings that diminish Christ's deity, holiness, or authority
The Spirit of truth always magnifies Christ; familiar spirits magnify man or self.
2. The TEST OF FRUIT — Does it Produce Godly Character?
Jesus taught that you know a tree by its fruit (Matthew 7:15–20).
True manifestation produces:
- Love, joy, peace, purity (Galatians 5:22–23)
- Conviction of sin (John 16:8)
- Humility and repentance
- Orderliness, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33)
False manifestation produces:
- Pride, attention-seeking
- Sexual immorality, manipulation, exploitation
- Confusion and disorder
- Lack of accountability
The Holy Spirit never contradicts holy living.
3. The TEST OF SCRIPTURE — Does it Align with the Word?
The real Holy Spirit never violates scripture, for He is the author of Scripture (2 Peter 1:21).
True manifestation:
- ✔ Agrees with written Scripture
- ✔ Encourages obedience, holiness, and sound doctrine
- ✔ Works within the boundaries of New Testament order
False manifestation:
- ✘ Promotes actions contrary to the Word
- ✘ Adds "new revelations" not supported by Scripture
- ✘ Justifies sin or mixes with ancestral or occult practices
If a manifestation contradicts Scripture, it is not the Holy Spirit.
4. The TEST OF NATURE — What is the Spirit Behind the Manifestation?
THE HOLY SPIRIT MANIFESTS WITH:
- Gentleness (not forceful possession)
- Self-control (1 Corinthians 14:32)
- Purity and light
- Truthfulness
The Holy Spirit influences, He does not invade or overpower in a way that removes a believer's will.
FALSE OR MIXED SPIRITS SHOW:
- Loss of self-control
- Wild, chaotic behaviour
- Forced trances
- Dark, intimidating presence
- Manipulation, hype, or theatrics
The Spirit of God is gentle; unclean spirits forcefully take over.
5. The TEST OF SOURCE — Where Did the Manifestation Come From?
Manifestations can come from four sources: Holy Spirit, human emotion or flesh, learned behaviour / influence, or demonic or familiar spirits.
True manifestation:
- ✔ Originates in a pure place of prayer, worship, or obedience
- ✔ Comes without manipulation
- ✔ Cannot be switched on by performance
False manifestation:
- ✘ Emerges through rituals, chanting, repeated phrases, or psychological hype
- ✘ Draws from ancestral or occultic objects
- ✘ Mimics real spiritual gifts to deceive
6. The TEST OF DOCTRINE — What Theology Does It Promote?
False manifestations often come with false teaching.
True manifestation produces sound doctrine:
- Christ-centered
- Gospel-rooted
- Holiness-oriented
- Balanced and sober-minded
False manifestation produces doctrines of devils:
- Mixture of Christianity and ancestral traditions
- Overemphasis on money, personality worship, or rituals
- Strange teachings not found in Scripture
7. The TEST OF SPIRITUAL ATMOSPHERE — What Presence Is Felt?
Some manifestations occur in a "mixed" environment where Holy Spirit is not honoured.
Holy Spirit atmosphere:
- ✔ Peace
- ✔ Joy
- ✔ Reverence
- ✔ Clarity
- ✔ Humility
Foreign spirit atmosphere:
- ✘ Fear, intimidation
- ✘ Strange heaviness
- ✘ Sexual impurity
- ✘ Unsettled or confusing feelings
FINAL EMPHASIS
Spiritual mixture is subtle, but discernment becomes easy when believers stay grounded in:
- ✓ Scripture
- ✓ Holy living
- ✓ The witness of the Spirit
- ✓ Sound doctrine
- ✓ Christ-centered worship
- ✓ Accountable leadership
The Holy Spirit is pure, holy, consistent, and Christ-exalting.
False spirits are deceptive, self-glorifying, confusing, and unclean.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty, truth, purity, and order.