Physical manifestations such as jerking, falling down, and shaking are often seen inside Pentecostal/Charismatic churches. But how can one be sure these manifestations are from the Holy Spirit? Prophet Jeremiah Johnson offered some tips to discern such movements and if they are from the Holy Spirit.
Physical Manifestations
According to Jeremiah Johnson, applying the “Jonathan Edwards Test” is most helpful to church leaders. These five tests are:
- Does it bring honor to the person of Jesus Christ?
- Does it produce a greater hatred of sin and a greater love for righteousness?
- Does it produce a greater regard for Scripture?
- Does it lead people into the truth?
- Does it produce a greater love for God and man?
He pointed out that his provision of tests does not mean that he is a critic of the manifestations. However, his heart goes out to those who display such expressions, yet no transformation happens.
“I’m increasingly grieved over how easily Charismatic/Pentecostals speak in tongues but yet curse at their spouse,” he wrote. “So many are ready prophesy, yet they gossip and slander without effort.”
“I watch many fall (slain in the spirit) during the altar calls, but nothing changes. Maybe we should stop falling on the floor if we can’t take it out the door? I’m shocked at how many in this generation are ready to lay hands on the sick while they are also laying in bed with their boyfriend/girlfriend. Ready to cast out demons publicly while perversion is active internally?”
Johnson added, “When bodies are shaking in our services, but there is no pursuit of holiness- we are in trouble.”
He reinforced that Charismatic/Pentecostal believers should “marry deliverance to discipleship, attend the powerful weekend conference but learn how to get in the Word and prayer every day, and pursue revival but yet realize cultivating a healthy marriage and family greatly pleases the Lord.”
Ultimately, he is reminding us that the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, are also key.
Header Image: Jeremiah Johnson, Physical Manifestations, Facebook, 25 Mar 2023, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=782943296533600&set=a.747091490118781
