How Do You Know The Difference Between A Prompting From God And A Prompting From Satan?

[KevinG]

Saints and Evangelicals,

In the Witness/Testimony thread the query was posed: How do we distinguish promptings from God from promptings from Satan. Please share your doctrines that instruct how we can distinguish the Holy Spirit from evil spirits from the random thoughts in our heads. (Please wait a page or two until people have had a chance to present their views before contrasting and comparing the various views)

I think this will be profitable for any believer who would like to approach receving revelation from God with confidence and faith.

[Mola Ram Suda Ram]

Saints and Evangelicals,

In the Witness/Testimony thread the query was posed: How do we distinguish promptings from God from promptings from Satan. Please share your doctrines that instruct how we can distinguish the Holy Spirit from evil spirits from the random thoughts in our heads. (Please wait a page or two until people have had a chance to present their views before contrasting and comparing the various views)

I think this will be profitable for any believer who would like to approach receving revelation from God with confidence and faith.

From the BoM, if it entices us to do good it is of God if it entices us to do bad it is of Satan.

This is of course just one point.

[OUmd]

This is a great question and one I struggle with a lot. I have "felt the Spirit" in the identical way while in seemingly opposite places or circumstances. The mind is a powerful thing.

[KevinG]

This can be a struggle, especially when our preconceived notions and the Spirit are not always in alignment. These moments that I call "Arbrahamic trials" are a great challenge to me.

From a personal perspective it requires great humility, a willingness to do whatever God asks of me and even persistence on my part to use all of the resources at hand (guidance from church authority, counsel from my spouse, studying the scriptures "the iron rod" and contiual prayer).

When I find some time I will look up some doctrinal sources for each of these things - but the lazy part of me hopes some of our scholars here beat me to the punch and save me the effort!

[HeatherAnn]

Promptings from Satan are resonating with our narcassitic carnal natures.

Promptings from God are resonating with our spiritual selves - with the highest truth & love.

Our purpose is to love.... to hope & strive for what is best, through trial & error (faith).

Sometimes we get it, sometimes we don't - but either way, we can learn.

[altersteve]

As I said in the EV vs. LDS witness thread, it's not a question that can be answered very easily. It's something that we must ultimately learn for ourselves, and it has to do with our relationship with God. Each person must get to know God on a personal level (that is, to know God as our Father, not just that He exists, and develop a literal father-child relationship with Him), and then revelations and inspirations from Him will become easier to recognize and understand. Developing that relationship, though, is a very personal process.

Edited August 24, 2011 by altersteve

[wenglund]

To me, the secret to spiritual discernment is triangulation, where each of the angles are used in tandem to assess the other. The angles include:

1) That which has been revealed--i.e the scriptures, teachings of chosen leaders, etc.

2) That which is now being revealed--i.e. confirmation of the Spirit (Moroni 10).

3) That which is to be revealed--i.e. results (Alma 32 and Moroni 7).

With this in mind, the way to test the difference between a prompting from God and a prompting from Satan (angle #2), is to assess the prompting against what has been revealed (#1), and by way of results (#3).

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Edited August 24, 2011 by wenglund

[Ahab]

Saints and Evangelicals,

In the Witness/Testimony thread the query was posed: How do we distinguish promptings from God from promptings from Satan. Please share your doctrines that instruct how we can distinguish the Holy Spirit from evil spirits from the random thoughts in our heads. (Please wait a page or two until people have had a chance to present their views before contrasting and comparing the various views)

I think this will be profitable for any believer who would like to approach receving revelation from God with confidence and faith.

Well, promptings from God come from God, and prompting from Satan come from Satan.

That should be the first clue as to the fact that there is a difference, and the difference is all about who the prompting is actually coming from.

So, what should YOU do to be able to tell the difference?

Get to know God, and get to know Satan, as well. That's the one sure fire way that always works for me.

[Vance]

In the video on the other thread the phrase (as I recall) "the witness of the Holy Spirit- it is self authenticating" which I took to mean that the witness of the Holy Spirit is self authenticating" which I can agree with.

BUT the problem is when a person only thinks that what they have experienced is a witness of the Holy Spirit.

As I see it, thoughts/ideas can come from,

1) the source of evil (the devil and his angels),

2) our own intelligence (me, myself and I),

3) the source of good (the Holy Spirit, etc).

The problem is that when 2 is the source we can have a very uplifting experience and therefore can be confused with 3. Like when (what we think is) the solution to a work problem comes into our mind, you know the proverbial light bulb turning on.

For those that have not experienced 3 it is very easy to confuse 2 as being 3.

Those that have experienced 3 in a powerful manner don't confuse it with 2.

So, as I see it, when you experience 3 it is "self authenticating", but when you experience 2 you can very well "think" it is "self authenticating" but really isn't.

There are a few descriptions of what 3 is like offered in the scriptures. But I have often noticed that those that claim that I COULD NOT have had a 3 experience are the same ones that ridicule those descriptions. Which in and of itself tells me something.

Edited August 24, 2011 by Vance

[Deborah]

I don't think Satan gives "promptings". I think he uses enticements (the act or practice of enticing, especially to evil) to lead us away from light. Promptings entails a positive feeling to take action on something.

[Ahab]

In the video on the other thread the phrase (as I recall) "the witness of the Holy Spirit- it is self authenticating" which I took to mean that the witness of the Holy Spirit is self authenticating" which I can agree with.

BUT the problem is when a person only thinks that what they have experienced is a witness of the Holy Spirit.

As I see it, thoughts/ideas can come from,

1) the source of evil (the devil and his angels),

2) our own intelligence (me, myself and I),

3) the source of good (the Holy Spirit, etc).

The problem is that when 2 is the source we can have a very uplifting experience and therefore can be confused with 3. Like when (what we think is) the solution to a work problem comes into our mind, you know the proverbial light bulb turning on.

For those that have not experienced 3 it is very easy to confuse 2 as being 3.

Those that have experienced 3 in a powerful manner don't confuse it with 2.

So, as I see it, when you experience 3 it is "self authenticating", but when you experience 2 you can very well "think" it is "self authenticating" but really isn't.

There are a few descriptions of what 3 is like offered in the scriptures. But I have often noticed that those that claim that I COULD NOT have had a 3 experience are the same ones that ridicule those descriptions. Which in and of itself tells me something.

Not to challenge your perspective, but to seek a little more clarification, would you explain what you mean by "self-authentication", or what you think someone else means.

To me, self authentication imples the self is authenticating something, and that's not what I want when I go to God for clarification, unless he is the "self" that is being referred to instead of my own self or whoever the "self" is who is doing the authenticating.

Seems to me that if you're referring to getting an answer from God, you should simply refer to it as God's authentication, or God's testimony, which is what I seek when I seek to build my own testimony.

Edited August 24, 2011 by Ahab

[Ahab]

I don't think Satan gives "promptings". I think he uses enticements (the act or practice of enticing, especially to evil) to lead us away from light. Promptings entails a positive feeling to take action on something.

How about if we simply say "thoughts". God gives us thoughts, and Satan gives us thoughts.

The key is all about knowing the difference between God and Satan.

[Vance]

Not to challenge your perspective, but to seek a little more clarification, would you explain what you mean by "self-authentication", or what you think someone else means.

I read it as the Holy Spirit authenticates His (own) witness. But perhaps I am understanding it differently than originally intended.

But I would think that there must be a significant difference between the witness of the Holy Spirit and our own "bright" ideas to warrant this kind of punishment for its rejection.

Matt. 12:31 ¶ Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

Don't you?

[Ahab]

I read it as the Holy Spirit authenticates His (own) witness. But perhaps I am understanding it differently than originally intended.

Still not quite sure I understand what you mean.

Do you mean that when someone receives a testimony from the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit somehow authenticates his own testimony to the person he is testifying to so that the person receiving a witness from the Holy Spirit has no doubt at all that the testimony actually came from the Holy Spirit?

What if Satan gave someone the impression that he was the Holy Spirit while telling someone something and the person accepted that as a testimony from the Holy Spirit while the Holy Spirit also affirmed that he was the Holy Spirit? Do you think everyone who experienced that would be able to tell the difference?

But I would think that there must be a significant difference between the witness of the Holy Spirit and our own "bright" ideas to warrant this kind of punishment for its rejection.

Matt. 12:31 ¶ Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.

Don't you?

Yes, and I think the "punishment" is that those people won't benefit from what they would have learned from the Holy Spirit had they accepted what he told them.

[Nathair/|\]

From the BoM, if it entices us to do good it is of God if it entices us to do bad it is of Satan.

This is of course just one point.

Here's the reference:

Moroni 7:15-17

15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

[Ahab]

Here's the reference:

Moroni 7:15-17

15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.

The words you are quoting came from someone who knows the difference between good and evil.

What about the people who call good "evil", and evil "good"?

How would you advise that they learn they got it backwards?

[Mudcat]

Saints and Evangelicals,

In the Witness/Testimony thread the query was posed: How do we distinguish promptings from God from promptings from Satan. Please share your doctrines that instruct how we can distinguish the Holy Spirit from evil spirits from the random thoughts in our heads. (Please wait a page or two until people have had a chance to present their views before contrasting and comparing the various views)

I think this will be profitable for any believer who would like to approach receving revelation from God with confidence and faith.

Neat topic Daddy G.

Hopefully my response won't be a derailment, but I am not sure that Satan has the power to express this mind to mind prompting/communication type of experience as we see from the Holy Spirit. I don't rule it out and it's discussion worthy for certain. But I think there is an underlying question that has to be answered first. That being, does Satan have the power to influence our minds internally?

In the direct Biblical references to Satan doing things to influence us, they all seem to be external. Job, Christ, Eve are good examples. Even Paul refers to his attacks as "fiery darts" which seem to be some sort of external metaphor, as well.

But we also see cases where Christ cast demons from a person. I am what you would call a mind/body dualist. To make an analogy I see the mind as the driver and the body as the car. In the case of demon possession, I see it more like letting someone else drive your car because you have decided they can take you where you want to go faster. I don't think in such cases the mind/soul has been taken over, simply the body at the decision of the mind.

Following the analogy as it relates to Christians, I see the Holy Spirit as sort of drivers education teacher. He sits in the passenger seat, observes and instructs the mind when needed, offers good advice when sought after and so forth. I would find it hard to believe that he would allow our bodies to be carjacked, so to speak. Generally I think the believer is immune to such internal influences of the adversary.

That being said, I think Satan and other demonic influences only have influence over us if we are allowable to it. Certainly though one might think it at the time, they do not have our best interest at heart but would seek our destruction on any attainable level. If Satan could simply take power over our minds, this would seem to be a violation of the agency God has given us. IMO, Satan can only do to our agency, that which we allow.

As far as distinguishing between God and Satan's mental influence. I think the issue is likely only relevant to non-believers. The key differentiation IMO would be that one would lead towards desires that are apart from our natural selves, where the other would lead us to a greater fulfillment of our natural desires.

Respectfully,

Mudcat

[Deborah]

That being said, I think Satan and other demonic influences only have influence over us if we are allowable to it. Certainly though one might think it at the time, they do not have our best interest at heart but would seek our destruction on any attainable level. If Satan could simply take power over our minds, this would seem to be a violation of the agency God has given us. IMO, Satan can only do to our agency, that which we allow.

I agree. We may have temptations but how we choose to act on them determines whether we put ourselves under Satan's influence. The more we resist the stronger we become.

[CV75]

In the Witness/Testimony thread the query was posed: How do we distinguish promptings from God from promptings from Satan. Please share your doctrines that instruct how we can distinguish the Holy Spirit from evil spirits from the random thoughts in our heads. (Please wait a page or two until people have had a chance to present their views before contrasting and comparing the various views)

A prompting from Satan typically comes across as a temptation. The more insidious promptings seem to appeal to pride and enmity, but everyone has their particular weakness or susceptibility.

A prompting from God typically comes across as deliverance for oneself or others, whether it is from ignorance, temptation, danger, suffering, our current plateau of progress, etc. It is spiritually meaningful.

A prompting from oneself typically comes across as rather ordinary or routine and not spiritually meaningful; we are on the plateau of our own strength and everyone has their own baseline. Once such thoughts enter the realm of recognition, gratitude, worship or service of God, the Holy Spirit may accompany and enhance them. Likewise, once they enter the realm of pride and enmity, the spirit of the devil may accompany or enhance them.

We need to exercise honesty in making these evaluations and the grace of God is essential in doing so.

[Ahab]

Some people greatly underestimate how Satan works in their lives, and in this world, in general.

Perhaps it would help if people realized that Satan is a "deceiver" and a "slanderer", which means he can actually tell us things which we can think are true but in fact are really not true.

I know I've been deceived before while thinking it was God who was communicating with me, only later to find out it was Satan.

Does anyone else have any stories they would like to tell about when they once thought Satan was God?

Experiences like that actually help us, in the end, because we then know more about the difference between Satan and God.

Edited August 25, 2011 by Ahab

[Christian Mormon]

read this awesome book called " Hearing The Voice Of The Lord" by Gerald N Lund

I got alot out of it on how the spirit works

and also how to tell the difference between emotional, deceptive, and true revealation from the spirit

[Kiviuq]

Satan gets way too much credit for bad things in the Church. He can evidently make someone’s car break down on the way to the temple or fill my mind with false ideas. He can appear as an angle of light to make things even more confusing.

Could Satan tell an investigating Protestant to avoid the Mormons? If you agree that Satan has to power to do that then you must allow for the opposite scenario to be possible. Suppose for a moment that I feel that the Book of Mormon is true? From a Protestant’s point of view, it could just be Satan trying to keep me from “true Christianity.” You see, it works both ways.

Some have even suggested that Satan has power to manipulate things in the physical world. Once you allow for Satan to have influence on this world then the result is that you can’t believe anything you see with your eyes.

Specifically, let’s say someone finds horse bones in Central America dated to 100 BCE. Satan could easily have created counterfeit Book of Mormon “evidence” in order to lead Mormons from the true gospel.

Once we have established the ground rules that allow Satan to manipulate the physical world, then any evidence that supports a positive church position is of no value because it could be counterfeit.

How far are you willing to go?

[Ahab]

Satan gets way too much credit for bad things in the Church.

There's a difference between things that are "bad" and things that are "evil", and Satan is 100% evil by definition while in some ways he's not really so bad.

He can evidently make someone’s car break down on the way to the temple

He probably could, if he really wanted to, but I think he usually just tries to convince us to do something else with our time.

or fill my mind with false ideas.

He certainly does that, but usually with only one false idea at a time and while couching it within an idea or two that is actually true.

He can appear as an angle of light to make things even more confusing.

I think you meant "angel", and yes he often does appear to be a messenger (angel) of light when his message is actually dark, or evil.

Could Satan tell an investigating Protestant to avoid the Mormons?

Yes, but more often he ususally just tells Protestants things that aren't true about Mormons to poison the well because he knows most people will eventually run into a Mormon.

If you agree that Satan has to power to do that then you must allow for the opposite scenario to be possible. Suppose for a moment that I feel that the Book of Mormon is true? From a Protestant’s point of view, it could just be Satan trying to keep me from “true Christianity.” You see, it works both ways.

Yes, and he usually does tell people that Protestantism is true Christianity to try to keep people from learning the truth.

Some have even suggested that Satan has power to manipulate things in the physical world. Once you allow for Satan to have influence on this world then the result is that you can’t believe anything you see with your eyes.

Or at least doubt that what you see with your eyes is really not true. More often though he simply tries to convince you that things you can't see are true because once he can do that he can convince you to believe anything.

Specifically, let’s say someone finds horse bones in Central America dated to 100 BCE. Satan could easily have created counterfeit Book of Mormon “evidence” in order to lead Mormons from the true gospel.

When in doubt, just ask God to let you know what is really the truth while knowing that truth corresponds to things you can actually see.

Once we have established the ground rules that allow Satan to manipulate the physical world, then any evidence that supports a positive church position is of no value because it could be counterfeit.

Anybody can say something is counterfeit while providing no proof that it actually is, so it's best to simply find out what is actually true by looking for things you can see.

How far are you willing to go?

Directly to God.

[ERayR]

Satan gets way too much credit for bad things in the Church. He can evidently make someone’s car break down on the way to the temple or fill my mind with false ideas. He can appear as an angle of light to make things even more confusing.

Yes he does. We do most of those things because we want to.

Car breakdowns are usually due to mechanical design limits being exceded or parts wearing out.

The false ideas can probably be traced to satan if you go far enough back but you are going to have to take the blame, at least in part, for your choice of reading material.

He can appear as an angel of light but until you start receiving visitations you shouldn't have to worry there.

Could Satan tell an investigating Protestant to avoid the Mormons? If you agree that Satan has to power to do that then you must allow for the opposite scenario to be possible. Suppose for a moment that I feel that the Book of Mormon is true? From a Protestant’s point of view, it could just be Satan trying to keep me from “true Christianity.” You see, it works both ways.

He could but there are enough strident voices out there that he could probably go on vacation and his work would still go on.

Yes it could work both ways but that is where personal choice comes into play. Its back to the answer to the first question, we do things because we want to. However, it would seem to me if one had made the right choice they would want to share the good news instead of trying to destroy someone elses convictions.

It doesn't work both ways. Your problem is to figure out which way it really works.

Some have even suggested that Satan has power to manipulate things in the physical world. Once you allow for Satan to have influence on this world then the result is that you can’t believe anything you see with your eyes.

Specifically, let’s say someone finds horse bones in Central America dated to 100 BCE. Satan could easily have created counterfeit Book of Mormon “evidence” in order to lead Mormons from the true gospel.

His promises to Jesus during his temptation(Jesus's) indicates that he can have some influence on the physical world.

This is proved by any good magician. The answer is to get in tune with the Holy Ghost. Not always an easy task but worth it.

The problem is not too many horse bones but not enough. Maybe satan has gathered them all up and they are in his living room.

Again the problem is not too much evidence but not enough. Go figure.

Once we have established the ground rules that allow Satan to manipulate the physical world, then any evidence that supports a positive church position is of no value because it could be counterfeit.

Again this is where you have to make choices. You see it is all about choices. Remember Joshua "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve, but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord."

How far are you willing to go?

That sounds like a question for you to ponder awhile.

[Ahab]

Yes he does. We do most of those things because we want to.

And God and Satan both give us thoughts to work with to help us along with our decisions.

Car breakdowns are usually due to mechanical design limits being exceded or parts wearing out.

Usually, yes, but Satan certainly has enough power to cause a car part to wear out or malfunction.

First find the problem, and then consider "what" or "who" might have caused it.

The false ideas can probably be traced to satan if you go far enough back but you are going to have to take the blame, at least in part, for your choice of reading material.

Yes, as well as how well you understand the reading material, with both Satan and God offering their own thoughts to "help" you.

He can appear as an angel of light but until you start receiving visitations you shouldn't have to worry there.

True, but you don't have to see him for him to be visiting you. Both Satan and God can deliver messages and they both have messengers (angels/demons) who deliver messages for them, and most of the time we don't see them when we're in the process of trying to figure out if a message in our mind came from God or from Satan.

The words "can appear" can also equate to "can seem to be", FYI, so what we're talking about here is how Satan can seem to be a messenger who is helping you to see what is true... with "light" being something which helps you to see what is true.

He could but there are enough strident voices out there that he could probably go on vacation and his work would still go on.

Whether from his own mouth or from the mouths of his messengers, it's still the word of Satan... just as God's word is what God says both personally and through his messengers (including the messengers we don't see with our eyes).

Anyway, I'm just trying to help you deliver a good message.