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

[HeatherAnn]

Why, in a forum called, "Mormon dialogue & discussion board"... was Pixelmonster picked on by 4 people?

He/She responded simply to the thread topic. Just because his/her opinion varies from the cultural peer pressure of thinking, is that reason to peronally attack?

I don't agree with Pixelmonster, but I see no need to get angry about it.

How easy it is to love those who love us, yet Jesus taught us to love our enemies.

IMO, those who gang up on anyone - whether it be casting stones or casting words at an individual are revealing more about themselves than anyone else.

Edited September 2, 2011 by HeatherAnn

[Hestia]

Why, in a forum called, "Mormon dialogue & discussion board"... was Pixelmonster picked on by 4 people?

Precisely. It is for dialogue and discussion, not Mormon bashing. I don't see that the poster had anything substantive to say and accused the LDS leadership of worshiping Satan.

[Calm]

He/She responded simply to the thread topic. Just because his/her opinion varies from the cultural peer pressure of thinking, is that reason to peronally attack?

I don't agree with Pixelmonster, but I see no need to get angry about it.

Not angry, just pointing out the effect of poor scholarship (IOW it wasn't about having a different opinion, but rather presenting as factual something that wasn't) on the credibility of accusations.

And the only reason I did it was because I hadn't noticed anyone else pointing out the misrepresentation....and I do think it's rather important to try and be accurate when presenting something as factual though I know some people aren't so nitpicky.

Interestingly enough, I don't read "anger" in any of the comments responding to PM, though of course there is criticism. Do you assume that everyone who criticizes is angry?

Edited September 2, 2011 by calmoriah

[coolrok7]

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.

The Holy Spirit speaks through the written word of God (claimed revelation is to be filtered through what it says in totality and in context) when it comes to the faith (delivered to the saints) as described in the New Testament, prophesied beforehand in the Old Testament:

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. . . .I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (Revelation 1:1-2; 9-11)

Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. (John 20:29-30)

For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:16-21)

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

As the above states men were moved upon by the “Holy Ghost” (which led to their writing in what became Scripture). By way of contrast then as a starting point, one is to compare the thoughts, teachings of men with Holy Scripture (to Evangelicals the Bible only is Scripture).

The above with the following in mind:

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; . . . (Revelation 2:11a)

But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, . . .In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following. (1 Timothy 4:1 2, 6)

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. . . .They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. (1 John 4:1, 5-6)

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matthew 24:11-14)

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. (1 Corinthians 15:1-eight)

[altersteve]

As the above states men were moved upon by the “Holy Ghost” (which led to their writing in what became Scripture). By way of contrast then as a starting point, one is to compare the thoughts, teachings of men with Holy Scripture (to Evangelicals the Bible only is Scripture).

And where exactly does the Bible make this claim? If nowhere (which happens to be the case), then why are you so confident in saying this?

Edited September 11, 2011 by altersteve

[coolrok7]

And where exactly does the Bible make this claim? If nowhere (which happens to be the case), then why are you so confident in saying this?

This confidence comes from spiritual witness based on the already quoted biblical references as well as from the rest of the Bible in light of the warnings given. It should be obvious to those familiar with the Bible who are already believers that this confidence is from the Holy Spirit.

This through the written word of God (which eventually became the accepted 27 books of the New Testament cannon from the first century in conjunction with the 39 books of the Old Testament):

These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:14-15)

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, . . . (Acts 17:11-12a)

I would say that “scripture” does not include any other writing per the New Testament witness and which judges all other claimed so-called “Scripture”. Note specifically in the Mormon view, it does not include the apocryphal writings, any other claimed holy books of world religions (which are demonstrably antagonistic to both Judaism/Christianity):

As Latter-day Saints we accept the following scriptures as the standard works of the Church: the Bible (consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testament), the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and official statements made by our leaders. Regarding the Bible: There is a misconception that the Bible is one book instead of a collection of sixty-six books, thirty-nine of which comprise the Old Testament and twenty-seven of which constitute the New Testament. (The Ensign, Church magazine—contains official statements of leaders, Church Conference, Elder Henry D. Taylor, Nov. 1976, p.63)

In addition to these four books of scripture, the inspired words of our living prophets become scripture to us. Their words come to us through conferences, Church publications, and instructions to local priesthood leaders. (Gospel Principles manual, Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1988, pp. 49-51)

The Standard Works of the Church constitute the written authority of the Church in doctrine. Nevertheless, the Church holds itself in readiness to receive additional light and knowledge “pertaining to the Kingdom of God” through divine revelation. . .We rely therefore on the teachings of the living oracles of God as of equal validity with the doctrines of the written word. The works adopted by the vote of the Church as authoritative guides in faith and doctrine are four: the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Many books have been and are being published by officers and members of the Church, and such may be sanctioned by the people and the ecclesiastical authorities; but the four publications named are the regularly adopted “Standard Works of the Church.” Of the doctrines treated in the authorized standards, the Articles of Faith may be regarded as a fair though but partial summary. (The Articles of Faith, James Talmage, p.7)

Qualifying the above (in my perspective), Mormon General Authority Milton R. Hunter in his book, “The Gospel Through The Ages,” had this to say concerning the Bible, the New Testament specifically (additional comments by others):

In fact, the New Testament contains. . .teachings. . .of. . .the Man of Galilee. This book, therefore will be our standard of judgment or the norm by which we measure the Gospel truths of all the dispensations. (p.91)

We appeal to the Bible to prove. . .truths received through the restoration. . .are in accord with its teachings. (A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, LeGrand Richards, p.1)

The doctrines of false teachers will not stand the test when tried by the accepted standards of measurement, the scriptures. (Doctrines of Salvation, Joseph Fielding Smith, p.188)

Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test. (Journal of Discourses, Brigham Young, 16:46)

John the apostle wrote down the vision (as instructed) which he received in the cave on the Island of Patmos off the western coast of modern day Turkey (which I was privileged to visit last May), now known as the Book of Revelation.

This I believe wraps up in writing to the church at that time, the New Testament witness of God’s word for all ages until He returns in glory for meting out Judgment to the goats, and salvation for those who are believers or the sheep.

The apostle John also wrote the book of John also around the same time which also sums up as Revelation does:

Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:29-31)

[William James]

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.

So, if you feel tempted to have sex with your spouse (and they are incapable of reproduction), don't give in. These are your carnal natures and Satan is trying to prompt you to give in. Being carnal is antithetical to being spiritual (i.e., asexual). The Spirit will strive more with you if you exercise the self discipline to not have sex.

[bu11fr0g]

This entire thread is very valuable, and I am grateful for it.

So, if you feel tempted to have sex with your spouse (and they are incapable of reproduction), don't give in. These are your carnal natures and Satan is trying to prompt you to give in. Being carnal is antithetical to being spiritual (i.e., asexual). The Spirit will strive more with you if you exercise the self discipline to not have sex.

If the sex is harmful, you are correct.

If we are hungry and eat, it is good. If we are enjoying food at a ward party and aren't especially hungry and don't have a problem with food, it is good. If we are diabetic and binging on brownies, not so much.

[KevinG]

So, if you feel tempted to have sex with your spouse (and they are incapable of reproduction), don't give in. These are your carnal natures and Satan is trying to prompt you to give in. Being carnal is antithetical to being spiritual (i.e., asexual). The Spirit will strive more with you if you exercise the self discipline to not have sex.

LDS doctrine holds that stregnthening the bonds of marriage is a valid and spiritual use of physical intimacy. Not all sexual relations outside of procreation are selfish and carnal. (I hope for the sake of your spouse you are not projecting here.)

[KevinG]

Thanks everyone for your input... This is indeed an interesting discussion.

I think the times I struggle the most is when promptings are counter intuative to my own sense of selflessness or righteousness. I think of the struggles that Abraham had with the command to sacrifice Isaac or Brigham's desiring the grave rather than living the principle of plural marriage. I have had my own Abrahamic tests (as I believe all people of faith do sometime in their lives) and it was then when I came closest to wanting to deny God's presence in my life. I could have convinced myself I was deluded and taken a much easier personal path or followed a difficult prompting and stayed true to my experience with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

For strength I depend on my spouses counsel, counsel from the brethren, the scriptures and repeated prayer to verify promptings, but even then there are times when I am asked to have faith in Father without the luxury of those checks and balances. For example a prompting to include something in a blessing that is counterintuitive to my limited understanding of the situation. That takes courage and conviction and as others have indicated, an ongoing relationship with God that does not come from a singular experience with revelation.

Edited September 13, 2011 by DaddyG