The Biblical Basis for Rescuing Mary from Controversy: An Examination of 1 John 4:1–6

In the face of ongoing debates over Marian apparitions, particularly in Roman Catholic circles, the passage from 1 John 4:1–6 stands as a testament to the spiritual discernment that Christians are called to practice. This verse serves not only as a directive but also as a practical tool for distinguishing between true and false spirits. This article will elucidate how 1 John 4:1-6 is used to discern and discredit claims made by spiritual entities, drawing parallels from other biblical accounts and offering insights on demonic influence and female spiritual deception.

The Relevance of 1 John 4:1–6

1 John 4:1-6 reads: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God—such a spirit is the antichrist. And this is the Son of God whom you have seen, who is in your midst; he is Jesus Christ.” This verse highlights the importance of verifying spiritual claims before accepting them as true, especially in light of the prevalence of false prophets.

Comparisons with Isaiah and Jeremiah

The scriptures draw attention to prophetic accounts that align with the spirit of 1 John 4:1–6. For instance, in Isaiah 47:1-5 and 7, an evil spirit refers to itself as the Virgin Mother of God (Madonna) and the Queen of Heaven, names that mirror those attributed to Mary in Roman Catholicism. Similarly, in Jeremiah 44:17-19, an evil spirit calls herself the Queen of Heaven. These passages underscore the need for discernment in identifying false spirits seeking to mislead the faithful.

Understanding the Spiritual Battle

From a biblical perspective, the spiritual battle is real and ongoing. Jesus warned that many pagan religions worship a female goddess as the highest deity, contrasting this with the centrality of a male figure leading in Christianity. The Bible also warns that in Satan’s kingdom, witches outnumber warlocks ten to one, indicating a greater focus on female spiritual deception. Additionally, it is noted that women are more easily deceived due to their gentle and caring nature, emphasizing the importance of spiritual discernment.

Excerpts from Deliverance Ministry

Through the lens of a deliverance ministry, it is revealed that demons cannot say aloud that “Jesus is Lord.” This observation underscores the importance of the confession of Jesus as God in human form. The testimony from a deliverance ministry highlights the need to test spirits and recognize that false spirits often deny the divinity and humanity of Jesus, leading to spiritual deception.

Parallels with Luke 1:46-47 and Ecclesiastes 9:5

Luke 1:46-47 records Mary’s response to Gabriel, stating, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.” This confession emphasizes the importance of Mary’s faith and trust in her Saviour. In contrast, Ecclesiastes 9:5 asserts: “The dead know nothing, and the living do not know what it is to be them.” This verse confirms that Mary, like all believers, awaits the resurrection of the dead. Mary is summed up in this doctrine, reinforcing the idea that she is not to be worshipped on par with Christ.

Michael’s Warnings and Exhortations

To avoid idolatry and ensure true spiritual discernment, Michael’s warning is essential. He emphasizes that praying to Mary and idols, and praying the rosary, is considered idolatry and must be avoided. Terrifying as these spiritual entities may be, they are often nothing more than lies, and Christians must be wary of their influence. God’s commandments, particularly the prohibition against idol worship, must be heeded.

Conclusion

1 John 4:1-6, with its call for discernment, serves as a powerful tool for protecting Christians from false spiritual deception. By comparing this passage to prophetic accounts like Isaiah 47 and Jeremiah 44, and by understanding the spiritual battles detailed in the Old Testament, Christians can better navigate the complex terrain of spiritual discernment. The exhortation to ask Jesus Christ into the heart and soul, as found in the gospel of John, chapter 3, reminds us of the essential need for spiritual renewal through the Holy Spirit’s work.

As Michael concludes, we are all sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. Let us embrace the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the biblical truths that guide us in our spiritual journey.