Bible test all things.
“Test all things; hold fast what is good” is a biblical command found in:
1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NKJV). It instructs believers to examine all teachings, ideas, and spiritual claims against the truth of Scripture, retaining only what is aligned with God’s will and rejecting falsehood.
Key Aspects of “Test All Things”:
- Context: Paul encourages the church to evaluate everything, including prophetic utterances, to ensure they are true.
- Purpose: The goal is to distinguish truth from error, prevent the acceptance of heresies, and maintain spiritual integrity.
- Process: This involves using the Bible as the final authority (filter) to evaluate beliefs and activities.
- Result: Believers are commanded to “hold fast” or “hold firmly” to what is good, true, and godly.
- Following Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:22 adds, “Abstain from every form of evil,” emphasizing the need to reject what fails the test.
Common Translations of 1 Thessalonians 5:21:
- NKJV: “Test all things; hold fast what is good.”
- NIV: “but test them all; hold on to what is good.”
- NLT: “but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good.”
- NASB: “But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good.”
CPR: Command Promise Risk = Life in Christ Jesus.