You find a piece of paper....

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Esaias

1: if it doesn't contradict the scriptures and is in accordance with them.

2: if it contains a prediction that comes to pass within its context.

3: if it promotes faith in God and draws the recipient closer to God.

4: if it reveals the secrets of the heart or otherwise contains information that otherwise could not be known.

5: if there is an absence of evidence indicating it is not from God.

I suppose if those conditions were met it would be safe to conclude a message is from God.

But keep in mind the conclusion to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. ..

I can generally agree with your take on it. However, what if a message from God challenges a current interpretation of Scripture?

For example, the revelation of Oneness challenged the common Trinitarian interpretation of its day. There is also the Spirit's leading in regards to slavery that challenged the current interpretations of Scripture as it related to slavery in its day.