by Travers and Jewel van der Merwe
Chapter 4: The Supernatural
Scripture very clearly gives us insight into the realm of the supernatural.
We know that the supernatural realm suffered a terrible rebellion as Lucifer
made his bid for godhood. God became man, and this man was Jesus Christ
who was born of corrupt humanity. He bridged the supernatural chasm between
God and man. All things work and progress according to God's PLAN and PURPOSES
and the supernatural realm functions within the parameters God has set.
As natural man, we are forbidden to attempt to even peer into those unseen
things that scripture refers to. We are presently to be occupied with bringing
the Gospel to the natural realm, the creation.
However, there is a time soon coming, even the angels know that at
this appointed time, when the last trumpet heralds the return of Jesus
Christ, the saints will put on immortality, cross the supernatural barriers
and judge angels (1 Cor. 6:3).
Today we are seeing a strange trend as again, man, but his own endeavours
(experientially and philosophically), tried hard to relate to the "supernatural
realm" and walk in a sense of godhood. The nature of this is clearly characterised
as the New Age philosophy, as opposed to Orthodox Christianity. Regretfully,
a great part of the church has latched on to this trend. By all appearances,
Christians are knowingly or unknowingly dabbling in eastern mysticism and
the spirit world. Unless they resist this temptation, they will ultimately
fall prey to Satan's control. Deeper spiritual understanding seems to be
the motivation behind it all. The problem is that Christians are no longer
satisfied with the literal Word of God. They are looking for experiences
"beyond the sacred page". The Bread of Heaven, according to their inner
"sacred feelings", has become stale and outmoded.
Scripture indicates that participation in the supernatural realm
is ours to be had. However, not until the prescribed Biblical time - the
literal return of Jesus Christ! Any participation in the supernatural realm
apart from this is treading on the same path that Lucifer walked in pursuit
of going beyond his limits. Until this appointed time, the saints should
be content to live and rest in the Word of God. They are to live by faith,
keep God's commandments and with a passion, resist dabbling in the spirit
world.
To Believe or Not to Believe
With the variety available on the "gospel menu today, how does the ordinary
person discern between truth and error? We are hearing tales from those
who are preaching on "spiritual warfare" that make the toes curl. Their
so-called experiences and encounters with the spirit world not only renders
the cross of Christ of no effect, but clearly manifests spiritual deception
and a departure from the Holy Scriptures. We have heard reports of people,
when engaging in the recent "spiritual warfare" craze, that have received
actual bruises and injuries from their encounter with territorial spirits
or demonic beings. Almost a reward in itself, the recipients' reaction
to this phenomenon is one of gratitude, as if he or she has truly entered
into a high spiritual level to have been so offensive to the enemy to experience
such an attack. Prophets are proclaiming that God is now "birthing" the
supernatural, and new revelations, based on dreams, visions and personal
experiences. Mysticism is on the increase. Yet, we hear with all sincerity,
"It must be God" because the advocates have an intuitive witness that it
is true, whether it accords with Scripture or not. Be on your guard whenever
you hear this defence. It is not a defence, it is an excuse for deception!
It is abundantly clear in the history of the human race that humanity
finds it easier to believe in mysticism rather than doubt it. Inquiring
minds always tend to want to know or experience something new. In religion,
this is especially true. More than 2,300 years ago even the Greek philosopher
Aristotle said, "the ability to doubt (mysticism) is rare, . . ." The general
responses of Christians to pagan practices and Gnostic doctrines shows
that many are gullible and ignorant of the Scriptures.
Mysticism
In listening to many tapes that are coming out of the present day "prophetic
movement", the underlying current is mysticism. Funk & Wagnalls
New Encyclopaedia defines "mysticism" as "an immediate, direct, intuitive
knowledge of God or of ultimate reality attained through personal religious
experience". Experiences are being set up as the criteria for truth. There
are many Christians who cannot communicate spiritual knowledge without
the use of this term. The danger lies in that when experience is the basis
for faith instead of the Word of God, erroneous theological ideas arise.
This gives way for a deviance from the Word of God.
The interest in mysticism grows strongly as the churches become
ever emptier and the religious festivals become mere periods of recreation
amid a boisterous, heedless world. It is evident that contemporary society,
if it is at all interested in spiritual things demands direct experience
and not merely teaching that comes from ancient texts, nor is it impressed
with traditional doctrine that does not have a savour of a living force
behind it. [The Mission of Mysticism, Richard Kirby, London SPCK, 1979]
A lady had called to a local radio talk show exuberantly declaring her
belief in Inner Healing. When referring to Ruth Carter Stapleton, she just
oozed with the "wonder experiences" she had had as a result of Ruth's ministry.
When questioned about some of Mrs. Stapleton's strange beliefs that did
not accord with orthodox Christianity, the caller assured her listeners
that she had been to Bible College. Yet she could not establish a basis
for Mrs. Stapleton's teaching other than her own experiences.
Those associated with the "prophetic ministries" on the scene today
bristle when they hear that some say they are New Age. A New Age book states
that "Charismatic congregations in mainline churches are entry points into
the Aquarian frontier". [Unfinished Animal: The Aquarian Frontier and the
Evolution of Consciousness by Theodore Rosak]
Why would a New-Ager even try to make an inroad with someone who
makes a claim to be part of the blood-washed body of Christ? We believe
that instead of the attention being drawn to the cross of Christ, it is
being directed to supernatural experiences which have become the basis
of faith. This has caused an almost imperceptible cross-over. Johanna Michaelsen
said it well,
We have ever so subtly allowed our base to shift from the solid
objective grounding of God's Word and have come instead to place our focus
on our experiences as the standard for our beliefs. [Ministries Magazine,
Spring 1985]
The apostate church is a bearer of mysticism as her structure and institutions
are subtly being overtaken. From the very beginning, mysticism has plagued
the church. In these last days we are witnessing ominous manifestations.
This should not be surprising for the Scriptures foretold this:
The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine . .
. they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned to
fables. (2 Tim. 4:3-4)
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there
shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable
heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves
swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1)
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 Tim. 4:1)
The following quote is how a Gnostic looks at the Church today:
The implication of the continuation of Christian mysticism (admittedly
under the guise of spirituality, with which it is none the less almost
synonymous) is simply that Christianity cannot be thought . . . to be redundant
in the face of the proliferation of modern mysticism. Far from it: Christianity
has always been the womb and the cradle of western mysticism, and it welcomes
rather than fears modern mysticism. [The Mission of Mysticism, Richard
Kirby, London SPCK, 1979]
This takes us back to Gnosticism. It was already manifest in John's
day. It was called "the doctrines of the depths of God", while in fact
it was the doctrine of the depths of Satan (Revelation 2:24). It boils
down to the fact that in Gnosticism man's redemption and justification
is not by faith in God according to the Scriptures, but rather in "mystical
knowledge" acquired by personal experience. This theme is intertwined in
all the cults and occults.
Though the heavens disappear in a burst of fervent heat and the earth
is obliterated out of existence - what will abide? Your experience - or
the Word of God?
TAKE HEED PASTORS! You may not want to agree with every statement
listed below; however, for the sake of your flock and the Lordship of Christ,
discern every form of mysticism clearly adverse to Scripture and deal with
it. By no means do I suggest a witch hunt. At this time in the history
of the Church, extreme caution is of the utmost importance.
Signs and Entry Points to Mysticism
1. The cross of Christ is not the sole basis for redemption.
2. The Holy Scriptures are not the complete single revelation of
God to man.
3. Experience is the way to perfection and knowledge.
4. Experience takes the precedence over the Scriptures.
5. Intuition is given preference to Scripture and sometimes a substitute
for the Holy Spirit.
6. Faith in the Word of God is defected to faith in the Church, man,
self, experience, etc.
7. Transubstantiation of the Eucharist becomes Christ in you - i.e.
symbols of Holy Communion namely the bread and the wine are transformed
into the literal flesh and blood of Jesus Christ.
8. Mediators other than Jesus Christ are acknowledged and believed
on.
9. Self is deified.
10. The allegorical method of interpretation replaces the literal.
11. Salvation is based on experience and not the Word of God.
12. The coming of Christ for His Church is spiritualised.
13. The presence of God is sought in a mystical sense.
14. Astrology (the Zodiac) is seen as an accessory to the Gospel
- a source of enlightenment.
15. The Church is the ongoing incarnation of the literal presence
of Christ.
16. Inner Healing, imagery, centering and "psychology" are substituted
for the power of the Gospel.
17. Personal revelations, dreams and visions are given priority to
Scripture as final reference in judgements, decisions and guidance.
18. Experiences are sought rather than God's will and His righteousness.
19. A euphoric form of love and unity with little or no regard for
Scripture or sound doctrine.
20. Like Simon the sorcerer, signs and wonders are sought instead
of true repentance and a right heart before God.
21. Hyper-faith, positive thinking, self-potential, and self-deification
are taught as gospel truths.
22. Finding Christ or forming Christ within according to Eastern
mysticism or New Age philosophy.
23. Meditation void of the Scriptures and reality.
24. The obsession of "spiritual warfare" with a Gnostic and "New
Age" slant - allegedly doing battle in the supernatural realm to free cities
and areas from the control of spirit beings before the Gospel can be preached
effectively or have power to save sinners in the natural world.
True Spiritual Warfare
The Christian's battle (true spiritual warfare) is not a reeling, an
intuition or an imaginative experience in the spirit realm - however real
it might seem. On the contrary, the warfare is against every form of mysticism
that ties the feelings, intuition and imagination into the spirit world
which God strictly forbids. (Deut. 18:10-12).
As Christians we war against the strongholds of spirit mysticism
that war against our minds, feelings and intuitions. By the power of the
Gospel of Christ and Him crucified we cast down:
Reasonings, pagan philosophies, Gnostic concepts and carnal dogmas that
nullify the Word of God.
Imaginations, theories, religion, fables, metaphysics, thosophy and
meditations that defy the knowledge of God; and
Every thought, form of godliness and spiritual intent or practice opposed
to the Gospel of Christ.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through
God to the pulling down of strongholds: Casting down imaginations, and
every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ . . .
(2 Cor. 10:4-5)
