Words of Wisdom from the Babylon Bee – Ok … for those confused … this is a joke from the Babylon Bee. However, for many in Christian theological circles, the humor extends only so far.

The phrase “slain in the Spirit” comes from the 20th-century Pentecostal and charismatic movement in the US. In essence, preachers pray for people to receive healing, blessings, and/or the Holy Spirit as a separate event or second blessing after salvation. This version of laying on of hands is expected to result in the individual falling to the ground, overwhelmed by divine power. If truly impactful, the sick become well, the lame walk, some speak in tongues and shake their bodies as if being cleansed by the fire of the Holy Spirit.

The concept of “slain in the Spirit” is a false doctrine for the following reasons, in my view …

• The Bible does not show that this was practiced in the first century or that it relates to the salvation, healing, or blessing of Christians beyond the laying on of hands by believers in prayer. Those who differ offer verses such as Ezekiel 1:28 and Daniel 8:17-18 and 10:7-9 as Old Testament examples. However, there are a number of differences between these events and the practice of being slain in the Spirit.
• Some churches preach that one must be slain in the Spirit to be saved. This is based on the correct Biblical interpretation that all who are saved have the Holy Spirit within them. It is theologically unsound because the Holy Spirit enters those who accept Christ as their Lord and Savior apart from the actions of a pastor or other church member laying on hands. Further, there is no Scriptural evidence to support those who believe there is a second anointing of the Holy Spirit (ex. Mormon theology). Most outside the charismatic faith see this physical action as a form of heretical, works-based salvation.
• Some individuals outside the charismatic movement perceive this practice as potentially leading to demon possession of the unsaved.

The behaviors which come from the entrance of the Holy Spirit into the lives of believers is not falling backward to the ground and shaking uncontrollably …

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words

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