THE NOBLE BEREAN: Volume Two April-June 2005

“Slain in the Spirit” – Biblical or Not?

By Michael C. Gaudiosi - The Noble Berean

FALLING UNDER THE POWER OF GOD I was flipping through the TV channels recently and came across a Benny Hinn crusade in progress. What struck me as strange was watching Benny stroll through the crowd, touching the people and then seeing them falling backwards. Some of them were even making moaning and groaning sounds. Benny would wave his hand and sections of the audience would all fall backwards just like dominos. He even made his choir fall backwards! This is what prompted me to write this newsletter on this particular subject. Such a claim that, being “slain in the spirit” is a move of God demands scrutiny. Is this even mentioned or taught in Scripture? Is there a basis in God’s Word to support such a practice? Before I go on, I want to make it clear that I am not being critical of Christians who believe in this to be a move of God, or are involved in the charismatic movement, I am simply looking at something that is so popular in the Church today and examining it by the light of Scripture, as the Apostle Paul states in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 – Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. I want to look into the Scriptures as the final authority on this subject, not emotions or experiences.

I would like to look at the Scriptures proponents of this movement use to support their claim. One passage they use is found in Genesis chapter 15. In this chapter God is establishing a new covenant with Abraham. If you read though this chapter you’ll see in verse 12 - And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. This Scripture is used to support the “slain in the spirit” claim. However, you’ll notice that God caused Abraham to fall into a deep sleep; he didn’t come forward in a healing service to have a minister lay hands on him, and have a catcher stand behind him. This happened out in the open, not in a controlled atmosphere, such as a church service. Another reference they use is found in 2 Chronicles 5:11-14 - And it came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place: (for all the priests that were present were sanctified, and did not then wait by course: Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets:) It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD; So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.

What is significant here is that when all the priests were praising the Lord, His presence filled the place! What is also significant is that when God’s presence was there, ALL 120 priests could not stand and fulfill their duties. There were not just a select few who went forward for prayer. There was no pastor, or minister to lay hands on them. There was no soft mood music in the background to “set the atmosphere” because the glory of the Lord Himself set the atmosphere in that place! The Lord had a specific reason to fill the place with His presence; this was the dedication of Solomon’s temple, a special occasion, this was not routine. Next passage is found in Daniel chapter 8 verses 15-19 - And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.

A few things to note here: First, Daniel had seen a vision initiated by God. This was not a normal occurrence among the average rank and file Israelite. Daniel was a writing prophet in whom the Lord was revealing His Word. There is absolutely no indication here that Daniel was being urged to come forward as a response to an alter call to receive a “touch from God” or to receive healing. Second, after Daniel had seen the vision he was “afraid and fell upon his face”. Notice it says he fell upon his face, not his back! He fell forward in reverence and worship. The Scripture also says Daniel was “in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground”. Again, another indication that he fell forward, not backward! Third point to note here is that it was voluntary. Daniel saw the vision and then reacted to it by falling forward in awe and in fear of the Lord on his own volition, not being pushed to the ground by a minister. This is a greater sign of respect and reverence to a thrice-Holy God than falling backward! Last point is the angel Gabriel touched Daniel and set him upright. I have never seen an instance in a charismatic service where a person who is “slain in the spirit” be miraculously lifted upright by an angel. That is usually the job of the “catchers ministry”.

Here’s a popular passage used by the charismatic movement to support “slain in the spirit”. It is found in the New Testament in the Gospel of John chapter 18 verses 1-7. This chapter is where Jesus is arrested and taken to Caiaphas. In verse 4 it says - Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? The soldiers who sought to take Him responded in verse 5 - They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. The next verse is used to support their claim. Verse 6 - As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Next in verse 7, Jesus then asks them again whom they have come for. Verse 7 - Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth.

What is important to understand in this passage is first, even though the crowd fell backward to the ground, they were not “knocked out” or “slain in the spirit” or doing what is known as “carpet time”. Jesus asked them twice whom they were seeking and they immediately responded to Him both times. Secondly, the soldiers were not believers who were seeking Him to receive a touch, or receive a healing or blessing of any kind, they were seeking Him to arrest Him and have Him crucified. Another instance of people falling down backwards, which ironically is never much referred to by the charismatics, is found in the Old Testament in 1 Samuel 4:18 - And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years. This passage of Scripture refers to Eli. He fell backward in his seat and died after hearing the news of the capture of the Ark. Isaiah 28:13 states - But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. This was a warning from the prophet to Israel to heed the Word of the Lord otherwise they will face His judgment. So falling backwards “slain in the spirit” in Scripture does not reflect reverence and honor to God, but rather His judgment.

Here is another Scripture referred to in support of “slain in the spirit”. It is found in the book of Acts chapter 9 where Saul (later named Paul) is on a journey to Damascus to capture more Christians. In verse 3 it says - And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. Verse 4 then says - And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Again, this is an encounter that Jesus Himself initiates, if you read on in verses 5 and 6 you’ll see that Jesus is speaking and Paul is responding. Paul is not unconscious doing “carpet time” in a controlled atmosphere, in the presence of believers, mood music in the background, with a pastor laying hands on him screaming “fill em’ Lord! Give em’ more”! This occurred on the road to Damascus, right out in the open with the other men, who were with him, also unbelievers. In fact, at the point where Paul fell to the earth, he himself was an unbeliever who was out to kill more Christians! Also, important to note, the Lord had done this for a specific purpose. This was not done arbitrarily, or at random just for the fun of it, and it was a one-time occurrence in Paul’s life, never to happen again, or to become a regular occurrence in the Church.

In the book of Revelation, chapter one, the Apostle John is given a vision of the King of Kings. In verse 10 he writes - I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet. Two words in this verse are virtually ignored by the charismatic movement, the words BEHIND ME. This is very important to note because John heard the voice of the Lord coming from BEHIND him. In verse 11, John goes on to state what he heard the voice say. Then in verse 12, another note of significance, he states - And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks. John then turns around to see who is speaking to him. Verses 13-16 John describes what he saw WHEN HE TURNED AROUND. Then in verse 17 John writes - And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last. Another point ignored in this Scripture is that John fell AT HIS FEET; this clearly indicates he fell forward. In spite of these facts, this is the most referred to Scripture by the proponents of “slain in the spirit” used to substantiate their claim. But as I stated, they ignore the fact that John heard the voice coming from BEHIND him, then he turns around to look and when he sees Jesus, he falls at His feet as though dead, hence the term “slain in the spirit”

If John fell backwards “slain in the spirit” as charismatics claim, then Jesus would have been standing behind John as a catcher, because that would be the only way John could fall at His feet! That idea is absurd! John turned around to look at Jesus, AFTER he first heard His voice from behind, and then fell forward at His feet, on his own volition, out of fear and reverence to the Lord. In April 1997 David Wilkerson, pastor of Times Square Church in New York City wrote in regards to the last day revivals – “Do I believe any of the "revivals" represent the last-days outpouring - the last great revival before Jesus comes? No! Not at all. We should rejoice in every work of the Spirit that results in true conversions -but any "revival" that purports itself to be "the great revival" and is promoted and "spread" by its leaders must be immediately discounted. When the last great outpouring comes, it is prophesied to come "upon all flesh." It will not be isolated in just a few areas. No one will be counting numbers. Hungry seekers will not be falling backwards-but frontwards, on their faces, humbled and broken”. AMEN TO THAT!!

SOLA SCRIPTURA – THE SCRIPTURE ALONE!

We need to look into God’s Word to see the truth behind this practice. The way to do this is to compare what is happening in churches today with this “slain in the spirit” to the pattern as set in Scripture. They are NOT the same thing! I have already stated examples of encounters men had with God from Scripture, that they fell forward in reverence. I also have already stated from Scripture that falling backwards is not worship of the Lord, but rather His judgment. I want to now show the pattern Scripture sets forth, that it is always falling forward voluntarily. In Numbers chapter 22 Baalam has an encounter with the Lord. In verse 31 the Lord opens Balaams eyes (after his donkey warned him 3 times) and Balaam saw the angel of the Lord. Numbers 22:31 - Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. Balaam fell face-forward before the Lord.

Judges chapter 13 Manoah is presenting a meat offering to the Lord. In verse 30 it states - For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the LORD ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife looked on it, and fell on their faces to the ground. Manoah and his wife fell face-forward before the Lord. In 1 Kings chapter 18 the prophet Elijah is challenging the prophets of Baal. Elijah calls upon the Lord and the Lord consumes the sacrifice with fire. In verse 39 it says - And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, The LORD, he is the God; the LORD, he is the God. Elijah and all the people fell face-forward before the Lord. 1 Chronicles 21 David sees the angel of the Lord and in verse 16 it states - And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the LORD stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. David and the elders fell face-forward before the Lord.

The prophet Ezekial was given a vision from the Lord. In chapter 1 of the book of Ezekial, the prophet describes the vision he saw. In verse 28 he writes - As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake. Ezekial fell face-forward before the Lord. Do you see the pattern here? Do you also see the consistency of the Scriptures? In each instance people first saw the Lord and then fell face-forward in reverence and worship and with fear and trembling. The modern day charismatic church’s practice of “slain in the spirit” bears absolutely no resemblance to the pattern of the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments. It does not even come close! I had mentioned Eli falling backwards, breaking his neck and dying (1 Samuel 4:18). Eli was slain, but not “slain in the spirit”. He physically died. In the same manner, in Acts chapter 5, Ananias and Sapphira were also slain, but not “slain in the spirit”. They physically died as a result of lying to the Holy Spirit and the Lord made examples of them to the rest of the church. In both cases, these were a sign of God’s judgment.

So to answer the question, “slain in the spirit” Biblical or not? The answer would have to be a resounding NO! So why are churches doing this? Why is it so popular? Because it is a man-centered practice that appeals to the flesh! There is no need to stand on Biblical doctrine, just go with the flow! It’s more appealing to go to a service where people are lining up at the front waiting for the pastor to touch them and fall backwards than to hear sound exposition of the Scriptures. When I have questioned such a practice in the past I would get the typical response: “the Spirit of God is moving and don’t try to rationalize it, or figure it out...we don’t want to quench the Spirit!” 1 Thessalonians 5:19 says - Quench not the Spirit. But notice what it says next in verse 20 - Despise not prophesyings. We quench the Spirit when we prevent the preaching of God’s Word and allow this unbiblical practice of “slain in the spirit” to continue in our churches.

A friend of mine, who is a dear brother in the Lord, once told me that he experienced being “slain in the spirit” at a church service. He claimed he was knocked back, with his head under the chair, felt no pain and was “under the power” for 2 hours, after which he felt such peace and love, and he said he wanted to seek the things of God even more than before. How could I refute that? All that may be well and good on the surface, but the real issue here is not how you feel after you get “slain in the spirit” but rather what the Word of God teaches in regards to a true move of the Lord. After all, there are dozens of religions out there where people feel such peace and love and want to seek God more, but without the careful discernment and exposition of Scripture, feelings and emotions lead to deception and error.

The conclusion I draw is that if being “slain in the spirit” is unbiblical, then it’s either satanic in nature, or in most cases it is psychosomatic. I believe the latter is the case in most churches. People are conditioned to believe that if they come forward in a prayer line and are touched by the pastor, they will experience a touch from God, and the normal reaction is to fall backwards, because this is what’s happening all around them, so they don’t want to “quench the spirit”. It is because this practice has become so widespread and popular in the Church today that anyone who speaks against it and stands for Biblical truth will be branded as one who causes division in the church and is in danger of God’s wrath, so there is a fear of being rejected, or worse.

In Revelation 11:16-17 it states - And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, We give thee thanks, O LORD God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned. I thought this to be highly significant because of the question this raised in my mind: if the 24 elders are falling face-forward in worship to the Lord Himself, before His throne in heaven, why is the Church falling backwards here on earth?

I could have based this entire newsletter on this one passage of Scripture because if you take a look at what this passage says and make the comparison between the worship and reverence to the Lord in heaven to what’s going on in most churches here on earth today, you’ll see a major difference between the two. Being “slain in the spirit” is always occurring in a controlled atmosphere (in a church service), with emotions riding high and the mood music softly playing in the background to mesmerize the crowd, and ministers laying hands on people with prayers to the tune of “fill em’ Lord!” It’s never about repentance or conversion to Christ, or living a life holy and pleasing to the Lord, and remaining faithful to Him by obedience to His Word. There’s absolutely no place for sound Biblical doctrine in an atmosphere like that…so maybe then again…it is satanic in nature! Search the Scriptures for yourself!

SOLA SCRIPTURA! The Scripture ALONE! May the Lord bless you!

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