Is being “slain in the Spirit” biblical—or something else entirely?*

General Faith
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Dear Sincere Seeker,

You and KPuff have referred to being slain in the Spirit as “demonstrating surrender” or “an intentional depiction of an inner confession of death to self”. These would seem to indicate that one is conscious of doing the falling for a purpose. I don’t think that those who experience this are aware of demonstrating anything or depicting anything. They fall because it is natural as they feel the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is not a “thinking thing” or a sign for anyone but an observer who theologizes about it. For the one experiencing being “slain in the Spirit” he/she is simply doing what is “natural” when the Holy Spirit falls upon or refills him/her. It is personal, and the awareness of what it signifies is not what one thinks about at the time. A person feels something in this experience, regardless of what it means or signifies and receives it in his/her heart and is blessed by it and hopefully their life is somehow changed. Even if some of the experience seems slightly voluntary, it is still suggested by the Holy Spirit. The person is influenced by the Holy Spirit and is called to surrender and open up their life to what God may want to do in their life. Sometimes a person receives a healing or an understanding or some direction for their life while simi-conscious under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Some are wholey unconscious and will tell you later what God told them in that time, but some are only simi-conscious and may be aware that they are lying down and waiting before God during that time. It is a holy time for people when they are more suggestible and more easily able to experience God than when they are in their rational mind.

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“You don’t need to fall to show God you’ve surrendered” No you don’t, but you yourself my need to fall to show yourself. You’ re not showing surrender to God, but you may need to show it to yourself, or to express it physically, not just mentally.

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I can not show you this any more than I can show you the use of a pipe organ in church music after the New Testament. But few say that that is not something of the Lord. I cannot show you in the NT where God’s people went out to war with torches and pitchers, but it happened in the OT. Christianity crossed the Atlantic Ocean in history, but not in the NT, and yet I believe it was God’s will. There were state religions in history but no one in the NT would say that they were God’s best will. God lets lots of things happen, and NT precedent is a good rule of thumb to show whether they were God’s best will, but if not His best will, these may still represent a “next to best” will of God. God has used the printed Bible to spread the Gospel, but not in NT times. As people’s experiences are many, some aren’t included in the NT, but that does not make them something of satan, or evil in themselves. We can rejoice in any experience which leads persons to make Jesus Lord of their lives, even if we have never had that precise experience ourselves or have not seen it in scripture.

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Peaceful23, I hear the heart behind your words. You’re trying to express something meaningful and deeply personal, and I don’t doubt your sincerity. But sincerity without truth is still a shaky foundation, and we’re not called to walk by what feels natural. We are called to walk by what God has revealed in His Word.

You describe this experience as something that just happens, unintentional, outside of the rational mind. But that is not how the Holy Spirit operates in Scripture. The Spirit produces self-control, not unconsciousness. He fills believers to speak, preach, prophesy, worship, and glorify Christ, not to bypass their minds and drop them into altered states. Every time someone was filled with the Spirit in the New Testament, they were fully aware and actively engaged in exalting God.

What you’re describing sounds more like mystical passivity than biblical activity. You said people are more suggestible and receive insight or healing while semi-conscious. That might feel spiritual, but it sounds more like hypnosis than Pentecost. When Peter stood filled with the Spirit, he wasn’t dazed or drifting. He was bold, clear, and grounded in the Word.

We cannot build doctrine around the statement “I felt something” or “God told me later.” That opens the floodgates for anything and everything that feels powerful to be labeled as God. But that is not how the Spirit of truth operates. He always points back to Christ, and always in a way that is tested by Scripture.

No one in the Bible was ever told to seek altered states to hear God. We are commanded to be sober-minded, to test the spirits, and to renew our minds. If the experience overrides reason instead of strengthening it, that is not the Holy Spirit. That is spiritual vulnerability in disguise.

The Holy Spirit does not make us more suggestible. He makes us more obedient.

Sincere Seeker. Scripturally savage. Here for the Truth.

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Friends

This discussion sometimes wanders into the weeds by discussing if this phenomenon is genuine, or is it showy, or is it heartfelt, or is it sincere, or is it uncontrollable, or is it testimonial, or is it deceptive, or is it spiritual, or is it…

The original question: “Is being “slain in the Spirit” biblical”? seems to have been adequately answered, and that without controversy (as I read this discussion anyway).

The second part of the question gets implicitly answered by the first part being answered. Logically, if it is not “biblical” it is therefore something else – something extrabiblical. What that “something else” is seems to be the meat of the controversy.

To my understanding of the manifestation of The Holy Spirit, from The Bible text, this practice seems to stand in opposition to what we DO know about the operation, manifestation, and fruit bearing of The Holy Spirit. (IMHO)

KP

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There is no scriptural precedent for being “slain in the Spirit.” There is not a single verse in God’s Word where the Holy Spirit is recorded as knocking someone over, or taking control of their body. “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Where the Spirit is at work, the fruit is certain: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22–23). Temperance is self-control. It is not slumping into disorder.

Yes, men have fallen in the presence of God, but it was always with reverence and fear, never as a manufactured sign of blessing. Ezekiel said, “When I saw it, I fell upon my face” (Ezekiel 1:28). Daniel wrote, “I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground” (Daniel 10:9). John also recorded, “When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead” (Revelation 1:17). These were all individual encounters with the holiness of God, not a packaged religious sideshow in a church service.

The Spirit’s authentic work, in the New Testament, is to convict the world of sin (John 16: 8), empower believers to witness (Acts 1:8), and build up the church with the power of the Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17). “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). The command of Scripture is clear. Therefore, being “slain in the Spirit” is not biblical. The Spirit will lead us to Christ. He will lead us to holiness. He will lead us to obedience to God’s Word—but not to uncontrolled displays that cannot be found in the pages of Scripture.

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If it cannot be demonstrated from Scripture, then it cannot be called a Christian practice. God has given us His Word as a standard, and to go outside of it is to court danger. Satan also gives experiences that are “real” and “blessed,” but which are designed to lead us away from the truth. Paul warned bluntly: “For Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). This is precisely how pagan practices worked in the ancient world, ecstatic trances, uncontrollable falling, bizarre behavior, apparent spirituality but completely demonic deception.

God does not need to give new revelations outside of His Word. The Bible tells us we are “thoroughly furnished” through Scripture: “That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:17). To say that “authentic Christian experiences don’t have to be found in the Bible” is to make oneself vulnerable to counterfeit spirits. John commands us to test every spirit, not to just receive them blindly (1 John 4:1).

The Holy Spirit gives self-control, not dissipation (Galatians 5:22–23). What is promoted today as “slaying in the Spirit” closely resembles paganism far more than biblical Christianity. If it is not in God’s Word, it is not of God.

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@bdavidc
Well, this comment of yours may be a bit “over the top”, and here’s why:

  • Hiring a “pastor” cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice.
  • Meeting on Sunday morning cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we participate in it as a normal Christian practice.
  • Buying and maintaining a building, and property cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but it is a very common Christian practice.
  • Hand raising, waving, jumping, shouting in the congregation etc. cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice.
  • Having an auditorium with an elevated stage, and parishioner seats (pews) all facing the same way cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a normal Christian practice.
  • Having a meeting with scripted participation, limited participation. or no congregation participation in the meeting cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we all do it as a Christian practice.
  • In fact, sitting at all during the meeting cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we all do it as a Christian practice.
  • A weekly sermon cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice, and for some reason, we can’t imagine a meeting without one.
  • A “worship band”, a piano, an organ, or a long-robed choir cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider these Christian practices.
  • Annual picnics cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice.
  • Infant dedication or baptism cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice.
  • Sunday School cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice.
  • Men or women’s retreats cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice.
  • Running a Christian School, or a soup kitchen, or a used clothing shop cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but many consider these Christian practices.
  • Singing from a hymn book, or from the words on an overhead projector cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice.
  • A liturgy cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice.
  • Praying (saying grace) before a meal cannot be demonstrated from scripture, but we consider it a Christian practice.

Should I continue?

@Peaceful23’s point is understood. We actually do many things in our gatherings that are not demonstrated or taught or commanded in scripture ; many have become sacrosanct, and to suggest their alteration or elimination is to court excommunication, or worse.

The question is answered, and you answered it in the truth of Scripture. No need to stretch the point hyperbolically (IMHO)

KP

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Be ready for “stiff opposition” @bdavidc

Shalom to you and family.

J.

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I understand what you are saying, but there is an important distinction that gets blurred. There is a vast difference between neutral practices (meeting in a building, using chairs, singing from a hymnal, etc.) and practices that are presumed to be spiritual acts of God that are never to be found in Scripture.

Scripture never commands us to rent a building or buy pews, but these are just tools of prudence. No one refers to them as the work of the Holy Spirit. But when someone preaches or promotes “slaying in the Spirit” as a move of God, they are ascribing to God what His Word never teaches. That is not neutral, it is dangerous!

The standard for what is truly spiritual is God’s Word. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God… that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Paul didn’t say “experiences” would thoroughly furnish us, he said Scripture would. John told us, “Try the spirits whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). We are not to label every religious “experience” “Christian” just because it “feels good.”

Yes, all of us engage in things that are not specifically commanded or taught in Scripture, buildings, hymnals, schedules. But those are neutral helps. When something that is not taught in God’s Word is exalted as if it were God’s work, then deception creeps in.

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No worries, I am use to talking to people that don’t want to stay true to the scripture and like to add their own versions. But that will not work on judgement day.

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I agree with you that we often do hold to things as if Scripture required them when it doesn’t. That’s precisely why it is so important to keep returning to God’s Word as our final authority. Jesus warned about “teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). Habits and customs easily develop and start to be treated as sacred when they are not in Scripture and so cannot be put on the same level as God’s truth.

At the same time, I think it is important not to wave off concerns when someone is pointing out a place practice has drifted from the Word. Paul told Timothy to “preach the word… reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2). That means sometimes we have to speak sharply even if it sounds harsh to others because the truth matters.

So yes, there is a need for balance: not overstatement, but neither downplaying the seriousness of setting aside God’s Word. The safest place is letting Scripture itself tell us what is required and what is not.

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@bdavidc
Yes, of course.

I think your concerns (cautions) were well spoken, and I have no contrary view. When some act is ascribed to God, and it is unprecideted in Scripture, and in this case, more than unprecidented, actually contrary to scripture, it should be called out. No problem. I was only shining a light on that one statement of yours that is inprecise. That is all.
You said:

“If it cannot be demonstrated from Scripture, then it cannot be called a Christian practice”

Surely you can see how that specific sentence should be reworded to say what you mean it to say.

See the topic:
https://forums.crosswalk.com/t/is-blessed-be-a-christian-phrase-or-pagan-perfume-sprayed-on-churchy-small-talk/

for more thoughts on this idea.

Peace brother.
KP

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When one falls he is not trying to prove anything. Rarely when we do something emotional are we conscious of why we are doing it, or what it means. That is for historian to analyze later on. The experiencer is lost in the moment and more aware of God than anything else. S/he comes away from the experience telling of something God did or something s/he felt or learned during the time after falling, something s/he thinks was good and helpful and redeeming.

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I hear you peaceful23, I really do.

But what you are explaining as “something emotional” is therefore by that definition, not something spiritual, if you get what I’m saying. I’m not saying something spiritual will not be felt in the emotions, it very well may be, but that which originates in the emotions must therefore not originate with The Spirit. It can’t come from two sources.

The reason I am questioning if it is actually an expression that originates with the Spirit, is because what you are describing is comprehensively addressed in 1 Corinthians 14. In this teaching, instead of the activity being “falling” as it is with you, the activity is “indecipherable tongues”. Different activities, but covered under the same teaching principles of Paul. In his instruction, Paul does not address the validity of the activity, but instead reminds the church of their obligation to do what is edifying for the whole assembly, even those who may be there that do not believe.

1 Corinthians 14:26
“How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.”

1 Corinthians 14:32-33
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

What you are explaining, and what Paul was addressing in Corinth, is an expression that may be personally ecstatic to an individual, but does not serve the entire assembly, and therefore lacked the primary element of the gathering, and that is love. It may be an expression that “S/he comes away from the experience telling of something God did or something s/he felt or learned during the time after falling, something s/he thinks was good and helpful and redeeming” to themselves, but the personal ecstasy it is not beneficial or edifying to the rest of the assembly; in fact, it may function in a contrary manner. I believe an activity that is prompted by The Spirit will not lack this essential element; it will edify the whole assembly.

Just how I see things from my POV
KP

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Peaceful23, I get where you’re coming from. You’re speaking from a place of compassion for those who’ve had real emotional experiences. But here’s the concern. When we say that spiritual behavior… especially something as dramatic as falling… is done without understanding or intention, we’re opening the door for confusion to wear a halo.

Scripture never teaches that the Holy Spirit bypasses understanding. Quite the opposite. Paul said, “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding.” He said, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” Not emotionally chaotic. Not spiritually vague. Orderly. Purposeful. Rooted in truth.

Saying, “We don’t know what it means, but it felt good” is not the language of biblical worship. It’s the language of emotionalism. And the Church was never called to be emotionally driven. It was called to be Spirit-led, which means Word-shaped, truth-anchored, Christ-exalting.

God is not honored by people being “lost in the moment.” He is honored by people being clear in their worship, sound in their doctrine, and transformed by truth. If a person falls, and cannot connect that moment to any biblical model, purpose, or teaching, then what exactly are they testifying to?

Feelings might be part of the journey, but they can never be the compass. That job belongs to Scripture.

Sincere Seeker. Scripturally savage. Here for the Truth.

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As you can see from other posts there are many things done through the ages that are found in scripture that are not evil or against the Bible. Most of these are just the way we do church in our time. God is not bound by scripture but by the Spirit of scripture. Knowing the human vessel and how to convict and train and sanctify it, God uses “ministering in the Holy Spirit” like He uses other less visible ways of turning the hearts of man.

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I don’t believe it is a sign that we are “getting the Spirit right” if we forbid what some call slaying in the Spirit”. I do not want to forbid anything that helps people to more directly experience God. It is our own need to be in control of church services that stand in the way of the Holy Spirit being in control. Church bulletins and orders of service have their places, but the Holy Spirit has to have the “right of way”. Most of the early protestant Reformation was characterized by being rational and correct, but without the enthusiasm that brought worship and Christian practice to life. We need to get out of our heads to reach the kind of people who function more out of their hearts. God can and does reach out to these as well as to us who are more rational and right brained.

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Are you saying that every work of the Holy Spirit that is legitimate is found in scripture? How can you know the millions of ways God uses to influence the human heart? You cannot even see the majority of them, but since this “slaying in the Spirit” is visible and you do not see it in scripture, you think it should be forbidden. The test whether this is genuine is in the changes to people’s lives that can be noticed after it. Are they more attentive to God’s leading, are they more holy, more obedient, more faithful, more loving, or more understanding of the Gospel, etc.? If they are not, consider forbidding this practice. But be very careful you are not exorcising something from the Body of Christ that He has put there and many who are not made exactly like you can benefit from.

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@Peaceful23, I appreciate your concern about not wanting to quench the Spirit, but let’s be clear… testing something is not the same as forbidding it. The Bible commands us to “test all things; hold fast to what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). That includes spiritual experiences. Especially the ones that look more like a spectacle than a move of sanctification.

You say you don’t want to forbid anything that helps people experience God. That sounds compassionate, but it’s dangerous if we don’t define what “experience” means biblically. The golden calf helped Israel “experience” something too. So did strange fire for Nadab and Abihu. God wasn’t impressed with the emotional impact… He was furious that they did what He had not commanded.

Giving the Holy Spirit the “right of way” doesn’t mean we toss discernment and structure. The Spirit Himself is the one who gave us that structure through Scripture. The same Spirit who fell at Pentecost is the one who inspired Paul to say, “Let everything be done decently and in order.” That wasn’t man-made control. That was Spirit-led clarity.

You’re right that God reaches both head and heart. But the heart is not meant to run loose while the head takes a nap. Jesus said to love God with all your heart and all your mind. When we disconnect the two, we get wildfire instead of revival.

This isn’t about shutting down emotion. It’s about refusing to let emotion run the show. The Holy Spirit is not honored when we substitute feeling for truth or chaos for worship. He is honored when our worship is grounded in Scripture, saturated in reverence, and centered on Christ.

Sincere Seeker. Scripturally savage. Here for the Truth.

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