Debunking the latest attempt to justify what is simply unbiblical...

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Before getting into this, in full disclosure, I was once "slain in the spirit." I had just lost someone close to me from suicide and went to a Friday night prayer meeting. When the call went out for prayer, I went to the altar. The pastor was praying and eventually leaned in and whispered, "you know someone is behind you to catch you." That was the final nudge I needed, and I went down and was out for several minutes. As I grew however in discernment, the bible taught me that this practice is simply not biblical, and I had to grapple with what happened that night. When confronted with the inerrancy of scripture and how it conflicted with my personal experience, I had to conclude that my understanding of my experience must not have been accurate. I was hyper-emotional and in great pain. My reaction was thus emotional, not spiritual. Now, that did not stop God from ministering to me within my pain and He did. That was the night that I began to deal with it and eventually be able to accept what had happened. God will always use whatever opportunity we give Him to help us in our time of need and I thank Him for that still to this day. I was not however, "slain in the spirit." I know I was not because that phenomenon is not in the bible, full stop. It is however a core experiential doctrine within Charismania. As such, many often come out to try and defend it biblically but because the bible does not support that, they often fall embarrassingly short. Such is the case in the above linked article from Charisma News and one of the Four Horsemen of the Demon Slayer Apocalypse, Vlad Savchuk. So, let us reason once more together beloved.

"The phenomenon of being "slain in the spirit" has been a topic of intense debate within the Christian community for many years. Some embrace it as a powerful and genuine move of God, while others argue that it is unbiblical or even demonic. To better understand this issue, let's break down this intriguing conversation by Vlad Savchuk into five key points that will help discern whether being slain in the spirit is biblical or a dangerous deception." - Charisma News

Now, it is not surprising that someone who understands demons as poorly as Savchuk would postulate that perhaps the experience is demonic. I do not think that is the case. This is just bad teaching. This is one of the end results of experiential, showy, "look at me" Charismania. I do not think there are bad motives behind those who are genuinely seeking a closer experience with God, nor in many cases the preachers who simply should, but do not know better. After I wrote my book on the lies of tithing, my pastor told me while he could not disagree with anything I said biblically, it was "just how we were taught." Once you start discerning however and are led into all truth, you see things more clearly. The moment for me was a few years later at a different prayer service at my old church, an itinerant preacher who had a great following was preaching. Her altar call involved people chasing her around the sanctuary and then slapping people on the forehead and watching them collapse everywhere. THAT looked demonic. Bodies were strewn everywhere and my friend in the security ministry told me it was amazing that no one got hurt. That was when I decided to biblically examine this doctrine and that led me to properly conclude that it is unbiblical.

"1. Bible Precedents for Falling Under God's Power. While the exact term "slain in the spirit" does not appear in the Bible, there are numerous instances where people in Scripture experienced altered physical states in the presence of God. For instance, in Acts 10:9-10, the apostle Peter falls into a trance while praying, receiving divine revelation. Similarly, Paul recounts his experience of falling into a trance in Acts 22:17-18, when he encounters the Lord. These passages demonstrate that God's presence can overwhelm a person physically, leading to falls or altered states. Additionally, when Jesus declares, "I am," the soldiers who came to arrest Him fall to the ground (John 18:5-6). While these examples don't explicitly describe being "slain," they clearly show that God's presence can cause individuals to lose physical control in some way." - Charisma News

This is what Charismaniacs trying to defend slain in the spirit are always forced to resort to. They compare this fabricated experience to things in the bible that are completely different. The example of Peter had nothing to do with being slain in the spirit, not even close. God was going to send Peter to Cornelius, but he had to break his bias against the gentiles and what he deemed as clean versus unclean. He did not fall backwards. No one laid hands on him. He fell into a trance and Cornelius also had a vision. This is also historical narrative, not a prescriptive text. Can God put us into a trance? Sure, because He is God. We however are not Peter. There was no instruction to "go and do likewise" regarding falling into trances. Ironically for Savchuk, most trance-like states today are demonic. The example of Paul also had no falling backwards or the laying on of hands. In this instance, Paul had just encountered Jesus Himself and was radically transformed. The trance was when God told him to get out of Jerusalem. So, I will make Vlad a deal. If you ever are knocked off your horse and blinded directly by Jesus and then experience a trance like state, you can call that slain in the spirit but what happens in Charismaniacal circles today bears zero resemblance to these incidents. Despite the narcigesis, we are not Paul, nor Peter. Perhaps the worst comparison is the soldiers, who were not even believers. They drew back, not fell back. They fell to the ground in front of the Son of God. So, is Vlad suggesting that these unsaved men were slain by the Holy Spirit? The same Holy Spirit who had not even come yet as Christ was not yet resurrected? The same soldiers who went on being soldiers and not be saved? It is beyond a stretch to suggest that because in the 6000 years of recorded biblical history there are a handful of experiences that are uncommon that we too must be having uncommon experiences. It is lazy theology that seeks to justify what we know is not justifiable. It is the same, "God used a donkey once" nonsense. Yes, once. That does not mean that you get to make an ass of yourself today, however. Just think of the lunacy of this correlation. Two trance episodes that happened to two of the greatest figures of the New Testament is being used to justify Pastor Bob slapping people on the foreheads in random churches today. If you have been to a modern Charismaniacal service, you would know that large amounts of people, not Peter and Paul, are laying all over the floor. Interestingly, it is often the same people from week to week. The super spirituals we used to call them at my old church. The same people who shout out incoherent baby babble, wear Jewish prayer shawls for no reason, or are really into flag ministries. It is all - look at me.

"2. Extra-Biblical vs. Anti-Biblical. A critical distinction in the discussion of being slain in the spirit is between extra-biblical and anti-biblical practices. Extra-biblical refers to practices not explicitly mentioned in the Bible but are not in conflict with biblical teaching. For example, practices like altar calls or church buildings, though not directly outlined in Scripture, are not contrary to biblical doctrine. Being slain in the spirit falls into this category, as it's not explicitly described in the Bible, but it doesn't contradict biblical principles either. On the other hand, anti-biblical practices would be those that directly oppose Scripture, like engaging in witchcraft or other sinful behaviors. Since no Scripture outright forbids the practice of being slain in the spirit, it's important to view it as extra-biblical-- something that can be experienced in the church without violating biblical teaching." - Charisma News

This is a not so clever excuse. It is again, lazy theology to say, well God did not expressly say no, so therefore I can say yes. Let's however examine what extra biblical truly is and what it truly does. It undermines actual scripture. God's word is authoritative, while extra biblical is not. It allows us to essentially "add" to God's word, which is expressly forbidden. Here is the true distinction. It allows us to infer, what is biblical when it really is not under the guise of it seeming to be harmless. When we decide to not eat meat on Fridays for forty days, that is extra biblical and technically not disallowed. Most will say they consider it sacrificing something to remember who God is. Fine. The problem however is when it becomes doctrine. A church having altar calls is in and of itself, not unbiblical. When the practice however leads to seven-word prayers and a declaration of salvation we have crossed into the unbiblical.

"3. Cessationists vs. Continuationists. The debate between cessationists and continuationists plays a significant role in how the phenomenon of being slain in the spirit is viewed. Cessationists believe that supernatural gifts, such as speaking in tongues, healing and manifestations like being slain in the spirit, ceased after the apostolic age. They argue that these gifts were only for the early church to establish the Gospel. On the other hand, continuationists believe that these gifts and manifestations continue to operate today. Many who support the practice of being slain in the spirit are in the continuationist camp, interpreting Scripture and church history as evidence that the power of the Holy Spirit is still active in the same ways. They point to the book of Acts and the Gospels, where such manifestations occur frequently, and argue that there is no Scriptural basis for claiming that the Holy Spirit's work has ceased." - Charisma News

What? Let's correct some inaccuracies. While I do not ascribe to either camp, I can say with surety that cessationists do not believe the Holy Spirit's work has ceased. They believe in the full power of God and that He can still choose to work through men, just that those gifts do not permanently reside in the man in question. It is why people who claim to be faith healers do not hang out in cancer wards. It is why people who claim to have the gift or prophecy are wrong all the time. What most cessationists disagree with is the ABUSE of the gifts. You can believe the gifts have continued and still believe they are being butchered today in the Charismaniacal church. You can rightly believe that tongues in the bible is not the baby babble we hear today. It is also slick to try, and lump slain in the spirit into the gifts of the Holy Spirit. That of course is wholly unbiblical, not merely extra-biblical. We are not called by the way to interpret church history. We hear this silliness often from the Charismaniacal camp. That the fact that heresy was previously established somehow makes it more acceptable to God. It does not.

"4. Emotionalism and Manipulation. One of the common criticisms of the practice of being slain in the spirit is that it can sometimes be fueled by emotionalism, peer pressure or even manipulation. Some argue that people may fall under the power of God not because of a true spiritual encounter, but due to psychological influence or the expectation created by the environment. There have been instances where individuals fall simply because they are caught up in the emotional atmosphere of a service, or even out of "courtesy" to the preacher, rather than experiencing a genuine move of the Holy Spirit. It's essential to acknowledge that emotional responses in a spiritual setting can be natural, but they do not always signify a deep spiritual encounter. While emotional excesses or manipulations can certainly discredit the authentic move of God, it's critical not to let the actions of a few individuals overshadow the true power of the Holy Spirit." - Charisma News

Yeah, no. it is amazing to watch Savchuk try to thread this needle. There is no question that the experience of being slain is indeed emotionalism, as is most experiential Christianity. It is the same dilemma I faced when I was confronted by the verity of scripture in relation to my personal experience being slain. As I outlined, it is also plausible that God still deals with us, even within the flawed paradigm. That does not legitimize the paradigm or make it biblical. God still would have dealt with me regarding the loss of my friend, even if I did not go down that night. I did not need to be "slain" in order to draw closer to God. The peer pressure is very real. It is the same pressure that pushes believers to speak the baby babble tongues because if you don't, you just are not super spiritual enough. While that is not expressly said often, it is the understood truism within Charismaniacal circles. Some take it further and claim you have not been indued with the power of the spirit unless you say, "ashondamodandalabondabingbangboom." So much so, that many Charismaniacal churches teach people how to speak in tongues. We are coached to do so. I saw a preacher once say that he first spoke in tongues by saying "pookie-poo" over and over again. Most Charismaniacal services are entirely driven by emotionalism and manipulation. Elevation is infamously known for planting ministry workers in the congregation so they can raise their hands for altar calls to manipulate others to do the same. I was at another church one weekend when an itinerant "evangelist" was visiting, and she was doing the mass laying on of hands schtick to slay everyone. I was at the sound board and the pastor's wife was calling me down to "get mine." I declined and never went back. I have mine already or more appropriately, He has me. The narrative Savchuk presents is simply false. The notion that only a handful of people are having emotional experiences is woefully underestimating what is happening.

"5. The Fruit Test. When considering whether a spiritual manifestation like being slain in the spirit is from God, the ultimate test is the fruit it produces. Jesus Himself said, "You shall know them by their fruit" (Matt. 7:16). The primary concern should not be the manifestation itself but the lasting impact it has on the individual. Does it lead to a deeper relationship with God? Does it bring lasting transformation in the person's life, drawing them closer to holiness, love and obedience? If an experience produces lasting spiritual fruit-- such as healing, deliverance, a hunger for the Word and a deeper devotion to Christ-- then it is worth considering as a genuine encounter with the Holy Spirit. We must be cautious not to dismiss or condemn a work of God just because it doesn't align with our own experiences or expectations. Additionally, the focus should remain on the fruit of the experience, not the physical manifestation itself." - Vlad Savchuk

The scripture reference is to discerning false prophets. You will know them by their fruit. Thus, it has no relevance to how he misuses it here. The primary concern is the experience, not what we convince ourselves is the result of it. If this collapsing on the ground is leading to such a deeper relationship, why do the same people go up to be slain every week? If it brings lasting transformation, why do they need to keep going up to be slain? If it truly draws you closer to obedience and devotion, why not stick to what is actually in the bible? We are actually the ones NOT using our experiences or expectations! They are irrelevant! Note what he is teaching here is to pay no mind to the how or why, just what our wickedly deceitful hearts feel. Who is going to go through such a public display and then think negatively upon it? I believed for a few years that what happened to me was a deep spiritual experience. It was only the truth of scripture that revealed it to be wanton emotionalism. I am reminded of a church in this country that incorporated the handling of poisonous snakes as part of their weekly church service. This was stupidly based upon the verse that says you will handle snakes and not be hurt. Well, until the pastor was bit and died but I guess he did not have the requisite faith, right? Now, prior to the pastor being killed, I am sure they all thought this was a solid spiritual experience that bore lasting fruit of faith in God. Heck, it wasn't even extra-biblical, technically. It was of course moronically unbiblical. Either way, if someone, including the deceased pastor, thought that this drew them closer to God and was "bearing fruit" of faith, would Vlad Savchuk claim that it was an actual move of the Holy Spirit? The experience is not what we should be focused on at all. The actual practice is.

"While being slain in the spirit may not be explicitly commanded in Scripture, it is not unbiblical or contrary to biblical teachings. There are biblical precedents that show God's presence can cause physical responses, and the phenomenon can be understood as an extra-biblical practice rather than anti-biblical. As Christians, it is essential to exercise discernment, remembering that not every manifestation is genuine, but the fruit of the encounter will reveal its authenticity. Let us seek the genuine power of the Holy Spirit, test the spirits and pursue a deeper relationship with God rather than focusing on external manifestations." - Charisma News

There is a myriad of things that are not in the bible. That does not inherently make them good, smart, or even allowable. This lazy excuse making of the bible having physical responses merely being extra-biblical is the same garbage we heard when they were defending holy laughter, drunk in the spirit, or the Todd Bentley kicking little old ladies in the face to impart healing theology. Go back and watch the videos from the Toronto demonic Outpouring or the Brownsville faux revival. Was the practice of barking like a dog or rolling around or shaking uncontrollably just "extra-biblical?" While we are on that subject, one of the actual fruits of the spirit is self-control. How exactly do you square that circle? That in order to claim being slapped down in service leads to bearing fruit, you must violate a defined fruit of the spirit? God is a God of order, not chaos. Look, we can draw closer to God through prayer and prayer meetings. No one is disputing that. That is not what being slain in the spirit is however. It is just an extension of the showy, look at me spirit of Charismania centered on personal experience and the lies our wickedly deceitful hearts tell us. We shouldn't be looking for or venerate extra-biblical experiential Christianity that insists we step out of the counsel of God found in His word. This spirit has been tested and found wanting. If you want a deeper relationship with God it is found in His word, not in external manifestations.

Reverend Anthony Wade - April 23, 2025

Authors Bio:
Credentialed Minister of the Gospel for the Assemblies of God. Owner and founder of 828 ministries. Vice President for Goodwill Industries. Always remember that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.