Gnosticism - spiritualism creeping into the churches.

mtimber · Lion King Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 1216

I have borrowed this quote off of the net (no copyright claimed) I recommend you do a search for this and find the full article - very enlightening... :

The doctrinal core of Gnosticism is basically a form of mystical religious or philosophical doctrines which other adherents and some early Christian sects spread and which the early Church leaders vehemently rejected as heresy. Believers in Gnosticism are called Gnostics. The word "Gnostic" is derived from the greek word gnostiko or gnosis (inner mystic knowledge). The Gnostics believe that "gnosis" is subjective (internally perceived by the mind or feelings) knowledge of the devine element or spark in every man that needs to be discovered to be known. They believe the divine spark originally came from the "realm of light" (totally alientated from the world and the flesh), and is resident in the soul of man and is held there in captivity by the flesh (a product of demons). The only way to release the divine spark is through divine "revelation knowledge", experienced within in the spirit. Also they believe that only when the unconscious spirit in man is awakened by revelation from the "realm of light" can he come to know his real self - the god within.

Explained in a nutshell:

God is within, waiting to be revealed. Any external influence (matter) is evil. Finding the god within comes only via your mind or feelings. There are no external checks or balances, only those which your inner spirit appropriates as you progress in your revelation.

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Hmm...

Sound familiar?

1Ti 4:1 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;

This is a warning to us all, there is a movement in the world churches, which is based on the devils own lies given at the very beginning of the fall:

Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Secret inner knowledge that differs from Gods expressed will as revealed in His word.

Known as gnosticism, new age, illumination, paganism and many other terms.

One of the best ways to recognise it is when ones personal experience or "inner knowledge" takes precedence over the Holy Scripture.

Have you seen it in your church, on the internet, on this very board perhaps?

Rev 16:13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs [come] out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

Some have received it in ignorance not knowing the scripture, but some spread it deliberately and in a very subtle manner.

It is easy to recognise once you know what to look for.

God bless,

Mark

Yehushuan · Posted: Sun Dec 30, 2007 8:48 pm Post subject:

Mark,

Buy a clue (i.e. don't believe everything you read off the net). Your post has nothing to do with what real scholars actually know about Gnosticism.

You as an adherent to a well established cult have the gall to call the kettle black?

God would wish you actually BELIEVE what your Bible actually says, instead of the counterfeit religion of Believing IN the Bible.

Would you care to explain why your so called inerrant Bible states that Paul traveled to Jerusalem from Damascus immediately after his conversion in the book of Acts, yet also includes the epistle to the Galatians where Paul is denies this very event?

mtimber · Lion King Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 1216

Both those "contradictions" are quite easily explained Yehushuan.

Paul was in Damascus three years and then went to Jerusalem. The account that states he went to Jerusalem does not state a time scale, the time scale is provided in Galations.

The two thiefs both mocked Jesus initially, but then one repented and asked for forgiveness. Again the lack of a specified timeline in both accounts does not mean they disagree.

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But the gnostic ideology that we must accept someones "enlightened" inner guidance over the accepted canon of scripture is not something we should ever consider as it removes the only safety valve we have as christians.

Gods inspired word.

This is a warning against the very essence of the gnostic heresy:

1Ti 4:1 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;

This is also counsel that we are not to "decide" which is Gods word and which isn't.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

We are also warned to try the spirits:

1Jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

So because we can stand on the word of God, we do not have to give heed to the subtle influence of gnosticism and can quite clearly point it out when it comes.

Common traits and identifying features of a gnostic believer:

1. A superiority complex derived from the idea that "one" is enlightened above those who are less fortunate.

2. Presentation of the idea that scripture is subject to spiritual impressions given to those that "have the truth".

3. Condemnation of the bible and its canonicity.

4. The idea that experience is the filter and emotional feelings are an evidence of the Holy Spirit.

There are many more indicators a search for the quoted text above will arm the wary with enough information to never be decieved by new age/gnostic infiltration of their church.

Now the question is Yehushuan, are you a gnostic?

You teach gnostic principles, denying the canon of scripture and placing your leadings above its authority, which is why I ask.

My hope is that you are not, and you are just confused about some biblical teachings.

But if you are my friend, then lets be honest about what you are and what you stand for.

I pray that the Lord will rescue you from these gnostic errors if you are indeed from that camp.

Mark[/i]

Zathrus · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 7:41 am Post subject:

saintmichaeldefendthem · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 8:03 am Post subject:

Mark,

I see a lot of formerly refuted heresies creeping back into the Church (all Christians) and few will argue that we aren't in the latter days that Paul says would be the setting of apostacy. I can haltingly agree with you, but please go into more detail.

mtimber · Lion King Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 1216

mtimber · Lion King Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 1216

Hi Michael Smile

I am indeed English.

I think you bring up some excellent points, but before those are discussed a common point of origin has to be found to build on this discussion.

As gnosticism/paganism/new age theology/buddhism/eastern mysticism/legalism/liberalism/etc have one thing in common at their very core.

Once we establish THAT we can then go on to discuss how these things impact on our spiritual life.

In the garden of Eden, satan turned Eves attention away from God and towards Self.

Now it is such an important point, you will forgive me for labouring it:

Gen 3:1 ¶ Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?

Gen 3:2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:

Gen 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which [is] in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.

Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:

Gen 3:5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

So right here we see the exaltation of self insinuated into Eves mind.

The turning away from God and looking to Self.

Once we see the devils tactics we start to see it on quite open display in all apostasy (some example mentioned above).

The looking away from God and focusing on Self.

This is such a key point that any other discussion on this whole issue has to have this foundational concept at its base.

Would you agree that this is what happened in this instance Michael?

If we have common ground here, the discussion will make much more sense Smile

Mark

mtimber · Lion King Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 1216

Some other words for "self" are the carnal mind or the flesh.

Just to clarify that Smile

Paul uses the term "the flesh" and "carnal mind" in the same manner of usage as "self" has been presented here.

It may be that we need to go back and see that the bible teaches we have "flesh", please let me know if this view is something you would need clarifying?

Mark

45degreeN · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 6:59 am Post subject:

Let me offer a definition of gnosticism from Wikipedia:

saintmichaeldefendthem · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 7:53 am Post subject:

mtimber,

I think Boss's definition seems to fit with what you're saying albeit mixed with Christianity, or creating the illusion with compatibility with Christianity when no such thing is possible. There are two diametrically opposite lines of thought. I really see gnosticism as humanism with a spiritual element, but the thinking is the same. Man started inferior but "evolved" spiritually. The parallel with the physical progression of man espoused by evolutionists is no accident. They both originate from the same place....hell. The Serpent tells Eve, "ye shall be like God" and the drive to godhood has tainted Mormonism and other sects as well. This thinking exhibits extreme blindness to the truth of human existance, and more importantly, our desperate need for a Savior.

The truth is quite the opposite. "You say you are rich," Jesus says, "that you have become wealthy and lack nothing...." then Jesus lays out the harsh reality..."but you don't realize you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." (Rev 3:17) As we see, the truth as affirmed by Jesus is the exact opposite of the pride of gnostic humanism. Satan used flattery and continues to do so today, because who wants to face the destitute nature of humanity lest we seek to be saved? And yet such a knowledge is critical for salvation, hence the devil's agenda to perpetrate the illusion.

Yehushuan · Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2008 7:19 pm Post subject:

wilber · Banned Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 581

Yehu I am disappointed.
I too am a product of English education and I agree that its standards are woefully inadequate, however:

I see the equation as

apostles (plural) = them (plural) = Peter + James (plural, but only just!)

This link may be useful:

http://my.opera.com/Loquor/blog/james-the-lords-brother-apostle

wilber

Yehushuan · Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2008 2:09 am Post subject:

Ahh, come on Wilbur, there’s nothing between verse 25 and 26 in Acts 9 to indicate any long three year period in Arabia, and Luke would not be so remiss as to ignore this. Look at Acts 11:26. Luke thinks it important to note that Paul spent A WHOLE YEAR in Antioch. And you think he would let THREE years just slip by unmentioned?

You know the context in Acts 9 as read, implies that Paul went from Damascus to Jerusalem and had an audience with the apostles as a whole, in order to smooth over past troubles:

(Act 9:26 KJV) And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

How does ALL AFRAID of him mean two?

Furthermore it clearly states that “he assayed to join himself,” whereas this 'joining the group' motive is completely non-existent in Galatians. Not to mention Acts 9:28 states Paul “was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem,” a way to signify the passage of time within activity, whereas Gal 1:18 says he only spent 15 days there. No comings and goings, just one visit.

These cannot be reconciled, and there is no need. Luke just wanted to smooth things over and show Paul as one of the boys.

Yehu

(I'll allow that you were a product of England's public education?)

wilber · Banned Joined: 20 Dec 2007 Posts: 581

mtimber · Lion King Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 1216

I notice you did not answer the direct question Yehushuan.

Are you a gnostic?