This post was originally published on The Gospel Coalition Africa.
In my previous article, we examined what it means to be ‘slain in the Spirit’ and some of the verses often used to support this practice. Perhaps one of the saddest aspects of being slain in the Spirit that really grinds my gears is that it’s now become what we consider to be the definitive move of God. Thanks to how popular this practice is, there’s actually a crop of churchgoers who equate this phenomenon to the evidence of the Holy Spirit at work. However, this assumption could not be further from the truth. In this article, we’ll delve into why this is the case and uncover the deeper issues behind this practice.
The Spirit’s Work, According to God’s Word
First, the fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Self-control, in particular, bears little resemblance to the violent shaking, wailing, barking, and other erratic behaviours observed among those who’re supposedly slain in the Spirit.
Experiences that appear frenzied or out of control are not a reflection of God’s manifestation.
Second, the Spirit’s work is orderly and peaceful. 1 Corinthians 14:33 teaches that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” Thus Paul instructs that “all things should be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). These principles should guide us on how we ought to conduct ourselves when we gather to worship. This means that experiences that seem chaotic, frenzied, or out of control are not a reflection of God’s manifestation among believers.
Third, God’s Spirit is one of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). A sound mind implies that the Holy Spirit equips us to reason, towards emotional stability, and to make wise decisions that honour Christ.
Perhaps an instance in Scripture where we should have expected people to be slain in the Spirit would have been the day of Pentecost, in Acts 2. However, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, they didn’t fall uncontrollably or exhibit chaotic behaviour. Instead, they spoke in tongues declaring the mighty works of God. And those who heard them, though initially amazed and astonished, could comprehend what they were saying to the glory of God.
Similarly, throughout Acts, the filling of the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles for ministry, strengthened the church, and glorified Christ. There is no mention of people collapsing into trances, barking, or losing consciousness.
Are People Being Slain by a Different Spirit?
What we witness when people fall under the anointing is far removed from what should be our understanding of how the Holy Spirit works. In fact, the behaviour seen in these episodes bears more than a passing resemblance to how demon-possessed individuals are described in the Bible. For instance, in Mark 9:17-18, a demon-possessed boy foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid.
A demon-possessed boy foams at the mouth and gnashes his teeth.
In Luke 8:27-29, a demon-possessed man falls to the ground, cries out in a loud voice, and exhibits wild, uncontrollable behaviour. These descriptions are eerily similar to what passes as being slain in the Spirit. Only the Bible attributes those manifestations to demonic activity, not the work of the Holy Spirit.
What Is Really Happening?
Of course, we can’t ignore the fact that something is indeed occurring in these hyper-charismatic settings. And this raises an important question. If being slain in the Spirit isn’t the work of the Holy Spirit, what is causing people to fall, shake, or display dramatic physical manifestations? I believe that several factors can contribute to creating the atmosphere in which these things occurs. Below I’ll explore two.
1. Psychological Suggestion and Expectation
Most gatherings where being slain in the Spirit occurs are often marked by an emotionally charged atmosphere. With slow, repetitive worship songs designed to evoke emotions and lull participants into a hypnotic state being played in the background. These elements, combined with a congregation eager to witness or experience a supernatural move, create an environment of heightened suggestibility. By the time the man of God calls people to the altar, many are already primed with the expectation that they will fall. This is particularly true for people seeking a breakthrough or healing and feeling desperate for an encounter with God.
These elements create an environment of heightened suggestibility.
Furthermore, the influence of peer pressure cannot be overlooked. Observing others falling creates a strong sense of conformity, as no one wants to appear less spiritual or resistant to God’s power. This is particularly true in large gatherings as people will tend to mimic what they see others doing to avoid feeling embarrassed or out of place if they do not respond in the same way. In such environments, falling under the anointing can become a learned response.
Adding to this is the deliberate manipulation by the man of God. For example, they may use repetitive phrases such as, “the power is here,” “receive it now,” or “the anointing is flowing,” which heighten participants’ expectations. Not to mention, some of them apply physical force when laying hands on people by pushing them in a subtle way or creating an environment where resistance feels inappropriate.
2. Deliberate Performance
Secondly, let’s be honest. Some of the so-called cases of ‘falling under the anointing’ we see on TV or social media appear to be, at most, mere theatrics. Many of them are so exaggerated that they strain credibility. In my opinion, it’s not unreasonable to suspect that some ministries may even hire actors to stage these dramatic manifestations in an effort to create the illusion that the man of God possesses an extraordinary anointing.
Discernment Is Key
This phenomenon may feel real to those who experience it. But as believers our ultimate authority is the Bible. Experiences, no matter how powerful or emotional, must be evaluated in light of God’s revealed truth (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
According to the Bible, evidence of the Holy Spirit’s presence is not found in dramatic manifestations but transformed lives; the conviction of sin (John 16:8); a deeper understanding of Scripture (John 14:26); and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When the Holy Spirit is at work he exalts Christ; builds up the church; and empowers believers for godly living and effective witness (John 15:26; Acts 1:8).
So, if you find yourself in a situation where such manifestations are being promoted, take a moment to ask: Does this align with the character of God? Is Christ being exalted? Or is the focus on emotional experiences and the charisma of an impressive individual? Is the fruit of the Spirit evident? Or is there confusion and chaos?
Evidence of the Spirit’s presence isn’t found in dramatic manifestations but transformed lives.
As the church, we must reclaim a biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit rather than chasing after sensational experiences that mislead and distort the truth of God’s Word. By returning to a biblical understanding of the Holy Spirit, we can guard against error and grow in our knowledge and love of God, ensuring that our worship and faith remain firmly rooted in His truth.
