Slain In the Spirit and the Damage Done - 1 Corinthians 14:33

“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.” -
 1 Corinthians 14:33.

    A lie is a lie no matter where it is told. And it becomes an especially heinous lie when it is told in a church and given approval by the minister. Enter those whose lie entertains the idea of being ‘lost’ or ‘slain’ in the Spirit. Let’s be brief on the scriptural validity of such a notion: there is none! The stumbling and falling, the nonsensical gibberish, the rolling of the eyeballs back in their sockets - none of the symptoms of being “slain in the Spirit” have the support of holy Scripture . . . none of them! Nor do they bear the signature of the Holy Spirit! This is just another reason why the proper interpretation of scripture is of the utmost importance.
    Paul expressly tells us - “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,” - Ephesians 5:18. The Apostle is contrasting the stumbling confusion associated with over-indulging in alcoholic spirits with the actual effects of being “filled by the Holy Spirit.” They are not the same nor are the effects the same therefore there will be no muddled ramblings or inability to ‘keep one’s feet’ when filled by the Spirit. In fact, just the opposite is true - “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” - Galatians 5:22-23.  Self-control is what Paul says the Holy Spirit will enrich us with, not falling down or babbling incoherently. The Holy Spirit leads us, guides us, directs us, and works to perfect us. He does not confuse or entangle us with mystical delusions.
    Why, some might ask, is the potential for damage to the believer so great for merely desiring an ecstatic ‘spiritual’ experience? After all, if it makes them feel closer to God what harm can there be? The harm is phenomenal! Peter tells us - “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; “ - 1 Peter 1:13. Here he was speaking directly to the people regarding the revelation of their salvation through Jesus Christ., telling them to prepare themselves, to remain sober, and to be assured of that salvation. Herein lies the profound danger of, and perhaps the greatest reason so many Christians seek a “spiritual experience” - it is because they do not have the assurance of their salvation.  They feel they need more. They feel they need more than scriptural support for assurance and that is why they go outside the bible.    There is only one thing outside of the word of God: Satan. And Peter goes on to warn us of the Liar’s formidable weaponry, “Be sober, be vigilant; because  your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8. The devil is always prepared to move into spiritual vacuums left by our lack of assurance or faith. As 1st Corinthians tells us, “God is not the author of confusion . . . but of peace.” And that peace comes by way of our assurance that we have indeed been saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
    May we always rest in the assurance and the peace provided by the Holy Spirit.