Slain in the Spirit / Knocked out by the Spirit

Does the Holy Spirit knock people to the ground?

  • Yes

  • No

  • I don't know


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MyLordYeshuaTheMessiah

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Some people claim when they receive the Spirit, it knocks them to the ground. Usually backwards.

Others say they receive an overwhelming peace.

In my parents church(Pentecostal), I've witnessed some odd accounts.

One teen boy said he felt paralyzed.
During heated prayers, a young girl starts screaming in tongues. Or some incomprehensible cluster of noises.
The pastor seems to speak more in tongues, then in his own language. When he leads prayer, within 3 seconds he's speaking in tongues. (There's no translator).

None of these seem scriptural. But I don't want to judge like the Pharisees, in the event I unknowingly blaspheme the Spirit.
 
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Monk Brendan

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Some people claim when they receive the Spirit, it knocks them to the ground. Usually backwards.

Others say they receive an overwhelming peace.

In my parents church(Pentecostal), I've witnessed some odd accounts.

One teen boy said he felt paralyzed.
During heated prayers, a young girl starts screaming in tongues. Or some incomprehensible cluster of noises.
The pastor seems to speak more in tongues, then in his own language. When he leads prayer, within 3 seconds he's speaking in tongues. (There's no translator).

None of these seem scriptural. But I don't want to judge like the Pharisees, in the event I unknowingly blaspheme the Spirit.

You're quite rigght. NONE of this is scriptural.

I've seen too many women "slain in the spirit" (a phrase NOWHERE in the Bible) who had enough presence of mind to adjust their wigs.
 
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Sabertooth

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"And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?

They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,they drew back and fell to the ground." John 18:2-6 NKJV
--------------------------------------------​
You'll notice that He toned it down in verse 8.

"Jesus answered, 'I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,...'”

It would be hard to get arrested, if He kept knocking the posse down just by confirming His identity...! :D
 
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Mountainmanbob

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I used to go to a church where people were supposedly slain in the spirit and would fall over. They were coming down the line of chairs one day and the Elder was giving people shoves to the chest and they would fall backwards onto the ground I thought to myself if it's so if it's real when he gets to me okay but when he got to me he shoved me a couple times and I did not fall down. He moved on and I didn't play into the game.

I knew that it was time to find another church.

M-Bob
 
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mukk_in

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I've heard about quite a few instances. When my friend Bob and I were doing some field testing for the EPA in Colorado, a woman at the church in Crested Butte testified about being slain in the Spirit. So, I don't know. One surefire evidence for the indwelling Holy Spirit, is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This, I have experienced, especially peace. Peace in Christ:)
 
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Tom 1

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"And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?

They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,they drew back and fell to the ground." John 18:2-6 NKJV
--------------------------------------------​
You'll notice that He toned it down in verse 8.

"Jesus answered, 'I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,...'”

It would be hard to get arrested, if He kept knocking the posse down just by confirming His identity...!

Is that where the ‘slain in the spirit’ practice originally comes from? I mean is it mainly based on this passage? Thanks.
 
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Sabertooth

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Is that where the ‘slain in the spirit’ practice originally comes from? I mean is it mainly based on this passage?
No. It is just a Biblical precedent for people falling under God's power. The Holy Spirit is the same God.
 
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Strong in Him

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Some people claim when they receive the Spirit, it knocks them to the ground. Usually backwards.

Others say they receive an overwhelming peace.

In my parents church(Pentecostal), I've witnessed some odd accounts.

One teen boy said he felt paralyzed.
During heated prayers, a young girl starts screaming in tongues. Or some incomprehensible cluster of noises.
The pastor seems to speak more in tongues, then in his own language. When he leads prayer, within 3 seconds he's speaking in tongues. (There's no translator).

None of these seem scriptural. But I don't want to judge like the Pharisees, in the event I unknowingly blaspheme the Spirit.


I don't think it's that he, (he, by the way, not "it") knocks them to the ground. I think it's that there are times when people are so overwhelmed by the presence of a holy, and almighty, God that they can't stand in his presence.
In the OT, people sometimes fell face down in the presence of angels, Genesis 2:18; Numbers 22:31. In the NT, when Jesus enabled the disciples to catch many fish, Peter fell at his feet and said, "go away from me, Lord, I am a sinful man", Luke 5:8. John fell at the feet of the angel who appeared to him on Patmos, Revelation 1:17, and we read that the heavenly beings fall down before God and worship him, Revelations 4:9-10.

Personally, I don't find that a problem - nor speaking in tongues, which is also Scriptural.
The problem is when people decide that they need to have one of these experiences to show others how spiritual they are, and fabricate it. As well as stories of people being pushed, I used to go to a healing centre where a certain guest, if he was there, could be guaranteed to lay on the floor at a certain point. He never fell, he lay down. Now I have no idea what the Lord was doing in his life, and it could be that he felt he wanted to lie down and either worship, or receive from, God. Even though I tried not to judge - as an onlooker it seemed very much as though he was doing it because he felt it was expected, or because it made him holier. THAT is a problem. It's still between the person and God, but it is a problem.
I have occasionally read accounts of leaders pushing people because they need this outward experience to happen. That is appalling, and I've no doubt they will answer to God for it.
 
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Sabertooth

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Being "slain in the Spirit" even has a pedigree in the revivals of Wesley & Wakefield. Some detractors even experienced it without any human touch whatsoever.

More Biblical examples can be found. In Acts of the Apostles 9:3-4,

"As [Saul of Tarsus] journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?'”

And Revelation 1:10-17,

"10 I [John] was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, 'I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,...'

17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead."
 
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FIRESTORM314

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This is a really tough question and I am interesting to see if how it pans out.

There are those who don't believe the Spiritual gifts are for today and those who do not. The one's who don't are going to see it as all false manifestations. I'm guessing The one's who do are also going to be divided as to just how much of this is of God and what is False.

I was incredibly filled with the Spirit as an early Christian and had an encounter with God which was unmistakable. I was healed of a certain medical condition. Then later in my walk with God I decided to leave the same congregation as they were going in a direction that included some of the things discussed in this thread. The church eventually split up , after a change of leadership, and adopted a more contemporary style worship meeting with very much reduced Open use of Spiritual Gifts amongst the congregation. This was because of a lot of sillyness going on amongst the believers. The church was located in a difficult part of Town and generally attracted a certain type of people with "problems". Giving them full reign to openly use Gifts ( and encouraging them to do so ) resulted in Chaos. So it was pretty much put right by enforced rules were everyone had to behave themselves.

Now we are hearing of all sorts of problems in other Churches were the behaviour went unchecked. In many cases the Leadership were encouraging the believers into all sorts of weird manifestations. Once a congregation is seen as accepting the manifestations then they are easily persuaded to take on board all sorts of strange teachings. Why shouldn't they - they have the manifestations of the holy spirit so the words they are given and fed on must be true? This is pretty much how it goes. They possibly see themselves as more enlightened when in fact they may well have deviated from the path

This is just my opinion.

I do know that when one is in serious error or deluded then it takes something external to that person to correct it. Only God himself can shed light on such matters and bring Truth and correct understanding.

Matthew 24:24
At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe it. 24For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible. 25See, I have told you in advance.
 
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FIRESTORM314

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You're quite rigght. NONE of this is scriptural.

I've seen too many women "slain in the spirit" (a phrase NOWHERE in the Bible) who had enough presence of mind to adjust their wigs.

It's difficult to determine just exactly how the Spiritual Gifts actually worked. There's not a lot of in depth material to go by.
We do have some pointers in the Old Testament but is this the same as the Spiritual Gifts and events of the New Testament?

Ezekiel was already flat on his face when the Spirit Raised him to his feet

1“Son of man,” He said to me, “stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.” 2And as He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet.

Also King Saul Prophesied and lay naked all day and night

1 Samuel 19:23
o Saul went to Naioth in Ramah. But the Spirit of God came upon even Saul, and he walked along prophesying until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24Then Saul stripped off his robes and also prophesied before Samuel. And he collapsed and lay naked all that day and night. That is why it is said, “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
 
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Francis Drake

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You're quite rigght. NONE of this is scriptural.

I've seen too many women "slain in the spirit" (a phrase NOWHERE in the Bible) who had enough presence of mind to adjust their wigs.

There are many other things not found in the bible, such as the Trinity.
 
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swordsman1

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Some people claim when they receive the Spirit, it knocks them to the ground. Usually backwards.

Others say they receive an overwhelming peace.

In my parents church(Pentecostal), I've witnessed some odd accounts.

One teen boy said he felt paralyzed.
During heated prayers, a young girl starts screaming in tongues. Or some incomprehensible cluster of noises.
The pastor seems to speak more in tongues, then in his own language. When he leads prayer, within 3 seconds he's speaking in tongues. (There's no translator).

None of these seem scriptural. But I don't want to judge like the Pharisees, in the event I unknowingly blaspheme the Spirit.

There is nowhere in scripture where a leader touches a believer and they lose control of their legs and fall to the floor. The practice is entirely unbiblical. How could the Holy Spirit cause anyone to lose control of themselves, when one of the fruits of the Spirit is self control?

If being 'slain in the Spirit' is supposedly being overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit then why does exactly the same thing occur in other religions? Surely the Holy Spirit cannot be active in those religions too. Seems to me this 'manifestation' is just a fleshly reaction when people get swept up by religious/mystical emotionalism.
 
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Francis Drake

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I have experienced being "slain in the Spirit" many many times.

It first happened long before it became popular entertainment. A visiting pastor prayed for me and I was thrown across the room. I know that was the result of things within me reacting to the Spirit's power as they were cast out.

I have had hands laid on at times and been pushed back by the minister, which I resist. At other times I have collapsed because my knees gave way under the presence of the Holy Spirit.

But these days when I end up on the floor, its without any laying on of hands, largely because we are no longer in the church system.

But every day when my wife and I seek the Lord at home, we invariably sense his power over us. That sometimes makes us fall, but mostly we just quake all over as he fills us again and again.
 
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Strong in Him

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There are many other things not found in the bible, such as the Trinity.

The concept of the Trinity - The Father, the Son and the Spirit all being divine, yet there is only one God - is most certainly Scriptural.
The word Trinity is not is Scripture; but neither are the words computer, internet or trousers.

The phrase "slain in the Spirit" may not be Scriptural - but people being overwhelmed by the power, love or holiness of God, is.
 
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MyLordYeshuaTheMessiah

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"And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples. Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?

They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. Now when He said to them, “I am He,they drew back and fell to the ground." John 18:2-6 NKJV
--------------------------------------------​
You'll notice that He toned it down in verse 8.

"Jesus answered, 'I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,...'”

It would be hard to get arrested, if He kept knocking the posse down just by confirming His identity...! :D
They didn't receive the Holy Spirit.
 
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MyLordYeshuaTheMessiah

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I have experienced being "slain in the Spirit" many many times.

It first happened long before it became popular entertainment. A visiting pastor prayed for me and I was thrown across the room. I know that was the result of things within me reacting to the Spirit's power as they were cast out.

I have had hands laid on at times and been pushed back by the minister, which I resist. At other times I have collapsed because my knees gave way under the presence of the Holy Spirit.

But these days when I end up on the floor, its without any laying on of hands, largely because we are no longer in the church system.

But every day when my wife and I seek the Lord at home, we invariably sense his power over us. That sometimes makes us fall, but mostly we just quake all over as he fills us again and again.
Interestingly enough, if you look into CHI energy manipulation in Eastern religions(not Christian), they also have Monks or Guru's that push people. The person feels some energy go through them, and they fall to the ground.

Be very careful about things that aren't scriptural. There are churches that have a "spirit" fall on the people, and they roll around on the floor laughing and some mourning. It looks more like something from a horror movie.

The power of darkness can perform wonders as well. The question is can you distinguish between them, by measuring up to scripture.

New age occultists have similar experiences as John of Patmos. Where they come out of their body and demons disguised as angels, show them wonders.
Or demons transform and mimic passed family members, and through channelers speak to people.

I feel we're getting closer to merging Christianity with occultism, because there is so much liberalism in the church. They're starting to incorporate eastern meditation and yoga rituals. Which are the exact practices Guru's use, to become "enlightened". Meanwhile they invite demons who give them powers.

Satan is very sneaky, and he can easily mimic darkness to be indistinguishable from light. To the point where Christians have to twist scripture, in order to make room for darkness disguised as light.
 
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Francis Drake

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The concept of the Trinity - The Father, the Son and the Spirit all being divine, yet there is only one God - is most certainly Scriptural.
I think you missed my point completely. I never said the Trinity isn't scriptural!
The word Trinity is not is Scripture; but neither are the words computer, internet or trousers.
Congratulations, well researched!
The phrase "slain in the Spirit" may not be Scriptural - but people being overwhelmed by the power, love or holiness of God, is.
Yay, we agree!
 
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Strong in Him

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I think you missed my point completely. I never said the Trinity isn't scriptural!

You said;
There are many other things not found in the bible, such as the Trinity.

That tells me that you don't think the Trinity is in Scripture.
Not quite.
The word isn't. But its meaning - ONE God, 3 persons; Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is Scriptural.

Yay, we agree!

If you'd made it clear in your first post that the word Trinity isn't Scriptural, there would have been no need for the sarcasm.
 
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