What is it like to experience or to know God?

[Valetic]

the demons would often come to the Christians with visions and experiences, often amazing, and the Christians thought it was of God. but the demons used that to slowly deceive.

Decieve as in add to or take away from the gospel? Or believe in anything other than God's word?

 

[akaDaScribe]

Hello all, first time poster here. I was an Orthodox convert about 5 years or so years ago but have fallen away. I have recently experienced a renewed interest in the faith, however. So I have a burning question that I keep coming back to.

I have heard much about how we are to achieve theosis, from a practical standpoint. What I haven't seen or heard as much about is what is this process or experience like? Can anyone describe to me what it is like to draw closer and unite with Him? Although I was actively practicing for several years I'm not sure that I have an answer and was hoping that others can help me to better understand by sharing their own experiences. What is it like to experience the kingdom of God on earth/within ourselves?

There are many different experiences that take place when we have close moments to God.

It sounds like the one you are asking about may be the one I'll try to describe now.

You feel the overwhelming magnitude of God's sovereignty. You feel like you are part of something so much bigger than you, but you belong. You feel a peaceful protection like you really are a child of God and it makes you feel like an infant, but in a comforting way. You are unafraid, not because you assume you are protected from harm, but because you know that it is all part of the growth process for you to increase as a part of the kingdom. You feel detached from yourself because you feel that your individual life is not the focal point. You feel like God's kingdom is more important than you, to you. You feel resolved and blessed to be part of a brotherhood. That you were not the first and you will not be the last, but you are known by name and you exist for a reason. And that reason is to be part of that kingdom.

 

[prodromos]

Just a gentle reminder that this thread is in the Eastern Orthodox sub-forum, and the OP was seeking answers from an Eastern Orthodox viewpoint.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Decieve as in add to or take away from the gospel? Or believe in anything other than God's word?

Satan can come as an angel of light. Yes, demons can give experiences or make appearances that have every indication of being from a holy source. That's their only hope of deceiving some people - they would reject the evil spirits if they knew they were evil. Then once the experience/spirit is accepted, they may subtly tempt away from truth in very close-sounding and Holy-seeming ways. Christians can and have been deceived by this, and it is VERY hard to recover from, because they are sure what they have IS holy and won't let it go and don't think they need help.

I'm also not commenting on your experience. I cannot know anything about it. I'm only agreeing that we must be careful, even when something seems to be of God. Satan can appear as an angel of light.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Decieve as in add to or take away from the gospel? Or believe in anything other than God's word?

I dunno exactly how, he is very clever and extremely experienced and very patient.

 

[WadeTheophan]

Hello all, first time poster here. I was an Orthodox convert about 5 years or so years ago but have fallen away. I have recently experienced a renewed interest in the faith, however. So I have a burning question that I keep coming back to.

I have heard much about how we are to achieve theosis, from a practical standpoint. What I haven't seen or heard as much about is what is this process or experience like? Can anyone describe to me what it is like to draw closer and unite with Him? Although I was actively practicing for several years I'm not sure that I have an answer and was hoping that others can help me to better understand by sharing their own experiences. What is it like to experience the kingdom of God on earth/within ourselves?

What’s it like? After embracing and keeping all the advice of the Church and Fathers as much as you can and longing for Him with all your heart it’s LIKE leaving this earth while still staying here, it’s like a breath of fresh air after breathing pollution all your life, it’s like finding still waters after living in a hurricane at sea, it’s like coming to desire purity and holiness with all that you are when only yesterday you might have enjoyed every sinful pleasure. All the analogies will only give you a hint. He is worth every sacrifice every trial. Just don’t give up! Being tenacious counts for much and you will be rewarded!

 

[Unquirer]

Thank you all for your replies! I also found this video helpful.

Frederica's Story: Experiencing more of God (you can find on YouTube)

 

[Unquirer]

Also this video:

Kallistos Ware: Experiencing God and the advance on the path

 

[~Anastasia~]

As it's an interesting topic, I'll look at what they'be said. Thanks for the info.