OCCULT ORIGINS
The term “Charismatic” comes from the Greek word “charisma” which means ‘gift’, and it began to be used as a label for those groups (Pentecostal or not) that were experiencing the so-called sign gifts manifestations. Their main tenants and practices involve the operation today of the ‘sign gifts’.
The followers of the Charismatic Movement say that their origins are from the Apostles and Jesus Christ Himself. The logic there (what little there is) is that these “sign gifts” were never suppose to go away and now there is a reviving of them through the “holy” spirit (sic). [Tongues speaking is the most common manifestation seen amongst Charismatics]. It is interesting, very interesting, to note that there is no mention of tongues speaking from 100 AD to 1648 AD in civilized, Christianized people groups. However, tongues speaking is quite commonly found in basically uncivilized non-Christianized people groups. “Glossolalia” (tongues speaking) occurs frequently among the Eskimos (Inuits) of the Hudson Bay area of Canada. The priestesses of North Borneo speak incantations in a language known only to the spirits (demons) and themselves. The tribal doctors of the modern Quillancinga and Pasto groups of the Andes recite unintelligible prayers as they heal their patients. Glossolalia occurs during seances on the Japanese islands of Hokkaido and Honshu. Even Herodus and Virgil wrote of priests speaking strange languages while possessed.
And going even further back, the pagan priestess near Corinth, where tongues speaking had to be first corrected at, spoke in tongues at the shrine of the Delphic Oracle. Many, if not all, of the heresies of Charismatics can be traced back to heathen practices in Africa by witches and spiritists: the unintelligable tongues, the trancelike state, mantras, wave of warmth, presence of another being, contortions, wild emotionalism, grunting, rolling back of eyes, rising in air sensation, shutting down of will to let the ‘spirit’ take over.
In more recent centuries, the Jansenists, Quakers, Shakers, and Mormons practiced tongues and healing. Still, there were no notifiably Christian groups practicing tongues, healings, or other Charismatica, until around 1900. At this time a few so-called Christians and their churches began speaking in “tongues”. This gained much popularity in 1906 at the “Azusu St. meetings” in California under the leadership of noted tongue speaking leaders Parham and Seymor. This soon metamorphisized and larger groups began practicing the phenomenom. The Assemblies of God and later the United Pentecostals soon became the leaders. Since then, the 4 square, Holiness, “Non-denominationals”, Church of God, Calvary Chapel, The Vineyard, Woman’s Aglow, 700 club, Full Gospel Businessmen’s Assoc., and much of today’s Contemporary Christian Music grew out of this beginning.
Thus, since the penning of the Book of Revelation in around 90 AD, it appears that the “sign gifts” had faded away from so-called Christian churches until around 1900. Were churches just out of touch with the Holy Spirit all those years? Did God just decide to take these gifts away and then give them back again when He felt like it? Or, did the sign gifts truly fade away with the completion of the revelation of the Word of God to mankind (that which is “perfect”, 1 Cor 13:8-13)?
Today, there are 150 million professed Charismatics in the world.
“Charismatics are found throughout the fabric of American Christianity. Although just 8% of the population is evangelical, half of evangelical adults (49%) fit the charismatic definition. A slight majority of all born again Christians (51%) is charismatic. Nearly half of all adults who attend a Protestant church (46%) are charismatic. One out of every four Protestant churches in the United States (23%) is a charismatic congregation. While some of the most common charismatic denominations are well-known – such as the Assemblies of God, Foursquare or Churches of God in Christ – non-denominational churches emerged as one of the most common charismatic “denominations.” Four out of every ten non-denominational churches are charismatic.
One-third of all U.S. Catholics (36%) fit the charismatic classification. 7% of Southern Baptist churches and 6% of mainline churches are charismatic, according to their Senior Pastors.”
(Barna.org)
Are the sign gifts scriptural?
There were indeed tongue speaking in the beginning church but not like we see it today. There was healing also, but again, not like we see them practice it today. There is a total misunderstanding of scripture and then a mixture with this of pride, emotionalism, and paganism. The ‘counterfeiting’ by the Devil didn’t produce a ‘direct replica’ that’s for sure! This is only the tip of the iceburg in regards to their error-filled assumptions and beliefs.
John 4:48 Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.
Matt 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Charismatic Confused Counterfeited Confessions (beliefs)
- The baptism of the Holy Spirit is subsequent to salvation and is a second blessing of God to the earnest seeker:
The Constitution of the Assemblies of God states, “The Baptism of believers in the Holy Ghost is witnessed by the initial physical sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit of God gives them utterance.
- The gift of tongues is operative today and is a gift which should be desired and sought by every believer
- The gift of healing is promised in the atonement
- Salvation can be lost if sins occur (anywhere from “any sin” to only “gross sins” like murder)
- The gift of prophecy is for today (with the offices of prophet and apostle being restored) and revelation did not cease with the closing of the Bible canon. Furthermore, it accepts tongues, interpretation of tongues, visions, dreams, prophecies, etc., as being messages from God to His children
- Women are not restricted from the preaching ministy
- Pushes for removal of “walls of doctrine” that separate and schism the ‘body of Christ’ (ecumenism). Those against the practice of these ‘sign gifts’ are believed to be at the root of the problem (fundamentalists).
- Being slain in the spirit – called “coming under the power,” or “receiving the annointing”
- Miracles
- Binding Satan – Charismatic leaders whip their audiences into a veritable frenzy as they speak of binding Satan, casting him out of individuals and into the pit, etc. They talk of “stomping on Satan” and “chasing him out of this world.” They believe that they themselves have the authority over Satan.
- The Third Wave of the Holy Spirit – In the 1980’s, this movement came on the religious scene and has only flourished since. It comes from the impxetus of John Wimber (Vineyard founder) and Peter Wagner (Fuller professor).
They claimed that the exorcising of so-called “territorial spirits” was essential to complete the task of world evangelization; and, that God had re-established the offices of prophet and apostle with those supposedly holding these offices receiving direct messages from God for the church, and exercising divine authority over the church. This newest movement is often referred to as “Power Evangelism”. Ecumenical in scope and decidedly worldly in practice the three so-called “waves of the Holy Spirit” (Pentecostal Movement, Charismatic Movement, and now the Power Evangelism Movement) have now blended into a powerful coalition which is rapidly spreading.
- The Laughing Revival – simply put, this is the “spirit-manifested” uncontrollable laughing in response to overwhelming floods of joy coming into one’s spirit. It is practiced in Charismatic revivals and meetings.
- Positive Confession – One of its chief proponents is Kenneth Hagin who defined it as: “Your confession of faith in God’s Word will bring healing or whatever it is you need from God into the present tense and make it a reality in your life!” “Say it, Do it, Receive it, and Tell it.”
Thus, the following are key erred beliefs with the Charismatic movement: the baptism of the Holy Spirit, tongues, healing, loss of salvation, gift of prophecy, woman preachers, ecumenism, slain in the spirit, miracles, binding Satan, 3rd wave of the Holy Spirit, the laughing revival, positive confession.
Is the Charismatic movement of God or of the Devil?
Matt 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
2 Thess 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
The ten largest churches in the world are Charismatic. The key to the movement is unity via experience (they call it through the Spirit), and not the Word of God. This intra-faith bond via the “sign gifts” is drawing Mormons, Catholics, Baptists, and Pentecostals together in crusades, conferences, seminaries, and even in their own churches. It may very well be the main tool Satan will use to create a true “one-world religious system”. Music will be used too. Don’t fall for this Satanic unifying tool.