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God uses trances as one of many methods of communicating with His own. I fully understand that the mention of such incites knee-jerk reactions from some Christians. To them, familiarity with literature, terminologies and experiences akin to those found in paganism denotes spiritual contamination. Such critics might find sitting under the ministries of the Apostle Paul and Apollos disconcerting.
In two New Testament passages Paul quoted Epimenides and Aratus (Tit 1:12-13, Act 17:28). Both men were heathen poets and soothsayers who lived hundreds of years before Christ. The definition of the name Apollos is, “belonging to Apollo”. Apollo was the Greek and Roman deity attributed with powers to grant inspiration for healing, music, poetry, and prophecy.
In addition, the patriarchs Moses and Daniel were educated in all matters relating to the respective cultures of which they were captives (Act 7:22, Dan 1:3-4, 17-20). By necessity, significant portions of the curriculums were mixtures of myths, astrological sciences and the heathen mystic practices of the ancient Middle East. Unquestionably, Daniel credited Jehovah as the source of his abilities. Nonetheless, he was cataloged with the magicians and diviners and Nebuchadnezzar appointed him as chief of all of such in his court (Dan 5:11-12). Moses did not cower in fear of occult contamination when the magicians of Pharaoh duplicated his first three demonstrations of Jehovah’s powers. He stood strong and performed miracles that they couldn’t duplicate (Exo 7:8-8:20). Contemporarily believers need the same fortitude.
The Apostles Peter and Paul experienced trances (Act 10:10, 22:17). I will first offer my definition of trances and then compare those of authentic Christianity with those of the heathen. My definition has evolved through years of Bible study and personal experiences
A trance is a state in which one’s spirit is enabled to be the primary/lead functional element in one’s being. During such the individual’s normal physical faculties might be temporarily suspended/altered to varying degrees. Arrival at this state is a combination of absorption in spiritual matters and the initiative of God. The Holy Spirit joined to the believer’s spirit shines light on specific spiritual truths and future events. These come forth in the form of visions from the eternity that God has set within the bosom of every believer (Ecc. 3:11, Pro 20:27). At the Lord’s bidding, portions of all aspects about everything and everybody’s past, present and future are available. The information gained can be exceedingly useful in convincing needy saints and sinners that God is with us, and knows and cares about each person’s present circumstances and future aspirations.
Ritualistic Trances Vs. Biblical Trances
- Ritualistic – Trances are purposely invoked through intensely rhythmic music, dancing and twirling. The sought for state is that of erratic jerking with the pupils of one’s eyes rolled out of sight while emitting unintelligible sounds. Normally, the rituals involve multiple participants striving for the altered state. Participants rarely have any recollections of anything that happened during such events.
- Biblical – The event is not purposed. It is brought into effect by one falling into a trance. The Greek language describes the falling process as a sudden embrace and the evidence that one has been seized. The biblical examples infer that the recipients became so absorbed in prayer that it induced trances. Such can happen while alone and when others are within a close proximity. The contexts of the examples nullify any notions of erratic physical movements. Recipients have detailed recollections of all that occurred.
- For the heathen, the emphasis is on the physical as it denotes possession by a foreign entity.
- For Christians, the emphasis is on the spiritual insights gained during episodes wherein one is drawn into the intense atmosphere of the presence of God. A biblical trance is merely one of many legitimate vehicles that can heighten the potential for believers to receive spiritual revelations.
- Ritualistic – External forces overtake recipients and anything stated is seldom remembered.
- Biblical – Believers succumb to magnifications of the presence of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit who reside within them. The messages received are beneficial for individual believers, those whom they know and even for future generations.
The Word of God speaks of mature believers receiving spiritual revelations about things that were previously beyond comprehension (1Co 2:9-10). As of yet, few, if any, Christians are reporting such events. Surely, the potential for such revelations would be enhanced if more Christians incorporated trances into their worldviews. For believers to fulfill their callings optimally, we must be prepared to accept the various means that the Lord uses to bring spiritual insights. We need more folks like the Apostle Paul. He unashamedly hinted of a trance episode when he spoke of being transported into heavenly regions (2Co 12:1-4). Non-resistant open-mindedness and thorough absorption in prayer are likely the lacking elements. During prayer we should be cautious about evil and embrace all that is holy (Heb 5:12-14).
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