“Slain in the spirit” or “slaying in the spirit” are not scriptural expressions. Some charismatic Christians use these phrases to describe an individual in religious ecstasy who falls to the floor when he is overcome by the power of the holy spirit. Religious ecstasy frequently occurs during prayers for healing.
The subject of the holy spirit is a beautiful one. It is God’s power or influence, and not a person. Thus the holy spirit, God’s power and influence, is manifested in different functions. In the Old Testament, “spirit” is the Hebrew word ruach. In New Testament Greek, it is pneuma. Both may be translated as “wind.” The wind is invisible and powerful and fitly represents any invisible power or influence.
God’s holy power always works for good. For example, Galatians 5 talks about the fruit of the spirit. It is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. God’s holy spirit is working in us to develop this character through our experiences. We don’t need to have ecstatic experiences to prove God is dealing with us.
Why would a person want to be “slain in the spirit”? Some feel it demonstrates God is presently performing healing miracles with His children. However, it begs the question: if God’s purpose, now, was to miraculously heal some (not all), why do they continue to get ill and die? Is His power not strong enough? Or, could it be that now is not the time meant for those works?
God has a wonderful plan, and His timing is perfect (Habakkuk 2:3). He has planned a time in the future when He “will judge the world in righteousness” (Psalm 9:8), and He promises He will “pour out My spirit upon all mankind” (Joel 2:28). This is a promise that eventually, every person will have an opportunity to know God by His power and influence. God will give them the opportunity to live forever as perfect, healthy, loving, wise human beings!
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1188: “Do We Have the Purpose of the Holy Spirit Backwards?”
Distinguishing God’s power from our own desires in our daily life
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: What is the holy spirit?
Animated video: What does the holy spirit do?
Animated video: How do Christians receive the holy spirit?
