Spiritual illumination is a major tenet of cultic-like religions, "main-line christianity" and apostates. This doctrine teaches that the Holy Spirit aids both the saint and the sinner to understand the Bible, variously named, "divine wisdom," "soul- sense," "spiritual insight," "inward testimony," "spiritual illumination" and "christian experience." Whatever the name, it is to be rejected and refuted because it is the source of much woe. It leads to division between parents and their children, between husbands and wives, and between long-time friends; it allows evil men to think themselves to be good men; it has physically killed hundreds of cultic followers and lulled millions of unsuspecting victims to their eternal death; it has fleeced the rich and stolen needed resources from the poor, and it has caused the name of God to be blasphemed among the nations. Love for souls calls us to stand against this teaching.
A. ILL--"Wait for the Spirit's Direction"
B. Cultic-like religions claim this special work.
C. "Main-line christianity" claims this special work.
D. Apostates from the Lord claim this special work.
A. So one does not have to subject himself to doctrines that he finds undesirable.
B. So they can introduce new doctrines--and get rich.
C. Many are simply mislead (some, only momentarily).
A. Jn 14:26
B. Jn 16:13
C. 1 Co 2:14 (NIV, LBP, RSV)
A. It produces evil and bizarre behavior
B. It produces teaching contrary to the New Testament
C. It produces teaching contrary to others who are supernaturally illuminated
A. Through the gospel (2 Co 4:3-6)
B. Through the Revelation (2 Ti 1:10,11; Ep 3:2-5)
C. Through teaching (Ac 8:30,31)
C. Through preaching (Ac 26:17-18)
God has the ability to give us an understandable written revelation. The problem with understanding the Bible is not with God but with man who refuses to know His revealed will.