Christian Churches of God No. 149z

Summary: The Toronto Blessing, Demon Possession, and Hysteria

(Edition 1.1 19951209-19990602))

It is assumed that The Toronto Blessing is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit and that those affected by this phenomenon are somehow in receipt of the Holy Spirit.

Christian Churches of God PO Box 369, WODEN ACT 2606, AUSTRALIA

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(Copyright  1995, 1998, 1999 Wade Cox) (Summary by Andrew Mason, Ed. Wade Cox)

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The Toronto Blessing, Hysteria and Demon Possession

A movement known as the Toronto Blessing 11:24-26). Instead demonic inhabitation has been sweeping the English-speaking world. increases. Convulsive writhing on the ground is This phenomenon, which often involves characteristic of demoniacs (Mk. 9:18-29; Lk. writhing about on the ground in a state of 8:29). Christ and his followers are not uncontrollable bliss or some similarly bizarre recorded as doing this. behavioural stunt, is painted by its proponents as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in an God is not mocked. The elect keep the individual. commandments of God (Rev. 12:12, 14:12; Isa. 8:20). Those who teach contrary will be 1John 1:4-6 directs us to test the spirits to see removed from Israel. The Toronto Blessing whether they are of God. Part of this text was will be exposed as a “curious art” and altered by the Modalists who sought to separate integrated into the false religious system of the Christ’s humanity from his divinity. The last days with its false prophet and lying correct reading, from Irenaeus, identifies any wonders. Along with mesmerism, hypnosis, Trinitarian with the doctrine of antichrist. Do and transcendental meditation, it seeks to those involved with the Toronto Blessing hold subjugate the mind and open our young to this doctrine? occupation by demons.

Significantly, no man can confer the Holy God is not the author of confusion but of peace Spirit on anyone. The laying on of hands is a and all things should be done decently and in petition to the Father, and baptism is required. order (1Cor. 14:33, 40). Let your light so shine What are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit? One is before men (Mat. 5:16). self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is a very serious matter (Mat. 12:31-32). An evil generation seeks a sign, but  no sign will be given it (Mat. 12:43-45; Lk.