Mysticism often involves seeking spiritual experiences outside of traditional faith practices, but what does the Bible say about it? Let’s explore what Scripture says about spiritual experiences, the role of faith, and the dangers of seeking mystical encounters.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Charismatic Churches
What Does The Bible Say About Mysticism
1 Corinthians 2:12-13
“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.”
This verse highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in understanding spiritual truths. It emphasizes that true understanding comes from God and not from worldly wisdom.
As believers, we should seek guidance from the Spirit and rely on His teachings to comprehend the mysteries and spiritual realities of God’s kingdom.
Colossians 2:2-3
“…that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
In Christ, we find the answer to the mysteries of God. This verse reminds us that through a deep relationship with Jesus, we can uncover the treasures of wisdom and knowledge that are hidden in Him.
It is in the pursuit of Christ that we gain a greater understanding of God’s mysteries and experience the fullness of His love and blessings.
1 Corinthians 4:1
“This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed.”
As servants of Christ, we have been entrusted with the revelation of God’s mysteries. This verse reminds us of our responsibility to faithfully steward and share these spiritual truths with others.
We should approach our role as servants with humility, realizing that the mysteries we have received are not for our own benefit but for the building up of the body of Christ.
Ephesians 3:3-4
“…that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ.”
Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ, a truth that has been revealed to him through divine revelation. He encourages the Ephesian believers to read and understand his writings, as they provide insight into this mystery.
Similarly, as we study and meditate on the Word of God, the Holy Spirit illuminates our understanding and reveals the deep truths of Christ to us.
Romans 16:25-26
“Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith”
This verse highlights the revelation of the mystery of Christ, which was hidden for ages but is now made known through the prophetic writings. It affirms that the purpose of this revelation is to bring all people, including the Gentiles, to obedience through faith in Jesus Christ.
As believers, we are called to proclaim this revealed mystery and share the good news of salvation to people of all nations.
1 Timothy 3:9
“They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.”
This verse instructs believers to hold firmly to the deep truths of the faith. It reminds us to guard the mysteries and doctrines of Christianity with a clear conscience.
We should diligently study and grasp the foundational truths of our faith, ensuring that we do not compromise or distort them in any way.
1 Corinthians 15:51-52
“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
Paul unveils a mystery regarding the future resurrection and transformation of believers. He emphasizes the sudden and radical change that will occur when the last trumpet sounds, ushering in the resurrection and glorification of both the living and the dead.
This mystery provides hope and reassurance of the eternal life and transformative power that awaits those who are in Christ.
Mark 4:11-12
“He told them, ‘The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables so that, ‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise they might turn and be forgiven!'”
Jesus shares that the mystery of the kingdom of God is revealed to His disciples, while those outside are unable to fully grasp its meaning. He explains that the use of parables serves the purpose of veiling truth from those who are unwilling to believe and receive forgiveness.
Jesus uses the mystery of the kingdom to draw His disciples closer and invite them to a deeper understanding of God’s plan and purpose.
Colossians 4:3
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.”
Paul requests prayer for open doors to proclaim the mystery of Christ, even amidst his imprisonment. He recognizes the significance of this mystery and the need for continual prayer for opportunities to share it.
Similarly, we should pray for open doors in our own lives, asking God for opportunities to testify and reveal the mystery of Christ to those around us.
Daniel 2:28
“…but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these:”
The prophet Daniel acknowledges that only God has the ability to reveal mysteries. In this verse, Daniel specifically mentions how God revealed mysteries through dreams and visions to King Nebuchadnezzar.
As believers, we can trust in God’s sovereignty and His power to unveil mysteries that are relevant to our lives and the future.
1 Peter 1:10-12
“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.”
Peter highlights the prophetic nature of the Old Testament Scriptures, depicting how the prophets searched diligently to understand the details of the coming Messiah and His redemptive work.
This mystery of salvation and the grace of God, which the prophets longed to comprehend, has now been revealed through the preaching of the gospel by the Holy Spirit. This revelation is even a source of curiosity for angels, demonstrating the depth and wonder of God’s plan of salvation.
Amos 3:7
“Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”
Amos affirms that the Lord, in His sovereignty, reveals His plans and mysteries to His chosen prophets. God wants His people to be informed and prepared for what is to come.
Although mysteries may not always be fully understood in the present, we can trust that God discloses what is necessary for His people to know and respond to His will.
Matthew 13:11
“He replied, ‘The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.”
When asked about why He spoke in parables, Jesus explains that the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to His disciples. This knowledge sets them apart from those who do not believe.
It is a reminder that, as followers of Christ, we have been entrusted with the mysteries of God’s kingdom, giving us a deeper insight into His plans and purposes.
Daniel 12:9-10
“He replied, ‘Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.”
God instructs Daniel to go his way because the prophetic words are sealed until the time of the end. It is significant to note that only those who are wise will be granted understanding, while the wicked will remain in ignorance.
This verse reveals the importance of spiritual discernment and a heart that seeks wisdom to comprehend the mysteries of God’s Word.
Matthew 11:25
“At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.”
Jesus praises the Father for choosing to reveal His mysteries to those who have childlike faith instead of the wise and learned. It demonstrates that God’s wisdom surpasses human intellect, and true understanding comes through a humble and receptive heart.
If we approach God’s mysteries with childlike faith and humility, placing our trust in Him, He will graciously open our eyes to deeper realms of truth.
1 Corinthians 13:2
“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
Paul highlights the importance of love in the pursuit of understanding and applying mysteries and knowledge. He states that even if someone possesses prophetic gifts and the ability to comprehend all mysteries, without love, it is ultimately meaningless.
Love should be the foundation and motivation behind our pursuit of truth, enabling us to humbly use the revelation of mysteries for the edification and benefit of others.
Matthew 13:35
“So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world.'”
Matthew quotes the fulfillment of a prophecy regarding Jesus speaking in parables. The parables contain hidden truths that had been concealed since the creation of the world, now being revealed through Jesus.
This verse underscores the significance of Jesus as the revealer of mysteries and His role in unveiling the truths of God’s kingdom.
Acts 17:11
“Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”
The Berean Jews are commended for their noble character and eagerness to receive the message of the gospel. They eagerly studied the Scriptures daily, acting as diligent examiners to discern the truth of Paul’s teachings.
This verse emphasizes the importance of personal study and examination of the Scriptures to better understand the mysteries and truths of God’s Word.
Proverbs 25:2
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”
This proverb highlights that God intentionally conceals certain matters, and discovering those hidden truths brings glory to those who diligently search them out like kings.
As we explore and seek God’s mysteries, it reflects our pursuit of wisdom and understanding, ultimately bringing glory to God as we align ourselves with His will.
Revelation 10:7
“But in the days when the seventh angel is about to sound his trumpet, the mystery of God will be accomplished, just as he announced to his servants the prophets.”
Revelation unveils that at the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the mystery of God will reach its fulfillment, carrying out what was prophesied to His servants.
This verse reveals that God’s mysteries have a destined culmination, and as believers, we anticipate the revelation of His purposes and the fulfillment of His promises.
Romans 11:25-26
“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.'”
Paul instructs the believers not to be ignorant of the mystery concerning Israel’s hardening and the eventual salvation of all Israel. He explains that Israel’s hardening is temporary and will last until the full number of Gentiles has come in.
This passage highlights God’s mysterious plan for the salvation of both Jews and Gentiles, showcasing His redemptive work and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises.
Hebrews 6:17-18
“Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged.”
God, desiring to demonstrate the immutability of His purpose and the certainty of His promises, confirms them with an oath. This provides believers with a firm foundation for their hope, reassuring them of God’s faithfulness and trustworthiness.
Though we may not comprehend all of God’s mysteries, we can find great encouragement and confidence in His unchanging nature and the reliability of His Word.