IPHC Frequently Asked Questions

A good resource article is found in the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements by Stanley M. Burgess and Gary B. McGee (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan Publishing House, 1988, pages 789-791).

According to Burgess and McGee, this somewhat common experience in Pentecostal and charismatic churches also goes by the names "falling under the power," "resting in the Spirit."

The experience has been noted in church history for centuries including some early church martyrdom's and in the preaching of John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, and Charles Finney.

Although the exact phrase of "slain in the Spirit" (or the other terms) is not found in the Bible, there are some Biblical texts that point to this experience as individuals encountered the power of God:

1. Genesis 15:12-21, Abraham falls into a deep sleep when God encounters him.
2. Numbers 24:4 describes Balaam falling into a trance but having his eyes open.
3. 1 Samuel 19:23, 24 describe Saul laying down all day and night as he prophesied before Samuel.
4. Ezekiel 1:28 reveals the prophet falling down before the Lord.
5. Matthew 17:6 the disciples fall down in the presence of the Transfiguration of Jesus.
6. Acts 9:4 and 26:14 describe Paul (Saul) falling down when encountering the Risen Jesus on the Damascus Road.
7. Revelation 1:10, 17 describe John "in the Spirit" and falling down as if he were dead at the feet of Christ.

Like all physical manifestations of spiritual experiences, it can be abused and even imitated by Satan. The following may serve as a guideline for determining the legitimacy of when someone experiences this phenomenon:

Is Jesus Christ acknowledged as Lord and Savior in the service?
Was someone "pushed down" or did they fall in response to prayer (including laying on of hands in prayer)?
Did the person "fall" in order to do what everyone else is doing or did he/she fall as an act of surrender of self and pride to the Holy Spirit?

While the IPHC believes this is a legitimate spiritual experience, it should not be used to determine the quality of a person's walk with Jesus Christ or to determine which speaker or minister is more anointed.

Doug Beacham
Executive Director,
IPHC Church Education Ministries.



		Can you please explain to me the phrase "Slain in the Spirit"...and reference where in the Bible this is located? A good resource article is found in the Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements by Stanley M. Burgess and Gary B. McGee (Grand Rapids, Michigan, Zondervan Publishing House, 1988, pages 789-791). According to Burgess and McGee, this somewhat common experience in Pentecostal and charismatic churches also goes by the names "falling under the power," "resting in the Spirit." The experience has been noted in church history for centuries including some early church martyrdom's and in the preaching of John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, and Charles Finney. Although the exact phrase of "slain in the Spirit" (or the other terms) is not found in the Bible, there are some Biblical texts that point to this experience as individuals encountered the power of God: 1. Genesis 15:12-21, Abraham falls into a deep sleep when God encounters him. 2. Numbers 24:4 describes Balaam falling into a trance but having his eyes open. 3. 1 Samuel 19:23, 24 describe Saul laying down all day and night as he prophesied before Samuel. 4. Ezekiel 1:28 reveals the prophet falling down before the Lord. 5. Matthew 17:6 the disciples fall down in the presence of the Transfiguration of Jesus. 6. Acts 9:4 and 26:14 describe Paul (Saul) falling down when encountering the Risen Jesus on the Damascus Road. 7. Revelation 1:10, 17 describe John "in the Spirit" and falling down as if he were dead at the feet of Christ. Like all physical manifestations of spiritual experiences, it can be abused and even imitated by Satan. The following may serve as a guideline for determining the legitimacy of when someone experiences this phenomenon: Is Jesus Christ acknowledged as Lord and Savior in the service? Was someone "pushed down" or did they fall in response to prayer (including laying on of hands in prayer)? Did the person "fall" in order to do what everyone else is doing or did he/she fall as an act of surrender of self and pride to the Holy Spirit? While the IPHC believes this is a legitimate spiritual experience, it should not be used to determine the quality of a person's walk with Jesus Christ or to determine which speaker or minister is more anointed. Doug Beacham Executive Director, IPHC Church Education Ministries.


		Last update on 10/4/06 ©IPHC Ministries. All rights reserved