There is a persistent attack to debilitate the Christian Church from with in, the enemy is not looking to completely destroy it, but to contaminate it & change it into something else, in order to use it for a different purpose for what it was really created. The way they are working to accomplish this is by bringing subtle false doctrines & infiltrating the church with many false teachers, that will call for ecumenical unity but will attack sound doctrine & those who defend it. They are not hiding their intentions:
Series: Mysticism
Whosoever transgresseth (G3845 = depart, leave, be turned from), and abideth (G3306 = remain, stay, continue) not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. 2 John 1:9-11 .
See more on the Doctrine of Christ
Even many think the ‘Emergent Church movement‘ already past, the truth is their unbiblical doctrines still continue today around the world and it has infiltrated ALL denominations.
Most evangelicals would recognize & reject occult practices like mediums, the Ouija board, etc. knowing the Bible condemns and calls this an abomination. But sadly thousands without knowing are embracing occult practices by accepting mystical Spiritual Exercises. As an ex-Catholic it breaks my heart to see evangelicals following Catholic saints or their mystical teachings.
It is very important to examine what is the spirit behind any spiritual practice 1 John 4:1 before we open the door & welcome them 2 Jn.1:10. Some people will say that what they are learning is in the Bible, but beloved please remember satan is a master of deception! Always check who were the mentors of that teacher, or where their doctrine came from. One of the most used mystic exercises belongs to Jesuit founder Ignatius of Loyola.
Loyola’s secretary Alfonso de Polanco, was also a converso. Relative Antonio de Lara, whom Ignacio served as soldier also had converso ties. <-This link is a book by R. Aleksander Maryks associate director of the Institute for Advanced Jesuit Studies at the Jesuit Boston College.
Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11
When you check the doctrine of Catholic mystics you realize they didn’t understand the gospel according to the Bible (salvation by faith in Jesus sacrifice, not by works, Eph.2:8-9). But they believed their works & sacrifices were needed to ‘ascend‘ & get closer to God. Jesus Christ was not their mediator, but different ‘saints’ that they called patrons or advocates. Most of their doctrines (& even their visions) came from the traditions of the Catholic Church, not the Bible.
She was 62 (1577) when wrote in less than 6 months, her book called ‘The Mansions‘ or ‘The Inner Castle‘ in obedience to an assignment given by her spiritual leaders. The first paragraph is her complaining about that. Later she saidd got the vision of a crystal globe with 7 mansions (& even more mansions) with God in the center.
The book is a guide to spiritual purification, describing the soul as a castle with 7 mansions, on the path to a mystical union/marriage with the divine ‘Majesty’ in the center or innermost mansion. She wrote that by emptying oneself of all attachments to creatures, God then comes and fills the soul with Himself, but this is Catholic doctrine about sin & purgatory, CCC #1472. At the end of the journey the soul would reach Spiritual Marriage in the 7th Mansion, the souls is free from sin & have union with God.
I will meditate (H7878) on Your precepts and keep my eyes on Your ways. I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word. Psalms 119:15-16
My soul will be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth will praise You with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, and meditate (H1897) on You in the night watches, because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. Psalms 63:6-7
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation (H1902) of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14
Relic with dried heart of Teresa of Avila. To venerate the relics of the saints is allowed in the Catholic faith.
Nuns kissing relic with bones of Teresa’s hand. Dictator Francisco Franco had relic of hand until his death.