MYSTICISM VS. PASSIVISM
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The Mysteries of Christ Himself
Mysticism
All genuine Christians participate in the “mystery of Christ Himself” (Col. 2:2), the “mystery which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). This mystery was once concealed, but is now revealed in the new covenant participation of Christ’s life.
Mysticism goes beyond the gospel
mystery to aver an advanced spirituality that elevates the person beyond the earthly and worldly realm. They often claim to be “knowers” of enigmatic spiritual realities that ordinary people cannot know.
As contemporary Gnostics, they have an elitist attitude that boasts of “having arrived” at the pinnacle of “total-total truth.” Claiming to be deified as co- creators, co-redeemers, and co-saviors with Christ, they are convinced they can “speak things into being” by a “word of faith.” Their self-congratulatory spiritual pride is appalling.
Passivism
In contrast to the activism of the other religious extreme, the spiritualists are content with passive irresponsibility. “Since all that you do, you do ‘as Christ,’ ” they advise, “then, just ‘be yourself.’ ”
“Trust that all you do is His doing. Trust yourself.” This is countered by the proverbial wisdom, “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool” (Prov. 28:26).
We have observed the extremes
that fail to maintain the dialectic balance, focusing on one track to the exclusion of the other. Those who refuse to address their sinfulness are unconcerned about and indifferent to the continuing saving work of Christ, and unless the convicting work of God’s Spirit breaks into their heart they will be unlikely to respond with the humility that recognizes their need to allow Christ to function as Savior in their lives.
Those whose self-efforts at dealing with sin have led them to defeatism will, on the other hand, be more likely to admit their personal inability to conquer the selfishness of their “flesh,” and will be more inclined to accept the all-sufficient grace of God whereby He overcomes sinfulness with His character of godliness.
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Personal Inability...
Dr. James Fowler | IOM Staff Writer
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