A movement known as the Toronto Blessing has been sweeping the English-speaking world. This phenomenon, which often involves writhing about on the ground in a state of uncontrollable bliss or some similarly bizarre behavioural stunt, is painted by its proponents as a manifestation of the Holy Spirit in an individual.
1John 1:4-6 directs us to test the spirits to see whether they are of God. Part of this text was altered by the Modalists who sought to separate Christ’s humanity from his divinity. The correct reading, from Irenaeus, identifies any Trinitarian with the doctrine of antichrist. Do those involved with the Toronto Blessing hold this doctrine?
Significantly, no man can confer the Holy Spirit on anyone. The laying on of hands is a petition to the Father, and baptism is required. What are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit? One is 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. 11:24-26). Instead demonic inhabitation increases. Convulsive writhing on the ground is characteristic of demoniacs (Mk. 9:18-29; Lk. 8:29). Christ and his followers are not recorded as doing this.
God is not mocked. The elect keep the commandments of God (Rev. 12:12, 14:12; Isa. 8:20). Those who teach contrary will be removed from Israel. The Toronto Blessing will be exposed as a “curious art” and integrated into the false religious system of the last days with its false prophet and lying wonders. Along with mesmerism, hypnosis, and transcendental meditation, it seeks to subjugate the mind and open our young to occupation by demons.
God is not the author of confusion but of peace and all things should be done decently and in order (1Cor. 14:33, 40). Let your light so shine before men (Mat. 5:16).