The New Age Movement
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." (1 John 4:1-2)
This Scripture calls us to test the spirits at work in our world.
Today, the influence of the New Age Movement is growing. This movement is not contained to one specific group but is a general philosophy that covers many converging religions and beliefs. We see this in the teachings of Oprah Winfrey as Hollywood and television commonly promote the New Age.
Some practices include yoga, homeopathy, acupuncture, channeling, positive thinking and positive confession, crystals, man's divinity, spirit guides, guided imagery, visualization, mantras, hypnotism, crop circles, reincarnation, environmentalism, UFOs, space brothers, Ascended Masters and global consciousness.
It is a movement that has attracted many but what does the Bible say?
Angels and Spirit Guides
In most bookstores, there is a section dedicated to New Age spirituality. One subject focuses on contacting spirit guides and angels. However, caution is needed as the Bible warns there is spiritual deception at work in our world.
"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelation 12:9)
We read that Satan is a deceiver and he transforms himself into an angel of light.
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)
The message conveyed by those who channel these spirits, is often one of peace, love and a call for global unity. However, the message is also often critical of Jesus and the Bible. By applying the Biblical test, we can tell these spirits are not of God. One being they call Sanat Kumara and it is said he is lord of the world. Yet in the Bible, Satan is described as the god of our fallen world.
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:4)
If you look closely, Sanat is an anagram for Satan.
UFO's, Aliens and World Government
Another New Age belief encompasses UFOs and aliens. They are also known as space brothers and Ascended Masters. Through entertainment like Star Trek and Star Wars, Hollywood has pushed these into the mainstream. However, these shows also contain an underlying New Age and occultic spirituality. For example, the phrase "use the force".
Today, UFO sightings are being reported more frequently in the news. Recently, the Vatican has weighed in on the subject and came out with a statement supporting the existence of alien life.
In another article entitled "How UFOs and Bigfoot Could Save Earth", the following is said:
One popular belief is that UFO sightings are simply glimpses of the benevolent aliens watching over us, monitoring our destructive ways. We should work to save the planet, the thinking goes, but if we can't, our savior space brothers will intervene just before the world destroys itself, either through environmental pollution or global nuclear war. Once that happens, we Earthlings will see the error of our ways, ushering in a new era of peace, love, and global consciousness.
This New Age belief ties the theory of evolution to the Ancient Astronaut theory. They say millions of years ago, aliens seeded planet earth with humanity. While watching over us they have returned several times to teach mankind and were worshipped as gods. Today, things have become so messed up, they will have to return to help us. We see this idea alluded to in movies like Mission to Mars.
However, what happens if we hold this up to God's Word?
As mentioned earlier, the Bible says there is spiritual deception at work in our world.
We also read that there is no God besides the LORD and He warns against following false gods.
"I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me" (Isaiah 45:5)
"Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them"
(Deuteronomy 11:16)
Also consider what Jesus said about the condition of the world prior to His Second Coming.
"But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:37)
In Genesis 6, the Bible describes the days of Noah. We read about a group referred to as the sons of God having children with women. This act was so wicked, the offspring were giants. While its unclear what these civilizations were doing, the world became so corrupted that in order to preserve the lineage of the coming Redeemer, God flooded the earth save Noah and his family. Some say these sons of God are the sons of Seth, while others draw a comparison to Job 1, where angels are given this name in the Old Testament. In other words, angels who fell and rebelled against God. We see a fall referenced in other Scriptures as well.
"And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." (Jude 1:6)
Today, there is a rising interest in UFOs and aliens, even amongst world leaders. The late Ronald Reagan made a correlation between an alien threat and the world coming together in a speech before the UN.
The New Age Movement also promotes the idea of political and religious unity. Here's a quote from religioustolerance.org.
New World Order: As the Age of Aquarius unfolds, a New Age will develop. This will be a utopia in which there is world government, and end to wars, disease, hunger, pollution, and poverty. Gender, racial, religious and other forms of discrimination will cease. People's allegiance to their tribe or nation will be replaced by a concern for the entire world and its people.
While its not clear what happened in Genesis 6, the Bible connects the days of Noah to the days of Jesus' Second Coming. In addition, a one-world empire is also prophesied to reign before His return. The Bible says the ruler of this empire will persecute God's people and demand global worship. There will also be signs, wonders and a strong delusion during that time. The Bible says it will deceive those who have rejected the truth.
"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:" (2 Thessalonians 2:8-11)
This period of time is referred to as the tribulation period.
So when we hold UFOs and aliens up to the Bible, we can see they are not of God. If there is a discernable source it is likely spiritual deception, more specifically, demonic, in origin.
To watch an online video on this subject, Eternal Productions has produced Messages from Heaven.
Man is God?
The New Age also promotes the divinity of man. Here is another quote from religioustolerance.org:
Pantheism: All that exists is God; God is all that exists. This leads naturally to the concept of the divinity of the individual, that we are all Gods. They do not seek God as revealed in a sacred text or as exists in a remote heaven; they seek God within the self and throughout the entire universe.
In the Bible, we read of a holy Creator who is separated from mankind due to sin.
"The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." (Psalm 145:17)
"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
(Isaiah 59:2)
The source of the teaching that man can become a god is revealed just three chapters into the Bible.
"Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1-5)
It was taught in the Garden of Eden by the serpent, Satan.
This serpent connection is actually recognized in the New Age Movement. The term kundalini, used today in connection with yoga, means "serpent power".
The New Age Christ and New Age Jesus
The New Age Movement also has a New Age Christ and New Age Jesus.
"Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:23-27)
Jesus has warned that false Christs and false prophets would arise before His return.
Today, the New Age is promoting someone they call Maitreya, the New Age Christ. For 30 years, a man named Benjamin Creme has been heralding his supposed arrival.
Today, Creme works for an organization promoting Maitreya and if you have seen the Zeitgeist films, they are also promoting a similar agenda.
Here are a few excerpts from a recent article posted on various news sites.
"For over 30 years author, lecturer and artist Benjamin Creme has been preparing the way for the emergence of Maitreya, the World Teacher.
On December 12, 2008, Share International distributed a news release announcing that in the very near future a large, bright star will appear in the sky visible throughout the world, night and day. Around a week later, Maitreya will give his first interview on a major U.S. television program.
In the very near future, people everywhere will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary and significant sign, the like of which has been manifested only once before, at the birth of Jesus. Then, according to Christian teaching, a star appeared in the heavens and led three wise men from the East to the birthplace of Jesus. Soon, once again, a star-like luminary of brilliant power will be seen around the world. What does this mean? How is it possible?
The answer lies in the fact that this mysterious event is a sign, and heralds the beginning of Maitreya's open mission. Soon after the sign appears in our skies, Maitreya will give his first media interview on American television.
How will viewers respond? They will not know his background or status. Will they listen to and consider his words? It is too soon to know exactly, but the following may be said: never before will they have seen or heard Maitreya speak. Nor, while listening, will they have experienced his unique energy, heart to heart. Also, this is a unique time in history, with whole nations stunned and apprehensive for the future. Therefore it can be assumed that many who hear his words will be open and eager to hear more. It is not for nothing that Maitreya has waited patiently for this moment to enter the public world; America, for one, would not have responded sooner. Now, for the first time in many years, a new Administration has to cope with financial chaos, unemployment and social unrest on a massive scale. The moment of truth for America and the world has arrived.
Not alone in America but worldwide, people are awakening to the need for and the possibility of change. The politicians and economists call the present situation a "downturn" and a "recession." In truth, we are witnessing the last stumbling steps of the old order. Millions are becoming aware that unbridled competition and greed are not the safest path for men, that such materialistic doctrines create a "slippery slope" for the unwary, and, eventually, the international crisis we have today."
Yet if we hold up the teachings of the New Age Christ to the Bible, what do we find?
It is taught that Maitreya is the Universal Christ and all paths lead to God.
"He has been expected for generations by all of the major religions. Christians know him as the Christ, and expect his imminent return. Jews await him as the Messiah; Hindus look for the coming of Krishna; Buddhists expect him as Maitreya Buddha; and Muslims anticipate the Imam Mahdi or Messiah."
"Although the names are different, many believe that they all refer to the same individual: the World Teacher, whose personal name is Maitreya (pronounced my-tray-ah)."
While the Bible says salvation is found only in Jesus. He warned of a broad way which leads to dying in sin and a narrow way which leads to eternal life in Christ.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
The teachings are based on hidden knowledge and the idea that man is divine.
"The Ageless Wisdom has provided the inspiration for the arts and sciences throughout the ages and is also the common foundation of all the world's religions. 'Esotericism,' as it is sometimes called, is also the art of working with those energies which emanate from the highest spiritual sources."
"As humanity matures, further aspects of this previously hidden knowledge are released in a wider, more open manner. Throughout the last 100 years, the Ageless Wisdom Teachings have been communicated through individuals such as Helena Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical Society, and later by Alice A. Bailey and Helena Roerich."
"Esotericism defines God as the sum total of all the Laws, and all the energies governed by these Laws which make up everything in the manifested and unmanifested universe? all that we see and cannot see. God is also the great Cosmic Being Who ensouls this planet."
"Man, in turn, is a 'Spark of God,' a spiritual being expressing itself through a physical body. Each one of us is essentially divine but, compared to the great achievers throughout history in all religions and fields of human endeavor, most individuals recognize and demonstrate this divinity only to a limited degree."
While the Bible says Satan started this teaching in the Garden of Eden at the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
It is taught that Ascended Masters are the custodians of our planet.
"The Masters of Wisdom, together forming the Spiritual Hierarchy, are the custodians of the Divine Plan for this planet. They have inspired all the great human achievements, working from behind the scenes through their disciples in every field of endeavor. The Masters guide and teach, but it is humanity itself, responding of its own free will to their stimulus, which creates each new civilization. Today, the Masters are returning to the outer world as a group for the first time in countless millennia."
While the Bible says Satan is god of our fallen world and the leader of a fallen angelic rebellion.
"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelation 12:9)
"And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." (Luke 10:18)
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:4)
It is taught that man can reincarnate.
"The process by which we gradually manifest more of this divinity is rebirth (reincarnation). Like children entering the school system at kindergarten, we begin at a very basic level of human expression, not realizing our true spiritual heritage. Through the experiences of countless lifetimes lived in many countries, with different cultural and religious upbringings, in both male and female bodies, we learn many lessons through successes and failures, and move forward on our evolutionary journey back to our Source. The gains in each lifetime are carried over to the next."
While the Bible says each person will die once then stand before God in judgment.
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27)
As mentioned above, they follow the teachings of Alice A. Bailey and Helena Blavatsky. Bailey founded Lucis Trust in the 1920's and today her organization is involved with the United Nations. Here is a quote from the Lucis Trust website.
"There are comments on the World Wide Web claiming that the Lucis Trust was once called the Lucifer Trust. Such was never the case. However, for a brief period of two or three years in the early 1920’s, when Alice and Foster Bailey were beginning to publish the books published under her name, they named their fledgling publishing company “Lucifer Publishing Company”. By 1925 the name was changed to Lucis Publishing Company and has remained so ever since.Both “Lucifer” and “Lucis” come from the same word root, lucis being the Latin generative case meaning of light."
Also, here are a few quotes from Helena Blavatsky's book The Secret Doctrine.
"Once the key to Genesis is in our hands it is the scientific and symbolic Kabbala which unveils the secret. The Great Serpent of the Garden of Eden and the "Lord God" are identical ..." (Volume 1, Page 414)
"Stand in awe of him, and sin not, speak his name with trembling ... It is Satan who is the god of our planet and the only god ...
When the Church, therefore, curses Satan, it curses the cosmic reflection of God ..." (Volume 2, Page 234)
"For it is he who was the "Harbinger of Light," bright radiant Lucifer, who opened the eyes of automaton (Adam) created by Jehovah, as alleged; and he who was first to whisper, "In the day yea eat there of, ye shall be as Elohim, knowing good and evil" -- can only be regarded in the light of a Saviour. An "adversary" to Jehovah ... he still remains in esoteric truth the ever loving "Messenger"... who conferred on us spiritual instead of physical immortality ... " (Volume 2, Page 243)
This is very telling because the Bible says something very different about Lucifer (Satan).
"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." (Isaiah 14:11)
The spirituality behind the New Age Christ is Luciferian. The light they speak of comes from Satan.
The Bible warns that Satan deceives in this very manner.
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Satan is described as the head of a rebellion against God. His lie in the Garden and man's disobedience separated us from God and brought sin and suffering into the world. As Revelation 13 reveals, he will empower the Beast (Antichrist) during his reign. However, the Bible declares the fate of Satan and the Beast.
"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." (Revelation 20:10)
In addition to the New Age Christ, they teach of a New Age Jesus.
"BC: The disciple Jesus, who is now the Master Jesus, was born in Palestine as a third degree initiate. The five major Initiations which take one to Liberation have their symbolic enactment in the life of Jesus. That is what the Gospel story is really about. It is a very ancient story and has been presented to mankind again and again, in different forms, long before the time of Jesus.
He was, and still is, a disciple of the Christ and made the great sacrifice of giving up his body for the use of the Christ. By the occult process of overshadowing, the Christ, Maitreya, took over and worked through the body of Jesus from the Baptism onwards.
In his next incarnation, as Apollonius of Tyana, Jesus became a Master. He lives now in a Syrian body which is some 600 years old, and has his base in Rome. He has, in the last 2,000 years, worked in the closest relation to the Christ, saving his time and energy where possible, and has special work to do with the Christian Churches. He is one of the Masters who will very shortly return to outer work in the world, taking over the throne of St Peter, in Rome. He will seek to transform the Christian Churches, in so far as they are flexible enough to respond correctly to the new reality which the return of the Christ and the Masters will create."
This description is very different then the Jesus Christ of the Bible. This Jesus is a subordinate to Maitreya and they deny Jesus Christ is the Creator come in the flesh. When applying the test God has given us in the Bible, it reveals the true spirit behind it.
"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." (1 John 2:22)
Antichrist.
To close, consider this quote from Benjamin Creme's organization.
"Q. How do we know ‘your’ Christ is who you say he is and how do we know he is not someone who is trying to obtain some form of powerful position in the world with the purpose of world domination?
BC: This is a question often put to me by fundamentalist Christians. A tree is known by its fruit, and the Christ must be known by his words, his deeds, and, above all, his energy. If one man could achieve world domination (which, in today’s world, I very much doubt) then it could only be someone of the stature of the Christ."
Very revealing.
So when we hold up the teachings and practices of the New Age Movement to the Bible, we can see it is not of God and caution should be heeded.
For a look at how these teachings are creeping into our churches, visit the Lighthouse Trails Research Project website.
>>BACK TO BIBLE TOPICS
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world." (1 John 4:1-2)
This Scripture calls us to test the spirits at work in our world.
Today, the influence of the New Age Movement is growing. This movement is not contained to one specific group but is a general philosophy that covers many converging religions and beliefs. We see this in the teachings of Oprah Winfrey as Hollywood and television commonly promote the New Age.
Some practices include yoga, homeopathy, acupuncture, channeling, positive thinking and positive confession, crystals, man's divinity, spirit guides, guided imagery, visualization, mantras, hypnotism, crop circles, reincarnation, environmentalism, UFOs, space brothers, Ascended Masters and global consciousness.
It is a movement that has attracted many but what does the Bible say?
Angels and Spirit Guides
In most bookstores, there is a section dedicated to New Age spirituality. One subject focuses on contacting spirit guides and angels. However, caution is needed as the Bible warns there is spiritual deception at work in our world.
"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelation 12:9)
We read that Satan is a deceiver and he transforms himself into an angel of light.
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:14-15)
The message conveyed by those who channel these spirits, is often one of peace, love and a call for global unity. However, the message is also often critical of Jesus and the Bible. By applying the Biblical test, we can tell these spirits are not of God. One being they call Sanat Kumara and it is said he is lord of the world. Yet in the Bible, Satan is described as the god of our fallen world.
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:4)
If you look closely, Sanat is an anagram for Satan.
UFO's, Aliens and World Government
Another New Age belief encompasses UFOs and aliens. They are also known as space brothers and Ascended Masters. Through entertainment like Star Trek and Star Wars, Hollywood has pushed these into the mainstream. However, these shows also contain an underlying New Age and occultic spirituality. For example, the phrase "use the force".
Today, UFO sightings are being reported more frequently in the news. Recently, the Vatican has weighed in on the subject and came out with a statement supporting the existence of alien life.
In another article entitled "How UFOs and Bigfoot Could Save Earth", the following is said:
One popular belief is that UFO sightings are simply glimpses of the benevolent aliens watching over us, monitoring our destructive ways. We should work to save the planet, the thinking goes, but if we can't, our savior space brothers will intervene just before the world destroys itself, either through environmental pollution or global nuclear war. Once that happens, we Earthlings will see the error of our ways, ushering in a new era of peace, love, and global consciousness.
This New Age belief ties the theory of evolution to the Ancient Astronaut theory. They say millions of years ago, aliens seeded planet earth with humanity. While watching over us they have returned several times to teach mankind and were worshipped as gods. Today, things have become so messed up, they will have to return to help us. We see this idea alluded to in movies like Mission to Mars.
However, what happens if we hold this up to God's Word?
As mentioned earlier, the Bible says there is spiritual deception at work in our world.
We also read that there is no God besides the LORD and He warns against following false gods.
"I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me" (Isaiah 45:5)
"Take heed to yourselves, that your heart be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them"
(Deuteronomy 11:16)
Also consider what Jesus said about the condition of the world prior to His Second Coming.
"But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:37)
In Genesis 6, the Bible describes the days of Noah. We read about a group referred to as the sons of God having children with women. This act was so wicked, the offspring were giants. While its unclear what these civilizations were doing, the world became so corrupted that in order to preserve the lineage of the coming Redeemer, God flooded the earth save Noah and his family. Some say these sons of God are the sons of Seth, while others draw a comparison to Job 1, where angels are given this name in the Old Testament. In other words, angels who fell and rebelled against God. We see a fall referenced in other Scriptures as well.
"And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day." (Jude 1:6)
Today, there is a rising interest in UFOs and aliens, even amongst world leaders. The late Ronald Reagan made a correlation between an alien threat and the world coming together in a speech before the UN.
The New Age Movement also promotes the idea of political and religious unity. Here's a quote from religioustolerance.org.
New World Order: As the Age of Aquarius unfolds, a New Age will develop. This will be a utopia in which there is world government, and end to wars, disease, hunger, pollution, and poverty. Gender, racial, religious and other forms of discrimination will cease. People's allegiance to their tribe or nation will be replaced by a concern for the entire world and its people.
While its not clear what happened in Genesis 6, the Bible connects the days of Noah to the days of Jesus' Second Coming. In addition, a one-world empire is also prophesied to reign before His return. The Bible says the ruler of this empire will persecute God's people and demand global worship. There will also be signs, wonders and a strong delusion during that time. The Bible says it will deceive those who have rejected the truth.
"And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:" (2 Thessalonians 2:8-11)
This period of time is referred to as the tribulation period.
So when we hold UFOs and aliens up to the Bible, we can see they are not of God. If there is a discernable source it is likely spiritual deception, more specifically, demonic, in origin.
To watch an online video on this subject, Eternal Productions has produced Messages from Heaven.
Man is God?
The New Age also promotes the divinity of man. Here is another quote from religioustolerance.org:
Pantheism: All that exists is God; God is all that exists. This leads naturally to the concept of the divinity of the individual, that we are all Gods. They do not seek God as revealed in a sacred text or as exists in a remote heaven; they seek God within the self and throughout the entire universe.
In the Bible, we read of a holy Creator who is separated from mankind due to sin.
"The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works." (Psalm 145:17)
"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."
(Isaiah 59:2)
The source of the teaching that man can become a god is revealed just three chapters into the Bible.
"Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:1-5)
It was taught in the Garden of Eden by the serpent, Satan.
This serpent connection is actually recognized in the New Age Movement. The term kundalini, used today in connection with yoga, means "serpent power".
The New Age Christ and New Age Jesus
The New Age Movement also has a New Age Christ and New Age Jesus.
"Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:23-27)
Jesus has warned that false Christs and false prophets would arise before His return.
Today, the New Age is promoting someone they call Maitreya, the New Age Christ. For 30 years, a man named Benjamin Creme has been heralding his supposed arrival.
Today, Creme works for an organization promoting Maitreya and if you have seen the Zeitgeist films, they are also promoting a similar agenda.
Here are a few excerpts from a recent article posted on various news sites.
"For over 30 years author, lecturer and artist Benjamin Creme has been preparing the way for the emergence of Maitreya, the World Teacher.
On December 12, 2008, Share International distributed a news release announcing that in the very near future a large, bright star will appear in the sky visible throughout the world, night and day. Around a week later, Maitreya will give his first interview on a major U.S. television program.
In the very near future, people everywhere will have the opportunity to witness an extraordinary and significant sign, the like of which has been manifested only once before, at the birth of Jesus. Then, according to Christian teaching, a star appeared in the heavens and led three wise men from the East to the birthplace of Jesus. Soon, once again, a star-like luminary of brilliant power will be seen around the world. What does this mean? How is it possible?
The answer lies in the fact that this mysterious event is a sign, and heralds the beginning of Maitreya's open mission. Soon after the sign appears in our skies, Maitreya will give his first media interview on American television.
How will viewers respond? They will not know his background or status. Will they listen to and consider his words? It is too soon to know exactly, but the following may be said: never before will they have seen or heard Maitreya speak. Nor, while listening, will they have experienced his unique energy, heart to heart. Also, this is a unique time in history, with whole nations stunned and apprehensive for the future. Therefore it can be assumed that many who hear his words will be open and eager to hear more. It is not for nothing that Maitreya has waited patiently for this moment to enter the public world; America, for one, would not have responded sooner. Now, for the first time in many years, a new Administration has to cope with financial chaos, unemployment and social unrest on a massive scale. The moment of truth for America and the world has arrived.
Not alone in America but worldwide, people are awakening to the need for and the possibility of change. The politicians and economists call the present situation a "downturn" and a "recession." In truth, we are witnessing the last stumbling steps of the old order. Millions are becoming aware that unbridled competition and greed are not the safest path for men, that such materialistic doctrines create a "slippery slope" for the unwary, and, eventually, the international crisis we have today."
Yet if we hold up the teachings of the New Age Christ to the Bible, what do we find?
It is taught that Maitreya is the Universal Christ and all paths lead to God.
"He has been expected for generations by all of the major religions. Christians know him as the Christ, and expect his imminent return. Jews await him as the Messiah; Hindus look for the coming of Krishna; Buddhists expect him as Maitreya Buddha; and Muslims anticipate the Imam Mahdi or Messiah."
"Although the names are different, many believe that they all refer to the same individual: the World Teacher, whose personal name is Maitreya (pronounced my-tray-ah)."
While the Bible says salvation is found only in Jesus. He warned of a broad way which leads to dying in sin and a narrow way which leads to eternal life in Christ.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)
The teachings are based on hidden knowledge and the idea that man is divine.
"The Ageless Wisdom has provided the inspiration for the arts and sciences throughout the ages and is also the common foundation of all the world's religions. 'Esotericism,' as it is sometimes called, is also the art of working with those energies which emanate from the highest spiritual sources."
"As humanity matures, further aspects of this previously hidden knowledge are released in a wider, more open manner. Throughout the last 100 years, the Ageless Wisdom Teachings have been communicated through individuals such as Helena Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical Society, and later by Alice A. Bailey and Helena Roerich."
"Esotericism defines God as the sum total of all the Laws, and all the energies governed by these Laws which make up everything in the manifested and unmanifested universe? all that we see and cannot see. God is also the great Cosmic Being Who ensouls this planet."
"Man, in turn, is a 'Spark of God,' a spiritual being expressing itself through a physical body. Each one of us is essentially divine but, compared to the great achievers throughout history in all religions and fields of human endeavor, most individuals recognize and demonstrate this divinity only to a limited degree."
While the Bible says Satan started this teaching in the Garden of Eden at the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
It is taught that Ascended Masters are the custodians of our planet.
"The Masters of Wisdom, together forming the Spiritual Hierarchy, are the custodians of the Divine Plan for this planet. They have inspired all the great human achievements, working from behind the scenes through their disciples in every field of endeavor. The Masters guide and teach, but it is humanity itself, responding of its own free will to their stimulus, which creates each new civilization. Today, the Masters are returning to the outer world as a group for the first time in countless millennia."
While the Bible says Satan is god of our fallen world and the leader of a fallen angelic rebellion.
"And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Revelation 12:9)
"And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven." (Luke 10:18)
"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:4)
It is taught that man can reincarnate.
"The process by which we gradually manifest more of this divinity is rebirth (reincarnation). Like children entering the school system at kindergarten, we begin at a very basic level of human expression, not realizing our true spiritual heritage. Through the experiences of countless lifetimes lived in many countries, with different cultural and religious upbringings, in both male and female bodies, we learn many lessons through successes and failures, and move forward on our evolutionary journey back to our Source. The gains in each lifetime are carried over to the next."
While the Bible says each person will die once then stand before God in judgment.
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" (Hebrews 9:27)
As mentioned above, they follow the teachings of Alice A. Bailey and Helena Blavatsky. Bailey founded Lucis Trust in the 1920's and today her organization is involved with the United Nations. Here is a quote from the Lucis Trust website.
"There are comments on the World Wide Web claiming that the Lucis Trust was once called the Lucifer Trust. Such was never the case. However, for a brief period of two or three years in the early 1920’s, when Alice and Foster Bailey were beginning to publish the books published under her name, they named their fledgling publishing company “Lucifer Publishing Company”. By 1925 the name was changed to Lucis Publishing Company and has remained so ever since.Both “Lucifer” and “Lucis” come from the same word root, lucis being the Latin generative case meaning of light."
Also, here are a few quotes from Helena Blavatsky's book The Secret Doctrine.
"Once the key to Genesis is in our hands it is the scientific and symbolic Kabbala which unveils the secret. The Great Serpent of the Garden of Eden and the "Lord God" are identical ..." (Volume 1, Page 414)
"Stand in awe of him, and sin not, speak his name with trembling ... It is Satan who is the god of our planet and the only god ...
When the Church, therefore, curses Satan, it curses the cosmic reflection of God ..." (Volume 2, Page 234)
"For it is he who was the "Harbinger of Light," bright radiant Lucifer, who opened the eyes of automaton (Adam) created by Jehovah, as alleged; and he who was first to whisper, "In the day yea eat there of, ye shall be as Elohim, knowing good and evil" -- can only be regarded in the light of a Saviour. An "adversary" to Jehovah ... he still remains in esoteric truth the ever loving "Messenger"... who conferred on us spiritual instead of physical immortality ... " (Volume 2, Page 243)
This is very telling because the Bible says something very different about Lucifer (Satan).
"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." (Isaiah 14:11)
The spirituality behind the New Age Christ is Luciferian. The light they speak of comes from Satan.
The Bible warns that Satan deceives in this very manner.
"And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Satan is described as the head of a rebellion against God. His lie in the Garden and man's disobedience separated us from God and brought sin and suffering into the world. As Revelation 13 reveals, he will empower the Beast (Antichrist) during his reign. However, the Bible declares the fate of Satan and the Beast.
"And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever." (Revelation 20:10)
In addition to the New Age Christ, they teach of a New Age Jesus.
"BC: The disciple Jesus, who is now the Master Jesus, was born in Palestine as a third degree initiate. The five major Initiations which take one to Liberation have their symbolic enactment in the life of Jesus. That is what the Gospel story is really about. It is a very ancient story and has been presented to mankind again and again, in different forms, long before the time of Jesus.
He was, and still is, a disciple of the Christ and made the great sacrifice of giving up his body for the use of the Christ. By the occult process of overshadowing, the Christ, Maitreya, took over and worked through the body of Jesus from the Baptism onwards.
In his next incarnation, as Apollonius of Tyana, Jesus became a Master. He lives now in a Syrian body which is some 600 years old, and has his base in Rome. He has, in the last 2,000 years, worked in the closest relation to the Christ, saving his time and energy where possible, and has special work to do with the Christian Churches. He is one of the Masters who will very shortly return to outer work in the world, taking over the throne of St Peter, in Rome. He will seek to transform the Christian Churches, in so far as they are flexible enough to respond correctly to the new reality which the return of the Christ and the Masters will create."
This description is very different then the Jesus Christ of the Bible. This Jesus is a subordinate to Maitreya and they deny Jesus Christ is the Creator come in the flesh. When applying the test God has given us in the Bible, it reveals the true spirit behind it.
"Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son." (1 John 2:22)
Antichrist.
To close, consider this quote from Benjamin Creme's organization.
"Q. How do we know ‘your’ Christ is who you say he is and how do we know he is not someone who is trying to obtain some form of powerful position in the world with the purpose of world domination?
BC: This is a question often put to me by fundamentalist Christians. A tree is known by its fruit, and the Christ must be known by his words, his deeds, and, above all, his energy. If one man could achieve world domination (which, in today’s world, I very much doubt) then it could only be someone of the stature of the Christ."
Very revealing.
So when we hold up the teachings and practices of the New Age Movement to the Bible, we can see it is not of God and caution should be heeded.
For a look at how these teachings are creeping into our churches, visit the Lighthouse Trails Research Project website.
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