Mysticism (Reformed Baptist Perspective)

Definition:

Mysticism in the Christian context refers to a form of spirituality that emphasizes the pursuit of a direct, experiential union with God. Mystics seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with God, often through prayer, meditation, and contemplation. In its most biblical form, Christian mysticism focuses on the presence of God, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the transformative power of God's grace, while rejecting any practices that stray from Scripture or promote personal experiences apart from the truths of the Bible.

In the Reformed Baptist tradition, mysticism is not seen as a mystical experience for its own sake but as a desire to know and commune with God, rooted firmly in Scripture. Reformed Baptists assert that any mystical experience must align with God's Word, rejecting extrabiblical or subjective forms of mysticism that elevate personal experiences above the teachings of Scripture.

Key Concepts:

  1. Union with Christ:
    Mysticism in the Reformed tradition begins with the doctrine of union with Christ. This union is not about private spiritual experiences disconnected from Christ’s work but about a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus through faith, which is both positional (we are in Christ) and practical (Christ is in us).

    Key Verse:

    • John 15:4: "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me."

  2. Sanctification:
    Mysticism in Reformed theology emphasizes sanctification, the ongoing process of being made holy. Mystics seek to be drawn closer to God, but this closeness leads to transformation in character and lifestyle, in accordance with God’s Word.

    Key Verse:

    • 1 Thessalonians 4:3: "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality."

  3. Communion with God:
    Christian mysticism, according to the Reformed view, is the pursuit of deeper communion with God, grounded in prayer, worship, and the reading of Scripture. It is not about seeking personal, subjective experiences but about the believer experiencing God in a way that is faithful to His revealed Word.

    Key Verse:

    • Psalm 42:1-2: "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."

  4. The Role of the Holy Spirit:
    In Reformed mysticism, the Holy Spirit plays a central role in leading believers into deeper experiences of God's presence, illuminating their minds to understand the Scripture, and working in them to bear fruit. The Spirit helps believers grow in holiness and experience a closer relationship with God.

    Key Verse:

    • Romans 8:16: "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

  5. The Word and Prayer:
    True mysticism, from a Reformed perspective, does not bypass the means of grace established by God: the Word of God and prayer. The believer grows closer to God primarily through the faithful study of Scripture and regular prayer, rather than seeking out extra-biblical or subjective mystical experiences.

    Key Verses:

    • John 17:17: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
    • Philippians 4:6: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Reformed Baptist View of Mysticism:

  1. Scriptural Foundation:
    Mysticism is not condemned in the Reformed tradition, as long as it is rooted in Scripture. Any personal experiences or mystical moments must be tested against the Word of God. Mysticism in this tradition is about knowing God more intimately through His Word, not through experiences that go beyond or contradict Scripture.

  2. No Elevation of Experience:
    Unlike some forms of mysticism that elevate personal or subjective experiences above Scripture, Reformed mysticism sees experience as a response to God’s Word, not a source of new revelation. Any experience that contradicts Scripture or tries to replace the Word is to be rejected.

  3. Focus on Christ:
    Mysticism in Reformed theology is always Christ-centered. It is not about a mystical pursuit of God for the sake of personal enlightenment but about growing in Christlikeness, honoring Christ, and experiencing more of His love, grace, and presence.

  4. Avoidance of Contemplative Practices:
    Reformed Baptists often reject certain contemplative practices promoted in other traditions, such as centering prayer or emptying the mind to experience God in a non-cognitive way. Instead, they stress that true communion with God occurs through prayer, the reading of Scripture, and worship in the fullness of the truth.

  5. Experiential Knowledge of God:
    Mysticism in the Reformed tradition is not about achieving emotional highs but about an ever-deepening knowledge of God’s truth, which transforms the believer’s heart and life. This experiential knowledge is connected with growing in understanding and obedience to God’s Word.

Reformed Baptists and Mysticism:

While Reformed Baptists may use the term mysticism, it is not to be understood in the sense of detached, unbiblical, or esoteric experiences. Rather, it emphasizes a deeper, experiential knowledge of God, grounded in Christ and Scripture. In this sense, mysticism is simply the rich, vibrant life of the believer who walks in constant communion with God through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Sources for Further Study:

  • John Owen, Communion with God: A classic work that discusses how believers can commune with God in a real and experiential way, focusing on the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • J.I. Packer, Knowing God: Packer highlights the importance of knowing God deeply and intimately through Scripture, prayer, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
  • Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: Offers clear explanations on how the Holy Spirit works in the life of the believer, drawing them closer to God.
  • R.C. Sproul, The Holiness of God: Sproul explores the relational aspect of the believer’s walk with God, emphasizing the transformative experience of encountering God's holiness.
  • A.W. Pink, The Attributes of God: Pink discusses the experiential knowledge of God as believers grow in their understanding and relationship with Him through His revealed attributes.

Mysticism in the Reformed Baptist tradition is not about an abstract or subjective spiritual journey but is firmly rooted in the objective truths of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit to bring believers into greater union with Christ.

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