Out of Body Experiences

Spiritual Warfare: The Occult

Out of Body Experience - What is it?
An "out of body experience" (OBE) can be defined as the process of transiently separating the consciousness (spirit) from the physical body, such that the person and world are observed from outside of the body. OBE's are also known as astral projections. There are several ways people perceive an out of body experience, including dreams, daydreams, and memories. People have reported having out of body experiences while under the influence of drugs or induced by some sort of trauma, as well as near death experiences. Astral projection is taught through books, the internet, and religious techniques. An out of body experience is said to be clearer than a dream or daydream. Those who practice astral projections claim that their senses are enhanced, allowing them to see and feel with more clarity and without physical constraint. The origins of out of body experiences are unknown. However, OBE's have been practiced for many years in several different cultures. The New Age Movement is widely known for promoting and using this practice.

Out of Body Experience - Why Do People Seek It?
Out of body experiences are sought after by those who desire knowledge or power in the spiritual realm, endeavor to help people, are curious, or want to be entertained. In some cases, people actually seek OBE's to cause harm to others. For the most part, an out of body experience is desired for a spiritual reason, such as reaching a higher level of consciousness or enlightenment.

Out of Body Experience - What Does the Bible Teach Us?
According to some, out of body experiences are said to be justified in the Bible, citing several scriptures. Unfortunately, those interpretations have been taken out of context or they fail to address the culture of that time. In the Bible, an out of body experience is regarded as an occult practice. The greatest evidence against OBE is that God's people didn't "perform" them. In all of the scriptures mentioning "in the spirit" or "caught up in the spirit," the people didn't seek to have an out of body experience. Instead, God came to specific people, revealing specific things for a specific purpose. These events occurred to glorify God and reveal His love for His people. The people did not seek to have an out of body experience for personal gain or to get clarity about the world or God.

Out of Body Experience - Is There Potential Harm?
People may argue that there's no harm in having an out of body experience. However, in the Bible, it's clear that we are not to participate in occult practices. Out of the body experiences were not part of the teachings of God. Out of body experiences could be defined as divination, sorcery, interpreting of omens, engaging in witchcraft, or casting spells. Those who perform OBE may be referred to as mediums or spiritists. Overall, these practices are called detestable in the eyes of God (Deuteronomy 18:9-11, Galatians 5:19-26, and 2 Chronicles 33:6). As a result, there could also be emotional, physical, mental, and/or spiritual harm associated with OBE practices. Since OBE is not condoned by God, it would lead us to believe that there is another force behind these phenomena. While having an out of body experience, one should keep in mind that we are to be prepared for action, self-controlled, set on the hope given to us, obedient, and not conform to our evil desires (1 Peter 1:13). Can this happen if we separate ourselves from our body?

Courtesy of http://www.allaboutspirituality.org

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