(1) There are Satanic counterfeits of all spiritually transformative gifts of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of these counterfeits is to discourage Christians from heeding Paul's command, "strive for the greater [spiritual] gifts."
(2) There is spiritual danger in a superficial conflation of terms like "astral projection," "OBEs," and "visions." Ezekiel, for example, experiences glorious OBEs during which "the Spirit lifted me up (3:12)." Similarly, John's journeys into spiritual realms with the phrase, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day (Rev. 1:10)." Paul thinks it possible that he was transported to "Paradise" via an OBE (2 Cor. 12:1-4). Christian "visions" are a sign of "the latter days (Acts 2:17)." Many consider such experiences forms of astral travel. Atheists have become radiant Christians through their NDEs.
(3) There are 3 key issues for discernment:
(a) Are you exploring spiritual dimensions by an act of will using meditative techniques or are you involuntarily being taken out of body to benefit from such experiences?
(b) Are you seeking help from a spirit guide other than Jesus or an angel sent by Jesus?
(c) Is your OBE spiritually edifying in a way compatible with biblical revelation or are you being introduced to occult experiences like past life memories?
For many years the great Swedish scientist used a meditative technique to explore the Heavens and Hells and the realms in between. He experienced the presence of "the Lord" everywhere he went. The Stanford Research Institute rates him 1 of the 3 greatest intellects of all time! But even he reported the frequent presence of deceptive evil spirits during his journeyes and, for that reason, advised against other Christians engaging in similar exploration.
(2) There is spiritual danger in a superficial conflation of terms like "astral projection," "OBEs," and "visions." Ezekiel, for example, experiences glorious OBEs during which "the Spirit lifted me up (3:12)." Similarly, John's journeys into spiritual realms with the phrase, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day (Rev. 1:10)." Paul thinks it possible that he was transported to "Paradise" via an OBE (2 Cor. 12:1-4). Christian "visions" are a sign of "the latter days (Acts 2:17)." Many consider such experiences forms of astral travel. Atheists have become radiant Christians through their NDEs.
(3) There are 3 key issues for discernment:
(a) Are you exploring spiritual dimensions by an act of will using meditative techniques or are you involuntarily being taken out of body to benefit from such experiences?
(b) Are you seeking help from a spirit guide other than Jesus or an angel sent by Jesus?
(c) Is your OBE spiritually edifying in a way compatible with biblical revelation or are you being introduced to occult experiences like past life memories?
For many years the great Swedish scientist used a meditative technique to explore the Heavens and Hells and the realms in between. He experienced the presence of "the Lord" everywhere he went. The Stanford Research Institute rates him 1 of the 3 greatest intellects of all time! But even he reported the frequent presence of deceptive evil spirits during his journeyes and, for that reason, advised against other Christians engaging in similar exploration.