The term "mystically" refers to a manner of understanding or experiencing spiritual truths that transcend ordinary human comprehension. In the context of the Bible, it often involves a deeper, spiritual interpretation of Scripture and the mysteries of God that are revealed through divine revelation and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible contains numerous passages that invite believers to seek a deeper understanding of God's mysteries. In 1 Corinthians 2:7, Paul speaks of "God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory." This suggests that there are divine truths that are not immediately apparent but are revealed to those who seek them with a heart of faith.

Mystical Union with Christ

One of the central themes of mystical theology in Christianity is the believer's union with Christ. This union is described in passages such as Galatians 2:20, where Paul states, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This mystical union implies a profound spiritual connection that goes beyond mere intellectual assent to the truths of the Gospel.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the mystical understanding of Scripture and the believer's relationship with God. In John 16:13, Jesus promises that "when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, allowing believers to perceive spiritual realities that are otherwise hidden.

Mystical Experiences in the Bible

Throughout the Bible, there are accounts of individuals who have had mystical experiences. For example, the Apostle Paul describes being "caught up to the third heaven" in 2 Corinthians 12:2-4, where he heard "inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell." Such experiences underscore the reality of a spiritual dimension that is accessible through God's grace.

Mystical Interpretation of Scripture

Mystical interpretation involves seeking the spiritual meaning behind the literal words of Scripture. This approach is evident in the parables of Jesus, which convey deeper spiritual truths through simple accounts. In Matthew 13:11, Jesus explains to His disciples, "The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them."

Cautions and Discernment

While mystical experiences and interpretations can enrich one's faith, the Bible also warns against false teachings and deceptive practices. In 1 John 4:1, believers are instructed to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God." Discernment is essential to ensure that mystical insights align with the core teachings of Scripture and the historic Christian faith.

Conclusion

The mystical aspect of Christianity invites believers to explore the depths of their faith and to seek a closer, more intimate relationship with God. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and a commitment to biblical truth, Christians can experience the mysteries of God in a way that transforms their lives and deepens their understanding of His divine purposes.4153. pneumatikos -- spiritually
... dimension. Word Origin adverb from pneumatikos Definition spiritually NASB
Word Usage mystically (1), spiritually (1). spiritually. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4153.htm - 6k

Of the Things Mystically Prefigured in Esau and Jacob.
... Book XVI. Chapter 37."Of the Things Mystically Prefigured in Esau and Jacob.
Isaac's two sons, Esau and Jacob, grew up together. ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 37 of the things mystically.htm

Now, Since These Things which are Thus Spoken Mystically by the ...
... Piece XIV. Now, since these things which are thus spoken mystically by
the prophet seem to all? Now, since these things which ...
/.../the extant works and fragments of hippolytus/piece xiv now since these.htm

Scripture Contains Many Contradictions, and Many Statements which ...
... Tenth Book. 4. Scripture Contains Many Contradictions, and Many Statements Which
are Not Literally True, But Must Be Read Spiritually and Mystically. ...
/.../4 scripture contains many contradictions.htm

The Same Subject Continued.
... Right mystically and sacredly the apostle, teaching us the choice which is truly
gracious, not in the way of rejection of other things as bad, but so as to do ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii the same subject continued.htm

Moreover, --To Touch Briefly Some of the More Recondite Topics ...
... to assail the men who had been committed to their charge and to rout them utterly
in the conflicts of sin, as the Prophet Ezekiel mystically intimates when he ...
/.../15 moreoverto touch briefly some.htm

Hebrews vii. 3-Jan
... of the Kings, and blessed him, to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all." Having
concisely set down the whole narrative, he looked at [2927] it mystically ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xii hebrews vii 3-jan.htm

How Man is the Image of God. Whether the Woman is not Also the ...
... How the Saying of the Apostle, that the Man is the Image of God, But the Woman is
the Glory of the Man, is to Be Understood Figuratively and Mystically. ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 7 how man is the.htm

All who Walk According to Truth are Children of God.
... testifies: "As a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings." [1062] Thus are we
the Lord's chickens; the Word thus marvellously and mystically describing the ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter v all who walk according.htm

Greek Plagiarism from the Hebrews.
... And does he not say very mystically, knowing that the true and real first cause
is one, in these very words: "Now, then, let our opinion be so. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xiv greek plagiarism from the.htm

Concerning Free-Will
... For the others sang beforehand the divine plan in a mystical manner; but these sing
an interpretation of what has been mystically announced by the former. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/methodius/concerning free-will/concerning free-will.htm

Mystically (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mystically (1 Occurrence). Revelation 11:8 Their
dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which ...
/m/mystically.htm - 6k

Mythology

/m/mythology.htm - 6k

World (2829 Occurrences)
... other apocalyptic passages. In Hebrews it is used mystically of the Empire
of the Messiah (1:6; 2:5). (4) Kosmos. We have remarked ...
/w/world.htm - 40k

Mystery (31 Occurrences)
... The initiated was made to partake mystically in the passing of the deity through
death to life, and this union with his saviour-god (theos soter) became the ...
/m/mystery.htm - 42k

General (9 Occurrences)
... The manhood of Christ was sublimated into mere appearance; and in particular the
sufferings of Christ were conceived mystically and symbolically, "sometimes in ...
/g/general.htm - 49k

Apocryphal
... The manhood of Christ was sublimated into mere appearance; and in particular the
sufferings of Christ were conceived mystically and symbolically, "sometimes in ...
/a/apocryphal.htm - 101k

Acts (271 Occurrences)
... The manhood of Christ was sublimated into mere appearance; and in particular the
sufferings of Christ were conceived mystically and symbolically, "sometimes in ...
/a/acts.htm - 101k

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