Brief History of the Charismatic Movement, Christian Mysticism, and Let-Go-Let-God

All my books can be read online for free at wayneodonnell.com. “Freely you have received, freely give” (Mt. 10:8).This booklet is included in and comprises one section in my book “Paul’s Decision Making in Acts: Anti-Charismatic, Pro-Jewish.”

The history of the Charismatic Movement, Christian Mysticism, and the Let-Go-Let-God doctrine is the history of both misinterpreting the Bible, and also of seeking something more than the Bible. It’s about wanting to get something quick and exciting after justification and before glorification, instead of just diligently laboring using the new mind to serve and battle. Rom. 7:6, "Now ... we ... serve in newness of spirit." Rom. 8:3-9, "They that are after the flesh [all the unsaved] do mind [think about and love] the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit [all who have been justified, think about and love] the things of the Spirit [the Word]. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is hatred against God. ... So then they that are in the flesh [all the unsaved] can’t please God. But you [all who have been justified] are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man doesn’t have the Spirit of Messiah [only the unsaved], he is none of his."

Biblically, there’s no shortcut to sanctification. After we’re justified, we learn and labor, using the new mind, and the next event is glorification.1 Ths. 1:9, "You turned to God from idols [past spiritual justification event], to serve the living and true God [present sanctification process], and to wait for his Son from heaven [future physical glorification event]."

The greatest hindrance to more complete practical sanctification, is the false doctrine of “let go and let God,” as taught by John Wesley (sinless perfectionism), Phoebe Palmer (altar theology), William Boardman (higher life), Hannah Whitall Smith (secret of a happy Christian life), the Keswick Convention (resting faith), Charles Trumbull (victorious life), and many others. As Watchman Nee (1903-1972) said, "From now on I will not do anything, I will not manage anything, and I will not be concerned about anything. From now on I will let go. Brothers and sisters, this is surrendering. This is letting go." But Jesus said, Mt. 9:38, "Pray ... the Lord ... will send forth -laborers- into his harvest."