The Dark Roots of Eastern Mysticism

The Dark Roots of Eastern Mysticism and Why It Opposes the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Eastern Mysticism Exposed: A Christian Warning Against Deceptive Spiritual Practices

What Is Eastern Mysticism?

Eastern mysticism is a broad term used to describe spiritual and religious practices originating from the East, particularly India, China, and other parts of Asia. This includes Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, and related esoteric teachings. These systems emphasize achieving enlightenment, divine union, or spiritual power through meditation, yoga, energy manipulation, reincarnation beliefs, and consciousness expansion.

Today, Eastern mysticism is often rebranded under New Age terminology—think of yoga studios, mindfulness apps, kundalini awakenings, and chakra balancing. Though they are marketed as tools for peace and personal growth, the spiritual roots are anything but harmless.

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Who Founded This Modality?

Unlike Western religions with a single identifiable founder, Eastern mysticism emerged over centuries. Two of its most influential figures include:

• Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) – The founder of Buddhism (circa 5th century BC), who rejected the concept of a personal Creator God. He taught that enlightenment comes through personal effort and detachment.

• Sages of the Vedas and Upanishads – Hinduism’s foundational texts were compiled over time by Indian priests and mystics who claimed to receive divine knowledge through meditation and spirit contact.

These founders were spiritual figures who encountered “divine beings” during mystical experiences, but these beings were not the God of the Bible. Their spirituality was centered on impersonal energy forces, reincarnation, karma, and the pursuit of godhood within.

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Cultural Roots and Core Beliefs

Eastern mysticism came out of pagan and polytheistic cultures—specifically Hindu India, Buddhist Tibet, and Taoist China. These systems share overlapping themes:

• Pantheism – God is everything and everything is god.

• Reincarnation – Souls are reborn endlessly to atone for karma.

• Meditation for enlightenment – Emptying the mind to connect with cosmic consciousness.

• Gods and goddesses – Hinduism alone has millions of deities, including Shiva (the destroyer), Kali (goddess of death), and Vishnu.

• Occult practices – Chanting mantras, third-eye activation, astrology, and energy healing.

Though cloaked in serenity and balance, these beliefs replace the biblical God with spiritual counterfeits.

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Who Are Their Gods?

The gods of Eastern mysticism are not symbolic—they are spiritual entities. Scripture calls them “devils” or “demons” masquerading as gods (1 Corinthians 10:20). These include:

• Shiva – The Hindu “destroyer god” often worshipped in yoga.

• Kali – The bloodthirsty goddess of death and power.

• Buddha – Revered not as a mere teacher but as an enlightened being, whose followers venerate him in temples.

These gods receive offerings, chants, incense, and worship. In God’s eyes, this is idolatry—the worship of created beings or spirits instead of the Creator.

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Why Eastern Mysticism Opposes Christianity

1. It Denies Jesus Christ
   Eastern mysticism teaches self-realization, not salvation through Jesus. It promotes a works-based path to enlightenment, not grace through faith.

2. It Embraces Idolatry
   Worshiping or invoking any other god or spiritual entity violates the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3–5). Yoga, mantras, and meditation rituals often call on these false gods.

3. It Opens Doors to Demonic Spirits
   Engaging in Eastern practices often leads to spiritual manifestations—tingling, visions, voices, or paralysis. These are signs of demonic intrusion masquerading as “spiritual awakening.”

4. It Promotes Doctrines of Demons
   Paul warned that in the last days, people would follow “doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1), turning away from biblical truth to seductive philosophies.

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What the Bible Says

Old Testament Warnings:

• “There shall not be found among you any one that… useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch…” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)

• “They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods… They sacrificed unto devils, not to God…” (Deuteronomy 32:16–17)

New Testament Truths:

• “What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

• “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2) — not through mystical mind-emptying but through God’s Word.

• “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

We are not to borrow other modalities and make it Christian. Otherwise, you are mixing.

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Real Consequences: Demonic Torment and Deception

Many ex-New Age believers report horrifying experiences after practicing yoga, kundalini awakening, or Eastern-style meditation:

• Sleep paralysis and night terrors

• Hearing voices or seeing entities

• Panic attacks, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts

• Feeling energy surges or uncontrollable movements

These are not psychological phenomena—they are signs of demonic activity. By engaging in spiritual practices rooted in idolatry and occultism, people unknowingly invite torment and bondage.

Deliverance is possible through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ—but it’s far better not to open those doors in the first place.

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Why Christians Must Stay Away

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to worship the one true God and have no fellowship with darkness. Engaging in Eastern mysticism is not just a harmless hobby—it is spiritual adultery. It opens the door for deception, oppression, and destruction.

The enemy is subtle. He packages ancient sorcery and idolatry into trendy self-help tools, yoga classes, and peaceful mantras. But Christians must stay rooted in Scripture and recognize that not every spiritual practice is of God.

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Final Warning and Encouragement

Dear Christian, guard your heart. Do not be deceived by the peaceful exterior of Eastern mysticism. Underneath is a spiritual system hostile to Christ, empowered by demonic forces, and crafted to lead souls into darkness.

If you've participated in these practices, repentance is your first step. Renounce all involvement, ask Jesus to cleanse you, and seek deliverance through prayer and spiritual support.

Only in Jesus is there true peace, truth, and eternal life.

By Teresa Morin, President of Touch of God Int'l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance.

See list of occult practices. 

If you've been involved in a new age, occult, or cult, it can invite demonic spirits to torment you. If you feel tormented, you may need deliverance.

Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly.

 Another Gospel? The Baha’i Faith vs. the Truth of Jesus Christ

The Baha’i Faith is a universal religion that promotes unity and peace among all people. At first glance, its message may appear noble and inclusive. However, when examined through the lens of biblical Christianity, its teachings reveal deep contradictions with the core message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

One concerning claim of the Baha’i Faith is that a person can remain a Christian while becoming a Baha’i. This idea of religious fusion appeals to those who value harmony over truth. Yet Scripture clarifies that salvation is found in Christ alone, not in a blend of spiritual philosophies. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). To dilute this truth is to reject it.

False Unity Without True Redemption

Baha'u'llah, the prophet of the Baha’i Faith, claimed to unite all humanity by gradually awakening human consciousness. But biblical Christianity teaches that only Jesus can truly unite mankind by transforming hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit and redeeming us through His death and resurrection. Real unity comes not from shared ideals, but from being born again into the Kingdom of God.

Colossians 1:13–14 states, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” This is not something that evolves in human consciousness, but a supernatural act of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

A False View of God’s Messengers

The Baha’i Faith teaches that there have been nine major "manifestations of God," including Krishna, Moses, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, the Bab, and Baha'u'llah. These figures are described as sinless and equal reflections of the divine. But Scripture insists that Jesus Christ alone is sinless and uniquely God in human flesh.

“There is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). To equate Jesus with other religious leaders is not honoring Him—it is blaspheming Him. Revelation 1:8 declares Jesus as Almighty God, not merely one of many spiritual guides.

A Corrupted View of Scripture

The Baha’i Faith teaches that religious texts, including the Bible, undergo a process of decay and must be replaced by new revelations from new messengers. This directly undermines the authority and eternal nature of God's Word. Psalm 119:89 affirms, “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” The Bible does not need to be updated or corrected; it stands forever as the final authority.

A Misleading Afterlife and Salvation Message

Baha’is teach that the soul progresses after death based on earthly efforts, portraying Heaven and Hell as symbolic states of nearness or distance from God. This reflects Eastern mysticism and a works-based salvation.

But the Bible is clear: salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Ephesians 2:8–9 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not as a result of works, that no one should boast.” Christians don’t strive to earn closeness to God—they are reconciled to Him through Christ's finished work. Heaven and Hell are literal destinations, not philosophical conditions.

Is the Baha’i Faith Truly Accepting?

While Baha’is preach inclusion, their sacred writings condemn those who reject their beliefs. This contradiction reveals the true nature of the faith: it is not as open-minded or all-loving as it claims. According to Baha’i texts, those who turn away from their “Divine Love” are to be seen as degraded and doomed.

Conclusion: The Choice Is Eternal

We agree that the Baha’i Faith invites seekers to evaluate its claims for themselves. Christians should test every spirit and compare every doctrine with the unchanging Word of God. After examining the Baha’i Faith from a biblical perspective, it is evident that its teachings are incompatible with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

You cannot be both a Baha’i and a Christian. Jesus is not one of many options; He is the only way to eternal life. Choose wisely. Your eternity depends on it.

Methods of discernment:

• Who was the founder of this modality?

• What was his/her spirituality?

• What culture did it come out of?

• What were their beliefs?

• Who is their God or gods?

Many occult practices in Christianity need to be discerned.  Another method of discernment is the Word of God. The word of God is our measuring stick. The more we read the word, know the word, and have a relationship with the Lord, the more we discern right and wrong. We perish from a lack of knowledge.

Hosea 4:6 declares, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.”

By Teresa Morin, President of Touch of God Int'l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance. 

See list of occult practices. 

If you've been involved in a new age, occult, or cult, it can invite demonic spirits to torment you. If you feel tormented, you may need deliverance.

Free Group Deliverance Online, two times a month. Learn more about the webinar and sign up quickly.

What The Bible Says About Body Piercing?

What Does the Bible Say About Piercing the Body?

Song of Solomon 2:15 says, "Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes." Sometimes, in search of food, foxes would enter the grape orchards, devour the grapes, and spoil the crop. However, the little foxes were too small to reach the grape bunches, so they would chew on the vines, and it would kill the whole vine. Instead of the farmer losing his crop, he would lose his vine, which was more disastrous. Spiritually, some things we do or allow that we might think are little or insignificant can also be catastrophic.

Many of the young people in our society here in the USA are embracing a dangerous "little fox" or seemingly "little thing" that may seem harmless. The young people are saying that it is a "trendy" thing to do. Many of them show off multiple ears, noses, tongues, eyebrows, and navel jewels and rings attached to their pierced flesh. Some even have this done on unspeakable parts of their bodies. These are abnormal and unnatural.

As many people are unaware of the spiritual dangers of such practices, this article is not meant to condemn anyone who may already have done this. However, we urge you to seek the Lord for further involvement in this practice. The Lord loves everyone, no matter what we do; however, His desire is to show us a better way.

The Bible warns us against cuttings in our flesh in Leviticus 19:28, which says, "Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord."

Our young people do not realize what they are doing has its roots in witchcraft and the practices of false religions. Those who have made trips to other parts of the world have viewed the bodies of those who have not only pierced and tattooed their bodies but have gone further with mutilating their bodies. It is repulsive to see someone deform the body that the Lord made in perfection. The Lord admonishes us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20,

"What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."

If we are to glorify God in our bodies, how do body piercings glorify Christ?

In 1 Kings 18 we find the story of Elijah contesting the evil prophets of Baal (a false god of that day whose followers practiced witchcraft). The prophets of Baal worked themselves into a frenzy trying to get their god, Baal, to show himself to be mightier than the true and living God. However, the God of Elijah proved to be the true God. During the frenzy of the Baal worshipers, they began to disfigure their bodies, as we see from this scripture in 1 Kings 18:28, "And they cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them."

Another scripture that warns us not to disfigure our bodies is Deuteronomy 14:1(Amp.): "You are the sons of the LORD your God: you shall not cut yourselves, or make any baldness on your foreheads for the dead."
When it speaks here about doing this in relation to the dead; this was a witchcraft rite done to mourn or remember their dead, so cutting, piercing and tattooing have its origin in witchcraft practices. The verse below reveals a connection between foreign gods and earrings.

Genesis 35:2: "Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments: 3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went. 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem."

Perhaps a more well-known scripture related to earrings is the record of the children of Israel falling into rebellion and worshipping the golden calf while Moses was up on the mount with God, receiving the Ten Commandments. Here, we find they took their earrings, cast them into the fire, and made a golden idol, which greatly displeased the Lord.

Exodus 32:2-3: "And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people break off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron."

There is one specific verse in the Old Testament that uses the Hebrew word "lachash," which is a word associated explicitly with witchcraft. Here, the jewelry is used as an amulet to cast a spell.

Isaiah 3:18-23: "In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, 19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, 20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, 21 The rings, and nose jewels, 22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, 23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils."

This is what makes it spiritually dangerous for people. People do not realize this opens the door for Satanic attack because they have a mark or opening that allows the enemy entrance into their lives. Today, this practice is growing because of false religions and pagan influences infiltrating the church.

Many of our young people are getting body piercings and tattoos out of a spirit of rebellion against their parent's advice. Many men are also wearing earrings to make a statement of their rebellion by showing that they are "macho" or homosexual. Because the youth of our day are despising and rebelling against their parents, this is very displeasing to the Lord as one of the Ten Commandments in the Bible is to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12, "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee" and Colossians 3:20: "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.")

Some complain and say that most of the women today in our society wear pierced earrings, and they attempt to use this as an excuse for the bizarre body piercings they are flaunting. The Lord always judges what we do by our motives as He looks at the heart. It is different when women wear pierced earrings as a custom, without the rebellion and pride attached to it. However, this could even be wrong if women are filled with vanity and pride over their appearance. Remember, God looks at our heart attitudes. In fact, the Bible speaks of a generation of women who will be alive at the coming of the Lord and will be judged severely for their flirting and their haughtiness. Let us look again at the prophecy in Isaiah 3:16-24 (NIV):

16 The LORD says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.
17 Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald."
18 In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces,
19 The earrings, the bracelets and veils,
20 The head dresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms,
21 The signet rings and nose rings,
22 The fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses
23 And mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.
24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth: instead of beauty, branding.
25 Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle.

We are living in a day that the Bible speaks of in 2 Timothy 3:1-7:

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

If you have been one that has been led away by lust or have been rebellious against your parents, you can come to the Lord and repent, and He will give you a new start and a desire to live a holy and obedient life unto God. We should remove anything that portrays rebellion and ask the Lord to forgive us and give us a submissive spirit. Jesus does not condemn us but rather will help us. He loves us and invites us to a beautiful life in Him.

One note of warning to the church on this subject of body piercings. We now have a generation of young people who love the Lord yet do not understand His ways. Soon, we will also see a great revival among the world's youth. The youth of this day want a real cause to live and die for. Most have not seen true Christianity. However, when they come to Christ, many will bring their tattoos, dress, music, and old habits with them right into the church. 

We must be sure that we do not despise or look down on them but rather welcome and love them and gently teach them the ways of the Lord. We are called to worship and pray for them and help them avoid making some of the mistakes we have made in our own walk with the Lord. We need to be true mothers and fathers to them. Yes, we must speak the truth in love, but let us ensure we love them and not condemn them. 

On the other hand, we must not accept all that they would desire to bring with them that would harm them and compromise the Word of God. We will all need God's grace to bridge the generation gap. We recommend a great article on this subject written by a young Christian. Click here to read "Bridging the Generation Gap."

The bottom line regarding body piercings would be to ask the famous youth slogan, "What Would Jesus Do?" I don't believe we will ever see Jesus with any body piercings that He placed on Himself. I can't imagine Jesus with a tongue ring or a navel piercing. The only scars on His body are the nail-pierced hands and feet put there by the evil men who crucified Him. They were not self-inflicted. Overcomers will put away the "little foxes" that lead to more considerable compromises.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We are including a testimony of a former Hindu who knows only too well that body piercings and tattoos are a form of witchcraft:

Traci Morin, Touch of God International Ministries, a Christian Healing and Deliverance Ministry, Spiritual Warfare Prayers setting captives free from demonic torment, sickness, and disease. 

Renunciation of the Mormon Church

Prayer of Renunciation of the Mormon Church

The Mormon Church is not of God - It is to renounce its involvement

Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus Christ, your Son. I admit that I was involved in false teachings in the Mormon Church and ask for your forgiveness. Thank you for your blood that cleanses and sanctifies me. Thank you for your word, which is the truth, and that the truth sets me free.

I renounce my faith in the Book of Mormon, compiled by Joseph Smith, based on a meeting with the angel Moroni. I admit that I have sinned by adding this book to the word of God. I renounce my belief that this Book of Mormon is the verification and witness of the Bible, and I sever myself from all of Joseph Smith’s false teachings. I renounce the two prince spirits that rule over the Mormon Church, namely Moroni and Manasseh. I cut myself loose from these two spirits in the name of Jesus.


• I renounce the teaching that the godhead is three separate units.

• I renounce the teaching that God has a body of flesh and is thus limited to one place at a specific time.


• I renounce the teaching that Jesus is the firstborn of God’s children and that His position as God is attributed only to His obedience.

• I renounce the teaching that Jesus’ work of reconciliation is not for the salvation of souls but to save earth from death.

• I renounce the teaching that Jesus died only for Adam’s sin.

• I renounce the teaching that our sins can only be washed away through baptism.

• I renounce the teaching that The Holy Spirit is limited to one place at a specific time.

• I renounce the teaching that the Holy Spirit is the purest and most refined of all substances, a godly liquid.

• I renounce the teaching that every person is a god over his spiritual subordinates.

I confess that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one, although they function as separate personalities. I confess that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin. His sacrifice was perfect and complete! I renounce the teaching that the fall of man has no effect on mankind and that every person will pay only for his own sin.

I renounce the teaching that the fall of man brought eternal joy and happiness. I admit that according to the work of God, we are conceived and born in sin and that without repentance, the wages of sin is death.

I renounced the Book of Mormon as false scripture, and I abandoned my belief that this book is the verification and witness of the Bible. Father, your word declares in Rev. 22:18-19 that cursed is the person who adds to, takes away from, or cancels your word. I now ask your forgiveness for these practices and ask you to release me from the following curses:

• That you will lay upon me the plagues, afflictions, and calamities recorded in the book of Revelation

• That You will cancel and take away from me my share in the tree of life

• That You will cancel and take away from me eternal life in the city of holiness.

Thank you for setting me free and breaking these curses over my life. I sever myself from all of Joseph Smith’s false teachings. I declare that I have eternal life through the Lord Jesus Christ and can partake of the Tree of Life.

Furthermore, I renounce my baptismal covenants and all priesthood blessings I received. As a former temple Mormon, I reject all temple oaths and covenants that I have made. I also renounce the temple marriages as a sin. I renounce my patriarchal blessings as the sin of mediumship.

Using the sword of the Spirit, I now cut myself off from the strongmen:

• Mormo, God of the ghouls and the dead
• The spirit of Moroni
• The spirit of priestcraft
• The spirit of bishopric
• The religious spirit
• The false prophet in the heavenly
• The perverse spirit
• The spirit of error
• The spirit of confusion
• The spirit of whoredoms
• Spirits of lies and deception
• The seducing spirit
• All doctrines of demons
• The spirit of divination
• The beguiling spirits
• The spirit of mind control and occult mind control
• The spirit of the false Christs and the anti-Christ
• All familiar spirits


In the mighty and all-conquering name of the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Amen!

I renounce the teaching that through baptism, I receive eternal life.

I renounce the lie that the living may be baptized on behalf of the dead. I confess that baptism by submission is a step of obedience, not a requirement for salvation.

I renounce the teaching that there is the highest heaven where the most exemplary believers shall live and reign over the other believers in the same relationship God the Father has with us.

I renounce believing that there is a second heaven where backslidden believers, those who did not accept God and those who did not abide by the law, shall live. I renounce believing that there is a place (perdition) prepared only for Satan, His fallen angels, and those who committed unforgivable sins.

I confess that there is a hell where Satan, His fallen angels, and those who did not accept Jesus Christ will stay for eternity.

I confess there is a heaven where the saved souls shall live until God has created the new earth and New Jerusalem.

I renounce the principles of bigamy and polygamy and the implication that the number of wives is an indication of the level of spirituality. (The more wives, the greater his reward in paradise!)

I renounce the teaching that no woman can obtain heavenly splendor without her husband. Likewise, a man can obtain it with at least one wife.

I renounce the two principal councils that form the church, namely Aaron’s priesthood and the order of Melchizedek. I acknowledge that God’s word teaches that every believer is a priest, a prophet, and a king.

I renounce the sin of priestcraft. (Males only)

I sever myself from the Mormon Church in the name of Jesus. Thank you, Lord. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony! (Rev. 12:11). I confess that I have been involved in false teachings and ask forgiveness for worshipping demon spirits.

I further renounce every teaching of the church of the Latter-Day Saints because it is a false religion.

I renounce Joseph Smith as a false prophet.

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