In recent years, there has been a growing trend within certain Christian circles toward what is often called “Ascension Theology.” This doctrine borrows heavily from New Age concepts, emphasizing an individual’s ability to “ascend” into higher spiritual realms, elevate personal consciousness, and obtain hidden knowledge. While this language might sound spiritually empowering, the reality is that this teaching distorts core Christian doctrines and leaves believers vulnerable to deception. At its root, Ascension Theology is a reflection of the same spiritual pride that Scripture repeatedly warns against—and ultimately, it echoes the rebellion of Lucifer, who sought to ascend above his appointed place and was cast down as a result.

The Subtle Deception of Ascension Theology
The concept of ascending to higher spiritual planes or realms is not found within the Bible’s teachings for believers. While Scripture does call us to a transformed life, deeper relationship with Christ, and intimacy with God, these things are rooted in humility, submission, and obedience. Ascension Theology, however, encourages believers to seek after spiritual experiences that elevate them beyond others—a self-centered pursuit that has more in common with New Age mysticism than biblical faith.

Many proponents of Ascension Theology suggest that through meditation, chanting, or visualization, we can access divine realms or even “ascend” to a godlike status. This emphasis on self-ascension, however, conflicts with the teachings of Jesus, who consistently taught His followers to be “servants of all” (Mark 10:44) and warned against seeking positions of power or spiritual prestige. When we analyze Ascension Theology carefully, we see that it places the focus on self, rather than on Christ, subtly luring believers into a pattern of spiritual pride.

Lucifer’s Fall: The Only “Ascension” in Scripture
Ascension Theology draws upon the same dangerous ambitions that led to Lucifer’s fall. In Isaiah 14:13-15, we see Lucifer’s desire to “ascend above the heights of the clouds” and “make [himself] like the Most High.” This prideful ascent was rooted in a desire to rival God Himself, and it ultimately led to Lucifer’s eternal downfall. His story serves as a grave warning to any of us who might be tempted to pursue “higher” spiritual knowledge or power outside of God’s prescribed ways. The Gospel calls us to “humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord” so that He might exalt us in due time (James 4:10). Spiritual exaltation is God’s work, not our own, and any attempt to grasp at spiritual authority or status apart from Him leads only to disaster.

Spiritual Pride and Heresy
One of the clearest dangers of Ascension Theology is its promotion of spiritual pride, which is directly at odds with the heart of the Gospel. Jesus taught His followers that the “first shall be last, and the last first” (Matthew 20:16), calling us to humility and servanthood rather than self-exaltation. When individuals seek to ascend to new spiritual levels on their own terms, they reject God’s call to humility and instead embrace a kind of self-sufficiency that veers dangerously close to heresy.

Ascension Theology’s teachings can also lead believers away from essential doctrines, blurring the lines between New Age and Christian beliefs. The Bible makes it clear that our righteousness, knowledge, and access to God are found in Christ alone, through faith and not through self-willed spiritual practices (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, Ascension Theology subtly undermines this truth by suggesting that certain practices or mindsets can bring us to a higher spiritual plane, essentially implying that our salvation or enlightenment lies within our own power.

The Call to Biblical Discernment
The growing influence of Ascension Theology highlights the urgent need for discernment within the church. Scripture exhorts believers to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1) and warns us that “even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). It is essential to measure every teaching, no matter how appealing, against the solid foundation of God’s Word. God has provided everything we need for life and godliness through Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:3), and any teaching that suggests there is more to be obtained outside of Him should be rejected outright.

If we are not careful, the allure of “ascension” or spiritual superiority can creep into our hearts, tempting us to pursue paths that lead away from God’s truth. The pursuit of spiritual experiences for their own sake, without regard for biblical grounding, is a dangerous journey—one that leads believers toward deception rather than enlightenment.

A Return to Christ-Centered Faith
In contrast to the self-focused pursuits encouraged by Ascension Theology, true Christian faith calls us to a life centered on Christ, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The call of the Gospel is not to ascend on our own but to be transformed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, through whom we are given new life and made into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). Rather than seeking after hidden knowledge or higher spiritual realms, we are called to “seek first the kingdom of God” and trust that He will provide all that we need (Matthew 6:33).

Ultimately, Ascension Theology’s promises are empty and lead only to deception. True transformation comes not through self-ascension but through humble submission to the will of God. It is in surrendering our own ambitions and desires that we find the life and freedom promised in Christ.

Conclusion
The church today stands at a crossroads, confronted with a multitude of new teachings that often appear spiritual but subtly draw believers away from the truth. Ascension Theology is a perfect example of this, promoting self-focused spiritual practices that elevate pride rather than humility. May we heed the lessons of Scripture, embracing a faith that is firmly rooted in Christ alone and rejecting all forms of self-exaltation. In the end, our calling is not to ascend on our own, but to follow the One who has already been lifted up for our salvation.