Primitive Pentecostal Gnostic View of Leviticus

Primitive Pentecostal Gnosticism is a unique variety of Christianity that emphasizes a direct relationship between an individual and God and an empowered awareness of the Divine residing within. This theology contends that ultimate truth is unknowable to mankind, but can be attained through spiritual experience. A direct encounter with God is an essential point of view in this tradition. This essay explores the Pentecostal Gnostic interpretation of the book of Leviticus as well as its central tenets and themes that connect with other Pentecostal Gnostic teachings. 

Leviticus is a book found in the Hebrew Bible that contains laws, regulations, and purity guidelines that focus on the relationship between God and the people of Israel. In Pentecostal Gnosticism, the book of Leviticus is understood as a comprehensive account of the awakening of the spiritual energy within each individual. Gnostics view the sacrificial ritual documented in Leviticus as an opportunity for humans to obtain a deep inner transformation, a transformation that makes it possible for an individual to be in personal communion with God. What makes this book so powerful in the eyes of Pentecostal Gnostics is the variety of taboos that it prohibits and the resulting emphasis on sin and its consequences.

The emphasis on sin and redemption has a special place in Pentecostal Gnosticism, as it is seen as necessary in order to obtain “divine knowledge.” This knowledge is thought to be the foundation of living a holy and pious life, and is essential in achieving the greatness that the Divine has in store for each individual. In addition, the “eye of God” is also a guiding force in Pentecostal Gnostic interpretation of Leviticus, as it symbolizes the omniscience of God and his ability to see beyond physical appearances. To the Pentecostal Gnostics, the idea of perfect obedience is at the center of this book and carries with it a special sort of power. 

Another important concept found in the Pentecostal Gnostic interpretation of Leviticus is “rebirth”. This rebirth is through accepting the death of the material world and embracing the spiritual world. In this way, adherents to this doctrine believe that the life of an individual can be re-interpreted and changed in light of Divine will. This rebirth is only possible if an individual is willing to sacrifice and repent from any form of sin, ultimately leading to the transformation of the individual. 

Pentecostal Gnostics generally connect the themes present in the book of Leviticus with the New Testament belief that we can be “born again” through Baptism. It is believed that by passing through the waters of Baptism and accepting a spiritual rebirth, an individual can obtain a renewed understanding of their relationship with God and the spiritual world. 

This essay will explore the Primitive Pentecostal Gnostic view of the book of Leviticus. Gnosticism is an ancient syncretistic belief system which believes that salvation is achievable through knowledge, often spiritual knowledge, and that the physical world is an illusion. Primitive Pentecostalism is rooted in Pentecostalism, an evangelical Christian revival movement that originated in the early 20th century and is based upon a belief in the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Here, these two schools of thought will be compared and contrasted to assess the Primitive Pentecostal Gnostic view of the book of Leviticus.

Gnostics focus on the spiritual aspect of God and prize knowledge, often of a spiritual nature, over the material world. Their view of the Old Testament is that it is the source of secrets of the divine and that its stories are not to be taken literally. In contrast, Primitive Pentecostalism is rooted in a belief in a literal interpretation of the Bible and an emphasis on the Pentecostal narrative. Primitive Pentecostalists place a great importance on the signs and wonders that occurred at Pentecost described in the New Testament, and consequently, they interpret the Old Testament as living symbols of a life-giving God rather than dry legal categories.

The book of Leviticus is the third book of the Bible, and it includes detailed instructions on cleanliness and dietary laws. Primitive Pentecostals view the law contained in Leviticus as spiritual but tangible symbols of faith and obedience to the divine. Leviticus is seen as a sign of God's love, sharing principles of life and health, and as a way to sanctify ourselves spiritually. In other words, obeying the law will lead to a closer relationship with God. In contrast, the Gnostic approach is to consider the law as symbolic and to interpret the text in a non-literal way. The Gnostic interpretation of the laws of Leviticus is to view them as the gateway to knowledge and ultimately salvation.

Primitive Pentecostal Gnostic views on the book of Leviticus, which is a part of the Torah, or Hebrew Bible, differ from mainstream Christianity in several ways. Primitive Pentecostal Gnostics seek to apply the revelations of Sacred Scripture for their own spiritual advancement, looking for mysteries hidden within the stories of the Bible to be revealed. Thus, they sometimes see deeper meaning and purpose in passages such as those found in Leviticus which mainstream Christians tend to overlook.

One example of how Primitive Pentecostal Gnostics view Leviticus is through their interpretation of the offerings prescribed in the book. Gnostics take the physical offerings prescribed by the order of Moses in Leviticus as symbolic of a higher spiritual reality. In other words, they see the offering of sheep, birds, and flour as representative of a different kind spiritual truth which can be attained through selfless sacrifice. This approach highlights the underlying spiritual truth of each offering, seeking to discern its greater spiritual significance and implications.

A key passage in the book of Leviticus which is interpreted by Primitive Pentecostal Gnostics is Leviticus 19:2: “So you shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” Primitive Pentecostal Gnostics take this passage as an invitation to live lives of holiness in keeping with God’s holiness in order to serve him. This means living lives of holiness and purity, being both externally and internally devoted to God, and offering sacrificially to Him. They also emphasize that to be holy is to receive blessings not only spiritually but also physically and materially – something they believe God promises to all who faithfully pursue holiness.

Finally, in Leviticus 17, Primitive Pentecostal Gnostics look to this passage to gain insight into how the Lord desires us to approach Him. The passage reads, “Any man from the house of Israel, or from the aliens who reside among them, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people” (NRSV). This passage reveals to the Gnostics that God desires nothing less than complete obedience from His people. Thus, Primitive Pentecostal Gnostics find great significance in the biblical passages which prescribe offerings and condemn disobedient behavior, taking them on deeper spiritual planes to serve as a source of guidance for how to live holy lives.

Primitive Pentecostal Gnostics have a unique view of the book of Leviticus which goes beyond a literal reading of the text. By seeking to uncover greater spiritual truths and implications present within the sacrificial offerings, commands to be holy, and condemnations of disobedience, they strive to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of God and what He requires of His people.

In conclusion, this essay has explored the Primitive Pentecostal Gnostic view of the book of Leviticus. While both schools of thought are rooted in a belief in a literal interpretation of the Bible, there is a stark contrast between their views of the law contained in Leviticus. Primitive Pentecostals view the law as a way to sanctify themselves spiritually and to share principles of life and health. In contrast, Gnostics interpret the laws as the gateway to knowledge and ultimately salvation.

Works Cited

Chapman, C. (2020). What Is the Difference Between Gnosticism and Pentecostalism? Retrieved April 7, 2021, from https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2017/11/30/difference-gnosticism-pentecost