Sixbert SANGWA October 28, 2024
In the realm of esoteric teachings and New Age philosophy, the "Great General Assembly of the Hierarchy" described by Alice Bailey has been a subject of intrigue and controversy. As Christians, it is crucial to approach such topics with discernment, as the Apostle Paul advises: "Test all things. Hold on to what is good." (
1 Thessalonians 5:21). This article explores this concept, its background, and its alleged significance, particularly concerning the year 2025, while maintaining a biblical perspective.
Alice Bailey, a prominent figure in the Theosophical and New Age movements, wrote extensively about what she termed the "Spiritual Hierarchy" or the "Great White Brotherhood" (
Bailey, 1925). According to her teachings, this hierarchy consists of "ascended masters" and "spiritual entities" guiding humanity's evolution. Bailey claimed these beings hold a significant meeting every 100 years with their human agents, with the next major and final general assembly scheduled for 2025 (
Bailey, 1957).
The concept of spiritual hierarchies influencing world events isn't unique to Bailey's writings or alien to Scripture. In fact, the Bible provides insights into spiritual entities influencing earthly affairs. The book of Daniel, for instance, speaks of spiritual princes associated with certain empires. In
Daniel 10:13, we read about the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" opposing an angelic messenger, suggesting spiritual forces behind earthly powers. Furthermore, the symbolism in Revelation of the beast with seven heads (often interpreted as Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and UN) implies a long history of spiritual influence over human leadership. This aligns with Daniel's prophecy in
Daniel 2:43, which states, "And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay." This has often been interpreted as referring to the mingling of demonic (iron) and human (clay) elements.