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Deuteronomy 18:11 tells us that anyone who
“consults with
the dead” is “detestable to the Lord.”
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Some think they are consulting the spirit of a person who has passed, but the truth is they are speaking to a demon who is pretending to be the dead person, but others are knowingly doing these things to receive power over others. This is also called necromancy. The problem is if you try to call a person out on this they will deny it until donkeys fly (if donkeys fly it would be by the power of witchcraft LOL). The accused will make the accuser look like the bad guy and pretend to be defenseless, innocent and wounded by the accusation in order to make others feel sorry for them and may even turn everyone against the accuser. Jezebel is alive and well… that’s all I have to say.
Once a door is opened through various occult practices,
including witchcraft, it is very difficult to close the door unless the person
is truly repented of the practice. The problem is that many who open this door
tap into a demonic power that is hard to let go of so they struggle with
cutting ties with the demon. Most of the time it is because they are convinced
by the demon that it is actually the dead person, but it is really a familiar
spirit (a demon). It is called a familiar spirit because the demon is familiar
with the dead person and so it pretends to be the dead person and fools the person
trying to make contact. It will even sound like the dead person and reveal many
personal things only the dead person could know, but it is all a lie! The demon
only seeks to gain entry and once that door is opened it can be very difficult
to get it out, especially if the person attempting to make contact is grieving the
loss of a loved one. If the grieving person is convinced the demon is actually
the spirit of their loved one they will fiercely defend using occult practices
to make contact because they have been deceived by the demon. The demon will
turn the person against anyone who tries to get it cast out. If the deceived
person cannot convince people that it really is the spirit of the dead person
and not a demon then they will pretend to repent and act as if they have closed
the door, but in reality they are still consulting the demon in secret. Once
things progress to this level we start to see people being controlled by the
demon and even being made to harm or kill people and even themselves. They will
promise that they have left the occult practice and no longer are being visited
by the demon, but the fact that they are still being tormented to do things
against their will says otherwise.
One common thread among people that have been deceived into
thinking they have actually contacted a loved one who has died is that the
spirit they think is their loved one is never alone. It will always be
accompanied by one or more spirits that in the beginning pretend to be friendly
and helpful. Most of the time a demon pretending to be friendly and helpful and
compassionate toward the grieving will make first contact promising to help the
person make contact with the dead person’s spirit. It is usually on a condition
to be given access first and then they will help the person make contact, but
once that happens it too late. The demon has entered and will stake its legal
right to remain until the person truly repents, breaks all ties and agreements
with the demon and seeks to be delivered of the demon.
What does this mean for the rest of the household? Lack,
poverty, limitation, infirmity, isolation, unemployment, debt, addiction,
perversion, lust, defilement, unnatural attraction to demonic movies, games and
music, abuse of all kinds, co-dependency, depression, oppression, unnatural
desires and list goes on. No matter how hard you try you can never get ahead.
It seems that everything is always breaking down, jobs are lost on a regular
basis and sickness is always in the air.
Below is some addition information on the subject I find to
be very helpful.
THE OCCULT—What does the Bible say about it?
Today, many people dabble in the mystical, occultic arts. Is there anything wrong with being involved in these practices? Yes, the Bible takes a clear position on this subject, strongly denouncing these practices. God created us and therefore owns us. He has a right to set the rules for our lives. God’s Word indicates that these practices are part of Satan’s strategy of evil tricks and deception, designed to lead us astray. Satan and his demons are real beings set on our destruction. Christians are warned to…
“put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:11-12).
See: What is the occult?Concerning occult practices, the Israelites were told:
“When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire [an ancient occult practice], or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination [detestable] to the LORD…”
—Deuteronomy 18:9-12a
Astrology (predictions by the planets or moon; horoscopes; sometimes referred to as “observing times” in the Old Testament)
Although the Bible does not go into great detail about astrology, it certainly makes its position clear. We should never trust in astrological beliefs or predictions. Astrology is an ancient, heathen practice that leads to disaster. Our lives are not determined by the stars or movement of planets. The Bible warns against the false predictions of astrology (Jeremiah 10:2; 27:9-10; Daniel 2:1-4; 4:7; 5:7-9) and repeatedly condemns the associated practice of worshipping the sun, moon and stars (or “deities or demons associated with them”) (Deuteronomy 4:19; 17:2-5; 2 Kings 21:3, 5; Zephaniah 1:5; Job 31:26-28; Jeremiah 8:1-2).In Isaiah, God sarcastically rebukes the Babylonians for practicing astrology,
…For you have trusted in your wickedness… Therefore evil shall come upon you… trouble shall fall upon you… Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame…
-Isaiah 47:10-14a
Magic, spells, enchantments, charming, sorcery, wizardry, witchcraft
Research has shown that occult magic is often fraudulent and deceitful illusion—counterfeit miracles. Many books have been written on this subject. In some instances, occult magic or divination are a manifestation of demonic powers or the result of demon possession (Acts 16:16). Of course, the power of Satan and his demons is extremely limited compared to God’s power.Those who follow the path of the magic arts are on the wrong path - a road that leads away from God, not toward Him. In one way or another, the end will be disaster. The evil Queen Jezebel practiced witchcraft (2 Kings 9:22) bringing catastrophe on herself and all Israel. Over and over, God denounces those who “conjure spells” (NKJV) and those who practice witchcraft and sorcery. The Bible says that anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; 2 Kings 21:6; Micah 5:12; Isaiah 47:12; Ezekiel 13:18, 20; Acts 8:11-24; Leviticus 20:27; Exodus 7:11; Revelation 9:21; 22:15).
God warns of the ultimate punishment. Revelation 21:8 says of “…those who practice magic arts …their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur… the second death” (NIV). Those who practice witchcraft (sorcery) will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20-21). These practices are anti-God and are in rebellion against Him.
Many of citizens of ancient Ephesus practiced the magic arts. Those who became Christians realized the foolish error of their former lives and burned their expensive books of magic as the trash they were (Acts 19:19).
The Bible tells how the apostle Paul once dealt with one of these deceivers, a sorcerer and false prophet who led people astray. “Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, ’O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.’ And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand” (Acts 13:9-11).
Divination, fortune-telling, mediums, spiritism, necromancy, familiar spirits, wizardry, seances, channeling, clairvoyance, spirit-guides
The Bible strongly warns people not to consult mediums and spiritists for the truth, but to inquire of God (Isaiah 8:19). Clearly, if those who practiced these arts have any power (beyond being great deceivers), it is not a gift from God (as some falsely claim). The Bible condemns and forbids these practices several times (Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Isaiah 44:25; Jeremiah 27:9; 2 Kings 21:6; 23:24). Divination and spiritism were despised practices of the heathens (Ezekiel 21:21; Isaiah 19:3; 1 Samuel 28). Scripture says that one of the reasons King Saul died was “because he consulted a medium for guidance” rather than God (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).The Bible provides examples showing the folly and failures of those who claimed the ability to predict the future based on their own powers or those of spirits (Daniel 2:27, etc.). God calls the word of diviners “nonsense,” “lies” and “deception” for foolish people (Ezekiel 13:8; Jeremiah 14:14; Isaiah 44:25). God said, “Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!” (Ezekiel 13:3). If an Israelite lived the deceitful practice of being a medium, it was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:27). The presence of a medium or spiritist among God’s people of Israel was considered a defilement (Leviticus 19:31). All these practices take people further from their Creator, the true and living God.
Following omens or signs
We are not to look to omens or “signs” to direct our lives. The Bible reprimands people for doing this. It is an “abomination” and foolishness (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Look to God and His instructions for life as provided in the Bible. To do otherwise is to foolishly deceive yourself, or allow Satan and others to deceive you.From www.wordofgodtoday.com
The Subtle Sin Of Sorcery
Sorcery is a term loosely encompassing a number of activities that are forbidden in the Bible. It is defined as the use of evil supernatural power over people. It is closely connected to witchcraft and the casting of spells. Today the whole subject of sorcery has gained wide popularity as reflected particularly by the Harry Potter books and movies. We have also been gently initiated into sorcery by the TV, starting long ago with such innocent and funny programs like “I Dream of Jeannie,” then moving deeper into programs such as “Bewitched,” and finally on to the really heavy stuff like “The Exorcist.”
Perhaps it is about time for the church to consider this subject in view of the strong warnings of scripture, even those of our own New Testament. Hopefully our children can be much better prepared to deal with sorcery than some of us were in the
older generations.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN SORCERY?
In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, many of the practices associated with sorcery are named for us: “Let no one be found among you…who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…” Although the Bible speaks about sorcery in several other places, like Leviticus 19 & 20; Exodus 22; and Isaiah 8; this passage in Deuteronomy is still probably the most comprehensive one in defining it.
There are a few other verses in scripture that widen the scope of sorcery a bit. In Isaiah 47:13, God rebukes Israel with these words: “All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you.” With this verse we see that astrologers and stargazers are also displeasing to the Lord and are probably also listed as sorcerers. This certainly casts suspicion upon the very prevalent practice of reading and heeding horoscopes.
Many other things are certainly suspect although they are not clearly forbidden in scripture. In Isaiah 2:6, the prophet cries to the Lord for Israel, “You have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East…” Today, due to New Age influences, many eastern ideas are permeating our society and our churches. These include eastern meditation, various forms of mind control, and even seemingly harmless exercise and relaxation programs. In Psalm 147:19-20 we read: “He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws….” We must understand that the special saving revelation of God to humanity has come exclusively through Israel. We must not look elsewhere.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF SORCERY?
We see that sorcery can begin in seemingly innocent ways but due to the captivating and holding power of evil, it always leads people into deeper involvement. Some of our children’s games can even become the doorway into the occult. I am speaking of games like the Ouija Board and Dungeons and Dragons. These are very popular among the youth. In the Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs by John Ankerberg and John Weldon, they mention a Consumer Reports survey of 17,000 young people between the ages of 10-14. Out of 83 games listed as enjoyed and played most often, Monopoly was number one but the Ouija Board was number two. Ankerberg and Weldon quote psychic and spiritist, Harold Sherman, president of ESP Research Association in Arkansas. He says, “The majority who have become involved with possessive and other entities come by this experience through the Ouija Board.” Of Dungeons and Dragons, Ankerberg and Weldon state that magic is prevalent along with demons, necromancy, astral projection and spells.
Magic potions and drugs are age-old companions of sorcery and witchcraft. As our world drifts more and more into sorcery, we should not be surprised at the increased use of hallucinogenic drugs. Those experimenting with drugs today probably do not realize that they are likely also experimenting with sorcery. For years, the close connection of drugs and sorcery has been noticed in the New Testament Greek word for “witchcraft.” It is the word “pharmakia” (Gal. 5:20), a word from which we get our “pharmacy.” (this does not mean medicine prescribed by your doctor is witchcraft so please do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor agrees)
Over the last several generations, due to modernist tendencies in Christianity, we have discounted such things as sorcery, witchcraft and demons. We did this in spite of the fact that the Bible takes them all quite seriously. Today in our society the occult is taken for granted even by the unbelievers. The TV and movies are saturated with it. It is about time that we Christians once again acknowledged this dangerous reality.
HOW WILL GOD DEAL WITH SORCERERS?
God regards sorcery as something very serious. He regards it as so dangerous that in the Old Testament he commands the death sentence for sorcerers. We see this in Leviticus 20:27: “A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.” In Exodus 22:18, we also read these stern words from God: “Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
King Saul was God’s anointed king. He wanted to serve God, but somehow he always managed to fail. In obedience to God’s word he banned sorcerers from the land. However, in the moment of trial as he faced his last battle, he visited the witch at Endor (1 Sam. 28:7). The purpose for the visit concerned necromancy, that is consulting with the dead, also a forbidden practice. The scripture tells us that it was partly for this reason that Saul was killed the next day (1 Chron. 10:13-14).
The New Testament does not speak so much about sorcery because it assumes that God’s people have read and heeded the Old Testament. It is obvious from the gospels that a large part of Jesus’ ministry was spent in undoing the work of sorcery by casting out evil spirits. Jesus’ disciples were also commissioned to carry on this vital task. On one occasion, as a result of Paul’s ministry, former sorcerers brought forth their magic books and burned them (Acts 19:19). The cost of the books was listed at 50,000 drachmas. A drachma was about a days wage, so this sacrifice amounted to a sizeable fortune. On another occasion in Acts 8:9-25, Peter deals directly with Simon the Sorcerer, who apparently wanted to mix God’s truth with his sorcery. Peter said to him: “You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:20). It is interesting that the early church writers credit this Simon as a source for much false teaching in Christianity’s early years.
The horrible price of continuing to practice sorcery is illustrated for us in Revelation 22:14-15. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” Obviously those who choose to practice magic arts or sorcery will be permanently excluded from the kingdom of God.
The good news is that there is still time to repent of this sin. The Bible says in Psalm 97:10: “Let those who love the LORD hate evil…” God hates sorcery. As we have seen, it is detestable to him. As God’s dear children we must love what he loves and hate what he hates. Yet, we know from the Bible that while God hates sin, he loves the sinner. While we also must hate the sin of sorcery in all its forms, we must remember to love the sorcerers and never stop praying for their deliverance. - by Jim Gerrish
I hope this information helps you or helps you help someone who has been deceived into practicing the occult.
In Him and Him alone,
Samuel - Smashing Pillars... raising sons
Prayerfully consider supporting our work. Smashing Pillars International is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Thank you in advance. Donations can be made online at:
www.smashingpillarsinternational.org
If you would like to mail in a donation, please mail to:
Smashing Pillars International
14403 Walters Rd., #681601
Houston, Texas 77014
It seems that despite its strong biblical prohibitions, we Christians hardly have a clue as to sorcery’s evil nature and its damaging effects upon humankind. I can remember that as a student in a Christian college, several of us young men (some were already pastors) had numerous sessions at hypnotizing each other. At the time, we had no idea that the seemingly innocent practice of “casting spells” was absolutely forbidden by the scriptures (Deut. 18:11). I have often wondered what damaging and long-term effects might have resulted from these sessions. I have personally repented and asked God‘s forgiveness for my ignorant participation.
older generations.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN SORCERY?
In Deuteronomy 18:10-12, many of the practices associated with sorcery are named for us: “Let no one be found among you…who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…” Although the Bible speaks about sorcery in several other places, like Leviticus 19 & 20; Exodus 22; and Isaiah 8; this passage in Deuteronomy is still probably the most comprehensive one in defining it.
There are a few other verses in scripture that widen the scope of sorcery a bit. In Isaiah 47:13, God rebukes Israel with these words: “All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you.” With this verse we see that astrologers and stargazers are also displeasing to the Lord and are probably also listed as sorcerers. This certainly casts suspicion upon the very prevalent practice of reading and heeding horoscopes.
Many other things are certainly suspect although they are not clearly forbidden in scripture. In Isaiah 2:6, the prophet cries to the Lord for Israel, “You have abandoned your people, the house of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East…” Today, due to New Age influences, many eastern ideas are permeating our society and our churches. These include eastern meditation, various forms of mind control, and even seemingly harmless exercise and relaxation programs. In Psalm 147:19-20 we read: “He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws….” We must understand that the special saving revelation of God to humanity has come exclusively through Israel. We must not look elsewhere.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF SORCERY?
We see that sorcery can begin in seemingly innocent ways but due to the captivating and holding power of evil, it always leads people into deeper involvement. Some of our children’s games can even become the doorway into the occult. I am speaking of games like the Ouija Board and Dungeons and Dragons. These are very popular among the youth. In the Encyclopedia of New Age Beliefs by John Ankerberg and John Weldon, they mention a Consumer Reports survey of 17,000 young people between the ages of 10-14. Out of 83 games listed as enjoyed and played most often, Monopoly was number one but the Ouija Board was number two. Ankerberg and Weldon quote psychic and spiritist, Harold Sherman, president of ESP Research Association in Arkansas. He says, “The majority who have become involved with possessive and other entities come by this experience through the Ouija Board.” Of Dungeons and Dragons, Ankerberg and Weldon state that magic is prevalent along with demons, necromancy, astral projection and spells.
Magic potions and drugs are age-old companions of sorcery and witchcraft. As our world drifts more and more into sorcery, we should not be surprised at the increased use of hallucinogenic drugs. Those experimenting with drugs today probably do not realize that they are likely also experimenting with sorcery. For years, the close connection of drugs and sorcery has been noticed in the New Testament Greek word for “witchcraft.” It is the word “pharmakia” (Gal. 5:20), a word from which we get our “pharmacy.” (this does not mean medicine prescribed by your doctor is witchcraft so please do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor agrees)
Over the last several generations, due to modernist tendencies in Christianity, we have discounted such things as sorcery, witchcraft and demons. We did this in spite of the fact that the Bible takes them all quite seriously. Today in our society the occult is taken for granted even by the unbelievers. The TV and movies are saturated with it. It is about time that we Christians once again acknowledged this dangerous reality.
HOW WILL GOD DEAL WITH SORCERERS?
God regards sorcery as something very serious. He regards it as so dangerous that in the Old Testament he commands the death sentence for sorcerers. We see this in Leviticus 20:27: “A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.” In Exodus 22:18, we also read these stern words from God: “Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
King Saul was God’s anointed king. He wanted to serve God, but somehow he always managed to fail. In obedience to God’s word he banned sorcerers from the land. However, in the moment of trial as he faced his last battle, he visited the witch at Endor (1 Sam. 28:7). The purpose for the visit concerned necromancy, that is consulting with the dead, also a forbidden practice. The scripture tells us that it was partly for this reason that Saul was killed the next day (1 Chron. 10:13-14).
The New Testament does not speak so much about sorcery because it assumes that God’s people have read and heeded the Old Testament. It is obvious from the gospels that a large part of Jesus’ ministry was spent in undoing the work of sorcery by casting out evil spirits. Jesus’ disciples were also commissioned to carry on this vital task. On one occasion, as a result of Paul’s ministry, former sorcerers brought forth their magic books and burned them (Acts 19:19). The cost of the books was listed at 50,000 drachmas. A drachma was about a days wage, so this sacrifice amounted to a sizeable fortune. On another occasion in Acts 8:9-25, Peter deals directly with Simon the Sorcerer, who apparently wanted to mix God’s truth with his sorcery. Peter said to him: “You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God” (Acts 8:20). It is interesting that the early church writers credit this Simon as a source for much false teaching in Christianity’s early years.
The horrible price of continuing to practice sorcery is illustrated for us in Revelation 22:14-15. Jesus says, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” Obviously those who choose to practice magic arts or sorcery will be permanently excluded from the kingdom of God.
The good news is that there is still time to repent of this sin. The Bible says in Psalm 97:10: “Let those who love the LORD hate evil…” God hates sorcery. As we have seen, it is detestable to him. As God’s dear children we must love what he loves and hate what he hates. Yet, we know from the Bible that while God hates sin, he loves the sinner. While we also must hate the sin of sorcery in all its forms, we must remember to love the sorcerers and never stop praying for their deliverance. - by Jim Gerrish
I hope this information helps you or helps you help someone who has been deceived into practicing the occult.
In Him and Him alone,
Samuel - Smashing Pillars... raising sons
Prayerfully consider supporting our work. Smashing Pillars International is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Thank you in advance. Donations can be made online at:
www.smashingpillarsinternational.org
If you would like to mail in a donation, please mail to:
Smashing Pillars International
14403 Walters Rd., #681601
Houston, Texas 77014
