What is the Bible's stance on sorcery? Definition and Terminology Sorcery, in a biblical context, refers generally to the practice of seeking supernatural power or knowledge apart from the authority of the One true God. In Scripture, this term often encompasses a variety of occult practices such as witchcraft, divination, spirit-mediumship, and the use of magic arts. The original Hebrew terms (often translated “sorcery” or “witchcraft”) convey the idea of secret or forbidden arts, and the Greek term pharmakeia, used in the New Testament, can imply the use of potions or enchantments linked to spiritual opposition against God (cf. Galatians 5:20). Old Testament Prohibitions Throughout the Old Testament, sorcery is emphatically forbidden and set in stark contrast to worship and obedience to God. Exodus 22:18: “You must not allow a sorceress to live.” Here, sorcery is treated as an offense that severely violates God’s covenant with His people. The strong wording underscores how seriously these practices were viewed. Deuteronomy 18:10–12: “Let no one among you…practice divination or tell fortunes or interpret omens or practice sorcery or cast spells…For everyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…” This passage categorizes sorcery along with other occult activities (such as necromancy and fortune-telling) as “detestable.” The severity of language highlights the spiritual danger of seeking guidance or power outside of God’s revelation. Leviticus 19:31 also warns: “Do not turn to mediums or consult spiritists, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.” These clear instructions were given in the context of Israel’s call to holiness, emphasizing that reliance on occult practices compromises the faithful dependence upon the Creator. New Testament Condemnation The New Testament continues this consistent stance, condemning sorcery as incompatible with a life submitted to God. Galatians 5:19–20 includes sorcery (pharmakeia) among “the works of the flesh,” listing it alongside sexual immorality, idolatry, and other behaviors that separate people from God’s holiness. Revelation 21:8 more directly warns sorcerers of the dire results of persisting in these practices: “…the cowardly, the unbelieving…sorcerers…their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur…” Likewise, Revelation 22:15 states that those who practice sorcery remain outside the holy city at the end of time, emphasizing eternal separation from God for those who persist in occult rebellion. Historic and Cultural Context Historical evidence corroborates that various Near Eastern cultures heavily practiced sorcery and witchcraft. Archaeological discoveries of ancient clay tablets and amulets in regions such as Mesopotamia and Canaan reveal incantations and spells that mirror the practices forbidden in Scripture. These findings align with the biblical record of pagan nations surrounding Israel engaging in attempts to manipulate gods, spirits, and spiritual forces. The New Testament era also documents widespread reliance on magic arts, as seen in Ephesus. In Acts 19:19, people who converted to following Christ publicly burned their scrolls of magic, “and when they calculated the value of the scrolls, it came to fifty thousand drachmas.” Such events demonstrate both the reality of sorcery in the ancient world and the decisive break new believers made from these practices in obedience to God. Why Does Scripture Oppose Sorcery? 1. Rebellion Against Divine Authority Sorcery seeks power and insight that circumvents God’s sovereign rule. Rather than trusting His revealed Word and seeking His will, sorcery relies on demonic or hidden forces, violating the fundamental command to worship and honor God alone. 2. Spiritual Danger and Deception Sorcery opens the door to influence by malevolent spiritual entities. Biblical teaching consistently warns that these forces aim to deceive and draw individuals away from truth. 3. Compromise of Moral and Faith Integrity Engaging in occult practices undermines a believer’s trust in God’s goodness and providence. This compromises the relationship the faithful are called to maintain exclusively with their Creator. 4. Conflict with Holiness and the Gospel The consistent thread of Scripture is God’s call for holiness. Sorcery, by definition, corrupts that call, drawing attention to human manipulation of spiritual power, rather than humble reliance on God and His redemptive plan through Christ. Practical Application • Seek God’s Will First: Instead of turning to occult practices for guidance, believers are to trust Scripture, prayer, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. • Reject Forbidden Practices: Modern forms of sorcery can include astrology-based decisions, séances, or the use of crystals and charms for spiritual power. Scripture’s prohibitions apply as much today as they did in ancient times. • Promote Awareness: Many unfamiliar with biblical teaching might find sorcery harmless or intriguing. A gentle yet firm explanation of the dangers, grounded in compassionate concern and Scripture, can help guide others away from deception. • Rely on Christ’s Victory: The resurrection of Christ embodies ultimate victory over all spiritual powers. From this standpoint, Scripture makes clear there is no need to seek alternative sources of supernatural power. Conclusion From Genesis through Revelation, the Bible’s stance on sorcery is unequivocal: it is forbidden, leading people away from reliance on and worship of the true God. Archaeological and historical data confirm that such forbidden practices were prevalent in the cultures surrounding ancient Israel and in the early Christian world, highlighting the biblical command to steer clear of destructive occult pursuits. At its core, Scripture consistently teaches the Creator’s design for us to seek His Sovereign power and guidance, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ, rather than resorting to the deceptive practices of sorcery. |
    |