Mediums and spiritists are individuals who claim to communicate with the dead or with spirits from the spiritual realm. In the Bible, these practices are consistently condemned and are associated with pagan religions and idolatry. The Scriptures provide clear guidance on the stance that the people of God should take regarding mediums and spiritists.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament explicitly forbids the practice of consulting mediums and spiritists. In Leviticus 19:31, the Israelites are commanded: "Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out to be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." This prohibition is reiterated in Leviticus 20:6, where God warns, "As for the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people."

The severity of this prohibition is further emphasized in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, where God lists practices that are detestable to Him, including divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you."

The Case of Saul and the Medium of Endor

One of the most notable biblical accounts involving a medium is found in 1 Samuel 28, where King Saul, in desperation, seeks out the medium of Endor to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul's fear and insecurity lead him to violate God's commandments. The encounter results in a message of doom for Saul, highlighting the futility and danger of seeking guidance from the dead rather than from God.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues to affirm the rejection of practices associated with mediums and spiritists. In Galatians 5:19-21, Paul lists "sorcery" among the works of the flesh, warning that "those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Similarly, in Acts 19:19, new believers in Ephesus demonstrate their repentance by burning their books of magic, indicating a clear break from occult practices.

Spiritual Warfare and Discernment

The Bible teaches that believers are engaged in spiritual warfare and must be discerning about spiritual influences. Ephesians 6:12 reminds Christians that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Believers are encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance from God alone, as James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Conclusion

The biblical stance on mediums and spiritists is clear: such practices are forbidden and are considered an abomination to God. The Scriptures consistently direct believers to seek guidance and wisdom from God, rejecting any form of communication with the dead or reliance on spiritual forces outside of God's provision.