Topical Bible: Sorcery: Denounced

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Sorcery, often associated with the practice of magic, witchcraft, and the invocation of spirits, is consistently denounced throughout the Bible. The term encompasses a range of activities that seek to manipulate supernatural forces, often in opposition to the will and commandments of God. The Bible's condemnation of sorcery is rooted in its association with idolatry, deception, and rebellion against God's authority.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, sorcery is explicitly prohibited and is often linked with other forms of idolatry and pagan practices. The Mosaic Law clearly forbids the Israelites from engaging in sorcery and similar practices. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , it is written: "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 severity of the prohibition is further emphasized in Exodus 22:18 , which states, "You must not allow a sorceress to live." This reflects the seriousness with which sorcery was viewed, as it was seen as a direct challenge to the sovereignty and holiness of God.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues the denunciation of sorcery, highlighting its incompatibility with the Christian faith. In Galatians 5:19-21 , sorcery is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the life led by the Spirit: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God."

The book of Acts provides a narrative example of the early church's stance against sorcery. In Acts 8:9-24, Simon the Sorcerer attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, revealing his misunderstanding and misuse of spiritual gifts. Peter rebukes him, saying in Acts 8:20 , "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!"

Theological Implications

The denunciation of sorcery in the Bible underscores the importance of relying solely on God for guidance, wisdom, and power. Sorcery is seen as a counterfeit to the true power and authority of God, often leading individuals away from faith and into spiritual bondage. The Bible's consistent message is that believers are to trust in God's sovereignty and reject any practices that seek to usurp His authority or rely on other spiritual entities.

Throughout Scripture, the practice of sorcery is associated with deception and falsehood, as it often involves the manipulation of reality and the exploitation of others. This aligns with the biblical theme of truth versus falsehood, where God is the ultimate source of truth, and any deviation from His ways is seen as a path to destruction.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 8:19
And when they shall say to you, Seek to them that have familiar spirits, and to wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek to their God? for the living to the dead?
Nave's Topical Index

Malachi 3:5
And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, said the LORD of hosts.
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Library

Present Heresies (Seedlings of the Tares Noted by the Sacred ...
... existing as they did in the days of the apostles, were both exposed and denounced
by the ... [2211] The doctrine, however, of Simon's sorcery, which inculcated the ...
/.../chapter xxxiii present heresies seedlings of.htm

The Foundations of Good Citizenship.
... to what is not true; and (4) in the practice of sorcery or witchcraft ... The prophet
Amos denounced the merchants of Northern Israel because they were constantly ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study x the foundations of.htm

Gunsaulus -- the Bible Vs. Infidelity
... a Bible with the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount denounced. ... surrendered
himself to pleasure, full tables, carousals, lewdness, sorcery, and deceit ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume 10/gunsaulus the bible vs.htm

The Book of Enoch
... of the Pseudepigrapha), and their introduction of mechanical arts, sorcery, and
astrology ... continue stedfast in their integrity, and woe is denounced on various ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of enoch.htm

The Mystery
... edicts to be observed with a Babylonian mouth, by commanding the worship of deities
and idols, with pain of death, and burning alive, denounced against those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm