Topical Bible: Sorcery: Practiced by False Prophets

◄ Sorcery: Practiced by False Prophets ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Sorcery, often associated with the use of magic, divination, and the invocation of spirits, is explicitly condemned in the Bible. Within the context of false prophets, sorcery is depicted as a deceptive practice that leads people away from the truth of God. The Bible warns against those who use sorcery to manipulate and deceive, presenting themselves as prophets of God while leading others into idolatry and falsehood.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, sorcery is frequently mentioned alongside other forbidden practices such as divination and witchcraft. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, "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 false prophets of Israel often engaged in such practices, leading the people astray. In Jeremiah 14:14 , the LORD declares, "The prophets are prophesying lies in My name. I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them. They are prophesying to you a false vision, worthless divination, the deceit of their own minds." Here, the use of divination and false visions is equated with sorcery, as these prophets claimed divine authority while practicing deception.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to denounce sorcery, particularly in the context of false prophets and teachers. In Acts 8:9-11 , we encounter Simon the Sorcerer, who amazed the people of Samaria with his magic and claimed to be someone great. However, upon hearing the gospel from Philip, Simon believed and was baptized, though his subsequent actions revealed a misunderstanding of the Holy Spirit's power.

In Revelation 21:8 , sorcerers are listed among those who will face the second death: "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death." This passage underscores the severity of practicing sorcery and the ultimate judgment awaiting those who persist in such deception.

Characteristics of False Prophets

False prophets who practice sorcery often exhibit certain characteristics that distinguish them from true prophets of God. They rely on signs and wonders to gain followers, as seen in Matthew 24:24 : "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible." These signs, however, are not from God but are meant to lead people away from the truth.

Additionally, false prophets often speak from their own imaginations rather than delivering messages from God. Ezekiel 13:6 describes them as follows: "They see false visions and speak lying divinations. They claim, ‘Thus declares the LORD,’ when the LORD did not send them; yet they wait for the fulfillment of their message."

Warnings and Exhortations

The Bible consistently warns believers to be vigilant against the influence of false prophets and their sorcery. In 1 John 4:1 , believers are instructed, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." This exhortation emphasizes the need for discernment and reliance on the Holy Spirit to recognize and reject false teachings.

In conclusion, the practice of sorcery by false prophets is a grave offense in the biblical narrative, leading people away from the truth of God and into spiritual peril. The Scriptures provide clear guidance for identifying and resisting such deception, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to the truth.

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Jeremiah 14:14
Then the LORD said to me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke to them: they prophesy to you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nothing, and the deceit of their heart.
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Jeremiah 27:9
Therefore listen not you to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreamers, nor to your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, which speak to you, saying, You shall not serve the king of Babylon:
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Jeremiah 29:8,9
For thus said the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners, that be in the middle of you, deceive you, neither listen to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed.
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Ezekiel 13:6-9
They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, The LORD said: and the LORD has not sent them: and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word.
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Ezekiel 22:28
And her prophets have daubed them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity, and divining lies to them, saying, Thus said the Lord GOD, when the LORD has not spoken.
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Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
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