Welcome to a place where Christ should be exalted and "Self" should be abased!!
Welcome to a place where the BIBLE can be discussed rationally, intelligently, and positively without unnecessary argument!!
Welcome to a place where prayer can be requested and encouraged!!
Welcome to a place where positive and encouraging thoughts from scripture can be shared in a caring and loving way!!
Welcome to a place away from all the arguments, recriminations, and negativity of the outside world!!
Welcome to a place of rest and safety!!
Welcome to a place where Philippians 2:3 is practiced: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Welcome to this Christian thread.
(Please leave all aggression, bitterness, and philosophy outside the door and please wipe your feet before coming inside!!)
I live in my own little world. But it's OK... They know me Here!
Welcome to a place where the BIBLE can be discussed rationally, intelligently, and positively without unnecessary argument!!
Welcome to a place where prayer can be requested and encouraged!!
Welcome to a place where positive and encouraging thoughts from scripture can be shared in a caring and loving way!!
Welcome to a place away from all the arguments, recriminations, and negativity of the outside world!!
Welcome to a place of rest and safety!!
Welcome to a place where Philippians 2:3 is practiced: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Welcome to this Christian thread.
(Please leave all aggression, bitterness, and philosophy outside the door and please wipe your feet before coming inside!!)
I live in my own little world. But it's OK... They know me Here!
Hi Ali...yep, 'tis a PB pic. Not sure how to size UP, but will e-mail it to you if you like and perhaps, with your vast conmputer acumen, you can adjust it. :)
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
LOL Julie - had just hoped that it was bigger before you entrusted it to the all knowing at Photobucket who messed up a really good sizing system.
Oh yeah...messed up is right!
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
BUMP :)
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
(((nikki)))) - I may have talked about it but someone else started it first (either amberley or laurie). And yes, when we are occupied thinking of others, it helps us overlook ourselves and also realize there are bigger problems out there than our own sometimes and yes, prayer is a way of letting God take over and we can rest easy on that fact.
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then there will be peace.
I do prayer walks. They're pretty cool, aren't they.
Intercessory prayer releases God's power to do His will; to do wonderful things!
Intercessory prayer releases God's power to do His will; to do wonderful things!
BUMP
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
Did anyone see the release of Conversations With God this past weekend? Right now it's only playing in Toronto at one theater around here. I heard it did pretty well in the US having come out in October there.
Why is there so much disagreement, confusion, and division in religion? Even "Christian" denominations often disagree and contradict one another. Does Jesus approve of such division, or does He want religious unity? Does division occur because the Bible contradicts itself or cannot be understood? Is it caused by ignorance, lack of Bible study, human religious authority, and man-made creeds? What does God's word say?
Introduction:
Confusion, division, and disagreement abound in religion. Religious people are divided into hundreds of different denominations, wearing different names, worshipping in different ways, and teaching different doctrines.
In this study we want to consider why there is so much confusion, disagreement, and division. Does Jesus approve of it, or does He seek religious unity? Does the Bible contradict itself? Is it impossible to understand? Do people fail to study diligently enough, resulting in ignorance? Are the problems caused by following man-made creeds and authority instead of following the Bible? What does God's word say?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Things that Should Not Be Blamed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sometimes people suggest invalid explanations, which are not the real sources of the problem.
A. Not Because God's Will Is Unrevealed or Incomplete
Some people say that disagreement exists because God has never told us everything we need to know. Or perhaps truths have been lost or changed over the centuries. But consider:
2 Timothy 3:15-17 - The Scriptures provide us completely to all good works. God has told us everything we need to know to be saved.
1 Corinthians 14:37; John 16:13 -Inspired men wrote God's commands and revealed all truth.
1 Peter 1:22-25 - This gospel lives and abides forever. It will always be here to teach us God's will.
When people are religiously divided, it is not because God's word is unavailable to us today.
B. Not Because the Bible Contains Errors or Contradictions
Some people suggest that Bible believers contradict one another because parts of the Bible contradict other parts. Or perhaps the Bible is in error or inaccurate on some points.
John 17:17; Psalms 119:128; 33:4 - God's word is truth. It is always right and can never be wrong. And truth will never contradict other truth.
Mark 3:24,25 - A house or kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. If the Bible contradicts itself, then God would be divided against Himself.
1 Corinthians 1:13 - The Corinthians were divided and confused. Was this because Jesus contradicted Himself and led them into confusion? No! Christ is not divided against Himself.
God's word is infallible, harmonious and unified. It cannot be wrong, and it cannot contradict itself. If people disagree with the Bible, then it is the people who are wrong, not the Bible - Romans 3:4.
C. Not Because the Bible Is Impossible to Understand
Some people think that the average person cannot possibly understand the Scriptures, so people just naturally disagree about what it means.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 - The Scriptures make us wise to salvation, profitably instructing us to all good works. How could they do so if we cannot understand them?
Mark 7:14 - Jesus expected all the multitudes who heard Him to understand His teachings.
Acts 17:11 - The Scriptures give the average man a way to distinguish truth from error.
God revealed the Bible to make known his will. If we cannot understand the message, then God has failed. But how can an all-wise, all-powerful God fail? He did not fail; therefore we can understand.
D. Not Because God Approves Division
Some people think God does not object if sincere people are religiously divided. "All the churches follow Jesus, so just join the church of your choice."
John 17:20,21 - Jesus prayed for all who believe in Him to be one as He and His Father are one. Do Jesus and the Father continually disagree and contradict one another?
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 - Paul told the Corinthians to cease their divisions. Jesus is not divided, so His followers must not be divided. If "all the churches are following Jesus," why are they divided? His teaching does not divide people. So they must be divided because some are not following Jesus.
Ephesians 4:3-6 - True unity is based on seven things of which there is only one each. Following many false gods creates confusion, but following the one true God would promote unity. Likewise, there are many false faiths and false churches, which create division. But there is only one true faith and only one true body (which is the church - Eph. 1:22,23; 5:22ff). Following God's true way produces unity in truth.
We have now studied several suggestions people offer to explain religious confusion and division. The problem with all these explanations is that they place the blame on God and the Bible. But God is not the author of confusion - 1 Cor. 14:33. We must look elsewhere for the real causes of the problem.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Things that Do Cause Confusion and Disagreement
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Lack of Knowledge
Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Ignorance causes confusion and division.
Matthew 22:24 - The Sadducees were in error because they did not know the Scriptures.
Romans 10:1-3 - The Israelites had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
Many circumstances may lead to a lack of knowledge of the truth. Consider some of them.
1. Some people simply have never had opportunity to learn the truth.
This was the case of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-11:18) and the Ethiopian treasurer (Acts 8:26-39). Such people need to hear words whereby they can be saved (Acts 11:14).
2. Some people simply do not study the Bible diligently enough.
To discern good from evil, we must have our senses exercised by reason of use - Hebrews 5:12-14. We must "search the Scriptures daily" - Acts 17:11. Much religious error and division result from lack of study.
3. Some people do not handle the Bible properly - 2 Timothy 2:15.
Even if a person studies and quotes the Bible, he may not be using it properly (Matt. 4:5-7).
For example, some people try to prove their practices by the Old Testament, not knowing it has been removed by Christ and is no longer in effect (Rom. 7:2-6; Heb. 10:9,10; Gal. 3:24,25; Col. 2:14,16).
Other people take only part of the Bible teaching about a subject but ignore other verses on the same subject. As a result, they reach conclusions that contradict other Scriptures (Matt. 4:4-7; Acts 3:22,23; Matt. 28:20).
We can truly be made free from sin only if we know the truth - John 8:32.
B. Human Religious Guides
Much division results because people follow doctrines invented by men, but not found in the Bible. They may determine their beliefs by human guides such as the following:
1. Preachers
Some people think, "It must be right, because Rev. so-and-so says so." Preachers are useful if they preach the truth, but many teach error (2 Tim. 4:2-4; Matt. 7:15; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). We must check out all teachings by the Bible (Acts 17:11).
2. Family or friends
"I was brought up in this church. If it's good enough for my loved ones, it's good enough for me." It is wonderful if our family and friends really serve God. But most people's families are in error (Matt. 7:13,14). We must obey Jesus, even when loved ones disagree (Matt. 10:34-37).
3. Creed books, church laws, and traditions
Most denominations have man-made rules that the denomination follows. These rules are often written down as official statements of church doctrine (manuals, catechisms, creeds, disciplines, etc.). But men have no right to make religious laws (Matt. 15:9; Eph. 1:22,23; James 4:12). No human writing or teaching should be viewed as an official, authoritative statement of church doctrine.
4. Other human religious guides
People sometimes follow other human guides such as conscience, feelings, beliefs of the majority, etc. All such standards can lead us into error.
Matthew 15:9,13 - Following human doctrines makes worship vain.
2 John 9 - Whoever goes beyond the teachings of Jesus, does not have the Father and the Son.
Galatians 1:8,9 - Any one who preaches any doctrine other than the one true gospel, is accursed.
Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12 - The way a man should walk is not found within man himself. A way may seem right to men yet result in death. We must trust in God's word, not in human wisdom.
C. Preconceived Ideas, Pride, Lack of Love for Truth
Matthew 13:14,15 - People often close their eyes and ears to the truth. They may have believed a certain way for years, so they refuse to consider evidence for other views and they reject the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - People who do not love truth enough, will instead believe a lie and be condemned. Such attitudes invariably lead to religious disagreement and confusion. [Proverbs 18:13]
To accept the truth, we must "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Matt. 5:6). We must honestly study what God's word says, then accept truth with "readiness of mind" (James 1:19-21; Acts 17:11).
D. Personal Desires and Self-Will
Matthew 13:20-22 - Serving God requires self-sacrifice and effort. Some people will not pay the price, so they justify themselves in disobedience.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4 - Some reject truth because they just enjoy unrighteousness. They want preachers to justify their sins.
Acts 7:51 - Other people just rebel against authority and seek to please themselves.
All such attitudes as these contribute to religious division, disagreement, and confusion.
Conclusion
Religious disagreement, division, and confusion are not caused by God or His word. They are caused by people who do not obey God's word diligently.
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
Introduction:
Confusion, division, and disagreement abound in religion. Religious people are divided into hundreds of different denominations, wearing different names, worshipping in different ways, and teaching different doctrines.
In this study we want to consider why there is so much confusion, disagreement, and division. Does Jesus approve of it, or does He seek religious unity? Does the Bible contradict itself? Is it impossible to understand? Do people fail to study diligently enough, resulting in ignorance? Are the problems caused by following man-made creeds and authority instead of following the Bible? What does God's word say?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I. Things that Should Not Be Blamed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sometimes people suggest invalid explanations, which are not the real sources of the problem.
A. Not Because God's Will Is Unrevealed or Incomplete
Some people say that disagreement exists because God has never told us everything we need to know. Or perhaps truths have been lost or changed over the centuries. But consider:
2 Timothy 3:15-17 - The Scriptures provide us completely to all good works. God has told us everything we need to know to be saved.
1 Corinthians 14:37; John 16:13 -Inspired men wrote God's commands and revealed all truth.
1 Peter 1:22-25 - This gospel lives and abides forever. It will always be here to teach us God's will.
When people are religiously divided, it is not because God's word is unavailable to us today.
B. Not Because the Bible Contains Errors or Contradictions
Some people suggest that Bible believers contradict one another because parts of the Bible contradict other parts. Or perhaps the Bible is in error or inaccurate on some points.
John 17:17; Psalms 119:128; 33:4 - God's word is truth. It is always right and can never be wrong. And truth will never contradict other truth.
Mark 3:24,25 - A house or kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. If the Bible contradicts itself, then God would be divided against Himself.
1 Corinthians 1:13 - The Corinthians were divided and confused. Was this because Jesus contradicted Himself and led them into confusion? No! Christ is not divided against Himself.
God's word is infallible, harmonious and unified. It cannot be wrong, and it cannot contradict itself. If people disagree with the Bible, then it is the people who are wrong, not the Bible - Romans 3:4.
C. Not Because the Bible Is Impossible to Understand
Some people think that the average person cannot possibly understand the Scriptures, so people just naturally disagree about what it means.
2 Timothy 3:15-17 - The Scriptures make us wise to salvation, profitably instructing us to all good works. How could they do so if we cannot understand them?
Mark 7:14 - Jesus expected all the multitudes who heard Him to understand His teachings.
Acts 17:11 - The Scriptures give the average man a way to distinguish truth from error.
God revealed the Bible to make known his will. If we cannot understand the message, then God has failed. But how can an all-wise, all-powerful God fail? He did not fail; therefore we can understand.
D. Not Because God Approves Division
Some people think God does not object if sincere people are religiously divided. "All the churches follow Jesus, so just join the church of your choice."
John 17:20,21 - Jesus prayed for all who believe in Him to be one as He and His Father are one. Do Jesus and the Father continually disagree and contradict one another?
1 Corinthians 1:10-13 - Paul told the Corinthians to cease their divisions. Jesus is not divided, so His followers must not be divided. If "all the churches are following Jesus," why are they divided? His teaching does not divide people. So they must be divided because some are not following Jesus.
Ephesians 4:3-6 - True unity is based on seven things of which there is only one each. Following many false gods creates confusion, but following the one true God would promote unity. Likewise, there are many false faiths and false churches, which create division. But there is only one true faith and only one true body (which is the church - Eph. 1:22,23; 5:22ff). Following God's true way produces unity in truth.
We have now studied several suggestions people offer to explain religious confusion and division. The problem with all these explanations is that they place the blame on God and the Bible. But God is not the author of confusion - 1 Cor. 14:33. We must look elsewhere for the real causes of the problem.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
II. Things that Do Cause Confusion and Disagreement
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Lack of Knowledge
Hosea 4:6 - My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Ignorance causes confusion and division.
Matthew 22:24 - The Sadducees were in error because they did not know the Scriptures.
Romans 10:1-3 - The Israelites had zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.
Many circumstances may lead to a lack of knowledge of the truth. Consider some of them.
1. Some people simply have never had opportunity to learn the truth.
This was the case of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-11:18) and the Ethiopian treasurer (Acts 8:26-39). Such people need to hear words whereby they can be saved (Acts 11:14).
2. Some people simply do not study the Bible diligently enough.
To discern good from evil, we must have our senses exercised by reason of use - Hebrews 5:12-14. We must "search the Scriptures daily" - Acts 17:11. Much religious error and division result from lack of study.
3. Some people do not handle the Bible properly - 2 Timothy 2:15.
Even if a person studies and quotes the Bible, he may not be using it properly (Matt. 4:5-7).
For example, some people try to prove their practices by the Old Testament, not knowing it has been removed by Christ and is no longer in effect (Rom. 7:2-6; Heb. 10:9,10; Gal. 3:24,25; Col. 2:14,16).
Other people take only part of the Bible teaching about a subject but ignore other verses on the same subject. As a result, they reach conclusions that contradict other Scriptures (Matt. 4:4-7; Acts 3:22,23; Matt. 28:20).
We can truly be made free from sin only if we know the truth - John 8:32.
B. Human Religious Guides
Much division results because people follow doctrines invented by men, but not found in the Bible. They may determine their beliefs by human guides such as the following:
1. Preachers
Some people think, "It must be right, because Rev. so-and-so says so." Preachers are useful if they preach the truth, but many teach error (2 Tim. 4:2-4; Matt. 7:15; 2 Cor. 11:13-15). We must check out all teachings by the Bible (Acts 17:11).
2. Family or friends
"I was brought up in this church. If it's good enough for my loved ones, it's good enough for me." It is wonderful if our family and friends really serve God. But most people's families are in error (Matt. 7:13,14). We must obey Jesus, even when loved ones disagree (Matt. 10:34-37).
3. Creed books, church laws, and traditions
Most denominations have man-made rules that the denomination follows. These rules are often written down as official statements of church doctrine (manuals, catechisms, creeds, disciplines, etc.). But men have no right to make religious laws (Matt. 15:9; Eph. 1:22,23; James 4:12). No human writing or teaching should be viewed as an official, authoritative statement of church doctrine.
4. Other human religious guides
People sometimes follow other human guides such as conscience, feelings, beliefs of the majority, etc. All such standards can lead us into error.
Matthew 15:9,13 - Following human doctrines makes worship vain.
2 John 9 - Whoever goes beyond the teachings of Jesus, does not have the Father and the Son.
Galatians 1:8,9 - Any one who preaches any doctrine other than the one true gospel, is accursed.
Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12 - The way a man should walk is not found within man himself. A way may seem right to men yet result in death. We must trust in God's word, not in human wisdom.
C. Preconceived Ideas, Pride, Lack of Love for Truth
Matthew 13:14,15 - People often close their eyes and ears to the truth. They may have believed a certain way for years, so they refuse to consider evidence for other views and they reject the truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 - People who do not love truth enough, will instead believe a lie and be condemned. Such attitudes invariably lead to religious disagreement and confusion. [Proverbs 18:13]
To accept the truth, we must "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Matt. 5:6). We must honestly study what God's word says, then accept truth with "readiness of mind" (James 1:19-21; Acts 17:11).
D. Personal Desires and Self-Will
Matthew 13:20-22 - Serving God requires self-sacrifice and effort. Some people will not pay the price, so they justify themselves in disobedience.
2 Thessalonians 2:10-12; 2 Timothy 4:2-4 - Some reject truth because they just enjoy unrighteousness. They want preachers to justify their sins.
Acts 7:51 - Other people just rebel against authority and seek to please themselves.
All such attitudes as these contribute to religious division, disagreement, and confusion.
Conclusion
Religious disagreement, division, and confusion are not caused by God or His word. They are caused by people who do not obey God's word diligently.
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
Some would tell us magic and sorcery are not inherently wrong - that it is only wrong if used to harm people. However, the Bible shows us that all sorcery and occult practices are wrong, regardless of the intended goal, because they come from the wrong source. The source of the power is what makes them inherently evil, regardless of how they are used.
What position should Christians take when discussions of astrology, psychics and other forms of divination arise? Do the stars shape human destiny? Are there unseen influences in the unconscious mind related to the position of the planets in their orbits? Can psychics see the future?
A psychic is "one who delves into that which lies outside the realm of physical knowledge; one who delves into the immaterial or spiritual realm; one who is apparently sensitive to supernatural forces and influences; a medium" (Merriam Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary).
Psychics claim to see "signs" or otherwise communicate with the dead. Is psychic ability a spiritual gift? Does the Bible say anything about these subjects? Yes, of course it does! God branded these practices as detestable.
Listen to the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 18:9-12:
"When thou art come into the land the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shalt not be found among you anyone that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times or an enchanter , or a witch, or a necromancer, for all that do these things, are an abomination unto the Lord."
God branded the practices of the Canaanites an "abomination." In other words, these were things that were particularly offensive to Him. When Israel desired to know God's divine will, they were commanded to avoid the magic, sorcery and superstitious practices of the Canaanites. Instead, they were to wait upon the Lord, who would raise up a prophet from among them. God's prophets were not primarily to foretell the future, but to instruct and reprove the people in God's name. Prophecies and miracles were only intended as a sign to establish the prophet's credentials. And God's prophets were always accurate 100 per cent of the time when they prophesied (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Anything less then 100 percent accuracy resulted in death by stoning for the false prophet.
Checking the records of modern-day astrologers or psychics, even the late Jeanne Dixon, will demonstrate that unlike God's prophets, they are extremely inaccurate. Incidentally, Mrs. Dixon failed to prophesy her own death.
One reads further about the enchanters in Daniel 2:1-2. King Nebuchandnezzer believed that he had received an important Divine communication. He summoned all of his magicians, sorcerers and Chaldeans. He admonished them to tell him, both his dream and the interpretation, pretending to have forgotten the dream so he could test their skills.
The astrologers failed the test and the King ordered them all executed. God, however, revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel who after revealing it and the interpretation with Nebuchadnezzar was made the ruler over the whole province of Babylon. God rewarded obedience but chastised disobedience.
The Scriptures indicate that both Israel and Judah were often contaminated with astrology, sorcery or witchcraft. This contamination always brought the judgement of God upon them.
All occult practices are an affront to God. Christians are to put faith and trust in Him alone. God wants His people to consult Him - not phoney substitutes. Through the Scripture and through the Holy Spirit, God reveals what He's doing and what He wants people to know. "To the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). "Howbeit when the Spirit of truth is come He will guide you into all truth, and He will show you things to come." (John 16:13).
The Lord, through the Word and the Holy Spirit, will guide His people into all truth and will show them that His promises are true. However, it is wise to keep in mind that psychics are a sign of the end times:
2 Thessalonians 2:9 "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders"
Whether you are dealing with so called ghosts, aliens or psychics, the only way to know if you are being deceived is to know the word of God (scripture) and know it well. Test the spirits to see if they are of God, or if you are being deceived by a lying spirit.
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (6) We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."
The Bible says that it is wrong to seek knowledge about the future, apart from God and His Word. Isaiah 8:19,20 says, "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Deuteronomy 18:10-14 warns us about seeking knowledge of the future from sources who claim to have that power. "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do."
The Bible forbids a Christian to seek the spirit realm for answers to questions about the future, as is also seen in the case with King Saul. I Samuel 28:5-7 says, "And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her." This action on King Saul’s part was the final straw in his life. I Samuel 28:15-19 says, "And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines."
It is just as wrong to seek information from spirit guides or angels. This is a part of what is modernly called The New Age movement, but is actually the ancient art of spiritism. It is all forbidden to delve into by the Christian. God has left us His Word to lead and to guide us. Romans 12:2 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." II Timothy 3:16,17 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
Angels protect us, but they are not to be sought out as guides. Psalm 91:11,12 says, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." God has them all around to protect us, but we are to ask God for things — not angels. If we need wisdom about a decision that is going to affect our future, then we need to take that matter to God. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
********************************
Bibliography:
Witchcraft, sorcery, etc., are condemned without qualification in both the Old and New Testaments.
Deuteronomy 18:9-14 - Every aspect of the occult is here mentioned specifically. It is all an "abomination" and is forbidden. Specifically forbidden are: one who practices "witchcraft" and a "sorcerer" and "one who conjures spells" and a "spiritist."
Leviticus 19:31 - Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 20:6 - The person who turns after mediums and familiar spirits, God says He would set His face against that person and cut him off from his people.
Leviticus 20:27 - A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones.
Revelation 21:8 - But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
Revelation 22:15 - But outside [heaven] are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
Acts 13:8-10 - Paul rebuked Elymas the sorcerer, saying: "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?"
Hence, the Bible does not distinguish whether the witchcraft is intended to achieve a goal which is good or one which does harm. It is all inherently wrong because it is an appeal to a forbidden source of power.
[2 Chron. 33:6; 2 Kings 9:22; Ex. 22:18; 1 Sam. 15:23; Mic. 5:12; Nah. 3:4; Jer. 27:9; Mal. 3:5; Isa. 2:6; 2 Kings. 21:6; 23:24; Isa. 19:3]
Specific powers of witchcraft and sorcery are named and condemned.
Exodus 7:11,22; 8:7 - When Moses & Aaron brought plagues on Egypt, Pharaoh's magicians attempted to duplicate the miracles by their "enchantments." "Enchantments" refers to the ceremonies and rituals used by sorcerers and magicians to accomplish their ends - incantations, spells, and magic words ("hocus-pocus"), wearing of charms (amulets).
Deuteronomy 18:10 mentions various of these "enchantments" as part of that which is forbidden.
Isaiah 8:19,20 - And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
"Whisper and mutter" refers to the incantations and spells of magicians. These words are supposed to give the user control over the spirit beings that accomplish the desired result. If you know the words, you control the spirit to do your bidding.
Galatians 5:20,21 - Those who will not inherit the kingdom of God include those who practice "sorcery" ("witchcraft" - KJV). This includes the occult in general, but refers especially to the use of drugs and potions brewed by witches in their cauldrons, etc. (Movies and books often refer to the witches' book of spells, and recipes for potions, etc.)
God condemns, not just the whole practice of the occult, but also the specific methods, rituals, and mumbo-jumbo words used.
[Lev. 19:26; 2 Kings 17:17; Isa. 47:9,12; Jer. 27:9; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chron. 33:6; Isa. 3:20; Rev. 9:21]
Witches & sorcerers cannot duplicate the powers & miracles God did through inspired men.
The Bible often warns about the danger of being deceived by lying wonders [2 Thess. 2:9; Matt. 24:24; Deut. 13:1-5]. The examples given in Scripture often involved confrontations between those who did true miracles from God and those who practiced forms of sorcery or magic:
Exodus 7-9; read 8:18,19 - Pharaoh's magicians and sorcerers tried to duplicate the signs and plagues God caused through Moses and Aaron (7:11,22; 8:7,8,18; 9:11). For a while they seemed to achieve a limited succeed. But soon they failed and admitted Moses had the power of God.
Daniel 1:20 - And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them [Daniel and his friends] ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realm.
Daniel 2:1-13,27,28 - The king of Babylon sought magicians to tell him his dream and interpret it. None could. But by the power of God, Daniel interpreted the dream accurately [cf. 4:7,9]. Later he likewise interpreted the handwriting on the wall which predicted the downfall of Belshazzar (5:7,11). [Cf. Gen. 41:8,24]
Acts 8:9-13 - Simon used sorcery to amaze the Samaritans. They believed he had the great power of God. But when Philip preached Jesus and did true miracles by the power of God, not only the people but also Simon himself believed [cf. v5-7].
Acts 13:6-11 - Elymas was a sorcerer, but he was powerless to resist the superior power God worked through Paul.
I do not know whether the power of sorcerers can be explained through trickery, which really can be explained by natural processes, or whether Satan really does possess some supernatural power. But what is sure is that Satan can never duplicate God's true miracles. By comparing modern sorcery to the miracles of the Bible, we can prove witchcraft is inferior, so we should not put our faith in it.
Witchcraft, magic, psychic ability, etc., is the occult substitute for Bible miracles. Where God has done miracles for His people, believers in the occult seek their supernatural works by means of spells, incantations, etc. that appeal to their spirit powers. God forbids all such because it is an appeal to powers other than His power. God will never allow that which is false to duplicate the works of that which is true.
[Isa. 47:9,12-14; 1 Kings 18; Acts 16:16; 19:13ff]
Divination in General Is Condemned.
Deuteronomy 18:10,14 - "Divination" (ASV, KJV; "soothsayer" - NKJV) and "diviners" are specifically listed among those aspects of the occult which were an abomination and were forbidden among God's people. A soothsayer is a fortune-teller - one who attempts to predict the future by occult methods. These things were practiced by the evil nations that God cast out of Canaan.
2 Kings 17:17,18 - God drove Israel into captivity because they practiced sins including "divination" (ASV, KJV) or "soothsaying" (NKJV).
These terms may not be familiar to many of us, but the practices were well-known in Bible times and are becoming more prevalent today. The Bible plainly condemns them all.
Augury (Interpretation of Omens) Is Condemned.
Deuteronomy 18:10,14 - Listed among the occult practices that are an abomination to God is "one who interprets omens."
This involved the belief that the activities of the gods could be predicted by observing events in nature (weather, animals, movement of stars), or by chance ritual ceremonies (casting lots, tossing arrows, etc.). Astrology is augury based on observing the stars. By observing such events, people attempt to predict the future.
2 Kings 21:6 - King Manasseh of Israel practiced such and did evil before God ("soothsaying" - NKJV; "augury" - ASV). [2 Chron. 33:6]
Psychics & Fortune-tellers Are Condemned.
This includes all those who attempt to predict the future by supernatural, spirit powers: fortune-tellers, crystal ball readers, palm readers, mind readers, reading tarot cards, reading tea leaves, or Ouija board.
The Bible says:
Only God can read the minds of men.
1 Corinthians 2:11 - For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
John 2:25 - Jesus had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
1 Kings 8:39 - Only God knows the hearts of man [Jer. 17:10].
Psychics and mind readers pretend to read men's minds, but only God has this power, and He no longer gives it to men (see 1 Cor. 13 below). For men to claim supernatural power to read the mind is a form of witchcraft and divination, condemned in the passages above.
Only God can predict the future.
James 4:14 - You do not know what will happen tomorrow.
Proverbs 27:1 - Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Hence, natural law will not allow us to know the future. Any effort to predict the future must be based on supernatural powers.
Isaiah 41:21-23; 42:8,9 - God challenged the idols to prove they are gods by predicting the future. He rests His claim to Deity on His ability to predict the future. He clearly affirms that no one but the true God can predict the future.
Hence, God says no power but His can really predict the future. Men who claim to be able to do it, are claiming the power of God (regardless of their intent).
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 - God did miracles in the age when His written word was not complete. By God's supernatural power, men revealed His will and confirmed by miracles that it was His word (Mk. 16:20; Acts 14:3; Heb. 2:3,4). Since the written word (that which is perfect - Jas. 1:25) has come, God no longer gives men the power of prophecy.
Hence, no one today can predict the future by the power of God. Anyone who claims to do it, is not doing it by God's power. If he claims to do it by some supernatural, spirit force, that power must not be God's power. It must be a form of occult divination, condemned by God. [Cf. Acts 8:14ff; 1:22; Jude 3; etc.]
A test for impostors is to see if their predictions ever fail.
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - After rebuking all forms of the occult (v9-14), God predicted the coming of the true prophet (Jesus) in whom people should trust (v15-19). Then He explained how people could recognize the false prophet. A prophet is not from God if he claims to speak in the name of some other god or if his predictions of the future do not come true.
Spiritism & Necromancy
Necromancy is the alleged power to communicate with the spirits of dead people ("ghosts"). In some translations of the Bible, this is called having a "familiar spirit."
Today, they are called "spiritists," "spiritualists," or "mediums." Multiplied thousands of them exist in the USA and in South America. Many are members of the hundreds of spiritualist or spiritist churches.
(Many "Christians" claim this is approved of God. What does the Bible say?)...
Deuteronomy 18:11 - The occult practices which are an abomination to God includes mediums, spiritists, and those who call up the dead.
Leviticus 19:31; 20:6,27 - God's people must not seek out mediums or familiar spirits. If they do, they should be cut off. Those who are mediums or have a familiar spirit should be stoned.
Ecclesiastes 9:6 - Those who are dead have no more portion in anything done under the sun forever.
Luke 16:27-31 - Abraham refused to let Lazarus go back from the dead to warn the rich man's brothers. Why? Because they already had sufficient evidence of what they should do revealed in the Scriptures.
1 Samuel 28:3-14 - Saul consulted a woman from Endor who had a familiar spirit, to get her to call up Samuel. Some think this proves the practice is valid. But note v12 - When the woman saw Samuel she cried out with a loud voice. Why? She had agreed to call him up. If she had expected him to come, why be surprised when he came?
1 Chronicles 10:13,14 - Saul died because he was unfaithful and because he consulted with this familiar spirit.
Note that God's word rebukes, not just the one who calls up the dead (the medium), but also those who consult the medium.
[2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chron. 33:6; Isa. 8:19,20; 2 Kings 23:24; Isa. 19:3; 29:4]
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
What position should Christians take when discussions of astrology, psychics and other forms of divination arise? Do the stars shape human destiny? Are there unseen influences in the unconscious mind related to the position of the planets in their orbits? Can psychics see the future?
A psychic is "one who delves into that which lies outside the realm of physical knowledge; one who delves into the immaterial or spiritual realm; one who is apparently sensitive to supernatural forces and influences; a medium" (Merriam Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary).
Psychics claim to see "signs" or otherwise communicate with the dead. Is psychic ability a spiritual gift? Does the Bible say anything about these subjects? Yes, of course it does! God branded these practices as detestable.
Listen to the words of Moses in Deuteronomy 18:9-12:
"When thou art come into the land the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shalt not be found among you anyone that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times or an enchanter , or a witch, or a necromancer, for all that do these things, are an abomination unto the Lord."
God branded the practices of the Canaanites an "abomination." In other words, these were things that were particularly offensive to Him. When Israel desired to know God's divine will, they were commanded to avoid the magic, sorcery and superstitious practices of the Canaanites. Instead, they were to wait upon the Lord, who would raise up a prophet from among them. God's prophets were not primarily to foretell the future, but to instruct and reprove the people in God's name. Prophecies and miracles were only intended as a sign to establish the prophet's credentials. And God's prophets were always accurate 100 per cent of the time when they prophesied (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Anything less then 100 percent accuracy resulted in death by stoning for the false prophet.
Checking the records of modern-day astrologers or psychics, even the late Jeanne Dixon, will demonstrate that unlike God's prophets, they are extremely inaccurate. Incidentally, Mrs. Dixon failed to prophesy her own death.
One reads further about the enchanters in Daniel 2:1-2. King Nebuchandnezzer believed that he had received an important Divine communication. He summoned all of his magicians, sorcerers and Chaldeans. He admonished them to tell him, both his dream and the interpretation, pretending to have forgotten the dream so he could test their skills.
The astrologers failed the test and the King ordered them all executed. God, however, revealed the dream and its meaning to Daniel who after revealing it and the interpretation with Nebuchadnezzar was made the ruler over the whole province of Babylon. God rewarded obedience but chastised disobedience.
The Scriptures indicate that both Israel and Judah were often contaminated with astrology, sorcery or witchcraft. This contamination always brought the judgement of God upon them.
All occult practices are an affront to God. Christians are to put faith and trust in Him alone. God wants His people to consult Him - not phoney substitutes. Through the Scripture and through the Holy Spirit, God reveals what He's doing and what He wants people to know. "To the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isaiah 8:20). "Howbeit when the Spirit of truth is come He will guide you into all truth, and He will show you things to come." (John 16:13).
The Lord, through the Word and the Holy Spirit, will guide His people into all truth and will show them that His promises are true. However, it is wise to keep in mind that psychics are a sign of the end times:
2 Thessalonians 2:9 "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders"
Whether you are dealing with so called ghosts, aliens or psychics, the only way to know if you are being deceived is to know the word of God (scripture) and know it well. Test the spirits to see if they are of God, or if you are being deceived by a lying spirit.
1 John 4:1 "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (6) We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error."
The Bible says that it is wrong to seek knowledge about the future, apart from God and His Word. Isaiah 8:19,20 says, "And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them."
Deuteronomy 18:10-14 warns us about seeking knowledge of the future from sources who claim to have that power. "There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do."
The Bible forbids a Christian to seek the spirit realm for answers to questions about the future, as is also seen in the case with King Saul. I Samuel 28:5-7 says, "And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled. And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her." This action on King Saul’s part was the final straw in his life. I Samuel 28:15-19 says, "And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. Then said Samuel, Wherefore then dost thou ask of me, seeing the LORD is departed from thee, and is become thine enemy? And the LORD hath done to him, as he spake by me: for the LORD hath rent the kingdom out of thine hand, and given it to thy neighbour, even to David: Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the LORD, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon Amalek, therefore hath the LORD done this thing unto thee this day. Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines: and to morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with me: the LORD also shall deliver the host of Israel into the hand of the Philistines."
It is just as wrong to seek information from spirit guides or angels. This is a part of what is modernly called The New Age movement, but is actually the ancient art of spiritism. It is all forbidden to delve into by the Christian. God has left us His Word to lead and to guide us. Romans 12:2 says, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." II Timothy 3:16,17 says, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
Angels protect us, but they are not to be sought out as guides. Psalm 91:11,12 says, "For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone." God has them all around to protect us, but we are to ask God for things — not angels. If we need wisdom about a decision that is going to affect our future, then we need to take that matter to God. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
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Bibliography:
Witchcraft, sorcery, etc., are condemned without qualification in both the Old and New Testaments.
Deuteronomy 18:9-14 - Every aspect of the occult is here mentioned specifically. It is all an "abomination" and is forbidden. Specifically forbidden are: one who practices "witchcraft" and a "sorcerer" and "one who conjures spells" and a "spiritist."
Leviticus 19:31 - Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 20:6 - The person who turns after mediums and familiar spirits, God says He would set His face against that person and cut him off from his people.
Leviticus 20:27 - A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones.
Revelation 21:8 - But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
Revelation 22:15 - But outside [heaven] are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.
Acts 13:8-10 - Paul rebuked Elymas the sorcerer, saying: "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?"
Hence, the Bible does not distinguish whether the witchcraft is intended to achieve a goal which is good or one which does harm. It is all inherently wrong because it is an appeal to a forbidden source of power.
[2 Chron. 33:6; 2 Kings 9:22; Ex. 22:18; 1 Sam. 15:23; Mic. 5:12; Nah. 3:4; Jer. 27:9; Mal. 3:5; Isa. 2:6; 2 Kings. 21:6; 23:24; Isa. 19:3]
Specific powers of witchcraft and sorcery are named and condemned.
Exodus 7:11,22; 8:7 - When Moses & Aaron brought plagues on Egypt, Pharaoh's magicians attempted to duplicate the miracles by their "enchantments." "Enchantments" refers to the ceremonies and rituals used by sorcerers and magicians to accomplish their ends - incantations, spells, and magic words ("hocus-pocus"), wearing of charms (amulets).
Deuteronomy 18:10 mentions various of these "enchantments" as part of that which is forbidden.
Isaiah 8:19,20 - And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
"Whisper and mutter" refers to the incantations and spells of magicians. These words are supposed to give the user control over the spirit beings that accomplish the desired result. If you know the words, you control the spirit to do your bidding.
Galatians 5:20,21 - Those who will not inherit the kingdom of God include those who practice "sorcery" ("witchcraft" - KJV). This includes the occult in general, but refers especially to the use of drugs and potions brewed by witches in their cauldrons, etc. (Movies and books often refer to the witches' book of spells, and recipes for potions, etc.)
God condemns, not just the whole practice of the occult, but also the specific methods, rituals, and mumbo-jumbo words used.
[Lev. 19:26; 2 Kings 17:17; Isa. 47:9,12; Jer. 27:9; 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chron. 33:6; Isa. 3:20; Rev. 9:21]
Witches & sorcerers cannot duplicate the powers & miracles God did through inspired men.
The Bible often warns about the danger of being deceived by lying wonders [2 Thess. 2:9; Matt. 24:24; Deut. 13:1-5]. The examples given in Scripture often involved confrontations between those who did true miracles from God and those who practiced forms of sorcery or magic:
Exodus 7-9; read 8:18,19 - Pharaoh's magicians and sorcerers tried to duplicate the signs and plagues God caused through Moses and Aaron (7:11,22; 8:7,8,18; 9:11). For a while they seemed to achieve a limited succeed. But soon they failed and admitted Moses had the power of God.
Daniel 1:20 - And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them [Daniel and his friends] ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers in all his realm.
Daniel 2:1-13,27,28 - The king of Babylon sought magicians to tell him his dream and interpret it. None could. But by the power of God, Daniel interpreted the dream accurately [cf. 4:7,9]. Later he likewise interpreted the handwriting on the wall which predicted the downfall of Belshazzar (5:7,11). [Cf. Gen. 41:8,24]
Acts 8:9-13 - Simon used sorcery to amaze the Samaritans. They believed he had the great power of God. But when Philip preached Jesus and did true miracles by the power of God, not only the people but also Simon himself believed [cf. v5-7].
Acts 13:6-11 - Elymas was a sorcerer, but he was powerless to resist the superior power God worked through Paul.
I do not know whether the power of sorcerers can be explained through trickery, which really can be explained by natural processes, or whether Satan really does possess some supernatural power. But what is sure is that Satan can never duplicate God's true miracles. By comparing modern sorcery to the miracles of the Bible, we can prove witchcraft is inferior, so we should not put our faith in it.
Witchcraft, magic, psychic ability, etc., is the occult substitute for Bible miracles. Where God has done miracles for His people, believers in the occult seek their supernatural works by means of spells, incantations, etc. that appeal to their spirit powers. God forbids all such because it is an appeal to powers other than His power. God will never allow that which is false to duplicate the works of that which is true.
[Isa. 47:9,12-14; 1 Kings 18; Acts 16:16; 19:13ff]
Divination in General Is Condemned.
Deuteronomy 18:10,14 - "Divination" (ASV, KJV; "soothsayer" - NKJV) and "diviners" are specifically listed among those aspects of the occult which were an abomination and were forbidden among God's people. A soothsayer is a fortune-teller - one who attempts to predict the future by occult methods. These things were practiced by the evil nations that God cast out of Canaan.
2 Kings 17:17,18 - God drove Israel into captivity because they practiced sins including "divination" (ASV, KJV) or "soothsaying" (NKJV).
These terms may not be familiar to many of us, but the practices were well-known in Bible times and are becoming more prevalent today. The Bible plainly condemns them all.
Augury (Interpretation of Omens) Is Condemned.
Deuteronomy 18:10,14 - Listed among the occult practices that are an abomination to God is "one who interprets omens."
This involved the belief that the activities of the gods could be predicted by observing events in nature (weather, animals, movement of stars), or by chance ritual ceremonies (casting lots, tossing arrows, etc.). Astrology is augury based on observing the stars. By observing such events, people attempt to predict the future.
2 Kings 21:6 - King Manasseh of Israel practiced such and did evil before God ("soothsaying" - NKJV; "augury" - ASV). [2 Chron. 33:6]
Psychics & Fortune-tellers Are Condemned.
This includes all those who attempt to predict the future by supernatural, spirit powers: fortune-tellers, crystal ball readers, palm readers, mind readers, reading tarot cards, reading tea leaves, or Ouija board.
The Bible says:
Only God can read the minds of men.
1 Corinthians 2:11 - For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.
John 2:25 - Jesus had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
1 Kings 8:39 - Only God knows the hearts of man [Jer. 17:10].
Psychics and mind readers pretend to read men's minds, but only God has this power, and He no longer gives it to men (see 1 Cor. 13 below). For men to claim supernatural power to read the mind is a form of witchcraft and divination, condemned in the passages above.
Only God can predict the future.
James 4:14 - You do not know what will happen tomorrow.
Proverbs 27:1 - Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. Hence, natural law will not allow us to know the future. Any effort to predict the future must be based on supernatural powers.
Isaiah 41:21-23; 42:8,9 - God challenged the idols to prove they are gods by predicting the future. He rests His claim to Deity on His ability to predict the future. He clearly affirms that no one but the true God can predict the future.
Hence, God says no power but His can really predict the future. Men who claim to be able to do it, are claiming the power of God (regardless of their intent).
1 Corinthians 13:8-10 - God did miracles in the age when His written word was not complete. By God's supernatural power, men revealed His will and confirmed by miracles that it was His word (Mk. 16:20; Acts 14:3; Heb. 2:3,4). Since the written word (that which is perfect - Jas. 1:25) has come, God no longer gives men the power of prophecy.
Hence, no one today can predict the future by the power of God. Anyone who claims to do it, is not doing it by God's power. If he claims to do it by some supernatural, spirit force, that power must not be God's power. It must be a form of occult divination, condemned by God. [Cf. Acts 8:14ff; 1:22; Jude 3; etc.]
A test for impostors is to see if their predictions ever fail.
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 - After rebuking all forms of the occult (v9-14), God predicted the coming of the true prophet (Jesus) in whom people should trust (v15-19). Then He explained how people could recognize the false prophet. A prophet is not from God if he claims to speak in the name of some other god or if his predictions of the future do not come true.
Spiritism & Necromancy
Necromancy is the alleged power to communicate with the spirits of dead people ("ghosts"). In some translations of the Bible, this is called having a "familiar spirit."
Today, they are called "spiritists," "spiritualists," or "mediums." Multiplied thousands of them exist in the USA and in South America. Many are members of the hundreds of spiritualist or spiritist churches.
(Many "Christians" claim this is approved of God. What does the Bible say?)...
Deuteronomy 18:11 - The occult practices which are an abomination to God includes mediums, spiritists, and those who call up the dead.
Leviticus 19:31; 20:6,27 - God's people must not seek out mediums or familiar spirits. If they do, they should be cut off. Those who are mediums or have a familiar spirit should be stoned.
Ecclesiastes 9:6 - Those who are dead have no more portion in anything done under the sun forever.
Luke 16:27-31 - Abraham refused to let Lazarus go back from the dead to warn the rich man's brothers. Why? Because they already had sufficient evidence of what they should do revealed in the Scriptures.
1 Samuel 28:3-14 - Saul consulted a woman from Endor who had a familiar spirit, to get her to call up Samuel. Some think this proves the practice is valid. But note v12 - When the woman saw Samuel she cried out with a loud voice. Why? She had agreed to call him up. If she had expected him to come, why be surprised when he came?
1 Chronicles 10:13,14 - Saul died because he was unfaithful and because he consulted with this familiar spirit.
Note that God's word rebukes, not just the one who calls up the dead (the medium), but also those who consult the medium.
[2 Kings 21:6; 2 Chron. 33:6; Isa. 8:19,20; 2 Kings 23:24; Isa. 19:3; 29:4]
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
Those were two long posts. Could you wrap the second one around a hollow cylinder and divide it into little squares? It will save me a trip to the grocery store.
Christine...YVW. :)
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
--- Remember: You don't stop laughing because you grow old...you grow old because you stop laughing. 🙂
