Topical Encyclopedia Clairvoyance, often understood as the ability to gain information about an object, person, location, or event through extrasensory perception, is a concept that finds no direct endorsement in the Bible. From a biblical perspective, any form of seeking knowledge or insight outside of God's revealed Word and His ordained means is viewed with caution and often outright condemnation.Biblical References and Context The Bible does not explicitly mention "clairvoyance" by name, but it addresses practices that resemble it, such as divination, sorcery, and consulting with spirits. These practices are consistently condemned throughout Scripture. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , God commands the Israelites: "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 Bible emphasizes that God alone is the source of true wisdom and knowledge. In Isaiah 8:19 , the prophet warns, "When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?" Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, practices akin to clairvoyance were common among pagan nations. These practices were often associated with idolatry and the worship of false gods. The Israelites were called to be distinct from these nations, relying solely on Yahweh for guidance and revelation. The biblical narrative consistently portrays reliance on God as opposed to human or demonic sources of knowledge. New Testament Perspective The New Testament continues this theme, warning against false prophets and deceptive spirits. In Acts 16:16-18 , we read about a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much profit by fortune-telling. The Apostle Paul, recognizing the spirit as demonic, commanded it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, and it did. This account underscores the early Christian understanding that such abilities were not from God and were to be rejected. Theological Implications From a theological standpoint, the pursuit of knowledge through clairvoyance is seen as a rejection of God's sovereignty and sufficiency. The Bible teaches that God has provided all that is necessary for life and godliness through His Word (2 Peter 1:3). Seeking knowledge through forbidden means is viewed as an act of rebellion against God's established order. Practical Considerations Christians are encouraged to seek wisdom and guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit. James 1:5 assures believers, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This reliance on God contrasts sharply with the pursuit of knowledge through clairvoyant practices. In summary, while the Bible does not mention clairvoyance explicitly, it provides clear guidance on related practices, consistently directing believers to seek God as the ultimate source of truth and wisdom. Topical Bible Verses 1 Samuel 28:13And the king said to her, Be not afraid: for what saw you? And the woman said to Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth. Topicalbible.org Ephesians 6:12 Leviticus 20:27 Leviticus 19:31 Library Clairvoyance Knox, Wishart, and the Murder of Beaton: 1545-1546 Review Place of Jesus in the History of the World. On Turning the First Page of the Review which Follows... The Ideal Life Introduction to vita S. Antoni. The Unclean Spirits. Bunsen's Biblical Researches. Resources What does the Bible say about witchcraft / witches? Should a Christian fear witchcraft? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are familiar spirits? | GotQuestions.org What is remote viewing? | GotQuestions.org Spiritist: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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