Topical Bible: Divination: Effected Through: Sorcery

◄ Divination: Effected Through: Sorcery ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Sorcery, as a form of divination, is frequently addressed in the Bible, where it is unequivocally condemned as an abomination to the Lord. Sorcery involves the use of supernatural powers or magic, often through the assistance of evil spirits, to gain insight or manipulate events. This practice is seen as a direct affront to the sovereignty and holiness of God, who alone holds the power over the future and the spiritual realm.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides numerous warnings against the practice of sorcery. In Deuteronomy 18:10-12 , the Israelites are explicitly instructed: "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 abominations the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you."

The narrative of King Saul consulting the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28:7-25 serves as a cautionary tale. Despite having previously expelled mediums and spiritists from the land, Saul seeks out a sorceress to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This act of desperation leads to his downfall, illustrating the futility and danger of turning to sorcery instead of God.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, sorcery continues to be condemned. Acts 8:9-24 recounts the account of Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced magic in Samaria and amazed the people. Upon hearing the gospel, Simon believed and was baptized, yet he attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit with money. Peter rebukes him, saying, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!" (Acts 8:20). This incident underscores the incompatibility of sorcery with the Christian faith.

The Apostle Paul also encounters sorcery in Acts 13:6-12 , where he confronts Elymas the sorcerer, a false prophet who attempts to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebukes Elymas, and he is struck with blindness. This event demonstrates the power of God over the deceptive practices of sorcery.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, sorcery is seen as a rebellion against God’s authority and an attempt to usurp His divine prerogative. It is associated with the works of the flesh, as listed in Galatians 5:19-21 , where sorcery is included among the acts that prevent one from inheriting the kingdom of God. The practice of sorcery is linked to idolatry, as it often involves invoking other deities or spirits, thus violating the first commandment to have no other gods before the Lord (Exodus 20:3).

Eschatological Warnings

In the eschatological context, sorcery is mentioned in Revelation as a characteristic of those who are excluded from the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:8 states, "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." Similarly, Revelation 22:15 warns that outside the holy city are "the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood."

Conclusion

The biblical stance on sorcery is clear and consistent: it is a practice that is detestable to God and incompatible with a life of faith. The scriptures warn against seeking power or knowledge through means that are contrary to God’s will, emphasizing the importance of relying solely on Him for guidance and wisdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 47:12
Stand now with your enchantments, and with the multitude of your sorceries, wherein you have labored from your youth; if so be you shall be able to profit, if so be you may prevail.
Torrey's Topical Textbook