What does the Bible say about witchcraft? Did you know witchcraft is mentioned quite a few times in the Bible and scripture provides very clear guidance on this topic. The Bible clearly points out the spiritual dangers associated with witchcraft and related practices. Let’s explore what the Bible says about witchcraft and how these teachings apply to believers today.
Witchcraft in the Old Testament
The Old Testament contains numerous references to witchcraft, sorcery, and related practices, all of which are unequivocally condemned. The Bible makes it clear that such practices are detestable to God.
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.” — Exodus 22:18 (NIV)
This stern instruction reflects the severity with which witchcraft was viewed in ancient Israel. The Israelite’s were called to be a holy people, set apart for God, and engaging in witchcraft was seen as a direct violation of this calling.
The Book of Deuteronomy also explicitly prohibits various forms of witchcraft and divination:
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.” — Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV)
This passage highlights that all the practices that fall under the umbrella of ‘witchcraft’ are detestable to the Lord.
Witchcraft in the New Testament
The New Testament continues the condemnation of witchcraft and related practices, warning believers to avoid such activities. In the Book of Acts, we see the story of Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced sorcery in Samaria:
“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, ‘This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.’ They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery.” — Acts 8:9-11 (NIV)
When Simon encountered the apostles and witnessed the true power of the Holy Spirit, he sought to buy this power with money, prompting a sharp rebuke from Peter:
“Peter answered: ‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.'” — Acts 8:20-21 (NIV)
This incident underscores the distinction between the divine power of God and the deceptive practices of sorcery.
The Apostle Paul also addresses witchcraft in his letters, categorizing it among the acts of the sinful nature:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” — Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV)
Here, Paul lists witchcraft alongside other behaviors that are contrary to living a life led by the Spirit, emphasizing that such practices are incompatible with Christian faith.
Can You Be A Christian And A Witch
It is not possible to be Christian and a witch. If you are practicing witchcraft or anything that falls under the term of witchcraft and the occult then you are disobeying Gods Word and therefore not truly following Him. The Bible is very clear witchcraft and occult are practices belonging to satan created to deceive people, you cannot partake in satan’s practices and claim to be also following the Lord.
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. 1 Corinthians 10:21
Do These Bible Verses Apple to Witchcraft Today
For modern believers, the biblical teachings on witchcraft serve as a clear warning to avoid practices that are contrary to faith in God. This includes not only traditional forms of witchcraft and sorcery but also contemporary practices that may fall under similar categories, such as astrology, tarot reading, and other forms of divination.
- Seek God Alone: Trust in God’s power, guidance, and provision rather than seeking supernatural knowledge or power from other sources.
- Discernment: Be discerning about the influences you allow into your life, including media, literature, and social practices that may subtly promote or glamorize witchcraft.
- Prayer and Scripture: Strengthen your spiritual life through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and fellowship with other believers, grounding yourself in the truth of God’s Word.
Conclusion
The Bible provides clear guidance on the topic of witchcraft, God instructs us not to practice witchcraft and to seek all your needs from the Lord. The Bible is also clear anything falling under the umbrella of ‘witchcraft’ or ‘occult’ is detestable to the Lord and not to practice it. Finally God warns us not to be deceived that you can do both; follow God and practice the occult. The Bible is clear you cannot do both. You cannot be a Christian and a witch; they are in opposites with each other.
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