What does the Bible say about witchcraft and sorcery?

The Bible addresses the topics of witchcraft and sorcery with clear and unequivocal disapproval. These practices are consistently portrayed as contrary to the will of God and are associated with rebellion, deception, and spiritual danger. Understanding the biblical stance on witchcraft and sorcery requires delving into both the Old and New Testaments, where these practices are mentioned and condemned.

In the Old Testament, witchcraft and sorcery are explicitly forbidden. In the book of Deuteronomy, God commands the Israelites to avoid any form of occult practices. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV) states, "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." This passage underscores the gravity with which God views these practices, categorizing them as abominations that are incompatible with a life devoted to Him.

The book of Leviticus also provides clear instructions against engaging in witchcraft. Leviticus 19:26 (NIV) warns, "Do not practice divination or seek omens," and Leviticus 20:27 (NIV) adds, "A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads." These severe penalties reflect the seriousness of the offense and the need to maintain spiritual purity among God's people.

The narrative of King Saul in 1 Samuel 28 offers a poignant example of the consequences of engaging in witchcraft. Desperate for guidance before a battle, Saul seeks out the Witch of Endor to summon the spirit of the prophet Samuel. This act of disobedience ultimately leads to Saul's downfall, as he is rebuked by Samuel's spirit and condemned for his lack of faith in God. This story illustrates the futility and danger of turning to occult practices instead of seeking God's guidance.

In the New Testament, the condemnation of witchcraft and sorcery continues. The Apostle Paul lists sorcery as one of the "acts of the flesh" in Galatians 5:19-21 (NIV), warning that "those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." This inclusion of sorcery alongside other sinful behaviors highlights its incompatibility with a life led by the Holy Spirit.

The book of Acts provides further examples of the early church's stance against sorcery. In Acts 8, we encounter Simon the Sorcerer, who practiced magic in Samaria and amazed the people with his feats. When Simon converts to Christianity and is baptized, he attempts to buy the power of the Holy Spirit from the apostles. Peter rebukes him sharply, saying in Acts 8:20-23 (NIV), "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. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart."

Another notable incident occurs in Acts 19, where the Apostle Paul’s ministry in Ephesus leads to a dramatic rejection of sorcery. Many who practiced magic brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. Acts 19:19 (NIV) records, "A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas." This act of renunciation demonstrates the transformative power of the Gospel and the believers' commitment to forsake their former ways.

The Bible's condemnation of witchcraft and sorcery is not merely about prohibiting specific practices; it reflects a broader theological principle. These practices are fundamentally about seeking power and knowledge apart from God, which is a form of idolatry. Witchcraft and sorcery often involve invoking spirits, manipulating supernatural forces, and attempting to control outcomes in ways that bypass God's sovereignty. This is antithetical to the biblical call to trust in God alone and to seek His will through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

C.S. Lewis, in his book "The Screwtape Letters," offers a fictional yet insightful perspective on the dangers of dabbling in the occult. Through the correspondence between two demons, Lewis illustrates how even seemingly innocuous interest in the supernatural can lead individuals away from God and into spiritual peril. This work, while fictional, echoes the biblical warnings about the deceptive nature of witchcraft and sorcery.

Moreover, the Bible emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment and the need to test the spirits. 1 John 4:1 (NIV) advises, "Dear friends, 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 call for discernment is crucial in a world where various spiritual practices and beliefs can easily lead people astray.

It is also important to recognize the power and authority of Jesus Christ over all spiritual forces. Colossians 2:15 (NIV) declares, "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." This victory assures believers that they need not fear the forces of darkness, for Christ has already triumphed over them. Believers are called to stand firm in their faith, equipped with the armor of God as described in Ephesians 6:10-18, to resist the devil's schemes.

In conclusion, the Bible's stance on witchcraft and sorcery is clear and consistent: these practices are condemned as contrary to the will of God. They represent a rebellion against His authority and a dangerous pursuit of power and knowledge apart from Him. Believers are called to trust in God alone, seek His guidance, and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit. By doing so, they can resist the temptations of the occult and remain steadfast in their faith, confident in the victory of Jesus Christ over all spiritual forces.