Spells, incantations, specific items, symbols, and rituals constitute the intricate web of practices that define witchcraft—a phenomenon deeply rooted in human history and culture. This enigmatic craft revolves around the pursuit of profound insight into and control over the spiritual realm, often intertwining with beliefs, traditions, and a sense of mysticism. However, while witchcraft has maintained a diverse and multifaceted presence across various societies, it has also faced condemnation and caution from certain religious and moral perspectives.
In many cultural narratives and ancient traditions, witchcraft holds a place of reverence and significance. From the shamanic rituals of indigenous tribes to the potion-brewing characters in folklore, witchcraft has emerged as a source of power, knowledge, and connection to the supernatural.
Witches, often depicted as wise individuals attuned to the rhythms of nature, engage in practices such as casting spells, invoking spirits, and harnessing the energies of the universe. These practices are believed to offer insights into hidden truths, heal ailments, and even influence the course of events.
Some people believe that witchcraft is the result of African/Haitian spirits, demons, or sorcery. However, Paul identifies the current global order as being dominated by evil forces.
Ephesians 6:12: “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
We need to think about what the Bible teaches about the evils of this world.
Considering God’s self-revelation and what He says about the world and the forces of evil in it in light of the transformative power of the gospel is essential. All Christians everywhere should give serious thought to learning more about the cosmic war against evil influence sometimes referred to as “witchcraft.”
[blockquote align=”right” author=”Some people believe that witchcraft is the result of African/Haitian spirits, demons, or sorcery. However, Paul identifies the current global order as being dominated by evil forces.”][/blockquote]
Exactly What Is This Thing Called “Witchcraft,” Anyway? #
The Bible forbids witchcraft. From God’s perspective, witchcraft is associated with forbidden activities that challenge the authority of the divine and the natural order of things. The Bible views witchcraft as a serious transgression, warning that those who practice it are at risk of dire consequences.
The belief in and practice of witchcraft is widespread around the globe but is particularly pervasive in Africa. It’s a vast category of beliefs, and there are several tiers within it. Witchcraft may take many forms, including the use of magic and the possession of satanic or demonic abilities. It’s the idea that certain individuals have supernatural abilities and may exert undue influence on others.
There is the traditional healer – witch doctor, also called Sangoma, or diviner – someone with the capacity to conduct divination, who practises witchcraft; the agent or helper who works with the witch doctor; and finally, the person in need of aid, who is the patient.
High-ranking witches and warlocks, known as “rulers” or “princesses,” delegate jobs to their representatives, such as helping the needy, if the action is intended for good or adversely manipulating if the assignment is intended for harm. The latter might be seen as demons or malevolent spirits.
In the biblical context, witchcraft encompasses an array of manifestations that are considered incompatible with God’s standards and His Word. These include:
Divination, which involves seeking knowledge from supernatural sources;
Sorcery is the manipulation of natural elements for magical purposes;
Communicating with familiar spirits, entities believed to aid in magical endeavours;
Necromancy is the act of communicating with the deceased;
Interpreting omens and signs – fortune-telling to predict future events;
Mediumship is the interaction with the spirits of the deceased;
Idolatry, the worship of false deities, gods, nature, images, places, people, etc; and various forms of magic that are considered attempts to gain power from the kingdom of darkness apart from divine authority.
The biblical references to witchcraft play a significant role in shaping attitudes toward these practices among those who practice these. They serve as cautionary stories, advising against engaging in activities that deviate from the teachings of the Lord and challenge the sovereignty of the Most High. This clash of perspectives highlights the ongoing tension between the mystical allure of witchcraft and its perceived threat to mankind.
Witchcraft stands as a complex tapestry woven from the threads of human curiosity, dark spirituality, and tradition. While it has captivated imaginations and contributed to the cultural mixture, its perception is not in line with the Word of the Lord. The biblical perspective, among others, positions witchcraft as a practice that challenges divine authority and invites consequences. This intricate interplay between fascination and apprehension continues to shape the discourse surrounding witchcraft, ensuring its enduring place in the tapestry of human history.
The passages that address witchcraft, especially in the Old and New Testaments, cast a shadow over these practices, framing them as a deviation from God’s will.
Exodus 22:18 — “You must not allow a sorceress to live.
Deuteronomy 8:10-11 — You will eat your fill and then praise the LORD your God because of the good land he has given you. Be sure you do not forget the LORD your God by not keeping his commandments, ordinances, and statutes that I am giving you today.
Balaam was employed by King Balak of Moab to pronounce curses on Israel in Numbers 22–24. (Please read)
Saul had the witch of Endor call on Samuel in spirit. (Please read)
Evil King Manasseh sought advice from mediums and spiritists before sacrificing his sons.
2 Kings 21:6 — He passed his son through the fire and practiced divination and omen reading. He set up a ritual pit to conjure up underworld spirits, and appointed magicians to supervise it. He did a great amount of evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger.
2 Chronicles 33:6 — He passed his sons through the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom and practiced divination, omen reading, and sorcery. He set up a ritual pit to conjure up underworld spirits and appointed magicians to supervise it. He did a great amount of evil in the sight of the LORD and angered him.
Sorcerers and magicians who fought against Moses and Aaron in Egypt and Babylon. (Exodus 7; Exodus 8, Daniel 2)
Jezebel, the so-called prophetess seduced Israel’s women to practise witchcraft and idolatry.
1 Kings 16:31 — As if following in the sinful footsteps of Jeroboam son of Nebat were not bad enough, he married Jezebel the daughter of King Ethbaal of the Sidonians. Then he worshiped and bowed to Baal.
2 Kings 9:22 — When Jehoram saw Jehu, he asked, “Is everything all right, Jehu?” He replied, “How can everything be all right as long as your mother Jezebel promotes idolatry and pagan practices?”
Simon the magician, who in Acts 8:9–24, tries to purchase the Holy Spirit’s power.
Acts 8:9-24 — Now in that city was a man named Simon, who had been practicing magic and amazing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. All the people, from the least to the greatest, paid close attention to him, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called ‘Great.’” And they paid close attention to him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they began to be baptized, both men and women. Even Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized, he stayed close to Philip constantly, and when he saw the signs and great miracles that were occurring, he was amazed. Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. These two went down and prayed for them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit. (For the Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then Peter and John placed their hands on the Samaritans, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now Simon, when he saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, offered them money, saying, “Give me this power too, so that everyone I place my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could acquire God’s gift with money! You have no share or part in this matter because your heart is not right before God! Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that he may perhaps forgive you for the intent of your heart. For I see that you are bitterly envious and in bondage to sin.” But Simon replied, “You pray to the Lord for me so that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.”
Acts 13:6-12 describes Elymas, a magician who sought to stop the spread of the gospel.
Acts 13:6-12 — When they had crossed over the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. The proconsul summoned Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear the word of God. But the magician Elymas (for that is the way his name is translated) opposed them, trying to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul (also known as Paul), filled with the Holy Spirit, stared straight at him and said, “You who are full of all deceit and all wrongdoing, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness – will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? Now look, the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind, unable to see the sun for a time!” Immediately mistiness and darkness came over him, and he went around seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then when the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, because he was greatly astounded at the teaching about the Lord.
The slave girl with the gift of prophecy whom Paul set free.
Acts 16:16-18 — Now as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave girl met us who had a spirit that enabled her to foretell the future by supernatural means. She brought her owners a great profit by fortune-telling. She followed behind Paul and us and kept crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.” She continued to do this for many days. But Paul became greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out of her at once.
The magical texts that the Ephesians converted to Christianity torched.
Acts 19:19 — Large numbers of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them up in the presence of everyone. When the value of the books was added up, it was found to total fifty thousand silver coins.
Witchcraft is an activity that contradicts the principles and teachings of faith, often resulting in harm to individuals and their spiritual well-being. From God’s perspective, in particular, there are several reasons why witchcraft is considered wrong in His eyes and can potentially have detrimental effects on people.
God Views Witchcraft As A Terrible Offence #
Under the Mosaic Law, the punishment for engaging in witchcraft was the death sentence.
1 Chronicles 10:13: — “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance.”
The Greek term “pharmakeia,” from which we obtain the English word pharmacy, is translated as “sorcery” throughout the New Testament.
Galatians 5:20 — “…idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions…”
Revelation 18:23 — And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in you; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in you: for your merchants were the great men of the earth; for by your sorceries were all nations deceived.
Magical potions and mind-altering substances are often used in the rituals of witchcraft and spiritism. When we use substances that are illegal, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the influence of evil spirits. This kind of witchcraft involves the use of rituals or substances that induce trance states.
Leviticus 20:27 — “‘A man or woman who has in them a spirit of the dead or a familiar spirit must be put to death. They must pelt them with stones; their blood guilt is on themselves.’”
Challenging God’s Word And Authority #
First and foremost, the practice of witchcraft is seen as a direct challenge to God’s authority and sovereignty. It involves seeking power, knowledge, and influence from sources other than God. This undermines the fundamental belief in God as the ultimate source of wisdom, strength, and guidance.
In Christianity, God is seen as the creator of the universe and the one who holds the destinies of individuals in His hands. Engaging in witchcraft implies a lack of trust in God’s providence and an attempt to attain power through means that bypass His divine will.
Rejecting God’s Word #
Moreover, witchcraft is often seen as a denial of God’s mercy and a rejection of His word. The practice suggests that individuals are not content with the blessings and provisions that God bestows upon them, and they seek to acquire more through forbidden means. This rejection of God’s benevolence can lead to a spiritual disconnect and a pursuit of personal gain at the expense of aligning with God’s plan.
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Familiar Spirits And Demons #
One of the concerning aspects of witchcraft is its association with familiar spirits, which are believed to be demonic entities impersonating departed loved ones. This manipulation of emotions and connections can be deeply misleading and harmful. By impersonating deceased individuals, these spirits create an illusion of communication with the beyond, exploiting people’s grief and longing for contact. This not only deceives individuals but also leads them away from seeking genuine spiritual connection and solace from God.
1 Samuel 15:23 — “for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.”
Satan’s speciality is imitating God’s work, thus he finds great success in the world of witchcraft. Moses’ miracles before Pharaoh were similar to those done by the magicians, who used demons’ power. The core of witchcraft is an obsession with the future and want to exert will over things that are ultimately beyond our control. The Lord alone has such power.
The first temptation Satan made to Eve was to make her believe she might become divine by saying, “You can be like God.”
Genesis 3:5 — for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
Satan’s primary goal ever since the Garden of Eden has been to lead people astray from adoration and worship of the one true God. Without submitting to the Lord God, he offers people the promise of power, self-realization, and spiritual enlightenment.
The practice of witchcraft is only one kind of this allure. Any raid into witchcraft is an incursion into Satan’s domain. Horoscopes, Ouija boards, Eastern meditation practises, and even certain video and role-playing games might be examples of “harmless” contemporary involvement with witchcraft.
Invoking or worshipping a deity or principle other than the Lord Jesus Christ is a kind of witchcraft. Witches/Sorcerers are among the unbelievers listed in the book of Revelation 22:15:
Revelation 22:15 — “Let the dogs, sorcerers, homosexuals, murderers, idolaters, and liars all go outside…”
Satan’s power is nothing to be afraid of, yet we should nevertheless treat it with respect and not mess with it unnecessarily.
1 John 4:4, “Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.”
Even in the lives of Christians, Satan may try to wreak, cause chaos and ruin.
1 Thessalonians 2:18 — For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again) but Satan thwarted us.
1 Corinthians 5:5 — hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
As followers of Jesus Christ, however, we are immune to any and all threats.
Isaiah 54:17 — No weapon forged to be used against you will succeed; you will refute everyone who tries to accuse you. This is what the LORD will do for his servants – I will vindicate them,” says the LORD.
By putting on the whole armour of God, we may stand firm against the devil’s plans.
Ephesians 6:11 — Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
We are overcomers by the power of the Holy Spirit, the blood of the Lamb of God and the Word of our Testimony in Christ.
Revelation 12:11 — But they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
Repentance is an essential part of the Christian life. As the early Christians did in Acts 19:19, one sign of true repentance is to renounce all ties to witchcraft.
Acts 19:18-20 — Many of those who had believed came forward, confessing and making their deeds known. Large numbers of those who had practised magic collected their books and burned them up in the presence of everyone. When the value of the books was added up, it was found to total fifty thousand silver coins. In this way, the word of the Lord continued to grow in power and prevail.
Shouldn’t a people ask their God when they’re told to consult mediums and spiritists who murmur and whisper?
Isaiah 8:19 — They will say to you, “Seek oracles at the pits used to conjure up underworld spirits, from the magicians who chirp and mutter incantations. Should people not seek oracles from their gods, by asking the dead about the destiny of the living?”
In light of the implications of those statements, we could also wonder: “Why seek any power apart from the source of all real power?” If you’re filled by the Holy Spirit, why bother with the rest? Similar practises that promise enlightenment through witchcraft often end in disappointment and ultimately in death.
Micah 5:12 — I will remove the sorcery that you practice, and you will no longer have omen readers living among you.
Galatians 5:19-24 — Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. I am warning you, as I had warned you before: Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God! But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Jesus alone holds the words of eternal life.
John 6:68 — Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life.
Magicians, Sorcerers, Warlocks and Witches #
According to some cultural definitions, witchcraft refers to the practice of using witches, whereas the material gained from or through a witch is the result of the application of magic or witchcraft. In contrast to sorcerers, witches’ supernatural abilities originate inside them rather than from external sources like wands or potions. A sorcerer needs a stick to cast a spell, whereas a witch can do the same thing without one.
[blockquote align=”right” author=”Satan’s primary goal ever since the Garden of Eden has been to lead people astray from adoration and worship of the one true God.”][/blockquote]
But no so-called “witch doctor” is not a witch; all such practitioners draw their mystical abilities from some kind of altar or other spiritual wellspring. The demonic power behind witchcraft may be likened to that of spirit possession, defined as “the state of having one or more malevolent spirits or demons inhabit the physical body of a human being and have complete control over that person at will.
People that are possessed are often seen favourably because they provide spiritual guidance (divination) or provide medication to their communities. However, there are people who use witchcraft for harmful ends, such as oppression and even murder. Worry, superstition, division, jealousy, and confusion are what witchcraft promotes, not calm and unity.
Manipulation And Control #
Witchcraft also raises ethical concerns as it often involves attempts to control or manipulate others. Spells, rituals, and incantations are frequently employed to influence people’s thoughts, feelings, and actions against their will. This infringes upon the principle of free will and individual autonomy that is central to many moral and religious frameworks. Such attempts at control can result in emotional and psychological harm, fracturing relationships and causing long-lasting damage.
Witchcraft is closely associated with Satan and his demons. It is engaging in witchcraft that grants these malevolent forces a foothold in the lives of individuals. The Bible warns against any involvement with occult practices, as they can lead to spiritual bondage and separation from God. By seeking power from these dark sources, individuals inadvertently subject themselves to the influence of evil forces that can lead them astray from God’s intended path.
The condemnation of witchcraft is rooted in its defiance of God’s authority, its rejection of His mercy, and its potential to lead individuals away from a genuine and healthy relationship with God. The perceived manipulation by demonic entities, the disregard for God’s word, and the attempt to gain control over others contribute to its harmful nature. While different belief systems hold varying perspectives on witchcraft, the concerns surrounding its impact on people’s spiritual, emotional, and moral well-being are shared and real among many.
How Does It All Work #
There are a number of different satanic or demonic practices that witchcraft uses.
To begin, there is the authority of demons. As a result, they may feel physically or emotionally ill. Conditions like illness or emotional distress come to mind. Demonic influence is not always the cause of subjection. However, there are a few diseases that seem to be a direct outcome of witchcraft.
Second, there’s a fascination with demons. In this case, the victim’s mind is filled with terror or delusions by spirits that either tie or bleed their minds or confuse and muddle their thoughts. Depression permeates their lives as they often encounter upsetting images and mental situations. Obsessed people often accuse and blame themselves excessively.
[blockquote align=”right” author=”Witchcraft is closely associated with Satan and his demons. It is engaging in witchcraft that grants these malevolent forces a foothold in the lives of individuals.”][/blockquote]
Exorcism comes in at number three. This is the method through which an evil spirit exploits a person’s vulnerability to the influence of the underworld. The sufferer becomes completely helpless as the malevolent spirit takes over. This submission takes the shape of servitude to anything with the potential to end a life. Drugs, sexual impurity, anger, lack of self-control, opposition to divine things, religious disillusionment, self-pity, and many more might all fall into this category.
Demonic possession is the last possibility. When this happens, a demon or evil spirit takes over a person’s body. The victim is then completely under their control.
The practice of witchcraft may be found in many different societies and faiths. It is not limited to the poor, the indigenous, or the illiterate. The wealthy, the proprietors of large businesses, politicians, and even members of the clergy might fall prey to such schemes. All who have not completely placed their trust in Jesus Christ are vulnerable. It’s true that anybody might resort to witchcraft when they feel helpless over their situation.
[blockquote align=”right” author=”If you believe in Jesus Christ, His sacrifice and shed blood, God adopts you as one of His own children and fills you with His Holy Spirit.”][/blockquote]
People resort to witchcraft and other forms of demonic influence because they lack faith in the One true God; our Lord Jesus Christ. People will resort to witchcraft and other demonic spirits that reject Christ as Lord when they lack genuine faith in the Most High God.
Dealing With It #
Getting people to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord is the first step we can take in combating witchcraft. If you believe in Jesus Christ, His sacrifice and shed blood, God adopts you as one of His own children and fills you with His Holy Spirit.
John 1:12 — But to all who have received him – those who believe in his name – he has given the right to become God’s children
For no one else can give you freedom as Jesus can.
John 8:32 — and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour is the only way to be saved regardless of how deeply one may be engaged in witchcraft. With it, one must repent and trust God for deliverance.
Romans 10:9 — because if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
This is a time of transition from the old to the new. That means coming to know Christ is a kairos moment in one’s life.
2 Corinthians 5:17 — So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away – look, what is new has come!
It is difficult for us to comprehend the workings of demonic spirits because of our limited knowledge of the Holy Spirit but Jesus promised us that nothing will harm us as we journey with Him.
Luke 10:19 — Look, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and on the full force of the enemy, and nothing will hurt you.
Paul establishes a strategy for Christian outreach when he writes,
2 Corinthians 10:5 — We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Romans 12:1-2 — Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God – what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.
Blessings,
Shaliach.
