The Bible is unequivocal about black magic, sorcery, and the occult: they are a no-go zone. These practices are consistently condemned because they rely on powers outside of God, often seeking to manipulate or control for selfish ends. From God’s view, engaging in black magic is not just risky; it’s a direct affront to the sovereignty and holiness of God. It’s seen as rebellion against God’s authority, aligning oneself with forces opposed to Him. The Bible emphasizes that our strength and protection should come from God alone, not from forbidden practices. Whether you’re simply curious or deeply concerned about this topic, scripture offers clear guidance and warnings.
Curious about the Bible’s stance on black magic? Let’s explore what scripture says about engaging with the occult and why it’s off-limits for believers.
What Does the Bible Say About Black Magic?
The Bible addresses black magic, sorcery, and occult practices with stern warnings, marking them as detestable to God. These practices are associated with seeking knowledge or power from sources other than God, often involving rituals or spells intended to manipulate spiritual forces. The scripture’s stance is clear: such practices are not only dangerous but are considered sinful, leading individuals away from God’s truth and into spiritual darkness.
God’s view, as presented in the Bible, is that His followers should live in a way that reflects trust and dependence on Him alone. Engaging in black magic is seen as turning one’s back on God, seeking alternative powers that are at odds with His sovereign rule. This is not merely about avoiding certain practices but about allegiance to God and His commandments.
The Bible also indicates that the allure of black magic comes from a desire for control, power, or knowledge that goes beyond the boundaries God has set. This pursuit ultimately leads to spiritual bondage rather than the freedom found in faithfulness to God. The New Testament continues to warn against such practices, associating them with a life that is opposed to the spirit of Christ.
In essence, the Bible’s teachings on black magic serve as a warning to stay aligned with God, relying on His power and wisdom. It encourages believers to seek guidance, protection, and insight through prayer, scripture, and the Holy Spirit rather than forbidden practices.
Bible Verses About Black Magic
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD.” This passage explicitly lists practices considered detestable, including any form of sorcery or contacting the dead.
- Leviticus 19:31 – “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.” God commands His people to avoid engaging with mediums and necromancers, emphasizing purity and allegiance to Him.
- Galatians 5:19-21 – “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Paul includes sorcery among the practices that are contrary to living according to the Spirit.
- Acts 19:19 – “And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.” This verse describes new believers renouncing their former practices of magic, illustrating the transformative power of the gospel.
- Revelation 21:8 – “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” John lists sorcerers among those who face judgment, highlighting the serious consequences of such practices.
- 1 Samuel 15:23 – “For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.” Samuel equates disobedience to God with the sin of divination, underscoring the gravity of turning away from God’s commandments.
- Isaiah 8:19 – “And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,’ should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?” Isaiah challenges the people’s turn to occult practices, advocating for reliance on God instead.
- Micah 5:12 – “And I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes.” God promises to remove practices of sorcery and fortune-telling from among His people, highlighting His desire for their purity.
- Acts 8:9-11 – “But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, ‘This man is the power of God that is called Great.’ And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic.” This narrative shows the misleading nature of sorcery and the need for discernment among believers.
- 2 Kings 21:6 – “And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger.” This verse describes the sinful practices of King Manasseh, including his engagement with occult practices, and its consequences.
The Bible’s stance on black magic is unequivocal. It warns against the spiritual danger and sinfulness of engaging in sorcery and occult practices, urging believers to seek guidance, strength, and knowledge from God alone. Through these verses, we’re reminded of the importance of fidelity to God’s commandments and the peril of straying into practices that lead away from His truth. This guidance not only protects us from spiritual harm but directs us towards a life that is lived in full alignment with God’s will and purpose.