The Bible generally speaks against consulting mediums, as it is viewed as a rebellion against God. The Old Testament strictly forbids Israelites from seeking guidance through mediums and spiritists, aligning it with practices that defile one’s connection with God.
In the New Testament, the emphasis is on relying solely on God and Jesus for wisdom and guidance, steering clear of mediums who claim to contact the dead or foresee the future. Ultimately, turning to Jesus and the teachings of the Bible is advised for seeking truth and understanding.
Curious about the deeper implications of these teachings and what specific Bible verses say? Read on to get a comprehensive understanding of this topic according to the Bible’s teachings.
What Does the Bible Say About Mediums?
In exploring what the Bible says about mediums, it becomes clear that consulting them is considered a sin and a practice that is sternly warned against. In the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, there are explicit injunctions against Israelites seeking mediums, considered unholy and detestable. These texts clarify that people who consult mediums are turning away from God, seeking forbidden knowledge and aligning with practices that sever one’s communion with God.
God’s view on this matter is unequivocal – He demands exclusive devotion and reliance on Him for guidance and wisdom. By resorting to mediums, one demonstrates a lack of trust in God and a desire to control one’s fate, contradicting the essence of faith.
The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the importance of relying solely on God and the teachings of Jesus for illumination and guidance. This is exemplified in Acts, where a female slave who had a spirit of divination was freed from it by Paul, showcasing the power of God over such entities and reinforcing the idea that consulting mediums is contrary to God’s will.
Yet, the Bible does not just denounce; it also guides. Instead of seeking forbidden knowledge from mediums, believers are encouraged to seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding through prayer, studying the scriptures, and developing a personal relationship with Jesus. This connection fosters a spiritual richness and provides answers that align with God’s wisdom, eliminating the need to seek guidance from prohibited sources.
Bible Verses About Mediums
Leviticus 19:31 warns against turning to mediums, reinforcing the idea that doing so defiles one’s soul and separates one from God. It states, “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God.”
In another explicit command in Deuteronomy 18:10-12, mediums are mentioned amongst practices that are detestable to the Lord, “Let no one be found among you 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.”
1 Chronicles 10:13-14 provides a vivid account of King Saul’s downfall due to consulting a medium, highlighting the severe consequences of such actions, “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, and did not inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”
In the New Testament, Acts 16:16-18 recounts Paul’s encounter with a slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination. Paul, in the name of Jesus, commands the spirit to come out of her, illustrating the supremacy of God’s power over such spirits and reinforcing that consulting such entities is not allowed in Christianity.
In all these verses, the message is consistent – seeking guidance or knowledge through mediums is a practice that is not only prohibited but also has consequences. The Bible guides believers to seek wisdom and understanding through a relationship with Jesus and by living in accordance with God’s teachings, finding fulfillment in the divine truth that is readily available to all who seek it.