In our modern world, it’s easy to dismiss the concept of witchcraft as mere superstition or harmless entertainment. However, a deeper look into Scripture reveals a sobering truth: witchcraft is real, and it’s something we need to take seriously.
The Bible doesn’t mince words when it comes to witchcraft. In Galatians 5:20, it’s listed among the “works of the flesh” alongside idolatry. This pairing is no coincidence. Throughout Scripture, we see a clear connection between idolatry and witchcraft, both rooted in rebellion against God.
But what exactly is witchcraft? The term encompasses a range of practices, including divination, sorcery, enchantments, and communication with spirits. It’s not just about cauldrons and broomsticks; it’s about seeking power, knowledge, or guidance from sources other than God.
Historical examples abound in Scripture. In ancient Egypt, Pharaoh’s magicians were able to replicate some of Moses’ miracles through their “enchantments” (Exodus 7:11-12). In Babylon, King Nebuchadnezzar relied on astrologers and sorcerers to interpret his dreams (Daniel 2:2). Even in Israel, despite God’s clear prohibitions, we find instances like King Saul consulting the witch of Endor to communicate with the deceased prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 28).
These weren’t just parlor tricks or clever illusions. The Bible presents these as real manifestations of supernatural power, albeit power not from God. God repeatedly condemns these practices, commanding in Exodus 22:18, “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” In Leviticus 19:31, He instructs, “Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” The severity of these commands underscores the gravity of the issue. This raises an important question: If witchcraft can produce tangible results, why does God forbid it so strongly?
The answer lies in understanding God’s heart. He desires to be our source of wisdom, guidance, and power. At its core, witchcraft is a form of rebellion against God. It’s an attempt to bypass His authority and wisdom, seeking answers and power from other sources. As 1 Samuel 15:23 puts it, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.”
This rebellion isn’t just an Old Testament concern. In the New Testament, we see the apostle Paul confronting a “spirit of divination” in a slave girl (Acts 16:16-18). The book of Revelation warns of the deceptive “wonders” and “miracles” that will accompany the Antichrist in the end times (Revelation 13:13-14).
Moreover, engaging in witchcraft opens the door to deception. In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, we’re warned about the coming of the Antichrist, “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” This passage reveals a chilling reality: Satan has the ability to perform “signs” and “lying wonders.” These aren’t mere tricks, but genuine supernatural occurrences designed to lead people astray. We see this play out dramatically in Revelation 13, where the false prophet performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven, to deceive the world into worshiping the Antichrist.
It’s crucial to understand that the allure of witchcraft isn’t just about casting spells or reading tarot cards. It’s about the temptation to seek guidance, power, or knowledge apart from God and His Word. In our modern context, this might manifest as reliance on horoscopes, psychic hotlines, or even certain New Age and New Thought practices that promise spiritual enlightenment apart from Christ. The danger is real. Opening oneself up to these practices can have severe consequences, not just spiritually but in all aspects of life. Relationships can be destroyed, mental health compromised, and one’s relationship with God severely damaged.
Given these warnings, how should we respond to the reality of witchcraft in our world today?
- Stay Grounded in God’s Word: The Bible is our ultimate authority and guide. When faced with life’s questions and challenges, turn to Scripture first.
- Be Discerning: Not everything supernatural is from God. As 1 John 4:1 advises, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
- Recognize the Sufficiency of Christ: In Christ, we have everything we need for life and godliness. There’s no need to seek power or knowledge from other sources.
- Pray For Those Involved: If you know someone entangled in occult practices, pray for their deliverance and for God to open their eyes to the truth.
- Don’t Dabble: Even seemingly innocent forays into occult practices can open doors best left closed. Avoid the temptation to “just try” things like Ouija boards or fortune-telling, even in jest.
- Seek Help if Needed: If you’ve been involved in occult practices and are struggling to break free, seek help from mature believers and pastoral counseling.
Finally, we need to remember that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but aginst principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12). This means responding with compassion to those ensnared by occult practices, while firmly standing against the deceptive ideologies behind them.
It’s crucial to note that not every unexplained event or personal struggle is the result of witchcraft or demonic activity. The Bible is clear that “the flesh” is capable of producing all manner of evil without any supernatural assistance. We must be careful not to blame demons for what is simply the consequences of our own choices or the fallenness of our world.
In conclusion, the biblical warnings about witchcraft are not outdated superstitions but timeless truths. In a world that often glorifies the pursuit of power and secret knowledge, we’re called to a different path. Our power comes from God, our wisdom from His Word, and our future is secure in Christ.
As believers, we don’t need to live in fear of the occult, but we should be aware of its reality and dangers. Our ultimate protection is not in amulets, tokens, dream-catchers, incantations, spells, or other superstitious rituals, but in the finished work of Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.
God doesn’t forbid witchcraft because He’s trying to keep something good from us. Rather, He knows that anything offering shortcuts to spiritual power or secret knowledge is ultimately a counterfeit that will leave us empty and ensnared.
Instead, He invites us to know Him, to walk in His ways, and to experience His power working through us. This is the path to true fulfillment, wisdom, and Godly living. As we yield ourselves to God and stay grounded in His Word, we’ll find that His power at work within us is far greater than any power the world of witchcraft could ever offer. In Christ, we have all we need. Let’s live in that truth and share it with a world desperately in need of genuine spiritual reality.
Pastor Bryan Ross
Grace Life Bible Church
Grand Rapids, MI
March 7, 2025
Resources For Further Study
57) Galatians 5:20 The Works Of The Flesh, Part 2 (Witchcraft) (YouTube Video)
What Is The Flesh? (Blog Article)
The War Within: Understanding the Flesh and the Spirit (Blog Article)
The Works of the Flesh: A Spiritual Checklist (Adultery, Fornication, Uncleanness, & Lasciviousness) (Blog Article)