In the Bible, occultism refers to seeking hidden or secret knowledge and supernatural power from sources outside of God. This includes witchcraft, magic, astrology, spiritism, fortune-telling, necromancy (consulting the dead), sorcery, and all other practices that rely on demonic influence instead of the Holy Spirit.
Occultism is not merely a “different belief system”; it is direct rebellion against God’s authority and an attempt to gain power, wisdom, or control apart from His will.
Isaiah 8:19 says:
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
The Word of God draws a clear line: spiritual guidance must come only from Him.
God’s Direct Prohibition Against All Occult Practices
God’s Word is unambiguous in forbidding occultism. He calls it detestable and warns of its spiritual danger.
Deuteronomy 18:10–12:
“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…”
Leviticus 19:31:
“Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.”
God uses strong language — “detestable,” “defiled” — to show that such acts pollute a person spiritually and separate them from His presence.
Occultism as a Form of Idolatry and Partnership with Demons
Behind every occult practice is a demonic source. The Bible reveals that when people engage in these activities, they are not interacting with “neutral forces” but are entering into partnership with demonic spirits.
1 Corinthians 10:20:
“…the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.”
Occultism is spiritual adultery — giving to Satan what belongs to God.
Biblical Examples of Occult Encounters
● Saul and the Medium of Endor – 1 Samuel 28:7–19
Saul, desperate for guidance, sought out a medium after God refused to answer him. This act of disobedience brought God’s judgment, and Saul died shortly afterward.
● Magicians of Egypt – Exodus 7:11–12
The Egyptian magicians imitated some of Moses’ signs but were powerless against the fullness of God’s authority. This shows that occult power is real but limited and cannot stand against God’s power.
● Simon the Sorcerer – Acts 8:9–24
Simon amazed people with sorcery, but when he saw the apostles’ power, he tried to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter rebuked him sharply, showing that God’s power cannot mix with occult practices.
● Slave Girl with a Spirit of Divination – Acts 16:16–18
Paul cast out the demon giving her fortune-telling abilities, proving that such powers are demonic, not from God.
The Spiritual Dangers of Occultism
The Bible warns that occult involvement:
● Opens the door to demonic oppression – Ephesians 4:27 (“…do not give the devil a foothold”).
● Leads to spiritual deception – 2 Corinthians 11:14 (“Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light”).
● Brings God’s judgment – Leviticus 20:6 (“I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums…”).
Revelation 21:8 also gives a solemn warning:
“…those who practice magic arts… will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
The danger is not only in this life but also extends to eternal separation from God.
God’s Call to Renounce and Destroy All Occult Connections
True repentance from occultism is not silent or partial — it involves confession, renunciation, and physical removal of any items tied to it.
Acts 19:19:
“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.”
The believers in Ephesus didn’t try to “keep” anything from their past life; they destroyed it completely. This is the kind of repentance God requires — decisive and total.
The Only True Source of Power and Wisdom
All power, wisdom, and revelation believers need comes from God through Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit.
James 1:5:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
John 16:13:
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…”
God never intended His children to seek spiritual knowledge from other sources.
Victory Over Occult Powers Through Christ
The Bible assures that in Christ, believers have authority over every occult power.
Colossians 2:15:
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Luke 10:19:
“I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
1 John 4:4:
“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
When a believer is rooted in Christ, no curse, spell, or demonic power can have authority over them.
How a Believer Should Respond to Occultism
1. Reject it completely – Have no tolerance for occult media, objects, or practices in your home or life (Ephesians 5:11 – “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them”).
2. Resist the enemy – Stand firm in faith and use God’s Word to resist temptation (James 4:7).
3. Rely on the Holy Spirit – He is the only safe guide in spiritual matters.
4. Pray for deliverance – If there has been past involvement, pray in Jesus’ name for cleansing and freedom.
Occultism is not entertainment, cultural tradition, or harmless curiosity — it is spiritual rebellion. The Bible makes it clear that it invites demonic influence, pollutes the soul, and brings God’s judgment. But the good news is that through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, complete freedom and victory are possible.
As 2 Corinthians 6:17 says:
“Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’”
The safest and most blessed life is one lived under the light, truth, and authority of Jesus Christ — far from every shadow of occult power
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