The Biblical Gathering Forum

Solomon once said, “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).


Nothing new under the sun . . . this was Solomon’s observation: what was . . . shall be. In the context of Deuteronomy 18; I would like to share a few thoughts on the growing phenomenon of spiritualism. Like the Israelites of old who were specifically told not imitate the abominations of the former inhabitants of the land (Deuteronomy 18:9); we Christians have this same warning. As pilgrims and strangers waiting for a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10) we ought naught to partake of these abominations. Some Christians today, however, are not taking this warning too seriously. It pains my heart to hear of Christians partaking in things like horoscope readings, astrology, psychic readings, enquiring of mediums, eastern meditation and lately, paranormal TV programs.

For example, there has been a steady increase of paranormal television shows hitting our networks. Shows like Medium, Ghost Whisper, Dead Tenants, Dead Famous: Ghostly Encounters and Americas Most Haunted Places and Haunted Hotels. In addition to these shows, movies like the Sixth Sense and White Noise have given the culture this idea that we can and should communicate with our friends and loved ones who have passed on (communication of the dead). Our children also are being taught about witches and magic spells through the Harry Potter books and movies. Tie all this in with Marian apparitions, the Wiccan movement, Reincarnation and the New Age movements . . . We Christians are an ideological war that requires the strength, grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He who has all power in heaven and in earth explicitly names and condemns these false prophets who claim to speak in his name. In the context of Deuteronomy 18; they claim to have contact with the dead and seek to transmit their messages. Is this the case?

There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).


Let’s take a closer look at these false prophets:

Charmer - one who casts spells or use charms.
Observer of times - astrologer.
Sorcerer - one who claims to contact spirits of the dead.
Consulter with familiar spirits - medium, or channeler.
User of divination - fortune teller.
Enchanter - same as a charmer.
Necromancer - another name for sorcerer.
Witch - female psychic.
Wizard - male psychic.

These supposed spirits of the dead are none other than evil angels, or devils (Revelation 16:13, 14) and 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 states:

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

No Christian should ever meddle with crystal balls, palm reading leaf deciphering, astrology or communicate with the supposed spirits of the dead. This is not God’s way of communicating with people; God communicates his love and truth primarily through his word. The Scriptures also teach plainly that all who become involved with such things are an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:12). And worse still, those who continue their involvement in these things will be shut out of heaven (Galatians 5:19-21).

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light . . . And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them (Ephesians 5:8, 11).

Good thoughts, thanks for this study and word.

Unfortunately, we see all these mingled in the church today. How many people let their kids read the Harry Potter series and then sit in the pews at church? They see it as a "getting the kids to read" isn't it great...No, it isn't.

This is a dangerous thing happening in the church today. We see the mingling getting deeper, the colors of religions mixed more and more...and not many can see the difference or harm in it anymore.

Good post!

~Leslie

Thank you. Yes, the church is in danger of allowing itself to be influenced by the powers of darkness. We must watch and pray so that we do not become weary in this time of battle; this battle for truth and righteousness . . . .

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Ephesians 5:11).

Exactly. We must not grow weary. But that is very easy to do --growing weary. Perhaps that is why we see so much of this filtering into the church today...

It is easier to accept certain practices and then try to make them "Christian" rather than fight so hard against them and be strong enough to call sin "sin".