Witchcraft is quite common, mostly in traditional settings, as elders often communicated to supernatural beings through people whose powers did not align with God’s. Witchcraft draws its roots in the Old Testament and has several expressions and forms. Though people do not practice witchcraft and sorcery openly, the practices are well-known for people to question whether they are biblically approved. So, is witchcraft a sin?
The scripture strongly condemns witchcraft and clearly states that any form of witchcraft is a sin. Some forms of witchcraft include fortune-telling, overt Satanism, folk magic, necromancy, and Neopaganism. Such offenses of witchcraft and sorcery were punished by death. The New Testament clearly states that those who practice such will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
So, what does the Bible say about witchcraft? What is God’s warning about witchcraft? How can a Christian overcome the sin of witchcraft? Bible stories about sorceries who decided to follow Christ? What are some bible verses about witchcraft? Stick around for more information and answers to these questions.
What does the Bible say about witchcraft?
The Bible condemns witchcraft by associating it with necromancy and fortune-telling, Satan’s tricks to counterfeit holy spirituality. In the Old Testament, people used to seek supernatural experiences that opposed God’s virtues and morals. For example, the nations that surrounded the land God had promised Israelites had practices that God did not uphold (Deuteronomy 18:9-12).
As indicated above, the Bible strongly condemns witchcraft or any practices of sorcery. Such practices were punished with death in the Mosaic Law. Leviticus 20:27 reads, “A man or a woman who is a medium or a necromancer shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones; their blood shall be upon them.”
This can also be seen in King Saul. He died because he sought forces other than God’s power in his life (1st Chronicles 10:13). Therefore, sorcery or witchcraft should not be an option for Christians. God, through Jesus Christ, his son, should be the only source of our power.
What is God’s warning about witchcraft?
The Bible does not leave sorcery or witchcraft for our interpretation. It clearly states God’s stand concerning the same. Galatians 5:20-21 reads, “Idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and thing like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
How can a Christian overcome the sin of witchcraft?
Christians can overcome witchcraft by seeking God through his word and prayer and believing in his promises. The scripture says that his word is like a double-edged sword and has the power to transform lives. Therefore, the word of God can speak to us and deliver us from any sinful practice we are in.
The Bible says in the book of 1st John 4:4 that he that is in us is greater than he that is in the world.” Theologians from Got Question ministries posit that there are only two sources of power; God and Satan. They note that Satan has the power that God allows him to have. Therefore, we should not fear his power because Christ lives in us and is greater than any outside power.
Furthermore, Isaiah 8:19 notes, “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? When we follow those words to their logical conclusion, we could also ask, why seek any power apart from the source of all real power? Why seek spirits who are not the Holy Spirit?”
God is evident in his word that we should only seek the Holy Spirit. Therefore, by hiding God’s word in our hearts, we will not go against it, and thus we will be able to overcome witchcraft.
Bible stories about sorcerers who decided to follow Christ
A familiar story about witchcraft and sorcery in the Bible is the story that led to Saul’s death. When Saul was caught in a dilemma during his reign and did not know what to do, he sought wisdom from outside sources rather than God. By doing this, he went against God’s command, so he died as a punishment for his wrongdoings. 1st Chronicles 10:13 says, “So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord and consulted a medium, seeking guidance.”
However, some theologians noted that Saul might have repented before he died and that he went to heaven after his death. Though this is not so clear in the Bible, it could be possible.
The book of Acts 8:9 talks about Simon, who was before a sorcerer but turned into someone great. “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.”
Bible verses about witchcraft
Micah 5:12 says, “And I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more tellers of fortunes.”
The scripture is firmly against those who claim to have sorcery power or fortune tellers. In the Old Testament, God opposed them and did not want his children to associate with them.
Revelation 18:23 reads, “And the light of a lamp will shine in you no more, and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more, for your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.”
John is clear in the above passage that God is not on those who follow sorceries of witchcraft. Therefore, God’s light cannot shine on us when we follow other powers that oppose him.
Isaiah 19:3 says, “And the spirit of the Egyptians within them will be emptied out, and I will confound their counsel, and they will inquire of the idols and the sorcerers, and the mediums and the necromancers.”
In the Old Testament, witchcraft and sorcery were so common. But God ensured those he chose would not turn their ways against him and seek such powers.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 notes, “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. And because of these abominations, the Lord your God is driving them out before you.”
In the above passage, God warns the Israelites against any practices linked to witchcraft and sorcery. He is clear that they should not be found among them and that he will drive them away before they occupy the Promised Land.
References
What does the Bible say about witchcraft/witches? Should a Christian fear witchcraft?
What does the Bible say about sorcery?
18 Top Bible Verses About Witchcraft – Warnings from Scripture
What Does the Bible Say About Witchcraft?
Sex and Sin, Witchcraft and the Devil in Late-Colonial Mexico
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
