S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Sorcery, the use of spells, divination, or speaking to spirits, is clearly condemned in the Bible. The word sorcery in Scripture is always used in reference to an evil or deceptive practice.For exa...

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July 01 2013 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Exodus 22:18 states that sorcerers should not be allowed to live. The Bible also condemns sorcery in other verses, including: 

Leviticus 19:31: "Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them." 

Deuteronomy 18:10-14: "There shall not be found among you... any one who practices divination, a soothsayer, or an augur, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a medium, or a wizard, or a necromancer." 
Galatians 5:19-21: "Sorcery is one of the works of the flesh, and those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." 
Revelation 21:8: "Sorcerers will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death." 
Leviticus 20:27: The penalty for practicing witchcraft was death.
First Chronicles 10:13: Saul died because he consulted a medium for guidance.
Deuteronomy 18:11–12: Condemns anyone who "casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead." 

The Bible consistently forbids magic and sorcery, and considers them sinful. 

The Bible consistently condemns sorcery, witchcraft, and any form of occult practice. From the Old Testament laws to New Testament warnings, God's Word makes it clear that engaging in these practices is sinful and leads to spiritual destruction.

The reason for such strong condemnation is that sorcery and divination attempt to access supernatural power apart from God, often involving demonic influence. Instead of seeking God’s guidance, people turn to forbidden sources for power, wisdom, or control. This is seen as direct rebellion against God’s authority.

However, while the Old Testament law called for the death penalty for sorcerers in Israel, the New Testament focuses on spiritual consequences—exclusion from God’s kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21) and eternal judgment (Revelation 21:8). Instead of physical punishment, the New Testament calls for repentance and transformation through Christ.

Acts 19:19 gives a powerful example of new believers who had practiced magic but repented and burned their books publicly. This shows that God's grace is available to those who turn from sorcery and seek Him instead.

The key takeaway is that any attempt to access spiritual power apart from God is dangerous and forbidden. But for those who have been involved in such practices, there is always hope in Christ. He alone is the true source of wisdom, power, and life.

6 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report