Today, some people believe that magic is real and that spells really do exist. Others say that it’s all nonsense. Which side do you fall on?
According to the Bible, God created man in His image, meaning that he had the ability to create things out of nothing.
This means that God also has the power to perform miracles, which could be described as magic. In fact, the Bible says that God performed miracles through Moses, Elijah, Elisha and Jesus Christ.
So what does the Bible say about magic and is there a difference between magic and God’s miracles? The answers you seek can be found in the article below, where we will take a look at magic and its depiction in the Bible…
Is Magic Real?
While many people assume that magic is not real, this does not mean that the opinion is held by everyone. In fact, magic is very real for the people who believe in it. Just as God is real for those who follow his teachings.
However, it is important to remember that the existence of magic is not necessarily a good thing, as magic and the supernatural can leave a lasting impression on children and those being led astray by the Devil.
But what does the Bible have to say about magic and is magic inherently evil? Let’s open up our Bibles and see…
What Does The Bible Say About Magic?
In the Bible, the term magic – which is referred to as divination and/or witchcraft – is used to describe a range of supernatural activities, such as astronomy, necromancy, soothsaying, sorcery and enchantments.
Each of these activities finds its origins in Satan, the fallen angel and the prince of the power of the air. Each form of magic is dangerous and can threaten the purity of the heart, soul and mind.
Those who practice magic fall to their knees when confronted with God’s power, as is seen in the Book of Revelation:
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all the liars – they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
(Revelation 21:8)
This reference to the magic arts speaks of sorcerers and magicians, which were common in the ancient world. The words pharmacy and pharmacist were taken from the Greek word pharmakeus – which means sorcerer and referred to men who brewed potions and cast spells.
This Bible verse makes it clear that anyone who practices magic is destined for an eternity in Hell, as they have pursued the supernatural and accepted a Christless existence…
But are there other examples of the supernatural in the Bible? In the Book of Exodus, we see a competition between Moses and the Pharaoh, where the former performs a miracle to convey God’s power:
The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ then say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a snake. So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded.
Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts:
Each one threw down his staff, and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs…
(Exodus 7:8 – 12)
In this verse, we see the power of God’s miracles and how the magic of men pales in comparison. It is also important to note how this verse demonstrates the limitations of Satan’s power, which does not compare to that of the Holy Spirit.
Does Satan Have Power Over Magic?
Does the Devil have power through magic and the supernatural? An excellent way to answer this question is to look at the Book of Samuel, where we find the tale of King Saul.
In this story, Saul wanted to know more information about an upcoming war, which led him to seek the advice of a witch:
Saul then said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’ ‘There is one in Endor,’ they said.
So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. ‘Consult a spirit for me,’ he said, ‘and bring up for me the one I name.’
(Samuel 28:7 – 8)
What happens next seems to lend credence to the theory that Satan has power through magic, although it does raise some questions:
Then the woman asked, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he said. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’
The king said to her ‘Don’t be afraid. What do you see?’ The woman said, ‘I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.’ ‘What does he look like?’ he asked. ‘An old man wearing a robe is coming up,’ she said.
Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ ‘I am in great distress,’ Saul said. ‘The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me.
He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.’
(Samuel 28:11 – 15)
If this story is to be believed, then it suggests that Satan has the power to raise the dead. A miracle that only God can perform. Upon summoning Samuel, the witch is shocked by his appearance, and it is clear she did not know who he was.
However, it remains unclear how Samuel was raised from the dead and if he was summoned by God’s miracles or Satan’s power…
Despite this, those who follow God’s teachings should never seek the advice of a witch or medium, as this is a forbidden practice and goes against the teachings of the Bible and God’s will.
Here are some other Bible verses that discuss this and why it should be avoided if you believe in the Holy Trinity:
Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.
(Leviticus 19:31)
A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their heads.
(Leviticus 20:27)
Final Thoughts—Can You Practice Magic Without Evil?
While there are some who believe they can practice magic without the involvement of evil, this is not true. If we have learned anything from the teachings of the Bible, magic is an evil force and the foundation of Satan’s power.
As it stands, witchcraft is a work of the flesh and should not be followed if you wish to live a Godly life:
The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like.
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
(Galatians 5:19 – 21)
Because of its placement in this list, witchcraft takes on all the demonic practices associated with it, such as horoscopes and Ouija boards.
Tools of divination should also be avoided by the children of God, especially if you wish to enter the gates of heaven and live your eternal life.
I have been a devout Christian since I was a little girl, so I trust my knowledge can help more people learn and perhaps even join the religion that is Christianity.
In 2011, 75% of Americans identified as Christian. However, in 2021, that number dropped to 63%. That is a 12% decrease, and that trend is likely to continue. If more people aren’t informed about Christianity, I fear that we will suffer from fewer members and we will become a forgotten religion.
My hopes for this website are for it to be a useful resource where you can get all of your supplementary knowledge on Christianity in one place. Of course, your religion leader will be able to answer most of your questions, but when they’re not available, I’m here for you.
