Amulets are objects people use for protection or luck, but what does the Bible say about relying on such things? Scripture warns against trusting in objects for protection and encourages believers to place their trust in God alone. Let’s see what the Bible teaches about amulets and faith in God’s power.
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What Does The Bible Say About Amulets
Exodus 20:3
You shall have no other gods before me.
This verse is a clear instruction from God to not place our faith and trust in any other object or talisman, including amulets. It reminds us that our devotion should be solely reserved for God.
Amulets are objects believed to possess magical or protective powers, and relying on them contradicts the commandment to have no other gods before 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 strictly prohibits seeking guidance or protection from mediums or spiritists. Amulets often fall into this category as they are commonly used for spiritual or supernatural purposes.
For believers, placing trust in amulets or seeking spiritual assistance from sources other than God is considered defilement and goes against God’s instructions.
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.
This passage emphasizes God’s abhorrence towards any form of divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and spiritual practices that involve mediums or spiritists. Using amulets can be closely associated with these detestable practices mentioned.
As believers, we are called to refrain from engaging in such activities and to rely solely on God for guidance and protection.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
This verse reminds us that our trust and reliance should be in God alone. Just as some may put their trust in material objects like chariots or horses for protection, we are encouraged to trust in the name of the Lord.
Rather than placing our faith in amulets, we should trust in the power and sovereignty of God, who is our true source of strength and protection.
Proverbs 28:26
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.
Placing trust in amulets or any personal objects for protection can be seen as relying on oneself rather than on God. This verse reminds us that trusting in ourselves is foolish, while walking in wisdom and trusting in the Lord ensures our safety.
Rather than depending on external objects, we are called to trust in the wisdom and guidance that comes from our relationship with God.
Isaiah 42:8
I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.
God affirms His uniqueness and superiority in this verse. He clearly states that He will not share His glory or praise with idols or any other created objects.
Placing our faith in amulets can be seen as attributing power and protection to something other than God, which goes against His divine mandate.
Jeremiah 17:5
This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh and whose heart turns away from the Lord.”
God warns against placing our trust in anything or anyone other than Him. Trusting in amulets, which are physical objects made by man, can be seen as drawing strength from mere flesh rather than relying on the Lord.
As believers, we are called to wholeheartedly trust in God and not allow our hearts to turn away from Him by seeking protection in earthly, man-made objects.
Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Amulets are often associated with superstition or the belief that they possess inherent power. This verse teaches us that we cannot serve or be devoted to both God and any other entity.
If our faith and trust are placed in amulets or other objects, it can be viewed as contradictory to wholeheartedly serving and trusting in God alone.
John 14:6
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
As Christians, our salvation and access to God is through Jesus Christ alone. Amulets may promise protection or blessings, but the only true way to the Father is through a personal relationship with Jesus.
Relying on amulets can divert our focus from the true source of life and salvation, which is found solely in Jesus Christ.
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.
This verse recounts an incident where believers who had previously engaged in sorcery and occult practices demonstrated their repentance by publicly burning their scrolls related to those practices.
It serves as a reminder that when we come to faith in Christ, we are called to turn away from any involvement in practices or objects, such as amulets, that are associated with sorcery or the occult.
Romans 1:25
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
This verse highlights the danger of exchanging the truth about God for falsehood and worshiping created objects instead of the Creator.
Placing faith in amulets can be seen as giving more importance to the object itself rather than recognizing that the true power and protection come from the Creator alone.
1 Corinthians 10:20-21
No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.
Amulets can often be connected to superstitious and pagan practices that involve offerings and sacrifices to objects believed to possess supernatural powers.
As believers, we are called to distance ourselves from any association with demonic practices, diverting our complete devotion towards God alone.
Galatians 5:20
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions…
Amulets can easily become an avenue for idolatrous practices or beliefs, which are strongly condemned in the Bible.
As followers of Christ, we are called to reject the works of the flesh, including any involvement in witchcraft or idolatry, and instead pursue a life led by the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:10-11
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
As believers, our protection should come from the armor of God rather than relying on any external objects like amulets.
We are encouraged to stand strong in the Lord and equip ourselves with the spiritual armor provided by God to safeguard against the devil’s schemes.
Colossians 3:5
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
Amulets can easily become objects of greed or idolatry, where our focus and trust shift from God to the material.
As followers of Christ, we are called to put to death any earthly desires or idols, including the reliance on amulets, and instead direct our hearts towards God.
1 Timothy 4:7
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
Using amulets often stems from superstitious beliefs rooted in myths and folklore rather than on the truth of God’s Word.
As believers, we are called to reject such godless myths and invest our efforts into training ourselves in godliness and understanding God’s principles.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Placing trust in amulets can unintentionally give the devil a foothold in our lives by leading us away from complete submission to God.
This verse reminds us that our ultimate resistance against the devil comes through submitting ourselves to God and relying on His power and protection.
1 Peter 5:8
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
As Christians, we need to remain vigilant and mentally alert, recognizing that the devil is constantly seeking to deceive and destroy.
Relying on amulets can lead to complacency and a false sense of security, whereas our true protection lies in staying close to God and resisting the enemy’s advances.
1 John 5:21
Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.
Idolatry includes assigning undue importance or power to objects or possessions, such as amulets.
This verse reminds us to intentionally guard ourselves from idolatrous practices and keep our hearts focused on worshiping God alone.
Revelation 9:20
The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.
This verse depicts a future scenario where people refuse to repent or turn away from worshiping idols.
Amulets can fall into the category of idols made of materials like gold, silver, stone, or wood, representing objects that lack the ability to see, hear, or offer any true protection.
Revelation 21:8
But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
This verse lists practices and behaviors that will lead to eternal separation from God.
Using amulets can indicate participation in magical or idolatrous practices, which Scripture identifies as contributors to damnation.
Revelation 22:14-15
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
This passage brings attention to those who will be blessed and have access to eternal life with God versus those who will be excluded.
Amulets can be linked to practicing magic arts, which may prevent individuals from entering God’s Kingdom and experiencing eternal blessings.