Paranormal activity can raise many questions, and the Bible addresses the spiritual realm clearly. It warns about dangers and offers guidance on where to focus our attention. Today, let’s learn what Scripture says about the unseen world and God’s authority over it.
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What Does The Bible Say About Paranormal Activity
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.”
This verse warns against seeking guidance from mediums or spiritists who engage in paranormal activities. God commands His people to rely on Him alone for wisdom and guidance, as these practices can lead to spiritual defilement and deception.
It reminds us to trust in God’s sovereignty and not to dabble in supernatural activities that can potentially open doors to malevolent spirits or deceive us with false information.
1 Samuel 28:7
“Then Saul 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.”
This verse depicts King Saul’s sinful act of seeking out a medium for guidance, despite God’s prohibition. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers and consequences of engaging in paranormal activities out of desperation or disobedience.
It warns believers about the allure of seeking supernatural knowledge apart from God, emphasizing the need to trust in His sovereignty and avoid succumbing to the temptations of the paranormal realm.
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.”
These verses provide a comprehensive list of paranormal activities that are expressly forbidden by God. They emphasize God’s detestation of these practices and the severe consequences that accompany them.
By explicitly prohibiting divination, sorcery, witchcraft, and communication with the dead, God underscores the importance of remaining faithful to Him and avoiding the deceptive and destructive influences of the supernatural.
Acts 16:16-18
“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.’ She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!’ At that moment the spirit left her.”
This passage recounts an encounter between Paul and a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. Although her predictions were accurate, Paul discerned the source behind her abilities and cast the spirit out in the name of Jesus Christ.
It serves as a reminder that even though some paranormal activities may appear legitimate, their source can be deceptive and demonic. Believers are called to discern the spiritual realm and rely on the power of Christ to overcome supernatural influences.
Isaiah 8:19
“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?”
This verse urges people to seek God instead of turning to mediums and spiritists. It highlights the essentiality of seeking divine guidance rather than relying on paranormal practices that communicate with the dead.
God calls His people to trust in His wisdom and seek His counsel, recognizing that in Him alone lies the true source of illumination and understanding.
2 Chronicles 33:6
“He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination and witchcraft, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.”
This verse describes the wicked practices of King Manasseh, who engaged in various paranormal activities, ultimately provoking the anger of God. It serves as a stark warning against the pursuit of supernatural knowledge outside of God’s guidance.
It reminds believers that engaging in such activities displeases God and can lead to severe consequences. We are called to reject these practices and instead faithfully seek the Lord’s will in alignment with His Word.
1 Chronicles 10:13-14
“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance, and did not inquire of the Lord. So the Lord put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse.”
This passage recounts the downfall of King Saul, whose disobedience and consultation of a medium led to his ultimate demise. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God’s commands and seeking His guidance alone.
It warns against the dangers of dabbling in paranormal activities and highlights God’s righteous judgment upon those who disregard His Word and turn to supernatural means for direction.
Galatians 5:19-21
“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.”
These verses include witchcraft among the sinful acts of the flesh that are contrary to God’s ways. It emphasizes that practicing witchcraft aligns with a lifestyle that is incompatible with the kingdom of God.
Believers are called to renounce such behaviors and pursue a life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit, which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Exodus 22:18
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
This verse reflects the severity with which God views the practice of sorcery. In ancient Israel, the punishment for sorcery was death. It reminds believers that God’s law condemns these supernatural activities as abominable.
While the specific penalty no longer applies today, it underscores the gravity of engaging in paranormal activities and serves as a warning against trespassing into the realm of darkness.
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 places those who practice magic arts alongside other groups who will face eternal damnation. It highlights the severity of engaging in supernatural practices that oppose God’s commands.
As believers, we are called to distance ourselves from such activities and steadfastly adhere to the truth of Christ, knowing that those who persist in practicing magic arts will face eternal consequences.
Acts 19:18-19
“Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 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.”
These verses depict the repentance of believers who had formerly practiced sorcery. Upon their conversion, they openly confessed their actions and destroyed the paraphernalia associated with their involvement in the paranormal.
It serves as an example of the transformative power of the Gospel, calling believers to renounce any connection with supernatural practices and actively distance themselves from the trappings of the occult.
Isaiah 47:12-13
“Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries, which you have labored at since childhood. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will cause terror. All the counsel you have received has only worn you out! Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make predictions month by month, let them save you from what is coming upon you.”
In this passage, Isaiah confronts Babylon’s reliance on magic spells, sorceries, and astrology to avert impending judgment. He sarcastically challenges them to put their trust in these practices and the astrologers’ predictions.
It serves as a rebuke against placing faith in the supernatural realm rather than seeking God’s guidance and protection. Isaiah underscores the futility of relying on paranormal activities when confronted with the consequences of sin.
Ezekiel 13:18
“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘Woe to the women who sew magic charms on all their wrists and make veils of various lengths for their heads in order to ensnare people. Will you ensnare the lives of my people but preserve your own?”
This verse addresses the deceitful practices of women who used magic charms and veils to manipulate and ensnare others. God pronounces judgment on their actions, condemning their use of paranormal activities for personal gain.
It reveals God’s displeasure with those who exploit supernatural means to control or harm others, reaffirming the importance of seeking justice and living in righteousness.
Daniel 2:27-28
“Daniel replied, ‘No wise man, enchanter, magician, or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these:'”
Though not explicitly condemning paranormal activities, this passage highlights the superiority of God’s wisdom over that of enchanters, magicians, and diviners. Daniel acknowledges that only God possesses the ability to reveal mysteries and interpret dreams accurately.
It demonstrates the fallibility of relying on human or supernatural knowledge apart from God, underscoring the importance of seeking divine guidance and trusting in His sovereignty.
1 John 4:1-3
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.”
These verses urge believers to exercise discernment and examine the origins of spirits by testing them against the truth of God’s Word. It warns of the presence of false prophets and deceptive supernatural influences that can mislead and distort the Gospel.
It emphasizes the importance of discerning the nature of spirits and aligning with those that acknowledge Jesus Christ as the true Son of God, serving as a safeguard against embracing false teachings and paranormal deceptions.
2 Kings 21:6
“He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.”
This verse describes King Manasseh’s involvement in numerous paranormal activities, including divination, omens, and consulting mediums and spiritists. Such practices led to God’s anger and judgment upon him and his reign.
It serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences that result from engaging in supernatural activities that defy God’s commands, underscoring the importance of adhering to His Word and seeking His will.
2 Kings 17:17
“They sacrificed their sons and daughters in the fire. They practiced divination and sought omens and sold themselves to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.”
In this passage, the Israelites are rebuked for engaging in various paranormal activities, including divination and seeking omens. Their involvement in these practices provoked God’s anger and brought judgment upon them.
It serves as a cautionary tale, warning believers against participating in supernatural activities that can lead them astray, harm others, and incur God’s righteous indignation.
Acts 8:9-11
“Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, ‘This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.'”
These verses recount the story of Simon the sorcerer, who had gained a reputation for his supernatural abilities and deceived the people of Samaria. Despite his influence, he was exposed when he witnessed the true power of God through the ministry of Philip.
It serves as a reminder that even those who engage in paranormal activities may not possess true power, emphasizing the importance of discerning between genuine spiritual authority and deceptive displays of supernatural abilities.
Micah 5:12
“I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.”
This verse speaks of God’s judgment on those who practice witchcraft and cast spells. It declares that their witchcraft will be destroyed, implying the futility and transience of engaging in such supernatural activities.
It reflects God’s sovereignty over all realms, including the supernatural, and underscores the temporal nature of paranormal practices in contrast to the eternal steadfastness of God’s Word.
Mark 16:17-18
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name, they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
These verses highlight the supernatural signs that will accompany those who believe in Jesus Christ. They emphasize the power and authority bestowed upon believers to confront and overcome the forces of darkness.
It provides assurance that believers need not engage in paranormal activities as a means of seeking spiritual authority or supernatural manifestations, for true power lies in the name of Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
2 Kings 23:24
“Furthermore, Josiah got rid of the mediums and spiritists, the household gods, the idols and all the other detestable things seen in Judah and Jerusalem. This he did to fulfill the requirements of the law written in the book that Hilkiah the priest had discovered in the temple of the Lord.”
In this passage, King Josiah eradicates the practices of mediums, spiritists, and idol worship in Judah and Jerusalem. His actions display a commitment to obedience and honor to the requirements of God’s law.
This account serves as an example of the importance of removing all forms of paranormal activity and idolatry from one’s life, fulfilling God’s commandments and embracing a single-hearted devotion to Him.
Isaiah 47:9
“Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure, in spite of your many sorceries and all your potent spells.”
These verses prophesy impending judgment upon Babylon, despite their reliance on sorceries and spells. It demonstrates that supernatural abilities cannot protect or save from God’s righteous judgment.
It serves as a reminder that no amount of paranormal power can counteract the sovereignty of God, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith and trust in Him rather than seeking supernatural solutions.
2 Chronicles 33:5
“He built altars for all the starry hosts of the heavens in both courts of the temple of the Lord.”
This verse refers to King Manasseh’s practice of idolatry and erecting altars for the worship of celestial beings and heavenly bodies. It characterizes his involvement in supernatural worship and the abandonment of genuine faith.
It serves as a reminder of the danger of indulging in paranormal activities that divert our allegiance from the one true God, emphasizing the significance of worshiping Him alone and rejecting any form of idolatry.