The Bible warns against practices associated with fortune-telling or seeking knowledge beyond God’s wisdom. These warnings encourage believers to trust in God’s guidance rather than relying on other sources. By understanding these teachings, we can approach these topics with a clearer perspective on faith and trust.
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What Does The Bible Say About Tarot Card Reading
Leviticus 20:6
“I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.”
This verse highlights the prohibition against seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists. It emphasizes God’s disapproval of engaging in practices such as tarot card reading, as it involves seeking supernatural knowledge from sources other than Him.
As Christians, we are called to trust in God alone for guidance and to seek Him through prayer, reading His Word, and seeking the counsel of fellow believers. Engaging in practices like tarot cards undermines our trust in God’s sovereignty and can lead us astray from His truth.
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.”
This passage provides a comprehensive list of various occult practices that are forbidden by God. It includes divination, sorcery, witchcraft, casting spells, and consulting the dead. Tarot card reading falls under divination, which is essentially seeking to know the future or gain insight through occult means.
God condemns these practices because they divert our attention away from Him and towards deceptive spiritual forces. As followers of Christ, we are called to place our trust in the Lord and seek His guidance, avoiding anything that opens the door to spiritual deception.
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 challenges the practice of seeking guidance from mediums and spiritists. It questions the rationale behind seeking answers from the dead when we have a living God whom we can approach directly. It implies that seeking supernatural guidance should be sought solely from God.
Engaging in forbidden practices, such as tarot card reading, distracts us from building a relationship with God and seeking His wisdom. We are encouraged to inquire of God through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking the counsel of wise believers.
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 showcases the transformation that occurs when we turn away from occult practices and embrace Jesus. The believers in Ephesus, who had previously engaged in sorcery, made a decisive break by publicly burning their scrolls related to their former practices.
As Christians, we are called to renounce any involvement with occult practices, including tarot card reading, and fully surrender to Jesus. Just as the believers in Ephesus made a radical choice to burn their scrolls, we too should make a clean break from any involvement with the occult.
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.”
This passage identifies witchcraft as an act of the flesh, which is in direct opposition to, and incompatible with, a life guided by the Holy Spirit. Tarot card reading, being rooted in divination and occult practices, falls under the category of witchcraft mentioned here.
Therefore, it is vital for Christians to avoid participating in practices like tarot card reading, recognizing that such activities are contrary to the principles of God’s kingdom and can hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with Him.
1 Samuel 15:23
“For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”
This verse draws a parallel between rebellion and divination, making it clear that engaging in divination is viewed as a form of disobedience and rebellion against God. Tarot card reading, being a form of divination, likewise falls within this condemnation.
As Christians, we are called to surrender our will to God and submit to His authority. Engaging in practices like tarot card reading is an act of rebellion against God’s desire for us to trust and seek guidance solely from Him.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse encourages believers to resist the influence of worldly practices, including seeking guidance through occult means like tarot card reading. Instead, we are called to renew our minds through the power of the Holy Spirit, aligning our thoughts and actions with God’s will.
By renewing our minds, we gain discernment to recognize what is good, pleasing, and perfect according to God’s standards. This enables us to avoid practices that compromise our faith and instead embrace God’s wisdom and guidance in all aspects of our lives.
Jeremiah 10:2
“This is what the Lord says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by signs in the heavens, though the nations are terrified by them.”
God warns His people against following the practices of the surrounding nations that involve signs and omens. He calls His followers to trust in Him alone, rather than being fearful or concerned about the signs and symbols associated with divination.
As Christians, we are called to place our faith in God and not be swayed or intimidated by worldly practices such as tarot card reading. Our trust should be firmly rooted in God’s sovereignty and His ability to guide and direct our lives according to His perfect plan.
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.”
This passage emphasizes the spiritual significance behind engaging in practices connected to pagan rituals. Participating in activities like tarot card reading, which are associated with divination and occult practices, aligns us with demonic forces and contradicts our allegiance to God.
As Christians, we are called to maintain our devotion and loyalty to God alone. Engaging in practices that involve demonic influence undermines our faith and opens the door for spiritual deception. We are to exclusively partake in the blessings and fellowship offered at the Lord’s table.
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 verse, we witness the consequences of engaging in divination and seeking omens. Such practices, which are forbidden by God, led the people to turn away from Him and commit evil deeds that provoked His righteous anger.
As Christians, we are called to honor and obey God by avoiding activities like tarot card reading that can lead us down a destructive path of rebellion and spiritual darkness. Instead, we are to seek righteousness and strive to please God in all aspects of our lives.
Colossians 2:8
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”
This verse serves as a warning against being enticed or deceived by empty and deceptive ideologies that are not based on Christ. It highlights the danger of relying on worldly practices, such as tarot card reading, instead of placing our full trust in Jesus.
As Christians, we are called to be discerning and grounded in the truth of God’s Word. We should not allow ourselves to be swayed by philosophies and practices that do not align with the teachings of Christ. Our foundation should rest solely on Him.
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.”
This passage addresses those who rely on magical practices, sorcery, and astrologers for guidance. It exposes the futility and emptiness of seeking answers through such means, reminding us that they cannot save or protect us from the challenges and trials of life.
As Christians, we are called to rely on God alone for guidance and deliverance. Trusting in practices like tarot card reading is a fruitless endeavor that can lead to spiritual weariness and disappointment. We are to place our faith in the unchanging and all-knowing nature of our Heavenly Father.
Deuteronomy 4:19
“And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon, and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven.”
This verse warns against succumbing to the temptation of idolizing and worshiping celestial bodies and the supernatural phenomena associated with them. It reiterates that such practices are contrary to God’s command and should be avoided.
As Christians, we are called to worship God alone and to acknowledge His sovereignty over all creation. Engaging in practices tied to the stars, such as astrology or tarot card reading, detracts from a pure worship of God and can lead us away from His truth.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
This verse highlights the danger of turning away from the faith and following deceptive teachings influenced by demonic powers. It serves as a warning that there will be individuals who will be led astray by such deceptions, forsaking the truths of God’s Word.
As Christians, we are called to be vigilant and discerning, guarding ourselves against teachings and practices that do not align with God’s truth. Tarot card reading, being rooted in divination, is an example of an occult practice that can lead us away from the sound teachings of Scripture.
Exodus 22:18
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
In this verse, God explicitly states the severity of engaging in sorcery by commanding that those practicing it should not be allowed to live. The practice of sorcery, which encompasses divination and witchcraft, is considered an abomination in the eyes of God.
As Christians, we should not participate in or support any activities associated with sorcery and witchcraft, including tarot card reading. Our obedience to God’s commands requires us to refrain from engaging in practices that are explicitly forbidden in His Word.
1 John 4:1
“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 verse urges believers to exercise discernment in evaluating spiritual influences and messages. We are encouraged to test the spirits to determine if they align with the truth of God’s Word, as false prophets and deceptive spirits abound in the world.
When it comes to tarot card reading, it is crucial to test the spirit behind it. Such practices are influenced by deceptive spirits that seek to lead people away from God’s direction and truth. As Christians, we should exercise caution and seek God’s wisdom, relying on Him to guide us into all truth.
Micah 5:12
“I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.”
In this verse, God pronounces His judgment on those who engage in witchcraft and casting spells. He declares that He will put an end to such practices and that those who rely on them will face the consequences of their actions.
As Christians, we are called to distance ourselves from witchcraft, including practices like tarot card reading. We should not put our trust in occult methods but instead place our faith in a loving and powerful God who desires to guide and protect us.
Ezekiel 13:23
“Therefore, you will no longer see false visions or practice divination. I will save my people from your hands. And then you will know that I am the Lord.”
In this verse, God proclaims His authority over false visions and divination. He declares that He will save His people from the influence of those who engage in such practices, ultimately revealing His sovereign power and identity.
As Christians, we are called to recognize the supremacy of God and to reject false visions and divination. Tarot card reading falls within these categories, and we should distance ourselves from any form of seeking supernatural guidance apart from God.
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 depicts the actions of King Manasseh, who engaged in divination, consulted mediums and spiritists, and practiced witchcraft. These actions caused God’s anger to be aroused and resulted in severe consequences for Manasseh and the nation.
As Christians, we should learn from the examples recorded in Scripture and abstain from participating in practices associated with divination, mediums, and witchcraft, such as tarot card reading. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to honoring God and avoiding His righteous anger.
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.”
This passage introduces Simon, a sorcerer who used his magical abilities to gain popularity and influence among the people. Despite the public’s admiration for him, Simon’s practice of sorcery was not grounded in God’s power but in deceitful manipulation.
As Christians, we should be cautious not to be swayed by individuals who claim to have special spiritual powers like those displayed in tarot card reading. We are to discern and differentiate between true spiritual authority, which comes from God, and deceptive practices that seek to exploit and mislead.
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.”
In this account, Paul encounters a slave girl with a fortune-telling spirit. Although her predictions may have seemed accurate and brought financial gain, Paul recognizes the source behind her abilities as a deceptive spirit. Paul, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, frees her from the influence of this spirit.
As Christians, we should follow the example of Paul by being discerning and challenging any spiritual practices that do not align with Scripture. Tarot card reading, being rooted in divination, is an example of a practice that relies on deceptive spirits rather than on the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 19:13-16
“Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, ‘In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.’ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, ‘Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?’ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”
In this episode, a group of individuals tries to cast out evil spirits by using the name of Jesus without having a personal relationship with Him. The evil spirit recognizes their lack of true authority and attacks them, exposing their vulnerability.
As Christians, it is vital for us not to rely on empty rituals or even the name of Jesus without a genuine relationship with Him. Engaging in practices like tarot card reading, apart from a genuine faith in Christ, is futile and can leave us spiritually vulnerable. We are called to seek a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus, allowing Him to lead and guide us in all aspects of our lives.