White magic, often viewed as harmless, is something the Bible warns against. Scripture teaches that all forms of magic and sorcery are not in line with God’s will, encouraging us to rely solely on Him for guidance and power. Let’s explore what the Bible says about avoiding magic and trusting in God’s strength alone.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About strife in the family
What Does The Bible Say About white magic
Isaiah 47:12
“Keep on, then, with your magic spells and with your many sorceries.”
This verse from Isaiah speaks to the indulgence in magic spells and sorceries, highlighting the dangers and consequences associated with such practices. It serves as a warning against engaging in any form of witchcraft or sorcery.
Engaging in white magic, which is considered the practice of magic for good or benevolent purposes, may still fall under the category of sorcery and goes against the teachings of the Bible. The verse cautions against participating in any magic or supernatural practices that divert our attention and allegiance from God.
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 from Leviticus instructs us to abstain from seeking guidance or communicating with mediums, spiritists, or anyone who claims to have supernatural powers. God explicitly states that such practices defile us and go against His commandments.
While white magic may be viewed as a form of magic for positive purposes, it is important to remember that seeking supernatural help or relying on external forces can lead us away from our reliance on God and His guidance. This verse emphasizes that true wisdom and guidance come from God alone.
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.”
In this passage from Deuteronomy, God explicitly forbids the Israelites from participating in various forms of occult practices, including sorcery, divination, witchcraft, and communicating with the dead. These practices are considered an abomination in the sight of God.
While white magic may be perceived as harmless or done for benevolent purposes, the Bible categorically instructs us to refrain from engaging in any form of magic, divination, or supernatural practices. Our trust and reliance should be solely on God and His guidance.
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.”
In this passage from Galatians, witchcraft is mentioned as one of the acts of the flesh that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. The verse highlights that those who persist in practicing such acts will not inherit the kingdom of God.
While white magic may seem innocent or driven by good intentions, this verse reminds us that engaging in any form of witchcraft is contrary to the ways of God and goes against His commandments. We are called to live a life that is pleasing to God and abstain from any practices that lead us away from Him.
Exodus 22:18
“Do not allow a sorceress to live.”
This verse from Exodus is a strong prohibition against sorcery and witchcraft. It states that sorceresses should not be allowed to live, indicating the gravity of such practices in God’s eyes.
Though white magic may be perceived as harmless or used for positive purposes, according to God’s law, engaging in any form of sorcery is highly condemned. This verse serves as a stern warning against dabbling in any supernatural practices.
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.”
In the book of Acts, we see the example of individuals who once practiced sorcery willingly renouncing their involvement in the occult. They publicly burned their scrolls, symbolizing their complete abandonment of sorcery and all related practices.
This account underscores the importance of repentance and turning away from any involvement in magic, including white magic. It serves as a powerful reminder that as followers of Christ, we are called to disassociate ourselves from any form of witchcraft or sorcery.
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 Saul, Israel’s first king. Saul’s demise is directly attributed to his unfaithfulness to the Lord, which included consulting a medium for guidance instead of seeking God’s counsel.
It serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the dangers of turning to supernatural practices, regardless of their perceived intentions. Engaging in white magic or any form of occultism takes our focus away from God as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance in our lives.
Ephesians 5:11
“Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
In this verse from Ephesians, believers are urged to have no association with the unfruitful deeds of darkness but rather to expose them. This includes any form of occult practices, including white magic.
As followers of Christ, we are called to walk in the light and live according to God’s commands. Engaging in practices that are associated with darkness and the occult can lead us down a dangerous path away from God. It is our responsibility to discern and expose such practices.
2 Chronicles 33:6
“He sacrificed his children in the fire in the Valley of Ben Hinnom, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.”
This verse refers to the wickedness of King Manasseh, who practiced divination, consulted mediums, and engaged in various occult practices. His actions provoked the anger of the Lord and brought about severe consequences.
It serves as a stern warning against dabbling in any form of magic, including white magic. God desires our complete devotion and obedience, and any involvement in occult practices goes against His will.
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.”
In the book of Revelation, a list of those who will face eternal damnation in the fiery lake is given. Included in this list are those who practice magic arts, emphasizing the grave consequences associated with engaging in such practices.
This verse reaffirms the biblical stance against any involvement in magic, sorcery, or occultism. Regardless of the intention or the type of magic, it is clear that God condemns any practice that leads us away from Him and His truth.
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 in Acts describes a man named Simon who had gained a reputation as a sorcerer and had even deceived the people into believing that his power came from God. He used magic to exalt himself and receive admiration from the people.
This account shows that even those who perform seemingly extraordinary feats may be operating under deceptive or false pretenses. It serves as a reminder to discern and test the spirits, not being swayed by magical displays or claims that deviate from the truth of God’s Word.
Deuteronomy 18:9-10
“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. 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.”
In these verses from Deuteronomy, the Israelites are instructed not to imitate the detestable practices of the nations they were about to conquer. Specifically, they were commanded not to engage in divination, sorcery, witchcraft, or any form of magical practices.
This passage emphasizes God’s desire for His people to be set apart and not to adopt the ways of the world, especially when it comes to supernatural practices. In the same way, believers today are called to live holy and distinct lives, refraining from any involvement in magic or occultism.
Acts 13:6-8
“They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.”
In this account from the book of Acts, a sorcerer named Elymas opposed Barnabas and Saul, who were proclaiming the word of God to the proconsul Sergius Paulus. Elymas sought to hinder the proconsul from embracing the faith.
This passage demonstrates that antagonism towards God’s Word can arise from those who practice magic or sorcery. It also highlights the importance of discernment and standing firm in the face of opposition, trusting in the power of God’s truth to prevail.
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?”
In this verse from Isaiah, the people are urged to seek God rather than consulting mediums and spiritists who claim to have access to supernatural knowledge. It questions the practice of seeking guidance from the dead instead of relying on God.
While white magic may involve seeking help or guidance from supernatural sources, this passage reminds us of the importance of seeking God alone for wisdom and direction. We are encouraged to seek Him through prayer, His Word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
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 from Acts, a slave girl who possessed a spirit of divination followed Paul and his companions, proclaiming their divine mission. While her words may have been true, Paul discerned the source of her power and commanded the spirit to leave her.
This passage illustrates the need for discernment when it comes to supernatural practices. Even when the source of someone’s abilities seems to align with the truth, it is essential to determine whether or not they are operating in alignment with God’s will and serving His purposes.
Leviticus 20:27
“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 own heads.”
This verse from Leviticus declares the punishment for individuals who practice mediumship or claim to have supernatural powers. The penalty for engaging in such practices is severe, highlighting the seriousness with which God views these actions.
The Bible consistently warns against participating in any form of divination, sorcery, or occult practices. While white magic may be seen as harmless or done for good intentions, the biblical stance is clear—that any supernatural practices apart from God are forbidden.
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.”
In Acts, the account of individuals who had engaged in sorcery demonstrates the conviction and repentance that followed their newfound faith in Christ. They publicly renounced their past involvement in magic by burning their scrolls containing spells and incantations.
While white magic may differ in intention or perceived harmlessness, this verse encourages believers to wholeheartedly turn away from any involvement in magical practices and fully commit to following Christ.
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 the actions of King Manasseh, who not only practiced divination, consulted mediums, and sought omens but also sacrificed his own son in a pagan ritual. His actions provoked the Lord’s anger and brought judgment upon the nation.
This account serves as a powerful reminder of the severe consequences that come from participating in any form of magic or supernatural practices. It emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly following God’s commands and abstaining from activities that arouse His anger.
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
In this verse, Jesus declares Himself as the exclusive way to the Father. He is the source of truth and life, and no one can approach God except through a personal relationship with Him.
While white magic may propose supernatural alternatives or seek spiritual assistance outside of Christ, this verse reminds us that true wisdom, guidance, and salvation can only be found in Jesus. He alone is the way to eternal life, and there is no need to turn to occult practices when we have a direct and personal connection to the Creator of the universe through faith in Christ.
Deuteronomy 13:1-3
“If a prophet, or one who foretells by dreams, appears among you and announces to you a sign or wonder, and if the sign or wonder spoken of takes place, and the prophet says, ‘Let us follow other gods’ (gods you have not known) ‘and let us worship them,’ you must not listen to the words of that prophet or dreamer. The Lord your God is testing you to find out whether you love him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
In these verses from Deuteronomy, God warns the Israelites against false prophets who perform signs and wonders but lead people away from the true God. Even if the signs or wonders they prophesy come true, the people are instructed not to follow them.
This cautionary message can be applied to any supernatural practices, including white magic, that divert our attention from God and encourage the worship of other beings or powers. We are called to test the spirits and hold fast to our love and devotion to God alone.
Deuteronomy 18:14
“The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so.”
In this verse, the Israelites are reminded that the nations they are about to dispossess listen to sorcerers and diviners, but God has specifically forbidden them from engaging in such practices.
This verse underscores God’s desire for His people to be set apart and distinct. It serves as a clear instruction against participating in any form of magic, divination, or supernatural practices, regardless of their motives or desired outcomes.