“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.” – Deuteronomy 18:10
Understanding Necromancy
Necromancy, the practice of communicating with the dead, is a serious subject within the Bible. This practice is not only discouraged but outright forbidden. As followers of Christ, we are called to trust in God and His plans for our lives and our loved ones. Instead of seeking guidance from those who have passed away, we should rely on God’s Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Bible makes it clear that necromancy is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord, and it can lead us away from the truth that God has for us. When we engage in such practices, we open the door to confusion and misinformation. By turning to God’s love and wisdom, we find the peace and guidance that we need.
Deuteronomy 18:10
“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch.” – Deuteronomy 18:10
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.” – Leviticus 19:31
1 Chronicles 10:13-14
“Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he failed to obey the Lord’s word 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.” – 1 Chronicles 10:13-14
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?” – Isaiah 8:19
Galatians 5:19-20
“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 5:19-20
The Consequences of Necromancy
Practicing necromancy is not just a theological issue; it brings real-life consequences. The act of seeking out the dead can lead us to destructive paths that can take us away from our relationship with God. In our community, we should encourage each other to seek God in all matters of life. By focusing our hearts on Him instead of looking to those who have passed away, we are protecting ourselves from harmful influences. We must understand that the consequences of dabbling in necromancy can be severe, as it can lead to spiritual confusion and disconnection from God’s love. The Bible warns us about these dangers, urging us to stay close to His Word.
Deuteronomy 18:12
“Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord, and because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.” – Deuteronomy 18:12
2 Kings 21:6
“He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, and sought omens and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, arousing his anger.” – 2 Kings 21:6
Micah 5:12
“I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.” – Micah 5:12
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.” – Revelation 21:8
Proverbs 28:9
“If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.” – Proverbs 28:9
God’s Authority Over Life and Death
Understanding that God holds the ultimate authority over life and death has profound implications for us. Engaging in necromancy is essentially denying God’s sovereignty. When we choose to trust and believe in God’s power, we open ourselves to His comprehensive plan for our lives, including our understanding of what happens after death. We can find peace in knowing that death is not the end, but rather a transition into eternal life with Him. Bringing our questions and desires to God allows us to experience true companionship through prayer and Scripture. Instead of seeking the dead, we should seek the living God, who offers eternal life.
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23
1 Thessalonians 4:14
“For we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:14
John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” – John 11:25-26
Matthew 10:28
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28
Revelation 1:18
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” – Revelation 1:18
Seeking Guidance from God
In every aspect of our lives, seeking guidance from God is essential. Rather than looking to the dead or to mediums, we can turn to the Scriptures and the Lord for answers. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling in our hearts, and He guides us through life’s challenges. When we align ourselves with God, we position ourselves to receive His wisdom and understand His will for our lives. In moments of confusion where necromancy might seem appealing, let us remember the power of prayer and the importance of relying on God’s truth instead of falsehoods.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” – Isaiah 30:21
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Staying Aligned with God’s Word
It is vital for us to stay aligned with God’s Word and His truth, especially as we navigate our faith. Engaging in practices like necromancy is a grave misalignment with God’s commands. We build our spiritual strength by immersing ourselves in Scripture, participating in fellowship, and seeking God with all our hearts. When we remain steadfast in our commitment to knowing and understanding God’s commands, we are safeguarding ourselves from misleading paths. It is in the Bible that we find guidance for our lives, assurance of God’s love, and the assurance that we are on the right path.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
Psalm 1:2-3
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.” – Psalm 1:2-3
Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
Psalm 119:11
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” – Psalm 119:11
God’s Love is Greater
Finally, we must always remember that God’s love for us surpasses any desire we have to connect with the dead or understand the supernatural. His love offers us comfort, connection, and a path to eternal life. Instead of seeking the voices of those who have passed on, we should embrace the warmth and guidance that comes from our Heavenly Father. God desires a relationship with us, one built on trust and faith. By focusing on His love, we can pave a path that is filled with hope, light, and assurance.
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18
Psalms 36:5
“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” – Psalms 36:5
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of necromancy throughout the Scriptures, we see God’s clear instructions about avoiding practices that involve communicating with the dead. It’s a reminder for us to root our faith in the guidance that God provides through His Word. We should trust in His plans and approach Him with our deepest questions and concerns. Additionally, it becomes evident that God’s love offers us comfort and assurance, even in the face of loss or uncertainty.
We can find strength in knowing that God desires a close relationship with us, one fueled by trust and truth rather than fear or misleading practices. We must uplift each other as we journey in faith and encourage reliance on God rather than the erroneous paths of necromancy.
If you find yourself grappling with issues surrounding loss, consider exploring our insights on love and death or coping with the pain of losing a loved one. May we continue to discover the richness of God’s Word together.