Black magic, also known as dark magic or dark arts, refers to supernatural powers used for evil and selfish purposes. The Bible condemns all forms of witchcraft, sorcery, divination and occult practices as abominations to God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Here’s an overview of what the Bible says about black magic and related topics:
witchcraft, sorcery and magic are sinful
The Old Testament prohibited all kinds of witchcraft, sorcery and magic arts practiced in neighboring pagan nations. God considered these practices as spiritual adultery and idolatry. Consulting mediums, spiritists, fortune tellers and sorcerers was punishable by death (Exodus 22:18, Leviticus 19:26, Leviticus 20:27, Deuteronomy 18:10). The New Testament also condemns sorcery as one of the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) and a deceptive act inspired by demons (Revelation 21:8, Revelation 22:15). All occult practices that claim to harness supernatural powers for personal gain are considered self-glorification and rebellion against God’s sovereignty.
Black magic and the demonic realm
The Bible indicates that black magic and occult practices derive their power from demonic sources. Demons are fallen angels who chose to rebel against God under Satan’s leadership (Revelation 12:7-9). Though defeated by Christ’s death and resurrection, they continue to oppose God’s purposes in this present age (Ephesians 6:11-12). Demons promote idolatry and possess people who open doors for Satan through various sinful occult practices (Leviticus 17:7, Deuteronomy 32:17, Psalm 106:37-38, 1 Corinthians 10:20-21). Black magic is categorized as works of darkness empowered by the demonic realm (Ephesians 5:11).
God condemns divination and false prophets
The Old Testament associates mediums, spiritists and fortune tellers with deception and falsehood. Practices like divination, astrology, reading of omens, channeling of spirits, etc. depend on demonic revelations that draw people away from God (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:14, Isaiah 8:19). God sent true prophets to confront these false prophets and warn about their false visions and dreams that contradict God’s word (Jeremiah 23:9-40, Ezekiel 13:1-23). The New Testament also condemns divination as one of the deceptions of this fallen world (Acts 16:16-18).
Magic arts in pharaoh’s court
In Exodus 7-8, Moses and Aaron confronted the sorcerers and magicians in Pharaoh’s court by the power of God. Though Pharaoh’s magicians could mimic some of the miracles, they recognized God’s supremacy when unable to match later plagues. This incident displayed God’s authority over any human claims to magical powers.
Simon the sorcerer
Acts 8 records the encounter of Simon the sorcerer with Philip’s gospel ministry. Simon astounded people with magic arts but believed Philip’s message about God’s kingdom and got baptized. However, he tried to buy the ability to impart the Holy Spirit from the apostles, for which Peter rebuked him sharply. This incident reveals that true salvation liberates people from bondage to the occult.
God’s power over magic and the demonic
From Moses vs Pharaoh’s magicians to Paul’s exorcism of the fortune-telling spirit from the slave girl (Acts 16:16-18), the Bible shows God’s supremacy over magic, sorcery and the demonic realm. God displays his sovereignty by pronouncing judgments on Babylon, famed for her sorceries and spells (Isaiah 47:12-15). In the end times, the Antichrist’s counterfeit signs and wonders will be overpowered by Christ’s return in glory (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12).
Victory in Christ and the armor of God
The New Testament emphasizes Christ’s finished work on the cross as achieving victory over demonic powers (Colossians 2:15). Believers can overcome the devil’s schemes by God’s spiritual armor, persevering prayer and the word of testimony (Ephesians 6:10-18, Revelation 12:11). Faith in Christ’s blood protects believers from the destroyer (Exodus 12:13, 1 John 1:7). God’s children have security against any curse or magic directed at them (Proverbs 26:2, Romans 8:38-39).
Avoiding occult practices and idolatry
The Bible instructs believers to reject all occult practices and associations related to witchcraft, astrology, divination, mediumship, etc. as doors to demonic influence (Leviticus 19:31, Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Instead, they must pursue holiness out of reverence for God (Leviticus 20:7-8, Ephesians 1:4). Believers must guard their fellowship with God, resist the devil, not give him any foothold and renew their minds by God’s word (1 Peter 5:8-9, Ephesians 4:27, Romans 12:1-2).
Trusting fully in God
Occult practices often stem from unbelief, fear of the future, desire for hidden knowledge and lust for control over people and circumstances. In contrast, the Bible exhorts trusting fully in God’s sovereignty and goodness (Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:28). Instead of seeking secret knowledge, believers can come boldly before God’s throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace in their times of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Bible verses on witchcraft, magic and the occult
Here are some key Bible verses related to magic, witchcraft, sorcery, divination and occult practices:
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Leviticus 19:26, 31
Leviticus 20:6-7
1 Samuel 15:23
2 Kings 17:17
Isaiah 8:19-20
Jeremiah 27:9-10
Micah 5:12
Acts 8:9-13
Acts 13:6-11
Acts 16:16-18
Acts 19:17-20
Galatians 5:19-21
Revelation 9:21
Revelation 18:23
Revelation 21:8
Revelation 22:15
In summary, the consistent testimony of Scripture condemns all forms of black magic and the occult as sinful practices that separate people from God. The Bible warns believers against any involvement with witchcraft, divination, spiritism or sorcery. Instead, Christians are called to trust in God’s complete authority and sufficiency for protection and provision.