The Bible does not directly mention the term “white magic,” but it has much to say about magic and sorcery in general. The predominant view among Christians is that all magical arts, whether labeled “black” or “white,” are prohibited and in opposition to God.
References to magic and sorcery appear dozens of times in the Bible, mostly in the Old Testament. The Hebrew words translated as “magic,” “sorcery,” and “witchcraft” refer to attempts to manipulate natural forces or evil spirits in order to influence events or people. Practices like divination, necromancy, spell-casting, and communicating with spirits are universally condemned.
Two key passages often cited regarding magic are Deuteronomy 18:10-12 and Galatians 5:19-21.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”
Galatians 5:19-21 warns, “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
These and other verses make clear that all occult arts and magic, regardless of intent, are incompatible with the Christian faith. Even “white magic” typically involves invoking spiritual forces other than God, which goes against His commands (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 20:6).
Occult Practices Condemned in the Bible
Here are some specific magical and occult practices that the Bible prohibits:
- Divination – Seeking secret knowledge through supernatural means, such as astrology, numerology, palm reading, seances, tarot cards, ouija boards, crystal balls, etc. (Deuteronomy 18:10-14)
- Necromancy – Attempting to communicate with the dead, often to predict the future or influence the living world. (Deuteronomy 18:11)
- Spells and incantations – Casting spells, repeating rituals, or chanting to manifest desires, call on spirits, etc. (Deuteronomy 18:11, Galatians 5:20)
- Potions and elixirs – Concocting mixtures with alleged magical powers, such as love potions, healing elixirs, distortion brews, etc. (Exodus 7:11, 22)
- Amulets and charms – Using objects like crystals, herbs, or symbols reputed to have innate spiritual powers or protective abilities. (Deuteronomy 7:25-26)
- Spiritism – Seeking guidance from mediums, channelers, spiritists, or anyone claiming access to the spirit realm. (Leviticus 19:31)
All such practices rely on esoteric knowledge and supernatural techniques, not the wisdom and power of God, to manipulate realities seen and unseen. The Bible consistently condemns these kinds of magical arts and warns God’s people against having anything to do with them.
Magic in the Bible
The Bible contains a few accounts of magic being practiced:
- In Genesis 41, Pharaoh called on his magicians and wise men to interpret his dream, but they were unable to.
- When Moses and Aaron confronted Pharaoh in Exodus 7, Pharaoh’s sorcerers and magicians were able to replicate some of the miracles God performed through Moses. This demonstrated the power of evil, though God’s superior power overcame their magic.
- In Daniel 1-2, King Nebuchadnezzar called on his diviners and sorcerers to interpret his disturbing dreams, but only Daniel was able to do so through God’s revelation.
- In Acts 8, a sorcerer named Simon astounded people with his magic arts until the apostle Philip preached the gospel in Samaria. Simon claimed to believe and was baptized, but he tried to buy the ability to impart the Holy Spirit from the apostles.
These passages show that magic was an ongoing problem even among God’s people. But the accounts highlight God’s power and condemn dependence on magical arts versus seeking the Lord and His will.
Should Christians Avoid Fantasy Magic?
Fictional magic in books and movies raises questions for Christians. Magic in fantasy worlds like Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings clearly does not align with real-world biblical commands about the occult. However, Christians have different views on interacting with fictional sorcery:
- Avoid it – Some believe fantasy magic should be avoided entirely due to potential slippery slopes or subtle desensitization to real occult practices.
- Discernment – Other Christians exercise discernment, relying on personal conviction and God’s wisdom to determine what magical entertainment is acceptable to individually consume.
- Engage cautiously – Some interact with fictional magic cautiously, using it as a conversation starter about real-world spiritual realities.
There is room for debate among Christians on this issue. Each person must follow their conscience as they seek to glorify God and avoid influences that may open doors to dangerous spiritual forces (1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Thessalonians 5:22).
The Power Behind Magic
All magic originates from sources that are not God. Scripture teaches that there are only two spiritual powers – God and Satan. When people practice magical arts like witchcraft, they ultimately derive power from Satan and demonic forces, whether they realize it or not.
1 Corinthians 10:20-22 warns, “…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.”
Even “white magic” or “good magic” taps into spiritual forces opposed to God. There is no such thing as harmless, innocent magic. Anything not powered by God and the work of the Holy Spirit is dangerous.
What Does the Bible Say About Protective Magic?
Sometimes people try to justify “white magic” practices like Wicca or New Age energy rituals by claiming they only want to do good and protect people. But the Bible repeatedly states that true protection only comes from God, not alternative sources of power:
Psalm 91:1-2 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'”
Proverbs 18:10 declares, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Ephesians 6:10-11 affirms, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Relying on magical amulets, rituals, or spells for protection opens the door to spiritual harm more than anything else. Our defense comes from the Lord alone.
What About Healing Magic?
Another common goal of “white magic” is trying to heal people physically or spiritually. But again, the Bible states this power resides solely with God:
Psalm 103:2-3 says, “…Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
2 Corinthians 12:7-9 shares how the Apostle Paul sought healing from a “thorn in my flesh” but God said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
1 Timothy 4:1 states, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons…” which may include magic practiced for seemingly good purposes.
The Lord can and does heal people according to His will. But performing rituals, spells, or ceremonies to manifest health supplants faith in God with other sources of power. Even if seeking a good end, using occult means is unbiblical.
What the Bible Says About the Future of Magic
The Bible indicates that as we approach the end times, the power and prevalence of satanic magic will increase rather than fade away. But God will ultimately triumph:
Revelation 9:21 warns, “Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
Revelation 18:23 declares, “By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.”
Revelation 21:8 proclaims, “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.”
As Christians, we must be alert and on guard against deceiving spirits and fleshly desires that make the forbidden look innocent or alluring. Staying grounded in God’s Word is our only sure protection.
How Should Christians View Magic?
Based on the principles and warnings throughout Scripture, Christians should view all supernatural magic as dangerous and antithetical to faith in God. Attempting to learn or manipulate spiritual forces operating outside of God’s authority puts people at great risk of demonic influence.
This applies whether magic is labeled “black” or “white,” with seemingly negative or positive goals. Any practice God prohibits in the Bible opens doors that lead to destruction, not deliverance. Christians must reject the power of magic and instead rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.