Occultism

It inspires fear in people’s lives, is joked about in movies, and seeks to understand the world from a spiritually deeper means than science. Occultism, often defined as “what must be hidden”, encompasses a variety of sects, beliefs, and practices. Though hidden from the world, God sees Occultists for who they are and longs for them to learn of His grace, forgiveness, and love.

Followers may name Hermes Trismegistus, whose life is shrouded in mystery, as the one who unites all Occult teachings and practices. Some believed he was a god, others a demi-god; still others viewed him as a philosopher and strove to live by his teachings.

Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) also inspired and spread Occult teachings, believing he was the most powerful person in the world, a reincarnated magician. He devoted his life to studying the dark arts of black magic and the Occult and, after traveling the world to study Eastern religions and pagan rituals, wrote The Book of the Law which is still used by Occultists today.

Occultism has influenced many areas of the world, especially Western nations. It is slowly beginning to seep into everyday activities, talk, and even religious rituals and worship. It holds close ties with Paganism and Animism, frequently blurring the lines between these three religions.

The many individual sects of Occultism practice spirituality in their own way. They include Freemasons, Witches, Psychics, Mediums, Satanists, Necromancers, and those practicing Voodoo.

Though all hold to the beliefs of their particular sect, or of their own personal opinions, most Occultists feel that their practices and beliefs should remain hidden, and that outsiders should not know of their way of life. They live normal lives among society, but once in the safety of their homes, lodges, or covens, they open up to those who accept their spirituality. The Bible says, “Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, and whose deeds are done in a dark place” (Is 29:15). It also says, “Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed” (Jn 3:20).

Many followers of the Occult believe in communication with spirits, especially to obtain power and wealth. While some limit their spirit contact to people who have already passed on, others consort with demons. The Bible says, “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God” (Lev 19:31).

The Occult is also linked together with Paganism and Animism by enslaving its followers in fear and uncertainty. Occultists search for ways to appease spirits or gain power in an attempt to protect themselves from the spirit world. Both Paganism and the Occult are modern, westernized versions of ancient Animism. The Bible says, “You deserted the Rock who fathered you; you forgot the God who gave you birth” (Deut 32:18).

Though its practices are becoming more prevalent in Western society, statistical data on the Occult is difficult to obtain, mainly because its adherents believe it should remain hidden from those who do not follow it.

Though there are no known missionaries working among them, Occultists are still turning to Christ. Many of them live in constant fear of what may happen to them if they reject the spiritual power they’ve worked so long to obtain. The Bible says, “for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1Jn 4:4)

Chains of bondage begin to fall away once Occultists have acknowledged that Christ has paid for every sin and accept His gift of salvation. Though the enemy’s hold is strong, Christ’s is stronger, and He came to set captives free! Many former Occultists praise God for being their Deliverer, their Rock, their Peace, and their Savior.

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

I John 4:4

“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19:31

“If a person turns to mediums and necromancers, whoring after them, I will set my face against that person and will cut him off from among his people.

Leviticus 20:6

And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?

Isaiah 8:19

The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

2 Thess. 2:9-12

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

John 8:44

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

John 10:10

“Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,

who formed you from the womb:

“I am the Lord, who made all things,

who alone stretched out the heavens,

who spread out the earth by myself,

who frustrates the signs of liars

and makes fools of diviners,

who turns wise men back

and makes their knowledge foolish,”

Isaiah 44:24,25

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Romans 8:31-34

Also many of those who were now believers came, confessing and divulging their practices. And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail mightily.

Acts 19:18-20