Occult

Occult - How is it defined?
The word occult brings to mind many different definitions. What does it mean and what practices are involved? The occult world is more detailed than what many of us may think or what the movies portray.

The word, “occult,” is derived from the Latin word, occultus, which means things that are mysterious, hidden, and very secretive. Angelic and demonic forces play a large part in the practices which make up a part of the occultic world. Some of those practices entail the use of astrology, fortune telling, the Ouija Board, spirit channeling, and witchcraft because all of them fall into the category of being practiced in secret, and considered very mysterious. By using them, power and/or ability to make decisions to reach any number of objectives is gained.

Occult - What Does the Bible Say?
The occult is made up of many diversified areas and God does not condone their use. In the Bible, these practices are labeled as evil and considered a form of idolatry. The power that is recognized should only be God-inspired, and not through any other spiritual channels.

Deuteronomy 18:9-14 condemns occultic practices as detestable, and in 2 Chronicles 33:6, the Lord’s anger was released when Manasseh, the King of Judah sacrificed his sons in fire as well as practiced sorcery and divination which is the practice of attempting to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means. There is a difference between a real prophet and one who uses such practice to achieve the same result, as we learn in Deuteronomy 18:15-22. The prophet will be speaking the truth, and such truth will come to pass as he speaks it in the name of the Lord God. In the Old Testament, various techniques were used to foretell the future such as casting bones or sticks to determine by the way they landed what is going to happen, or examining the internal organs of animals. This is also called soothsaying.

Television exploits various means of spirit channeling whereby the person claims to be in contact with spirits who have died. The idea is to help the living find answers through contact of the dead and/or find comfort in the fact their deceased loved one is all right. This practice is condemned in Deuteronomy 18:11, Leviticus 19:31, and Leviticus 20:6.

Astrology is used, to a wide extent, to obtain special knowledge through the stars, and planets whereby astrologers claim they can foretell future events or give guidance for decisions through the placement of these God-created objects. The stars and planets God created are to be used for light and for keeping track of time. Read Genesis 1:14-15 and Isaiah 47:13-14.

Occult – Can I help someone escape the occult?
The Occult is an extremely dangerous area in which to operate, so you must be careful. In order to help someone involved in this type of practice, talk to them to discover the needs and problems they are facing. Be sure not to be angry with anyone who is involved. Simply, share your faith in Jesus Christ, and the fact He is the only answer to their difficulties. Be sure and point out the authority and victory of Christ over the occult world and His power over Satan. He offers victory over all who will believe in Him and trust Him as their Lord and Savior. Be sure and trust the Holy Spirit as your guide to share the Good News of deliverance.