OCCULT PRACTICES

God has always desired an intimate relationship with people. He wants people to trust and depend on Him and to seek and inquire of Him for the unknown. He wishes to reveal the deep and hidden things to us and not see us seeking knowledge from ungodly sources. The term that describes this ungodly practice is called occult.

The word occult in the dictionary has the following meanings:
1. Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena.
2. Beyond the realm of human comprehension; inscrutable; mysterious.
3. Available only to the initiate; secret; esoteric
4. Hidden from view; concealed

Thus, occult practitioners are those who seek to gain or acquire knowledge by forbidden means (power from preternatural or supra-human forces). These practitioners do not have God’s favor or blessings.

The book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy highlights how God feels concerning occult practices. In Leviticus 18:2-5, God tells Moses that Israel was not to follow nor adopt the practices of Egypt and Canaan but rather keep the laws, statutes, and judgments that He gave them. In Leviticus 19:26 & 31 and 20:6 & 27, God named some of the pagan occult practices and said He would reject and cut off those that do them. To ensure their success, God instructed Israel to destroy all the Canaanites when they went in and possessed the land (Deuteronomy 9:1- 5).

Also, the book of Deuteronomy shared Moses farewell address to Israel, and he rehearsed God’s laws, statutes, and commandments. In Deuteronomy 18:10-14 Moses reiterated nine forbidden practices of the occult. He said, “When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. 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, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations, the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.”

The word “abomination” is the Hebrew word “Tow`ebah” and it means a disgusting thing, loathsome, unclean, wicked, detestable, vile, or abhorrence. God found occult practices offensive and killed off nations of people who were involved in it.

I know that we believers have been guilty of dabbling in some occult practices. We thought it was fun and harmless; however, our view of it was not God’s view. It is a choice that we must make to heed God’s instructions whether we understand it or not. No doubt, when we allow this occult gate to be open, we give the enemy access to our lives and the lives of our family. Our choice is important (remember the pride of life is continually attempting to entice us).

Over the years, occult practices have evolved; so, I am going to give a limited list of some practices. The definitions and other practices that I have not included in my list can be found on the internet. My lists of common occult practices are:

If you have been involved with any of the above practices, and you think it is alright; I challenge you to pray and ask God what does He feels about your actions. I assure you, God’s reasons for denouncing occult practices have not changed.

As believers, we have the opportunity to get our information from a truly reliable source, and He will not lead us astray. James 1:5 informs us if we lack wisdom, ask God, and He will give to us liberally. So the choice is yours, I pray you make the right decision.