What Does The Bible Say About Mediums?
The topic of mediums and spiritism has fascinated humankind for centuries. Even today, the allure of connecting with deceased loved ones keeps the practice alive. If you’ve ever wondered what the Bible says about mediums, you’re not alone.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The Bible explicitly condemns mediums and spiritists as it goes against God’s commandments. Consulting mediums is considered rebelling against God.
In this comprehensive, 3000+ word guide, we will examine the many Bible verses about mediums to understand the biblical perspective on spiritism.
Old Testament Verses About Mediums
Leviticus 19:31 – Mediums Defile Themselves
Leviticus 19:31 states, “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God.” This verse makes it clear that consulting mediums is prohibited behavior that defiles God’s people.
The reason is that mediums seek to communicate with spirits other than God, often demons disguising themselves as helpful spirits. This goes against God’s commands to rely on Him alone.
Leviticus 20:6 – Mediums to Be Cut Off
Leviticus 20:6 declares, “I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people.” This shows how seriously God takes the use of mediums – those who consult them will face being cut off, likely meaning premature death or excommunication from God’s people.
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 – Detestable Spiritist Practices
Deuteronomy 18:9-12 lists spiritist practices like divination and consulting the dead among “detestable” behaviors that displease God. Verse 12 concludes, “Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.” Consulting mediums clearly falls into this prohibited category of magical practices.
As Moses commanded the Israelites, believers today should avoid mediumship and instead be “blameless before the Lord.”
1 Samuel 28:3-25 – Saul and the Medium of Endor
1 Samuel 28 recounts King Saul disguising himself and asking a medium to conjure up the spirit of the dead prophet Samuel. Though Samuel does appear and deliver messages from God, Saul’s actions illustrate that we should not attempt to bypass God’s timing and normal communication methods.
Consulting mediums shows both rebellion and lack of faith that God speaks through His word and Spirit.
2 Kings 21:2 & 6 – Manasseh’s Sins of Mediums & Spiritists
2 Kings 21 documents some of the evil deeds of King Manasseh, including that “He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced divination, sought omens, and consulted mediums and spiritists.” (v. 6). The passage shows that mediumship was categorized among the occult arts that displeased God.
Even though kings like Manasseh practiced it, consulting mediums and spiritists clearly went against God’s commands.
Isaiah 8:19 – Should Not Consult the Dead
Isaiah 8:19 records God’s rebuke that “When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
This rhetorical question makes it clear we should seek God rather than mediums, and not attempt to find wisdom by disturbing those who have passed away.
New Testament Verses About Mediums
Acts 16:16-18 – Paul Commands Spirit to Leave Slave Girl
In Acts 16, Paul and Silas encountered a slave girl in Philippi who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much profit by fortune-telling. But Paul was grieved and commanded the spirit to come out of her in the name of Jesus Christ. The spirit left her immediately.
This demonstrates that mediums who get their power from evil spirits are no match for the authority of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 5:19-21 – Works of the Flesh
Paul lists sorcery and witchcraft as works of the flesh that are in opposition to the Holy Spirit. He warns that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. The practices of mediums are closely associated with sorcery and witchcraft, which seek to harness or manipulate spiritual forces for self-gain or harm others.
Revelation 21:8 – Their Place Will Be in Fiery Lake
The book of Revelation warns that cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars will have their place in the fiery lake of burning sulfur, which is the second death.
The practice of mediumship often involves deception, manipulating the grieving, and trafficking with evil spirits. According to this verse, those who stubbornly continue in such practices face eternal judgement.
Revelation 22:14-15 – Outside Are Mediums
In his vision of the holy city of God, John declares that outside the city gates are sorcerers, immoral, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Mediums who consult spirits of the dead are considered sorcerers.
Their practices are deemed as immoral traffic with evil spirits. They are excluded from citizenship in God’s kingdom and face eternal separation from God’s presence.
Bible Verses on Why Mediums Are Forbidden
Consulting Mediums Shows Lack of Faith in God
The Bible clearly states that consulting mediums and seeking guidance from the spirit world shows a lack of faith and trust in God (Isaiah 8:19). As believers, we are called to rely on God’s wisdom, truth, and sovereignty rather than looking to supernatural sources of information (GotQuestions).
By turning to mediums, we essentially elevate them to the status of idols in our lives.
Rather than placing our confidence in deceptive spirits, God wants us to come directly to Him in prayer and faith, trusting in His perfect will and timing for revealing truth to us (Hebrews 11:6). Those who continue rebelling against Him by consulting mediums risk severing their relationship with the Lord.
It Is Necromancy – Contacting the Dead
Consulting mediums expressly goes against God’s command to not practice divination or sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:10-13). This includes attempting to contact the dead, which the Bible calls “detestable” and an “abomination.” Such rebellion against the Lord was punishable by death in the Old Testament.
Followers of Christ must reject all forms of spiritism and magic arts. Even seemingly innocent use of mediums essentially opens the door to deceiving demons impersonating deceased loved ones, not actual contact with spirits of people who have died.
Goes Against God’s Sovereignty
God wants us to acknowledge His power and authority over all things, including the supernatural realm and knowledge of future events. Consulting mediums essentially tries to bypass God’s wise plan for revealing truth in His perfect timing (Daniel 2).
It implies the mediator has greater access to hidden knowledge or resources than God.
Rather than attempt to unlock secrets through psychic readings, God calls us to patiently trust His sovereignty over all things and submit to His will for our lives through earnest prayer and study of Scripture (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Mediums Are Deceptive
The Bible clearly warns us that mediums and spiritists channel deceiving spirits rather than truthful revelations about the afterlife or future (1 Timothy 4:1). Their psychic predictions may seem to offer special knowledge or comfort, but ultimately prove dangerously misleading.
For example, according to a 2021 poll by Statista, 36% of Americans believe in psychics despite no scientific evidence to support claims of supernatural powers. Biblically speaking, mediums can only offer false hope and distance people from God’s genuine truth.
Bible Stories About Consequences of Consulting Mediums
King Saul’s Downfall After Seeing Medium of Endor
King Saul was the first king of Israel, anointed by the prophet Samuel. However, Saul disobeyed God’s commands and was rejected as king. God then chose David to be the next king. Saul grew jealous of David and tried multiple times to kill him.
Saul was unable to receive guidance from God because of his disobedience. So in 1 Samuel 28, Saul visited the medium of Endor and asked her to conjure up the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. Samuel’s spirit condemned Saul and prophesied his downfall and death the next day.
Indeed, Saul was defeated in battle against the Philistines and took his own life by falling on his sword.
Consulting mediums was strictly forbidden by God, as written in Leviticus 20:27 “A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death.” But Saul was desperate and chose to rebel against God’s law. This led to his tragic demise.
The witch of Endor could not truly bring back Samuel, but rather a demon masquerading as Samuel to deceive Saul. The story serves as a sober warning about the danger of rebelling against God and seeking occult practices.
Ahab & Jezebel’s Demise for Relying on Mediums
Another infamous story is that of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel of Israel in 1 Kings. They promoted the worship of false gods and idols instead of the one true God. Jezebel relied heavily on mediums and sorcerers to guide her reign. Meanwhile, the prophet Elijah confronted Ahab about his sins.
After Ahab humbled himself, God postponed judgement. However, Ahab’s sins eventually led to his death in battle after refusing to heed a prophet’s warning (1 Kings 22). Jezebel met an even more gruesome end – she was thrown from a window, trampled by horses, and eaten by dogs (2 Kings 9).
Ahab and Jezebel’s reliance on spiritual mediums and witchcraft was an utter abomination to God. It led them away from God’s wisdom and protection. Their horrible deaths served as a judgment for their idolatry and occult practices.
Even today, dabbling in New Age channelers, psychic mediums, Ouija boards, tarot cards and horoscopes can open the door to demonic deception and tragedy. Our only sure source of spiritual guidance should be the living Word of God and the Holy Spirit.
Conclusion
The Bible makes it abundantly clear that consulting mediums and spiritists is strictly forbidden and against God’s commands. The practice is considered an abomination as it goes against God’s sovereignty and expresses lack of faith.
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, verses warn believers to stay away from mediums and necromancy. The stories of Saul, Manasseh, Ahab, and others show the dire consequences of disobeying God’s decree.
While the desire to contact deceased loved ones is understandable, the Bible instructs us not to consult mediums. Instead, we must have faith in God’s supreme plan and wisdom.
