What is the Occult

Dr. Pat Holliday

JUST FUN AND GAMES?

Too often Christians and others are prone to be skeptical about the existence of spirits and demons. But they do exist and they are responsible to Satan for deceiving curious humans. Such is the case with the well-known clergyman, Bishop Pike, who was convinced that he was talking to his dead son!

Can a Christian be made subject to these occult powers? Some authorities believe they can! Dabbling in the occult and even reading books on the black arts can bring much distress. Anyone who wishes to learn should consult only books written by evangelical Bible scholars for their information.

"Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table and of the devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" (I Cor. 10: 21,22).

Christians should never seek service, direction or healing from an occultist or psychic. When any Christian pursues healing from these demons, they will be bewitched and guided by the devils. Many have discovered to their surprise and horror that Satan is the one who is willing to divulge supernatural affairs and give them momentary assistance. Often too late, they find that the real source of their advice and supernatural ability is demonic. Confusion results and many end up going into insane asylums and never return! Occult powers come from Satan. When one uses occult power, he or she opens a door for the devil to enter into their spirit. Once the door is opened, very few victims ever get it to shut again.

Astrologers, numerologists, New Age Channelers, Palm readers, and other so-called 'seers' are making millions of dollars playing the "game." They will plot your destiny or advise you on any matter for a handsome fee. Some will predict the outcome of the next presidential election or tell of the exact date the world will end!

"And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of Antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world, " ( I John 4:3).

Why are housewives, business executives and other Americans becoming so obsessed with the occult? Is it really "just for kicks" as some suggest or is there a terrible fear of the future and what is "beyond?" How does it all begin? What are the results?

"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man so with, that he also reap," (Gal. 6:7).

The occult is defined as secretive-hidden knowledge or wisdom beyond human understanding. It could also be described as supernatural perception from sources other than God. "The secret things (hidden knowledge) belong to the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us," (Deut. 29:27).

A young girl says: "I was bored and unhappy. Then someone told me that I had telepathic powers. I became fascinated with ESP, witchcraft, and the likes. It wasn't long until I was hooked. I wanted power. But when I got it, I was terrified. I almost lost my mind before I found release through Jesus Christ."

If Jesus does not really occupy the highest place in our hearts, controlling all, something else does - millions are now serving other gods. "For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God," (Ex. 34:14).

JESUS CHRIST OR SATAN - There are only two sources for supernatural power: Jesus or Satan. Seeking power beyond the Word of God and Jesus Christ finds one stepping into the world of the Occult.

The occult is very religious and many seeking it hopes to find themselves, a reason for their being and to fill a void in their soul. Instead, they will enter a door that very few are returning back through. Once ensnared by the Devil, the person's mind, body and spirit is totally bound by the powers of darkness. The only way out is through the grace of God and the Blood of Jesus Christ!

THE OCCULT IS RELIGIOUS - The modernistic occult movement is a do-it-yourself religion. People are looking for a power or force other than the just-living God. They are seeking a supernatural experience that will require no change in their sin life. They want supernatural adventure without spiritual responsibility. Others participate in the occult through curiosity and knowing better. Even if a person does not know the demon power behind these activities and does not believe in them, they still are and are sinful and have supernatural results over their lives. There is no such thing as innocent participation, nor can you study occult materials to refute them.

Interest in the occult is idolatry and is a clear violation of the First Commandment (Exodus 20:3-5). The Bible warns that idolatry is "fellowship with devils and provokes the Lord to Jealousy." (1 Cor. 10:20). Seeking help from the occult is the same as calling upon another god. It is insulting to God who made heaven and earth to consult with a demon-inspired person for spiritual guidance, and to participate is an abomination to God, and will bring His swift judgement upon the person involved also their ancestors. "Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation them that hate me," ( Deuteronomy 5: 7-9).

CURSES BASED ON OCCULT CONNECTIONS

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king," (1Samuel 15:23).

"And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger," ( II Chronicles 33:6).

A work of the flesh... "Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variances, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies," (Galatians 5:20.

CHRISTIANS AND THE OCCULT

Too often Christians and others are prone to be skeptical about the existence of spirits and demons, But they do exist and they are responsible to Satan for deceiving curious humans. Such is the case with the well-known clergyman who was convinced that he was talking to his dead son!

Can a Christian be made subject to these occult powers? Some authorities believe they can! Dabbling in the occult and even reading books on the black arts can bring much distress. Anyone who wishes to learn should consult only books written by evangelical Bible Scholars for their information. "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?" (1 Corinthians 10: 21,22).

Christians should never seek help, guidance or healing from an occultist or psychic. Yes, if any Christian seeks healing from these demons, they will be lured and lead by the devils. Many have discovered to their shock and terror that Satan is the one who is willing to disclose supernatural things and give temporary help. Often too late, they find that the real source of their guidance and supernatural power is demonic. They become confused, unable to pray, read their Bible and uninterested in Christian activity. They drop away from Church. Many fall away from the Faith and never return. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils," (1 Tim. 4:1).

Once a person knows God and turns away, Satan is always there to give them some false prophets or a false religious experience. Unfortunately, help is rare once one is entrapped. The workers are truly few and most churches are totally ignorant concerning the power they have in Jesus' name to set the captives free.

The Scriptures prophesied of increased occult activity that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons. God's word states clearly and gives us graphic occult practices that God defines as abominations. Christians and Jews will surely be without excuse when they stand before the Judgement seat of God because they have the Word of God.

"When thou are 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 anyone that maketh his daughter to pass through the fire or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a which, 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," (Deuteronomy 18:8-12).

According to the Bible, the occult was shown to Moses and Aaron in Pharaoh's courts. They witnessed that the devil's priest could copy their powers (Exodus 7)! But God's power was greater. (Aaron's rod swallowed up the magicians' rods), but any spiritual power is greater than any human power and many people today need the greater power of Jesus to free them from the devil's powers.

Occult powers come from Satan. When one uses occult power, he or she opens a door for the devil to come into their lives. The Bible talks about demons. KJV calls them devils.

Once the Author ministered to a pastor. He was not born again and therefore was drawn by the Devil into a group that was operating in New Age spiritualism out of his church. They were channeling spirit guides to contact the dead. Eventually, this minister was bound by the powers of demons and began to lose his mind. He eventually lost his church and family. He found himself in a mental institution diagnosed as schizophrenic. He was put on heavy mind-altering drugs and released.

When someone brought him to me, he was doing odd jobs and totally bound by devils. This man had demons speaking out of his mouth saying such things as, "I am God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, and I hate your guts."

After prayer and commanding authority, using the name of Jesus, this minister was set free exactly like Mary Magdalene and the divination girl shown in Acts 16. The Name of Jesus has never lost its power to set the captives free, it's just that not many Christians are willing to use it. This minister is serving Jesus Christ today... Free! To God be the glory.

AVENUES TO THE OCCULT - Demonology has become very attractive to Americans.Everywhere you go, you can now witness occult activity. It is blatant. Psychics and astrologers are using the 900 numbers. Occult themes are being worked into many television programs. Talk shows are featuring astrologers, divinators, clairvoyants, scientologists, Satanists, witches, psychics, crystal gazers, dream analysis, yoga meditation, reincarnations, hypnotists, fortune-tellers, spiritualists, parapsychologists, numerologists and New Agers.

"Many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds," (II John 7).

Presidents, Senators, Congressmen and people in high places have been influenced by Jeanne Dixon, Shirley MaClaine, Ruth Montgomery, and other astrologers.

Occult involvement happens through some movies, heavy metal rock music, and fantasy role-playing games. These games have the attention of the young and the old. Books on magic, witchcraft, paganism, Satanism, and gremoires cross the boundary lines of gender. Objects used for spells such as: candles, incense, knives, pentagrams, inverted crosses, symbolic jewelry are being sold in great numbers.

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore, it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." (II Corinthians 11:13-15).

MYTHOLOGY IS SATANIC

Mythology is idolatrous and satanic. Christians must avoid these fantasy articles. These images can bring powerful spirits into homes. Many Christians believe that these images or statues are just art pieces that they use for decoration. Ignorance is not bliss. Whenever a Christian disobeys the Word of God, they become subject to demonic spiritual attack. These satanic articles are doorways for Satan and his demons to captivate and enslave the minds of people that open the door by accepting these images into their homes.

Deuteronomy 7:25,26 gives a clear warning regarding graven images of these creatures. These images include drawings, imprints, diagrams, engravings, carvings, figurines, statues, paintings, computer printouts, photographs, trinklets, artwork, jewelry and or any other representation of mythological creatures.

Deuteronomy 7:25-26, "The graven images of their gods shall ye burn with fire: thou shalt not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein: for it is an abomination to the LORD thy God." 26) "Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing."

In verse 25, the Word of God clearly instruct His people to destroy all things related to these fantasy items by burning them with fire. Furthermore, it tells us not to desire any silver or gold that is on them. God commands that the believer is not to desire, or take for personal reasons, or to give to any other individual under any circumstances. In this respect, God was very strict and commanded that there should not be even any "desire" for the item or any part of it. There should also be no emotional attachment to the objects. This includes gifts and articles that are inherited from family members, and friends. These articles also can include objects that are inherited from family members in Masons, lodges, cults, such as: jewelry, Bibles, religious articles and statues from the Catholic faith such as: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and other saints.

If a person has a problem destroying the abominable thing, then an ungodly soul tie (demon) with it may be present. The Bible is very specific and commands that there should not be even any "desire" for the item or any part of it. A soul tie can be a linking spirit to the person that gave the article to the believer. It could be a person that is alive or a person that is dead. In any case, the ungodly soul ties with it may be broken after the person repents. Demons are usually shielded by these souls ties and consequently, they should be cast out. These images may cause many problems in a person's life and also anyone that lives in the home. They can cause illnesses of all kinds, nightmares, headaches, physical and spiritual torments and even death.

There is severe danger in being associated in any manner with demonic figures. Look at verse 25... It warns that the mythological creatures are abominations to God. These objects are worshiped by idolatrous people and God will not live alongside them.The Bible emphatically tells us not to bring these images into our home lest we become accursed like the accursed thing. In other words, the item is already cursed. If we take possession of it, we will bring the curse upon ourselves. We become accursed! Additionally, instead of being amused, intrigued, or charmed by the images, we should utterly detest and hate them. Holiness is to love what God loves and hate what God hates. Unfortunately, millions of Christians are attracted to various demonic creatures of mythology, especially the unicorn. They purchase these items or accept them as gifts thereby bringing a curse upon them and their house (family and possessions). Accordingly, they endanger themselves and others by sharing the doom of the mythological item which is already cursed. As a result, the curse upon the demonic thing automatically comes upon the person and the home. Christians should unquestionably have no relationship with any fantasy figures. Fantasy conditions the mind to ultimately receive the "depths of Satan," (Revelation 2:20-24). It also prepares a pathway into practicing witchcraft.