The Bible, particularly the King James Version (KJV), provides a clear and consistent stance on the practice of mediumship, often associating it with demonic influence and warning against its engagement. This perspective is woven throughout various passages, offering a comprehensive understanding of what the Bible says about mediums.
A Divine Prohibition:
The Bible, in both the Old and New Testaments, unequivocally condemns mediumship. The Old Testament, particularly Leviticus 20:6, states, "And the soul that turneth after them to use divination, or to be an enchanter, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer; the same shall be cut off: they shall stone him with stones; his blood shall be upon him." This passage highlights the severity of the prohibition, emphasizing the ultimate consequence of engaging in mediumship as being cut off from God.
The Dangers of Consulting the Dead:
The practice of consulting mediums, often seeking to communicate with the deceased, is consistently condemned throughout the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, "There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, anyone who is a sorcerer or a charmer, or anyone who consults a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead." This verse clearly identifies mediums and necromancers as those who engage in practices considered abhorrent to God.
Seeking Guidance from God Alone:
The Bible emphasizes that all guidance and wisdom should be sought solely from God. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This passage emphasizes that seeking guidance from mediums contradicts God's command to trust in Him alone.
Demonic Influence and Deception:
The Bible often connects mediumship with demonic influence and deception. 1 Samuel 28:3-25 details the story of King Saul's desperation to seek guidance from the prophet Samuel, who had passed away. He is driven to consult with a medium in Endor, who raises the spirit of Samuel, revealing Saul's imminent defeat. This passage highlights the dangers of engaging in mediumship, portraying it as a way to contact demonic entities disguised as the spirits of the dead.
The Power of God versus the Power of Darkness:
The Bible presents a clear dichotomy between the power of God and the power of darkness. While God is the source of all truth and life, demonic forces seek to deceive and mislead. 1 John 4:1-3 warns, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you will know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God." This passage emphasizes the importance of discerning the source of spiritual communication, recognizing that demonic entities can often disguise themselves as the spirits of the deceased.
The Gift of Prophecy and Divine Guidance:
While the Bible condemns mediumship, it does acknowledge the gift of prophecy. This gift, however, is given by God and is not to be confused with the practices of mediums. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11 describes various spiritual gifts, including prophecy, stating, "To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues." The gift of prophecy is a gift of God, operating in alignment with His will and purpose.
The Importance of Seeking God's Will:
The Bible consistently encourages seeking God's guidance and understanding in all aspects of life. Psalm 25:4-5 implores, "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior." This passage emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom through prayer, reading the Bible, and cultivating a close relationship with Him. Engaging in mediumship contradicts this principle, seeking guidance from sources that are not aligned with God's will and truth.
Conclusion:
The Bible, in its entirety, provides a clear stance against mediumship. From the Old Testament's warnings of divine retribution to the New Testament's emphasis on demonic influence and the dangers of deception, the message is consistent: engaging in mediumship is a practice that should be avoided. The Bible encourages seeking guidance and understanding from God alone, through prayer, scripture, and cultivating a close relationship with Him. The message regarding mediumship is not merely an outdated cultural practice but a timeless truth that serves as a guide for navigating the spiritual realm and seeking true wisdom and guidance.
