The occult and paranormal

Eastern roots of the new age - 14

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:41:10 +0100

HINDUISM: (India)

A term for a system of beliefs derived from religions based on the Vedas, a collection of texts and songs. These beliefs were a mixture of myths and traditions developed over time which finally came together in a unified philosophy. These beliefs were brought into India by the Aryans between 2000 and 1000 BC There was no written language before the 4th century BC, so religious stories and myths were transmitted verbally, mostly in poetry. ?Hindu? is the Persian word for India.

Hinduism does not have one doctrine or one god, but many doctrines and gods. It has many branches, also called sects.

Main beliefs are: reincarnation, karma (results of previous lives in the present life), enlightenment (realizing the true, divine self), material reality is an illusion, the rational mind is a barrier to spiritual enlightenment, meditation to realize the true self, and spiritual liberation by evolving over many lifetimes until one can merge with the Hindu godhead, the Absolute. This merging will result in a loss of personal identity and self because the true self is God, or ultimate reality.

One of the major ways to seek enlightenment is through one of the forms of yoga, which loosely translated means "to unite with." All yoga, including hatha yoga, has one purpose: to transcend your awareness as a separate individual and merge with an impersonal God, or a universal force or oneness.
BUDDHISM: (China, Japan, Southeast Asia)

This movement started in India but quickly spread through China and other Far Eastern countries. It never took root in India. Buddhism was a reaction against many ideas of Hinduism including the caste system (people divided according to class standing caused by their karma), the idea of a true self, searching for ultimate meaning or reality, and the idea of gods or even an impersonal God.

Buddhism teaches that suffering is caused by desire and therefore liberation is to detach from desire. Buddhism teaches that there is no self at all, only a collection of impressions. The goal of meditation is to transcend the illusion of self.

Tibetan Buddhism is a mixture of the Buddhism brought into Tibet with the indigenous animistic religion, Bon. Tibetan Buddhism includes practices similar to the occult and to sorcery. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes a meditation focused on the breath. There are four main branches of this religion.
ZEN BUDDHISM: (Japan)

Buddhism entered China in the 6th century, where it was called ch'an. Later it entered Japan, becoming Zen Buddhism. Zen emphasizes living in the moment, not looking for rational explanations, seeking the true nature of all reality and understanding truth without using words. Meditation is done with attention on the breath. The purpose is to eventually become detached from your identity, emotions and intellect in order to realize your true nature, the Buddha nature.

Zen does not like to use words, so it resists any description or analysis. Zen is supposed to be grasped in a way that goes beyond the rational mind. Riddles called koans such as, "What is the sound of one hand clapping?" are supposed to trigger your understanding of the truth that is not grasped with the rational mind.
TAOISM: (Mostly China)

Taoism comes from the Tao, which means the way or the Universal Path. This belief teaches that the Tao is the ultimate reality and the origin of all things.

Yin and Yang merged into the philosophy of Taoism. Yang is the principle of activity, maleness, light, dry, & heat while Yin is the principle of receptivity, stillness, femaleness, darkness, moistness & cold. The way to harmony and peace is to balance the Yin and Yang forces. There is no concept of good or evil in this belief. The universe is just a manifestation of opposite forces which eventually merge and become their opposites, since all is part of one source. This is the meaning behind the well-known black and white yin-yang symbol.
Eastern Spiritual Ideas in the U.S.:

Pantheism - All is God; God is all
Monism - All is one; one is all
Polytheism - Many gods; God manifesting in many forms
*Pantheism, Monism and Polytheism are also in Wicca/witchcraft groups
Dualism
1) Material/matter versus immaterial spirituality
2) Two equal forces (such as Yin-Yang, or male/female)
Reincarnation - The soul incarnates many times to learn lessons
Chi/qi/ki - A life force pervading the universe; the basis for most alternative healing

These beliefs translate into contemporary spiritual thinking as:
1. God is part of everything and everyone
2. God is an impersonal force or energy; God is ultimate reality
3. The identify of self is an illusion; we are really part of God
4. The mind is a part of self and is a barrier to spiritual truth
5. The material world is an illusion we created or a denser form of energy
6. There is no absolute reality/there are many realities/there is an ultimate reality which is an impersonal God
7. Reincarnation is how we learn lessons and grow in each lifetime until we realize our divine nature and can merge with God (the oneness/universe/life force)
8. Experiences are valued over objective reality or rational conclusions
9. There is no evil, only ignorance

The response to the new spirituality

There is one God. He is a personal, eternal God Who has revealed Himself through Christ and in the Bible. (Is. 45:5, 46:9; Luke 22: 67-70; John 1) God is distinct from His creation. He is everywhere but not in everything or a part of everything. (Gen. 1; Job 38:4-41)
There is absolute truth and absolute reality. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me." (John 14:6)
There is evil and good. (Gen. 3; John 3:19-21)
God created us as individuals with unique identities. Our identity and self is real. (Genesis 1; Ps. 139:13-16; Matthew 10:29-31)
Truth is based on God's word, not on experience. (2 Tim. 3: 16,17)
We live only one life; we do not reincarnate. (Heb. 9:27)
Our salvation is in Christ only. (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Colossians 1: 13,14)
Eastern meditation vs. Biblical meditation
To transcend the rational mind To use the mind
To question reality/identity There is one reality/identity
Trance/hypnotic state No trance/hypnosis
Position of body crucial Body position irrelevant
Breathing techniques Irrelevant
Repetitive chanting, words Irrelevant or harmful
Purpose:
a. Enlightenment
b. To realize one?s true nature
c. To merge with God Purpose:
To know God/Christ through God?s word
Historical links:

Madame Blavatsky, founder of the Hindu-based Theosophical Society in New York in 1875; the World Parliament of Religions in the 1890?s in Chicago; Eastern teachers in the U.S. in the 20th century or who have followers here -- Swami Vivekananda, Yogananda, Sai Baba, Muktananda, Rajneesh, Maharashi (founder of Transcendental Meditation), Mahareeji, Meher Baba, Sri Chimnoy, Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra and others.
Popular Figures with New Age/Eastern views:

Jack Canfield (editor of Chicken Soup for the Soul books); Madonna; Oprah Winfrey; M. Scott Peck; Beastie Boys? Adam Yauch; Brad Pitt; singer Jewel; George Lucas; Dr. Deepak Chopra; Steven Spielberg; Elizabeth Kubler-Ross; Joseph Campbell; ex-Beatles George Harrison & Paul McCartney; Jean Houston; Richard Bach; David Carradine; Ted Turner; and Dr. Bernie Siegel.
Sources:

Eerdman's Handbook to The World's Religions (1994); Lewis M. Hopfe, Religions of the World, (1994); Ian P. McGreal, ed., Great Thinkers of the Eastern World (1995); Richard Osborne, Introducing Ancient Eastern Philosophy (1995); Geoffrey Parrinder, ed., World Religions, From Ancient History to the Present (1983); Jean Smith, ed., Breath Sweeps Mind (1998); Eva Wong, The Shambhala Guide to Taoism (1997)

Eastern Roots of the New Age By Marcia Montenegro
www.sharing-center.com

Feng Shui: new dimensions in design - 13

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:09:37 +0100

NOTE: Due to the complexity and varieties of feng shui practice, this article attempts only to give a broad overview of the nature, philosophy, and tools of feng shui without a detailed explanation of all its applications, principles, or technical aspects.

Basic Definitions

Feng shui (pronounced "fong shwee" in Mandarin) has come to the United States (and other Western countries). In California, New York City, Washington, DC, and other populous areas, businessmen, merchants, real estate brokers, and others are paying high fees for Feng Shui consultants. Donald Trump uses feng shui, as does Merrill Lynch (Ajay Singh, "Luck Be A Stone Lion," Time Magazine, 3 July 2000, 53). At the Whitney Museum of American Art's biennial exhibit, the artist behind two stone lions for sale chose the buyer based on applications explaining the applicants' feng shui problems (Ibid). So just what is feng shui?

Feng shui, which originated within the context of Chinese Taoism, is an intricate process of how to manipulate and harmonize the flow of the invisible universal life force, the chi (also spelled qi or ki), in one's physical surroundings, in concert with yin and yang energies and the five elements (earth, water, fire, metal, and wood). Chi, also known as the dragon's breath, is called the "life and breath" of the universe," (Lillian Too, The Complete Illustrated Guide to Feng Shui [Boston: Element Books Inc., 1996], 51, 68). "Feng" means "wind" and "shui" means "water."
Various definitions are offered for feng shui:

-"The practice of living harmoniously with the energy of the surrounding environment which naturally leads to the art of placement, not only of buildings, but of everything within them,"

-Originated by farmers at least 3,000 years ago, feng shui is about how to harness the invisible chi in order to "maximize" the benefits of chi.

-An "ancient and complex Chinese art that combines mysticism, science, and superstition to determine health, luck, and prosperity according to natural landscapes and the placement of dwellings, buildings, and graves...[...]....Its fundamental concept is that in order to be healthy and prosper, one must be in harmony with the earth and receive the benefit of ch'i, the universal life principle, which exists in all things and flows through the earth and nature," (Rosemary Ellen Guiley, Harper's Encyclopedia of Mystical and Paranormal Experience, [Edison, NJ: CASTLE BOOKS/Books Sales, Inc., 1991], 200).

-"Feng Shui is the science of divining Yin and Yang in one's immediate environment," (Too, 54).

-Feng Shui is "terrestial divination," used to "discover how energy flows in the land and to live in harmony with it." (Eva Wong, The Shambhala Guide to Taoism, [Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1997], 137, 141). Feng shui is the oldest form of Taoist divination, (Ibid, 141).

The Role of Chi or Qi

Chi, qi, or qi (sometimes also spelled as ch'i), a foundational belief of this system, is believed to be a force that permeates the universe and all forms in existence. The concept of Chinese qi was developed by philosophers such as Lao-tzu, Confucius, Mencius, and others between the sixth and fourth centuries B.C., and was considered to be "the source of vitality, harmony, creativity, and moral courage," (Guiley, 627). Chi/qi has parallels to ki in Japan and to prana (the divine breath in Hindu thinking) in India, an energy "upon which all things depend for health and life," (Guiley, 626). Known generally as the universal life force, this energy is also known as "bioenergy," (Ibid, 629-30), "vital energy," "vital force," or, most commonly in the United States, the "life force." Manipulating and balancing the universal life force is the basis of most alternative healing methods [see CANA documents on Alternative Healing and on Reiki]. "Just as acupuncture, chakra balancing or shiatsu massage can adjust the flow of energy in the body, so can feng shui adjust the flow of energy around us," (Belinda Henwood with Consultant Howard Choy, Feng Shui [Pownal, VT: Storey Books, undated], 6). The chi must flow "not too quickly and not too slowly," and will stagnate or become destructive if it is blocked (Ibid). Additionally, the yin and yang (female and male) components of chi "must be in balance," (Guiley, 200, 627). The literal translation of yin and yang is shade and light (Wong, 126). [See CANA document on Yin-Yang].

Just as in the Taoist belief that good health results from the harmonious flow of chi in one's body, so does feng shui seek to get the chi flowing around and throughout buildings and gardens so that harmony, power, romance, and/or success will result (Wong, 137-8). The tools for determining the flow of chi and what to do about it are tools of divination. Divination is gaining information by reading hidden meanings in ordinary things, through spirit contact, or using tools such as a pendulum. Examples of divination are astrology, tarot cards, palmistry, the I Ching, numerology, and tea leaf reading. [See CANA document on the Occult].

In Chinese cosmology, the relationship between heaven, earth, and man was paramount. This is reflected in the various categories of qi: Heaven Qi, Earth Qi, and Human Qi, which are each further subdivided. Heaven Qi contains planetary and Weather Qi, which are each also subdivided further (for example, Planetary Qi includes astrology and spiritual guidance). Earth Qi contains Natural and Human Made Qi which are both subdivided (Natural Qi includes vegetation, mountains, etc.). Human Qi includes Social and Personal Qi which are each subdivided (Social Qi includes things such as neighbors and local events while Personal Qi includes ideals and beliefs, sensitivity, health and life force), (Henwood, 6). Another factor to take into account is that feng shui can attract positive energy, sheng qi, which moves along curved lines, or negative energy, sha qi, which "strikes quickly in straight lines," (Ibid; Guiley, 201). Therefore, straight pathways and other designs that form a straight line are to be avoided.

Universal life energy, chi/qi and prana are also linked in many cultures to supernormal powers and sorcery. Tantra yoga cultivates the flow of prana in order to raise psychic powers, and prana is the source for exploits in Hindu magic (Guiley, 627). In alchemy, this universal force is called spiritus; the occult Kabala (Qabalah) terms it astral light; and hypnotist Franz Mesmer called it "magnetic fluid" (Ibid, 626). The chi is also the source of power for levitation and other occult feats (Ibid, 327). One traveler who chronicled his occult encounters in 19th century Asia wrote that he learned from a Hindu holy man that the vital fluid, the agasa or akasha, was the cause of all phenomena and was the "moving thought of the universal soul, directing all souls," as well as the "force of which the adepts had learned to control," (Louis Jacolliot, quoted by Guiley, 327). [The adepts are practitioners of occult powers].

By Marcia Montenegro (page 1 of 4)
First written in 2001

www.sharing-center.com

The dangers of witchcraft - TV talk-show - 12

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 17:01:20 +0200

Allan Rich was a witch doctor. He started white magic playing with a deck of card just for fun and ended up in deep black magic casting spells to “erase” people. In this TV show he shares his personal experiences and explain the dangers of the occult and paranormal practices.

www.sharing-center.com

Witchcraft in the church - 11

Thu, 3 Jul 2008 13:11:23 +0200

A number of witches are going about the country today, warning that Satanists are infiltrating the church--especially charismatic churches. Some of these former witches have authored books telling of a diabolical plot by evil witches to enter congregations posing as super-spiritual Christians. Their purpose is to deceive and shipwreck pastors and to lead multitudes of naive believers into occult worship.

Many of these evil witches, they say, are already firmly established in numerous churches, controlling both the pastor and congregation and causing great confusion, wickedness, divorce--even death. We have received many letters in our office from people who say they believe their pastor must be under some kind of demonic influence--and I believe many of these letters are very legitimate.

Saints, we in the Body of Christ dare not allow the devil's power to be magnified in the house of God! His power is limited, and he cannot penetrate a Holy Ghost wall of fire. When the disciples were sent out with power to heal the sick and raise the dead, they came back rejoicing: "Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name" (Luke 10:17).

The only pastor who can fall under the control of a witch is one who indulges in secret sin--who is driven by greed or success, or who has betrayed the Lord through unbelief or neglect! A man of God who has mortified the deeds of the flesh and wields the sword of the Lord will know the enemy. He will discern any trap and will stand against the wicked one, as Paul did with the witch at Philippi.

Here's what happened: A slave girl possessed by the devil-- that is, a practicing witch with a spirit of divination--sought to infiltrate Paul's ministry! She followed after Paul and his companions, crying out, "These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation" (Acts 16:17).

But Paul's spirit was disturbed. He discerned that the girl was not converted and that she had no right to touch holy things. He perceived a trap. So he turned and said to the evil spirit in her, "I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And (the demon) came out the same hour" (v.18).

Paul was unmoved by the demon powers. He was led by the Holy Spirit and full of the Word of God. But the Bible tells of one group of supposed ministers that was attacked--literally--and overcome by a demon. These were the seven sons of Sceva. When they tried to cast a demon out of a man, the evil spirit leaped on them, tore off their clothes and sent them running into the street in a panic--all because they didn't know Jesus. They were not full of Christ!

THOSE WHO WALK IN HOLINESS RESIST THE DEVIL

Ministers of the gospel who fall into deep sin don't actually have a demon "leap" upon them; they aren't seduced by a witch. They are just led astray by their own lusts and desires! They have gotten off holy ground and have begun to cruise the devil's territory!

No congregation that walks in holiness and the fear of God can be deceived or controlled by witches or evil spirits. Only pleasure-mad, Bible-and-holiness-rejecting churches are open to Satan's attempts to move in.

Wherever the Word of God is exalted, wherever people separate themselves from wickedness and the world, wherever there is true repentance and obedience to the Holy Ghost--there Jesus will always manifest His presence!

A congregation that is bathed in the presence of Jesus doesn't have to scream commands at wicked powers. The very power of Jesus drives out all that is wicked! Satan and his evil hordes simply cannot coexist with Christ's presence. We resist the devil by being full of Jesus--by living and worshiping in His presence!

Are there really churches and pastors today that are falling under the control of witches and demons? Absolutely, yes!

I know of one large Pentecostal church wholly given over to Satan. The pastor has a lustful, evil spirit. He committed one act of adultery after another, and soon his wife became involved. The pastor and his wife introduced something into the congregation called "connections." They developed an entire doctrine around it.

First they brought ballroom dancing into the sanctuary. The pastor told the people to look into their partner's eyes until the Holy Spirit made a "connection." Pastors, leaders and deacons became involved. They began swapping wives, committing adultery.

Before long, it all became chaotic. Divorce became rampant. Parishioners began having nervous breakdowns. The pastor's son committed suicide. His daughter divorced and ran off with another man. More suicides broke out. One young mother was so distraught over her husband's leaving her that she drowned her baby in the bathtub so the baby's soul would be safe with Jesus!

That church has been utterly destroyed--it is embroiled today in numerous lawsuits--all because of the unbridled lust of a backslidden pastor! That one man, full of Satan, opened up his entire flock to demonic powers!

Beloved, be careful where you go to church! Be careful that you have discernment, because a pastor who has opened himself to Satan can open your heart to demonic powers.

Yet this message has to do with a kind of witchcraft that is even more dangerous than that. It is much more subtle.

It is brought into the church not by evil shepherds or by witches--but by multitudes of Christians who don't know that they are under the spell of witchcraft!

The kind of witchcraft I want to expose is present here in Times Square Church--and in every church in America! In fact, it is in every church in the world, to some measure. It may be only a seed--but it is still there.

You ask, "How could the devil possibly deceive God's elect? With occult seductions?" No! That's too obvious. We could easily discern the devices of Satan in that area. No, he comes to us in another way. His attack is so very subtle that few Christians ever recognize it.

REBELLION IS AS THE SIN OF WITCHCRAFT (1 SAMUEL 15:23)

When the Lord showed me the kind of witchcraft present in the church today, it shook my soul. It is revealed in 1 Samuel 15:22- 23: "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry."

The Bible describes here a witchcraft far more dangerous than the occult. It controls more pastors and congregations that any other kind of demonic influence. It is rebellion against the Word of God!

Don't be quick to sit back and relax, thinking, "Thank God, that can't possibly mean me. I'm not rebellious against God's Word. I love the Word. I'm walking in obedience!"

That's what I thought, too. But then God convicted me of the dangers of falling under the spell of this witchcraft! He showed me the seed of its beginnings--exactly what erupted in the Garden of Eden! We all have the seed of this sin. In fact, you may unknowingly be under the influence of this evil charm.

Jesus gives us a parable that exposes this witchcraft! I've read the parable of the evil husbandmen many times. I've prayed over it. But not until now have I seen in it the witchcraft that Jesus was exposing.

"There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country: And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and bear one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

"But when the husbandman saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They said unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons" (Matthew 21:33-41).

This parable is more than a retelling of how the Jews had rejected God's appeal from heaven--and how they would be cast aside and the Gentiles made the husbandmen. It is also about a great supernatural battle over an inheritance. It's about a battle between the power of Jesus Christ and the power of Satan for the souls and allegiance of mankind! It's about who is going to rule and reign in the hearts of God's chosen! And beloved, you're either under the power of Jesus Christ or under the influence of Satan!

You see, this parable is about how a people of God can become bewitched by the devil and end up totally possessed by an anti- Christ spirit. Christ was talking here of a most powerful form of witchcraft--rebellion against the truth!

Here' is the Key to this parable: "This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance" (v.38). That is the devil speaking! "Let us create rebellion against the Son! Let us crucify Him! We will take control!"

It is true that when the Pharisees heard this parable, "they perceived that he spake of them" (v.45). But Jesus is also speaking to His church! In Hebrews 6:5, we find a people who "have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come...." They have rebelled against that good Word they heard, and as a result, "they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame" (v.6).

Who is crucifying Christ over and over again, putting Him to open shame before the whole world? Are they witches? Satanists? Homosexuals? Murderers? No!

They are those who heard, tasted and partook of the true Word of God--and then allowed a spirit of rebellion to take root! Satan moved in, and they ended up possessed--crucifying Christ!

Believer, I tell you on the authority of God's Word that as long as you have this spirit of rebellion in you, it is impossible for God to revive or renew you! "For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of this Holy Ghost... if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance" (vs. 4, 6).

I believe this means that repentance has no effect whatsoever in those who are in rebellion against the Word!

Let's look more closely at this form of witchcraft in the church.

THE WITCHCRAFT OF REBELLION BEGINS WITH A LITTLE ROOT OF BITTERNESS

I want to talk to you about being poisoned with the "gall of bitterness." Peter introduced this phrase when he rebuked Simon a new convert who had offered money in exchange for the power of the Holy Ghost to lay hands on people for baptisms and miracles.

"And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

"But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity" (Acts 8:18-23).

"Gall" here means envy--a dangerous poison. And Simon was infected with it! I believe he also had a heart to help people, which helped disguise his condition. Verse 13 says he believed, was baptized and "continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."

Something deadly lay underneath! All the while Simon was saying to himself, "I can do that, too! I'm gifted. I feel for people. Give me a chance!"

Simon had a dangerous mixture in his heart. It was a desire to be used by God--mixed with a desire for preeminence! He truly wanted God to use him, but he also needed recognition. He wanted power and place, without paying the right price! He wanted a shortcut.

So it is in the work of God today. Many are trying to take shortcuts to get to a place of power and usefulness. We offer our talents and abilities to the Lord--but if you have the talent and don't have a servant's heart, God can't use you!

In his third epistle, John tells of a man named Diotrephes who "loved to have the preeminence among them" (3 John 9). When things did not go his way, he began "prating against" the brethren with malicious words.

A "prater" is one who babbles over trifles. Diotrephes was offended by John's message, and he began to gossip. His vanity had been pricked, his pride wounded. So he went about telling a story of being wounded by other servants of God. He disrupted the peace of the brethren and won many to his side.

This wasn't gross sin; it wasn't doctrinal error. It was the sin of impatience! He couldn't wait for God to do the work. He wanted preeminence--and he probably sounded so right!

A WOUNDED SPIRIT IS FERTILE GROUND FOR A ROOT OF BITTERNESS

"A wounded spirit who can bear?" (Proverbs 18:14). How could the Israelites of Isaiah's time have become so fallen, so backslidden, so depressed in such a short time? Isaiah explains it: "From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores:: They have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment" (Isaiah 1:6).

The prophet went on to warn the people of God who had open wounds, sores and bruises. He said as long as they went on bleeding, with blood on their hands, God could not hear them in such a condition: "And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood" (v.15).

Whose blood is the Lord talking about? Your own! You're bleeding from an open wound in your heart! It's oozing blood! You need healing! You need your wound softened with the oil of the Holy Ghost!

Yet many of you don't run to the Master for healing. You don't realize that Satan is trying to get you into this witchcraft of rebellion. You see, God won't listen to a voice that cries out but won't accept His deliverance!

Let me show you how dangerous rebellion is, and why God calls it witchcraft: The husbandmen of the parable were God's children. They were engaged in religious work. How could an upright Pharisee--who paid tithes on every mint leaf in his garden, loved his children, traveled the whole world just to make a single convert, faithfully spend sabbaths poring over the law--turn into such a vicious person? How could these husbandmen eventually kill and steal and crucify?

They were enraged! They had murder in their hearts. That's not from the flesh--that's demonic! They stoned the messengers of the Law! They knew what was demanded of them--but once they rebelled against the Word of God, bitterness took root in their hearts.

Beloved, bitterness blinds! You lose your spiritual vision in proportion to the growth of your bitterness. The more your bitterness grows, the more your blindness grows. Let a root of bitterness fester--let the wound turn to a gangrene, --let the sore spread its poison all through your soul--and you will end up just like these violent Pharisees, so blind they finally crucified the Son of God!

If you continue in the gall of bitterness, you will end up with other bitter souls, prating; throwing stones at God's holy servants, playing the part of a poor, misunderstood martyr. You will end up at the gall-gatherings, where others share your rebellion.

If you continue in the gall of bitterness, you will open up your very heart and soul to demon possession! You will end up a mouthpiece of the devil. Your tongue will become a spear that pierces the side of Christ. You will hang Him in open shame before all who know you. And you will shut out the voices of all preachers and prophets.

The work of God will go on, with other husbandmen willing to obey. God will say to you what Peter said to Simon: "Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for they heart is not right in the sight of God" (Acts 8:21).

Has someone in the house of God wounded you? Do you have a root of bitterness? I beg you: Run to the Healer of all wounds and ask Him to pluck it out by the roots!

"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice" (Ephesians 4:31). Stop it -- now!

THE WITCHCRAFT OF REBELLION ENDS IN A LACK OF REVERENCE FOR JESUS!

"But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son" (Matthew 21:37).

The immediate application of this parable was to the Pharisees and religious leaders Jesus was addressing. They had shut their ears to the prophets and watchmen God had sent to them so often. "Behold, I send unto you prophets... some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city" (Matthew 23:34).

Jesus was speaking this parable to expose the plan of Satan. He was trying to show that a satanic plot was behind their lack of reverence for Him--and their shutting out His truth!

Christ had told them their rebellion had turned them into children of Satan: "Why do you not understand my speech? Even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.... And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not" (John 8:43-45).

This was the message: "You became bitter, rebellious! You opened your soul to the devil. He filled you with wounds, bruises, putrefying sores--and now you are full of death. Violence is in your heart. You can't hear a word I say.

"No prophet can reach you now, no watchman! Not even I can touch you. You are giving my inheritance to Satan! You were to be my people, but you would not. You sold yourself to the enemy. You despised my authority!"

These husbandmen did not reverence Him. They rebelled and killed Him. But Satan did not get the inheritance--a resurrected Christ gave it to others.

Looking at those Pharisees, you have to wonder: Why did they show such disrespect to Him? Why no reverence? Why could they not hear or understand His words? Why such blindness?

Many in God's house today suffer an even greater blindness. They Holy Ghost comes to us, willing to show us the meaning of all that Jesus said to us. He convicts us of our sin. We have been translated out of darkness, into His light. So why, then, do so many in the church still go about under this spell of witchcraft-- still prating, bitter and wounded--still holding onto this spirit of rebellion?

Some have already gone too far, as did these Pharisees. "He will miserably destroy those wicked men" (Matthew 21:41). Others are falling deeper and deeper into the devil's snare, and only a thunderbolt from heaven can wake them up to the danger!

You simply cannot go on with the roots of bitterness. You cannot go on green with envy and jealousy. You cannot go on wounded and hurt, blaming others. You cannot go on disregarding the clear hand of God--UNLESS YOU HAVE LOST YOUR REVERENCE FOR JESUS!

Jesus is standing at your heart's door even now. He is saying, "The Father sent Me. Show me your fruit--your obedience! You were planted in good soil; you have had time to grow. What kind of harvest do you have for Me?"

Reverence for Jesus is not a feeling; it is not words. Respect and reverence mean doing what He said! It means obeying His Word, laying aside all the hurt and putting yourself completely in His hands.

If you put down this message still clinging to your wounds, holding onto your grudges, justifying your bitterness--you not only disrespect Christ, but you are also putting Him to open shame and crucifixion once again.

THERE IS HOPE FOR THE REBELLIOUS!

Beloved, I could not deliver this message if God had not given me a word of encouragement for those who long to be free of their rebellion. It's found in Psalm 107:9-14.

"For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God, and condemned the counsel of the most High: Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.

"Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distress. He brought them out of the darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder."

Have you been "brought down" by your rebellion, your bitterness? Cry out to the Lord of Hosts for divine deliverance! Let Him break the demonic bands around your heart--and bring you out of the shadow of death and into His marvelous light!

David Wilkerson

www.sharing-center.com

Evil spirits attributes - 10

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 22:43:56 +0200

What are spirits? Are they all good or all bad? Where do they live? Do they have a conscience? Knowledge? What are their motivation? Do they have influence on human beings?

Reincarnation and past lives - 09

Tue, 1 Apr 2008 15:17:47 +0200

If reincarnation and past lives don’t exist, how can we explain that someone knows a place where he never came before? Or how can we explain that someone is able to recognize his own personal “former” items of friends?

www.sharing-center.com

How to cast out demons - 08

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 12:22:02 +0100

Note: This page is intensely practical. It contains suggestions and principles for the ministry of exorcism, intended for use only by Christians truly devoted to Jesus Christ.

Legal Disclaimer:

By reading further you agree that the author is not legally responsible for anything that happens to you as a result of putting any or all of the suggestions on this page into practice. You do so at your own risk. I do hereby warn you that taking on demonic forces means entering into a spiritual battle - and war is dirty. It can have consequences in every area of your life. You must live right with God and others to do this ministry. By reading on, you agree that you alone are responsible for happens as a result of putting into practice the knowledge gained by reading this page.

Read on if you belong to Jesus Christ and you believe He may be calling you to learn how to drive out demons.

Don't start alone or with a group of inexperienced Christians. Instead, go to a Pastor or a man of God who is actually practicing this ministry , and learn from him.

If you agree to these conditions read on, otherwise back out now!

Practical Suggestions for Deliverance Ministry

Be Prepared

To be in this ministry you need to be a person of prayer. At the very least, you need to have a strong anointing from God, which you could only have received through previous faithfulness to God in prayer. However, in this ministry, more than others, we are dependent on God the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus did not drive out demons except by the Spirit of God. So keep close to God through prayer. Remember the seven sons of Sceva who were humiliated by the demons because they did not know Christ for themselves. Acts 19:13-16.

Work in A Team if at all possible

Jesus sent his disciples out two by two to heal the sick and cast out demons. It is better to work with others. In any case, never get into a counselling or deliverance situation alone with a person of the opposite sex. Satan does send people to come for counselling who later accuse ministers of sexual misconduct and other false things. If you were alone with that person and they accuse you, it is your word versus theirs. You can lose your reputation and ministry like this through false accusations.

Make sure your team relationships are in good order. Be watchful, practice humility and forgiveness so that Satan cannot gain an advantage over you. Where there is unity between brethren, Christ is present and commands His blessing.

Bind The Devil

You have effective authority over evil spirits to the extent that you submit to God and resist the devil. To use the name of Jesus Christ you must live under the authority of Jesus Christ. As the spirit leads, you should bind the devil according to Matthew 18:18 with words such as these:

"In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, we renounce all the power of darkness which may exist in this area or in the life of [Counsellee's name] for any reason. We bind all evil spirits assigned to [Counsellee's name] and forbid you to operate in any way, in the name of Jesus Christ."

Determine if the counsellee (person needing deliverance) is a born-again Christian.

If they are not, its much better to spend time explaining the gospel to them, and leading them to a point of trust and faith in Christ. Without this basis, they cannot be properly set free from demonic influence.

Some people are too bound to respond directly to the gospel. There are too approaches you can use here.

(a) While others pray and bind the demons, patiently explain that Jesus can set them free, that Jesus can save, that Jesus paid for their sins at the cross and that Jesus rose again and is alive. Make it very simple, since demons will attempt to work overtime to confuse their minds with distractions and irrelevant considerations. Invite them to call upon Jesus for salvation first.

(b) If the anointing for faith and power is upon you, ask for permission to lay hands on them [on the head and the back are good places for this], and, then, in the name of Jesus, do so, releasing by faith the anointing and commanding the demons to get off their mind and out of their lives. This will work for long enough to get them to a point of being able to hear and understand the gospel message. You must lead them to Christ at this point before continuing ministry.

For Deliverance Ministry Aiming for Thorough Cleansing

If possible, create an atmosphere of PRAISE where Jesus Christ is honored.

God dwells in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). So acknowledge God's greatness by beginning times of deliverance ministry with songs of praise to God. This builds faith, invites the Holy Spirit to come with his anointing, and weakens the power of Satan in the area. Demons feel uncomfortable with praise directed towards God and will be more willing to leave when they feel bad in a place. Praise silences the voice of the enemy.

"Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have ordained strength, because of your enemies, that you may silence the enemy and the avenger." (Psalm 8:2). In Matthew 21:16 Jesus quoted this Scripture as follows, "Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise". Together, these verses reveal the secret that PRAISE silences the voice of the enemy (demons). We are exhorted to "continually offer to God the sacrifice of praise" (Hebrews 13:15). The more we do this, the less problems we will have with demonic harrassment. Teach people to praise God. A lot of their problems will be solved if they learn to praise God through the difficulties until God's light starts to shine through. People can only keep deliverance by continuing to praise God.

Just before the time for the person to confess their sins and call upon the Lord, it is good to really get into praising God. Music helps here.

Be Thorough

Identify what areas of demonic influence are in a persons life (a) by listening to them (b) by asking questions (c) by listening to God and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some things are obvious, others require revelations from God.

Do not depend on the demons themselves for information. Although Jesus once asked the demon what its name was, you generally don't need to. In any case, Jesus did not ask each of the thousands of demons in that man what its name was.

In commanding demons to go out, you don't need to know their name. They can be identified by what they promote. Thus demons of fear, lust, deception, pride, anger, violence and so on can be commanded to leave using just those names. For example, you can say, "You spirit of fear, come out in Jesus' name!" or "I command you spirit of infirmity to loose her in Jesus' name!"

It is outside the scope of this article to give a complete list of the demonic problems that may afflict people. You need to keep learning and studying. Read books by authors like Noel Gibson, Graham Powell, Bill Subritzky and others with plenty of practical experience of actually doing it. Learn from the Lord yourself through each experience.

Some Questions to Ask the Counsellee

Have you truly given your life to Jesus Christ? Would you like to?

From what would you like to be set free?

When is the first time you had this trouble? (Be listening, and seek to discover through what action or event the demons got in in the first place. These doorways need to be closed through renunciation for deliverance to be lasting.)

What experience have you had of personal rejection by others?

Are there people you find it difficult to forgive? (People must forgive or God hands them over to demonic tormenters - see Matthew 18:34,35).

Are you aware of any occult history in your family or your ancestors - e.g. witchcraft, freemasonry, false religions etc? (All these must be renounced).

Procedure for Deliverance

Practical Instructions

Explain the Need for Laying on of hands

Some say that we shouldn't lay hands on those with demons, lest they come into us, but we need not fear if the power of the Holy Spirit is truly upon us. Jesus took Peter's mother-in-law's hand, rebuked the fever and it left. Demons hate the power of the Holy Spirit that comes through the laying on of hands and when hands are laid on in Jesus' name, demons are more likely to leave quickly. It is not an absolute requirement but it can be a point of contact for faith.

NEVER lay hands on a person inappropriately. Avoid touching areas which may open the door for lust. (It shouldn't be necessary to say this but it is better to be clear).

Explain how a person may co-operate in the process of expelling demons

Tell the person that they should co-operate with their deliverance after prayer by deliberately breathing out, and perhaps coughing. The word for spirit is the same as the word for breath or wind in Greek and Hebrew, and evil spirits can be breathed out by an act of the will and by faith, once the legal conditions are met - see lesson on deliverance which describes what these are.

Instruct them during the time of ministry not to pray audibly, to use the name of Jesus, or to pray in tongues. Instead, they should focus their minds on Jesus and breathe out in faith. Demons can't leave a person while that person is busy praying or has the name of Jesus on their lips. They have to know this in order to let the demons out.

Manifestations of demons may occur, but are not a condition of deliverance. These manifestations could include coughing, yawning, tears coming to the eyes, vomiting, spitting etc. A person should not let the demons talk through them. The only manifestations they should permit are those where the demon is leaving.

Experience has revealed that demons in the body many times are located around the stomach or chest and during deliverance move up into the throat from where they are expelled. They tend to produce knots of tension in the body in the places where they are. You can command the demons not to link and reinforce. Faith in the power and authority of the name of Jesus combined with the anointing will drive them out.

After these things are explained it is easier to do the ministry.

Prayer for Deliverance

Lead the counsellee in a prayer similar to this one:

"Jesus, I come to you as my deliverer. I believe that You are the Son of God, that You died for me and rose again. I confess You as Lord and renounce all influences of Satan in my life. Lord, you know the demons that oppress me, that harrass me, that entice me, that enslave me. I confess all my sins to you. (You must name them out loud before God). I repent of (turn away from) all my sins. I renounce any form of the occult or idolatry in my life or in the life of my ancestors (Name them to the extent of your knowledge of it). I forgive anyone who has ever hurt me in any way and I let go of any bitterness or resentment. (Name any such people whom you associate with personal pain and forgive them by name).

(Repeat for each significant stronghold). In the name of Jesus, I break and cancel the invitations to demons that have come through . The blood of Jesus now annuls any legal right held by the Kingdom of darkness in these areas.

In the name of Jesus these doorways are now closed.

I believe I am saved by the blood of Jesus and Satan has no further legal rights to my spirit, soul, mind or body. Through the blood of Jesus I am justified, just as if I never sinned. Through the blood of Jesus I am sanctified, set apart to God. Jesus Christ is my Lord. Through the blood of Jesus, I am redeemed out of the hand of the devil.

Jesus you said whoever calls upon the name of the Lord SHALL be delivered. I call upon you. Deliver me!

Now in the name of Jesus Christ I bind every evil spirit in or around my life. In the name of Jesus I command you to get out and leave me alone. Go in Jesus' name!"

A shorter prayer taken from the writings of Noel Gibson:

"I confess Jesus Christ to be my personal Savior. I confess and renounce every iniquity, transgression and sin that I, my parents, or ancestors may have committed and which has brought bondages and dominations to my life, and ask for forgiveness and cleansing. I repent from any action, attitude or habit which does not glorify Jesus Christ. I renounce the devil, and all of his works, influences, bondages, dominations, inflictions and infirmities in my life. I claim the release and freedom promised by Jesus Christ, that He may be the Lord of my whole life. Amen."

Please note though, there is power in the specific renunciation of sin. The more specific and definite we are, the better the results. For this reason I would suggest leading the person to name the sins and bondages they want broken off their lives. Corresponding confession is appropriate.

It is important for people using the authority they have in Christ, to verbally CANCEL and BREAK all invitations to the devil/evil spirits they have created through sin or their ancestors have created throuh their sins.. Otherwise the demons may leave and then come back at an opportune time. Also, remember that deliverance is for people who want to live in fellowship with God. We need to daily seek that presence of the Holy Spirit and walk submissively to God, enquiring Him about things if we are to stay free.

Command the Demons to Leave

The actual words to use might be: "In the name of Jesus Christ, I command all evil spirits - get out now! Spirits of ..., get out in Jesus' name! (repeat for each category if necessary)."

Follow the Holy Spirit

If things seem to block, ask the Holy Spirit what to do next. You may be led to ask the person what is going on in them. Many times the counsellee gets information during deliverance which when shared provides effective keys to their own deliverance. Remember that they are co-operating in their own deliverance and that the Holy Spirit is showing them things too many times. In effect, they are part of the deliverance team also.

After Deliverance

If you have peace from the Holy Spirit that no more deliverance should happen at that time, the person counsellee should be encouraged to invite the Holy Spirit into all the areas of their lives from which the demons have left. It may be appropriate to have another time of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Teach the counsellee the things contained in my lesson on deliverance concerning how to maintain deliverance. The most important thing is that they draw near to God through meditation on the Word, much prayer and through faithful obedience to the Lord. These things are very important, since demons always try to get back in later. People must be full of the Holy Spirit if they want to be sure of staying free.

Further Deliverance

Sometimes people are not ready to get all the demons out in one session. They need to learn to walk in the freedom they have received until that point, making adjustments in their life. If they are faithful the Lord will soon enable them to go further in the process of deliverance. They may be able to continue their own deliverance by the themselves following the principles in this lesson and the foundational teaching on deliverance.

In reality it is rare that all the demons come out in one session, although it is possible. However, the counsellee should be taught how to depend on Jesus and get himself or herself free as soon as possible, rather than creating a situation of perpetual dependence on the counsellor or deliverance minister.

Further Principles to be employed in this Ministry

Seek the root causes, not just symptons. By dealing with the most powerful demons at the root of the person's problems, many of the smaller demons will have nothing to cling onto and be forced to leave. However the reverse principle is not true.

Study and learn more. Any disobedience to the Word of God which becomes a habit can open the door for demons. Study and meditate on the Word. Build faith in this way and resist demons which seek to bind with unbelief, doubt and fear.

Learn to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit can give us thoughts and images just as demons can, so be open to these revelations from the Holy Spirit which can greatly assist in ministry.

Give the glory to God and keep Jesus central. Resist demonic suggestions that you are so great now that you are casting out demons. If they can trap you in pride you will be in for a fall. We must respect all the biblical conditions for our own freedom in Christ before we can effectively minister freedom to others. Remember that it is God's power not yours that drives the demons out. We didn't earn this power. Jesus paid for and supplied everything through the cross and by His grace. We are just privileged to be vessels and messengers for God. So we should never seek to take credit for the results.

"Freely you have received, freely give" ( Matthew 10:8). Do not stoop to demand monetary payment for delivering the gifts of God to people. Nowhere in the Bible did any servant of God accept money for healing or ministering freedom to a person. Those who do so are on dangerous ground indeed.

www.sharing-center.com

Allan Rich testimony on witchcraft - 07

Thu, 29 Nov 2007 11:39:42 +0100

Video testimonies from Allan Rich own personal experiences on white and black magic, paranormal activites, witchcraft, spells casting, third eye opening and more.
To see more videos on Near Death Experiences (NDE), astral trip, modified state of consciousness, apparition and vision etc. click here.

Magic according to the Bible - 06

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 09:12:17 +0100

Magic; Magician
maj´-ik, ma-jish´an:
I. DEFINITION
II. DIVISION OF THE SUBJECT
1. Magic as Impersonal
2. Magic as Personal
III. MAGIC AND RELIGION
IV. MAGIC IN THE BIBLE
1. Hostility to Magic
2. Potency of Magical Words
3. Influence of Charms
V. MAGICAL TERMS USED IN THE BIBLE
1. Divination
2. Sorcery
3. Enchantment
4. Amulets
5. Incantation
6. Repeated Utterances
7. Impostors
8. Witchcraft
LITERATURE
The word comes from a Greek adjective (μαγική, magikḗ) with which the noun τέχνη, téchnē, “art,” is understood. The full phrase is “magical art” (The Wisdom of Solomon 17:10). But the Greek word is derived from the magi or Zarathustran (Zoroastrian) priests. Magic is therefore historically the art practiced in Persia by the recognized priests of the country. It is impossible in the present article, owing to exigencies of space, to give a full account of this important subject and of the leading views of it which have been put forth. The main purpose of the following treatment will be to consider the subject from the Biblical standpoint.

I. Definition.
In its modern accepted sense magic may be described as the art of bringing about results beyond man's own power by superhuman agencies. In the wide sense of this definition divination is only a species of magic, i.e. magic used as a means of securing secret knowledge, especially a knowledge of the future. Divination and magic bear a similar relation to prophecy and miracle respectively, the first and third implying special knowledge, the second and fourth special power. But divination has to do generally with omens, and it is better for this and other reasons to notice the two subjects - magic and divination - apart as is done in the present work.

II. Division of the Subject.
1. Magic as Impersonal:
There are two kinds of magic: (1) impersonal; (2) personal. In the first, magic is a species of crude science, for the underlying hypothesis is that there are forces in the world which can be utilized on certain conditions, incantations, magical acts, drugs, etc. The magician in this case connects what on a very slender induction he considers to be causes and effects, mainly on the principle of post hoc ergo propter hoc. He may not know much of the causal agency; it is enough for him to know that by performing some act or reciting some formula (see CHARM) or carrying some object (see AMULET) he can secure some desired end. Frazer (Golden Bough2, I, 61) says: “Magic is a kind of savage logic, an elementary species of reasoning based on similarity, contiguity and contrast.” But why does the savage draw conclusions from association of ideas? There must be an implied belief in the uniformly of Nature or in the controlling power of intelligent beings.

2. Magic as Personal:
In personal magic, living, intelligent, spiritual beings are made the real agents which men by incantations, etc., influence and even control. The magical acts may in an advanced stage include sacrifice, the incantations become prayer.
Impersonal magic is regarded by most anthropologists, including E.B. Tylor and J. Frazer, as more primitive than the second and as a lower form of it. This conclusion rests on an assumption that human culture is always progressive, that the movement is uniformly onward and upward. But this law does not always hold. The religion of Israel as taught in the 8th century BC stands on a higher level ethically and intellectually than that taught in the writings of Haggai, Zechariah and Eccelesiastes centuries later. Among the ancient Indians, the Rig Veda occupies much loftier ground than the much later Atharva Veda.

III. Magic and Religion.
Personal magic in its higher forms shades off into religion, and very commonly the two exist together. It is the practice to speak of sacrifice and prayer as constituting elements of the ancient and modern religions of India. But it is doubtful whether either of these has the same connotation that it bears in the Jewish and Christian Scriptures. J. Frazer (Golden Bough2, I, 67 ff) says that where the operation of spirits is assumed (and “these cases are exceptional”), magic is “tinged and alloyed with religion.” Such an assumption is, he admits, often made and the present writer thinks it is generally made, for even the operation of the laws of association implies it. But Frazer concludes from various considerations that “though magic is ... found to fuse and amalgamate with religion in many ages and in many lands, there are some grounds for thinking that this fusion is not primitive.” It is of course personal magic to which religion stands in closest relations. As soon as man comes to see in the beings by whose power marvels are wrought, personalities capable of emotions like himself and susceptible to persuasion, his magical art becomes an intelligent effort to propitiate these superior beings and his incantations become hymns and prayers. In all religions, Jewish, Moslem, Christian or pagan, when the act or prayer as such is held to produce certain results or to secure certain desired boons, we have to do with a species of magic. The word “religion” is inapplicable, unless it includes the idea of personal faith in a God or gods whose favor depends on moral acts and on ritual acts only in so far as they have a voluntary and ethical character. If it be granted that magic, the lower, precedes religion, the higher, this does not necessarily negative the validity of the religious concept. Mature knowledge is preceded by elementary impressions and beliefs which are subjective without objective correspondences. But this higher knowledge is none the less valid for its antecedents. If it can be proved that the Christian or any other religion has become what it is by gradual ascent from animism, magic, etc., its validity is not by this destroyed or even impaired. Religion must be judged according to its own proper evidence. But see II, end.

IV. Magic in the Bible.
1. Hostility to Magic:
The general remarks made on the Bible and divination in DIVINATION, V, have an equal application to the attitude of the Bible toward magic. This attitude is distinctly hostile, as it could not but be in documents professing to inculcate the teaching of the ethical and spiritual religion of Israel (see Deu_18:10 f; 2Ki_21:6; 2Ch_33:6, etc.). Yet it is equally clear that the actual power of magic is acknowledged as clearly as its illegitimacy is pointed out. In P's account of the plagues (Ex 7 through 11) it is assumed that the magicians of Egypt had real power to perform superhuman feats. They throw their rods and they become serpents; they turn the waters of the Nile into blood. It is only when they try to produce gnats that they fail, though Aaron had succeeded by Yahweh's power in doing this and thus showed that Yahweh's power was greatest. But that the magicians had power that was real and great is not so much as called in question.

2. Potency of Magical Words:
Among the ancient Semites (Arabs, Assyrians, Hebrews, etc.) there was a strong belief in the potency of the magical words of blessing and of curse. The mere utterance of such words was regarded as enough to secure their realization. That the narrator of Nu 22 through 24 (Jahwist) ascribed to Balaam magical power is clear from the narrative, else why should Yahweh be represented as transferring Balaam's service to the cause of Israel? We have other Biblical references to the power of the spoken word of blessing in Gen_12:3; Exo_12:32; Jdg_17:2; 2Sa_21:3, and of curse in Gen_27:29; Jdg_5:23; Job_3:8 (compare the so-called Imprecatory Psalms, and see Century Bible, “Psalms,” volume II, 216). On the prevalence of the belief among the Arabs, see the important work of Goldziher, Abhandlungen zur arabischen Philologie, Theil I, 23 ff.

3. Influence of Charms:
In Gen_30:14 (Jahwist) we have an example of the belief in the power of plants (here mandrakes) to stir up and strengthen sexual love, and we read in Arabic literature of the very same superstition in connection with what is called Yabruḥ, almost certainly the same plant. Indeed one of the commonest forms in which magic appears is as a love-charm, and as this kind of magic was often exercised by women, magic and adultery are frequently named together in the Old Testament (see 2Ki_9:22; Nah_3:4; Mal_3:5; and compare Exo_22:18 (17), where the sorceress (the King James Version “witch”) is to be condemned to death). We have an instance of what is called sympathetic magic (for a description of which see Jevons, Introduction to History of Religion, 28 ff, and Frazer, Golden Bough2, I, 49 ff) in Gen_30:37 ff. Jacob placed before the sheep and goats that came to drink water peeled rods, so that the pregnant ones might bring forth young that were spotted and striped. The teraphim mentioned in Gen_31:19 ff and put away with wizards during the drastic reforms of Josiah (2Ki_23:24; compare Zec_10:2) were household objects supposed capable of warding off evil of every kind. The Babylonians and Assyrians had a similar custom. We read of an Assyrian magician that he had statues of the gods Lugalgira and Alamu put on each side of the main entrance to his house, and in consequence he felt perfectly impregnable against evil spirits (see Tallquist, Assyrian. Beach, 22).
In Isa_3:2 the ḳōṣēm (“magician” or “diviner”) is named along with the knight warrior, the judge, prophet and elder, among the stays and supports of the nation; no disapproval is expressed or implied with regard to any of them. Yet it is not to be denied that in its essential features pure Yahwism, which enforced personal faith in a pure spiritual being, was radically opposed to all magical beliefs and practices. The fact that the Hebrews stood apart as believers in an ethical and spiritual religion from the Semitic and other peoples by which they were surrounded suggests that they were Divinely guided, for in other respects - art, philosophy, etc. - this same Hebrew nation held a lower place than many contemporary nations.

V. Magical Terms Used in the Bible.
Many terms employed in the Old Testament in reference to divination have also a magical import. See DIVINATION, VII. For a fuller discussion of Biblical terms connected with both subjects, reference may be made to T. Witton Davies, Magic, Divination and Demonology among the Hebrews and Their Neighbours, 44 iff, 78 ff; see also articles “Divination” and “Magic” in EB, by the present writer.

1. Divination:
Here a few brief statements are all that can be attempted. Ḳeṣem (קסם), usually rendered “divination” (see Num_23:23), has primarily a magical reference (Fleischer), though both Wellhausen (Reste des arabischen Heidenthums2, 133, note 5) and W. Robertson Smith (Jour. Phil., XIII, 278) hold that its first use was in connection with divination. The Arabic verb (“to exorcise”) and noun (“an oath”) have magical meanings. But it must be admitted that the secondary meaning (“divination”) has almost driven out the other. See under I, where it is held that at bottom magic and divination are one.

2. Sorcery:
The verb kāshaph (כּשׁף), the Revised Version (British and American) “to practice sorcery,” comes, as Fleischer held, from a root denoting “to have a dark appearance,” to look gloomy, to be distressed, then as a suppliant to seek relief by magical means. The corresponding nouns kāshshaph and mekashshēph are rendered “sorcerer” in English Versions of the Bible.

3. Enchantment:
Laḥash (לחשׁ), English Versions of the Bible “enchantment,” etc. (see Isa_3:3, nebhōn laḥash, the Revised Version (British and American) “the skillful enchanter”), is connected etymologically with nāḥāsh, “a serpent,” the n and l often interchanging in Semitic. Laḥash is, therefore, as might have been expected from this etymology, used specifically of serpent charming (see Jer_8:17; Ecc_10:11; compare melaḥēsh (מלחשׁ) in Psa_58:5 (6), English Versions of the Bible “charmer”).

4. Amulets:
Ḥebher (חבר) occurs in the plural only (Isa_47:9, Isa_47:12, English Versions of the Bible, “enchantments”). It comes from a root meaning “to bind,” and it denotes probably amulets of some kind carried on the person to ward off evil. It seems therefore to be the Biblical equivalent of the Talmudic ḳemia‛ (קמיע), literally, = “something bound” from ḳāma‛ (קמע), “to bind.”

5. Incantation:
Shiḥar (שׁחר) (Isa_47:11) seems to have an etymological connection with the principal Arabic word for “magic” (siḥrun), and is explained by the great majority of recent commentators following J.H. Michaelis (Hitzig, Ewald, Dillmann, Whitehouse in Century Bible, etc.) as meaning “to charm away” (by incantations). So also Targum, Rashi, JH and Jastrow, Dictionary of the Targumim, Talmudim, and Midrashic Literature, Michaelis, Eichhorn, etc.

6. Repeated Utterances:
The verb, battologéō (βαττολγέω) in Mat_6:7 (= “say not the same thing over and over again”) refers to the superstition that the repeated utterance of a word will secure one's wish. In India today it is thought that if an ascetic says in one month the name of Radha, Krishna, or Rom 100,000 times, he cannot fail to obtain what he wants (see 1Ki_18:26). See REPETITION.

7. Impostors:
The term góētes (γόητες), the Revised Version (British and American) “impostors,” the King James Version “seducers,” is used of a class of magicians who uttered certain magical formulas in a deep, low voice (compare the verb goáō (γοάω), which = “to sigh,” “to utter low moaning tones”). Herodotus (ii. 33) says that there were persons of the kind in Egypt, and they are mentioned also by Euripides and Plato.

8. Witchcraft:
Paul in Gal_5:20 classes with uncleanness, idolatry, etc., what he calls pharmakeía (φαρμακεία), the King James Version “witchcraft” the Revised Version (British and American) “sorcery.” The word has reference first of all to drugs used in exercising the magical article Note the name Simon Magus, which = Simon the magician (Act_8:9 f), and Bar-Jesus, whom Luke calls a magician (μάγος, mágos, English Versions of the Bible, “sorcerer”) and to whom he gives also the proper name Elymas, which is really the Arabic ‛ālim = “learned,” and so one skillful in the magical article. See also under AMULET; CHARM; DEMONOLOGY; WITCHCRAFT.

According to International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

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The Occult according to the Bible - 05

Thu, 1 Nov 2007 16:22:05 +0100

The word "occult" is generally associated with secret knowledge and practices dealing with the supernatural or "psychic" phenomena often for the purpose of obtaining personal power. Some occult practices rely on demons or "spirits" to achieve their goals. Occultism is rapidly increasing throughout the world. There are now thousands of publishers of occultic books and magazines (not to mention Web sites). Interest in the occult has been promoted by the New Age movement, the rise of neo-paganism, movies and even some heavy-metal rock bands.
Please understand that the terms “occult” and “cult” refer to completely different things—although there can be crossover in some specific instances. That is, some cults have occultic practices.
The following practices are considered to be occultic: (partial list, in alphabetical order)
Alchemy
Animism
Astrology
Automatic speaking (through spirits)
Automatic writing (spirit-guided)
Cabalistic knowledge
Calling up the dead
Candomble
Celtics (the religion, not the Celtic "race")
Channeling
Chaos Magic
Chiromancy
Clairaudience
Clairvoyance
Crystalmancy
Demon worship and consultation
Discordianism
Divination
Eckankar
Enchantments
Fetishism
Fortune telling
Freemasonry
Glass looking
Gnostic wisdom
Hermetic Traditions
Horoscopes
Hydromancy
I Ching
Illuminated organizations
Illuminati
Incantations
Kabbalah
Knights Templar
La Regla Lucumi
Lukumi
Lycanthropy
Macumba
Magic, magick (magical arts)
Mediums
Mirror gazing
Necromancy
Neo-paganism
Omens
Oracles
Ordo Templi Orientis
Ouija boards
Paganism
Palmistry
Prognostication
Psychometry
Qabalah
Quimbanda
Radiestesia
Rosicrucianism
Runes
Santeria
Satanism
Scrying
Secret societies
Sevi Lwa
Shamanism
Soothsaying
Sorcery
Spells (casting, conjuring)
Spirit-guides
Spiritists
Spiritualism
Tarot cards
Tea cup reading
Thelemite
Umbanda
Vedic astrology
Vodun (Voodoo)
White witchcraft
Wicca
Witchcraft
Wizardy

Today, many people dabble in the mystical, occultic arts. Is there anything wrong with being involved in these practices? Yes, the Bible takes a clear position on this subject, strongly denouncing these practices. God created us and therefore owns us. He has a right to set the rules for our lives. God's Word indicates that these practices are part of Satan's strategy of evil tricks and deception, designed to lead us astray. Satan and his demons are real beings set on our destruction. Christians are warned to "put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places" (Ephesians 6:11-12).
Concerning occult practices, the Israelites were told:
“When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire [an ancient occult practice], or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination [detestable] to the LORD…”  -Deuteronomy 18:9-12a
Astrology (predictions by the planets or moon; horoscopes; sometimes referred to as “observing times” in the Old Testament)
Although the Bible does go into great detail about astrology, it certainly makes its position clear. We should never trust in astrological beliefs or predictions. Astrology is an ancient, heathen practice that leads to disaster. Our lives are not determined by the stars or movement of planets. The Bible warns against the false predictions of astrology (Jeremiah 10:2; 27:9-10; Daniel 2:1-4; 4:7; 5:7-9) and repeatedly condemns the associated practice of worshipping the sun, moon and stars (or “deities or demons associated with them”) (Deuteronomy 4:19; 17:2-5; 2 Kings 21:3, 5; Zephaniah 1:5; Job 31:26-28; Jeremiah 8:1-2).
In Isaiah, God sarcastically rebukes Israel for practicing astrology,
…For you have trusted in your wickedness… Therefore evil shall come upon you… trouble shall fall upon you… Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators stand up and save you from what shall come upon you. Behold, they shall be as stubble, The fire shall burn them; They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame…  -Isaiah 47:10-14a
Magic, Spells, Enchantments, Charming, Sorcery, Wizardry, Witchcraft
Research has shown that occult magic is often fraudulent and deceitful illusion - counterfeit miracles. Many books have been written on this subject. In some instances, occult magic or divination are a manifestation of demonic powers or the result of demon possession (Acts 16:16). Of course, the power of Satan and his demons is extremely limited compared to God's power.
Those who follow the path of the magic arts are on the wrong path - a road that leads away from God, not toward Him. In one way or another, the end will be disaster. The evil Queen Jezebel practiced witchcraft (2 Kings 9:22) bringing catastrophe on herself and all Israel. Over and over, God denounces those who "conjure spells" (NKJV) and those who practice witchcraft and sorcery. The Bible says that anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; 2 Kings 21:6; Micah 5:12; Isaiah 47:12; Ezekiel 13:18, 20; Acts 8:11-24; Leviticus 20:27; Exodus 7:11; Revelation 9:21; 22:15).
God warns of the ultimate punishment. Revelation 21:8 says of "…those who practice magic arts …their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur… the second death" (NIV). Those who practice witchcraft (sorcery) will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:20-21). These practices are anti-God and are in rebellion against Him.
Many of citizens of ancient Ephesus practiced the magic arts. Those who became Christians realized the foolish error of their former lives and burned their expensive books of magic as the trash they were (Acts 19:19).
The Bible tells how the apostle Paul once dealt with one of these deceivers, a sorcerer and false prophet who led people astray. "Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.' And immediately a dark mist fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand" (Acts 13:9-11).
Divination, Fortune-telling, Mediums, Spiritism, Necromancy, Familiar Spirits, Wizardry, Seances, Channeling, Clairvoyance, Spirit-guides
The Bible strongly warns people not to consult mediums and spiritists for the truth, but to inquire of God (Isaiah 8:19). Clearly, if those who practiced these arts have any power (beyond being great deceivers), it is not a gift from God (as some falsely claim). The Bible condemns and forbids these practices several times (Deuteronomy 18:9-14; Isaiah 44:25; Jeremiah 27:9; 2 Kings 21:6; 23:24). Divination and Spiritism were despised practices of the heathens (Ezekiel 21:21; Isaiah 19:3; 1 Samuel 28). Scripture says that one of the reasons King Saul died was "because he consulted a medium for guidance" rather than God (1 Chronicles 10:13-14).
The Bible provides examples showing the folly and failures of those who claimed the ability to predict the future based on their own powers or those of spirits (Daniel 2:27, etc.). God calls the word of diviners "nonsense," "lies" and "deception" for foolish people (Ezekiel 13:8; Jeremiah 14:14; Isaiah 44:25). God said, "Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!" (Ezekiel 13:3). If an Israelite lived the deceitful practice of being a medium, it was punishable by death (Leviticus 20:27). The presence of a medium or spiritist among God's people of Israel was considered a defilement (Leviticus 19:31). All these practices take people further from their Creator, the true and living God.
Following omens or signs
We are not to look to omens or "signs" to direct our lives. The Bible reprimands people for doing this. It is an "abomination" and foolishness (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). Look to God and His instructions for life as provided in the Bible. To do otherwise is to foolishly deceive yourself, or allow Satan and others to deceive you.

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NDE file (Near Death Experience) - 04

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:56:59 +0200

An instance, when apparently on the brink of death, of experiencing, from outside the body, the situation and circumstances of dying.
Such cases are usually reported after an individual has been pronounced clinically dead, or otherwise very close to death, hence the entitlement near-death experience. With recent developments in cardiac resuscitation techniques, the number of NDEs reported is continually increasing. The scientific community is very divided on the issue of NDEs, however. Skeptical scientists regard such experiences as hallucinatory: paranormal scientists claim them to be evidence of an after life.
Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed...Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:6-7

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Casting a spell is not a joke - 03

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:30:19 +0200

Having myself been a practitioner of the art of casting spells in black magic, (watch my testimony), I know for a fact .....I know, from first-hand experience, that this is not a subject to be taken lightly. As far as I am concerned, there is no such thing as a "harmless" spell. A spell is a spell. Of course , the resulting consequences will vary from victim to victim, depending on the type of spell that was cast. However, the person who cast the spell, even if it was done as a joke or as a form of entertainment, is putting himself (soul,spirit and body) in danger.

All desired blessings can, and indeed, MUST, be obtained in the following manner:

“Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you today; and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way which I command you today, to go after other gods which you have not known. Deuteronomy 11:26-28.
And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Deuteronomy 11:26-28 and 1 John 3:23.

If you are not a Christian please follow this link to get out of your spell.

If you are a Christian:
(If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord, have been washed in His blood, confessed and turned away from your sins and are willing to obey God)

You can’t curse:
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all.
Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
Rom 12:14, 1 thess 5:15, James 3:10.

You are called to bless:
...not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Pet 3:9

Nobody can curse you:
And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.
”How shall I curse whom God has not cursed?
Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it.
Numbers 22:12, Numbers 23:8

Bless those who curse you:
But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you. Mat 5:44
Allan Rich
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The devil (satan etc.) according to the Bible - 02

Mon, 8 Oct 2007 12:57:26 +0200

Who is the devil? According to ISBE, Fausset, Nave and Smith.

According to ISBE:
Satan
sā´tan (שׂטן, sāṭān), “adversary,” from the verb שׂטן, sāṭan, “to lie in wait” (as adversary); Σατᾶν, Satán, Σατανᾶς, Satanás, “adversary,” διάβολος, diábolos, “Devil,” “adversary” or “accuser,” κατήγωρ, katḗgōr (altogether unclassical and unGreek) (used once in Rev_12:10), “accuser”):
I. DEFINITION
II. SCRIPTURAL FACTS CONCERNING SATAN
1. Names of Satan
2. Character of Satan
3. Works of Satan
4. History of Satan
III. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. Scripture Doctrine of Satan Not Systematized
2. Satan and God
3. Satan Essentially Limited
4. Conclusions
LITERATURE

I. Definition.
A created but superhuman, personal, evil, world-power, represented in Scripture as the adversary both of God and men.

II. Scriptural Facts Concerning Satan.
1. Names of Satan:
The most important of these are the Hebrew and Greek equivalents noticed above. These words are used in the general sense justified by their etymological significance. It is applied even to Yahweh Himself (Num_22:22, Num_22:32; compare 1Sa_29:4; 2Sa_19:22; Psa_109:6, etc.). The word “Satan” is used 24 times in the Old Testament. In Job (Job_1:6 f) and Zec (Job_3:1 f) it has the prefixed definite article. In all cases but one when the article is omitted it is used in a general sense. This one exception is 1Ch_21:1 (compare 2Sa_24:1), where the word is generally conceded to be used as a proper name. This meaning is fixed in New Testament times. We are thus enabled to note in the term “Satan” (and Devil) the growth of a word from a general term to an appellation and later to a proper name. All the other names of Satan save only these two are descriptive titles. In addition to these two principal names a number of others deserve specific enumeration. Tempter (Mat_4:5; 1Th_3:5); Beelzebub (Mat_12:24); Enemy (Mat_13:39); Evil One (Mat_13:19, Mat_13:38; 1Jo_2:13, 1Jo_2:14; 1Jo_3:12, and particularly 1Jo_5:18); Belial (2Co_6:15); Adversary (ἀντίδικος, antídikos), (1Pe_5:8); Deceiver (literally “the one who deceives”) (Rev_12:9); Dragon (Great) (Rev_12:3); Father of Lies (Joh_8:44); Murderer (Joh_8:44); Sinner (1Jo_3:8) - these are isolated references occurring from 1 to 3 times each. In the vast majority of passages (70 out of 83) either Satan or Devil is used.

2. Character of Satan:
Satan is consistently represented in the New Testament as the enemy both of God and man. The popular notion is that Satan is the enemy of man and active in misleading and cursing humanity because of his intense hatred and opposition to God. Mat_13:39 would seem to point in this direction, but if one were to venture an opinion in a region where there are not enough facts to warrant a conviction, it would be that the general tenor of Scripture indicates quite the contrary, namely, that Satan's jealousy and hatred of men has led him into antagonism to God and, consequently, to goodness. The fundamental moral description of Satan is given by our Lord when He describes Satan as the “evil one” (Mat_13:19, Mat_13:38; compare Isaiah's description of Yahweh as the “Holy One,” Isa_1:4 and often); that is, the one whose nature and will are given to evil. Moral evil is his controlling attribute. It is evident that this description could not be applied to Satan as originally created. Ethical evil cannot be concreated. It is the creation of each free will for itself. We are not told in definite terms how Satan became the evil one, but certainly it could be by no other process than a fall, whereby, in the mystery of free personality, an evil will takes the place of a good one.

3. Works of Satan:
The world-wide and age-long works of Satan are to be traced to one predominant motive. He hates both God and man and does all that in him lies to defeat God's plan of grace and to establish and maintain a kingdom of evil, in the seduction and ruin of mankind. The balance and sanity of the Bible is nowhere more strikingly exhibited than in its treatment of the work of Satan. Not only is the Bible entirely free from the extravagances of popular Satanology, which is full of absurd stories concerning the appearances, tricks, and transformations of Satan among men, but it exhibits a dependable accuracy and consistency, of statement which is most reassuring. Almost nothing is said concerning Satanic agency other than wicked men who mislead other men. In the controversy with His opponents concerning exorcism (Mar_3:22 f and parallel's) our Lord rebuts their slanderous assertion that He is in league with Satan by the simple proposition that Satan does not work against himself. But in so saying He does far more than refute this slander. He definitely aligns the Bible against the popular idea that a man may make a definite and conscious personal alliance with Satan for any purpose whatever. The agent of Satan is always a victim. Also the hint contained in this discussion that Satan has a kingdom, together with a few other not very definite allusions, are all that we have to go upon in this direction. Nor are we taught anywhere that Satan is able to any extent to introduce disorder into the physical universe or directly operate in the lives of men. It is true that in Luk_13:16 our Lord speaks of the woman who was bowed over as one “whom Satan has bound, lo, these eighteen years,” and that in 2Co_12:7 Paul speaks of his infirmity as a “messenger of Satan sent to buffet him.” Paul also speaks (1Th_2:18) of Satan's hindering him from visiting the church at Thessalonica. A careful study of these related passages (together with the prologue of Job) will reveal the fact that Satan's direct agency in the physical world is very limited. Satan may be said to be implicated in all the disasters and woes of human life, in so far as they are more or less directly contingent upon sin (see particularly Heb_2:14) On the contrary, it is perfectly evident that Satan's power consists principally in his ability to deceive. It is interesting and characteristic that according to the Bible Satan is fundamentally a liar and his kingdom is a kingdom founded upon lies and deceit. The doctrine of Satan therefore corresponds in every important particular to the general Biblical emphasis upon truth. “The truth shall make you free” (Joh_8:32) - this is the way of deliverance from the power of Satan.
Now it would seem that to make Satan pre-eminently the deceiver would make man an innocent victim and thus relax the moral issue. But according to the Bible man is particeps criminis in the process of his own deception. He is deceived only because he ceases to love the truth and comes first to love and then to believe a lie (2Co_1:10). This really goes to the very bottom of the problem of temptation. Men are not tempted by evil, per se, but by a good which can be obtained only at the cost of doing wrong. The whole power of sin, at least in its beginnings, consists in the sway of the fundamental falsehood that any good is really attainable by wrongdoing. Since temptation consists in this attack upon the moral sense, man is constitutionally guarded against deceit, and is morally culpable in allowing himself to be deceived. The temptation of our Lord Himself throws the clearest possible light upon the methods ascribed to Satan and The temptation was addressed to Christ's consciousness of divine sonship; it was a deceitful attack emphasizing the good, minimizing or covering up the evil; indeed, twisting evil into good. It was a deliberate, malignant attempt to obscure the truth and induce to evil through the acceptance of falsehood. The attack broke against a loyalty to truth which made self-deceit, and consequently deceit from without, impossible. The lie was punctured by the truth and the temptation lost its power (see TEMPTATION OF CHRIST). This incident reveals one of the methods of Satan - by immediate suggestion as in the case of Judas (Luk_22:3; Joh_13:2, Joh_13:27). Sometimes, however, and, perhaps, most frequently, Satan's devices (2Co_2:11) include human agents. Those who are given over to evil and who persuade others to evil are children and servants of Satan (See Mat_16:23; Mar_8:33; Luk_4:8; Joh_6:70; Joh_8:44; Act_13:10; 1Jo_3:8). Satan also works through persons and institutions supposed to be on the side of right but really evil. Here the same ever-present and active falseness and deceit are exhibited. When he is called “the god of this world” (2Co_4:4) it would seem to be intimated that he has the power to clothe himself in apparently divine attributes. He also makes himself an angel of light by presenting advocates of falsehood in the guise of apostles of truth (2Co_11:13, 2Co_11:15; 1Jo_4:1; 2Th_2:9; Rev_12:9; Rev_19:20). In the combination of passages here brought together, it is clearly indicated that Satan is the instigator and fomenter of that spirit of lawlessness which exhibits itself as hatred both of truth and right, and which has operated so widely and so disastrously in human life.

4. History of Satan:
The history of Satan, including that phase of it which remains to be realized, can be set forth only along the most general lines. He belongs to the angelic order of beings. He is by nature one of the sons of Elohīm (Job_1:6). He has fallen, and by virtue of his personal forcefulness has become the leader of the anarchic forces of wickedness. As a free being he has merged his life in evil and has become altogether and hopelessly evil. As a being of high intelligence he has gained great power and has exercised a wide sway over other beings. As a created being the utmost range of his power lies within the compass of that which is permitted. It is, therefore, hedged in by the providential government of God and essentially limited. The Biblical emphasis upon the element of falsehood in the career of Satan might be taken to imply that his kingdom may be less in extent than appears. At any rate, it is confined to the cosmic sphere and to a limited portion of time. It is also doomed. In the closely related passages 2Pe_2:4 and Jud_1:6 it is affirmed that God cast the angels, when they sinned, down to Tartarus and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment. This both refers to the constant divine control of these insurgent forces and also points to their final and utter destruction. The putting of Satan in bonds is evidently both constant and progressive. The essential limitation of the empire of evil and its ultimate overthrow are foreshadowed in the Book of Job (chapters 38 through 41), where Yahweh's power extends even to the symbolized spirit of evil.
According to synoptic tradition, our Lord in the crisis of temptation immediately following the baptism (Mt 4 and parallel) met and for the time conquered Satan as His own personal adversary. This preliminary contest did not close the matter, but was the earnest of a complete victory. According to Luke (Luk_10:18), when the Seventy returned from their mission flushed with victory over the powers of evil, Jesus said: 'I saw Satan fall (not “fallen”; see Plummer, “Luke,” ICC, in the place cited.) as lightning from heaven.' In every triumph over the powers of evil Christ beheld in vision the downfall of Satan. In connection with the coming of the Hellenists who wished to see Him, Jesus asserted (Joh_12:31), “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.” In view of His approaching passion He says again (Joh_14:30), “The prince of the world cometh: and he hath nothing in me.” Once again in connection with the promised advent of the Spirit, Jesus asserted (Joh_16:11) that the Spirit would convict the world of judgment, “because the prince of this world hath been judged.” In Hebrews (Heb_2:14, Heb_2:15) it is said that Christ took upon Himself human nature in order “that through death he might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the Devil.” In 1Jo_3:8 it is said, “To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the Devil.” In Rev_12:9 it is asserted, in connection with Christ's ascension, that Satan was cast down to the earth and his angels with him. According to the passage immediately following (Rev_12:10-12), this casting down was not complete or final in the sense of extinguishing his activities altogether, but it involves the potential and certain triumph of God and His saints and the equally certain defeat of Satan. In 1Jo_2:13 the young men are addressed as those who “have overcome the evil one.” In Rev_20:1-15 the field of the future is covered in the assertion that Satan is “bound a thousand years”; then loosed “for a little time,” and then finally “cast into the lake of fire.”
A comparison of these passages will convince the careful student that while we cannot construct a definite chronological program for the career of Satan, we are clear in the chief points. He is limited, judged, condemned, imprisoned, reserved for judgment from the beginning. The outcome is certain though the process may be tedious and slow. The victory of Christ is the defeat of Satan; first, for Himself as Leader and Saviour of men (Joh_14:30); then, for believers (Luk_22:31; Act_26:18; Rom_16:20; Jam_4:7; 1Jo_2:13; 1Jo_5:4, 1Jo_5:18); and, finally, for the whole world (Rev_20:10). The work of Christ has already destroyed the empire of Satan.

III. General Considerations.
There are, no doubt, serious difficulties in the way of accepting the doctrine of a personal, superhuman, evil power as Satan is described to be. It is doubtful, however, whether these diffificulties may not be due, at least in part, to a misunderstanding of the doctrine and certain of its implications. In addition, it must be acknowledged, that whatever difficulties there may be in the teaching, they are exaggerated and, at the same time, not fairly met by the vague and irrational skepticism which denies without investigation. There are difficulties involved in any view of the world. To say the least, some problems are met by the view of a superhuman, evil world-power. In this section certain general considerations are urged with a view to lessening difficulties keenly felt by some minds. Necessarily, certain items gathered in the foregoing section are here emphasized again.

1. Scripture Doctrine of Satan Not Systematized:
The Scriptural doctrine of Satan is nowhere systematically developed. For materials in this field we are shut up to scattered and incidental references. These passages, which even in the aggregate are not numerous, tell us what we need to know concerning the nature, history, kingdom and works of Satan, but offer scant satisfaction to the merely speculative temper. The comparative lack of development in this field is due partly to the fact that the Biblical writers are primarily interested in God, and only secondarily in the powers of darkness; and partly to the fact that in the Bible doctrine waits upon fact. Hence, the malign and sinister figure of the Adversary is gradually outlined against the light of God's holiness as progressively revealed in the providential world-process which centers in Christ. It is a significant fact that the statements concerning Satan become numerous and definite only in the New Testament. The daylight of the Christian revelation was necessary in order to uncover the lurking foe, dimly disclosed but by no means fully known in the earlier revelation. The disclosure of Satan is, in form at least, historical, not dogmatic.

2. Satan and God:
In the second place, the relationship of Satan to God, already emphasized, must be kept constantly in mind. The doctrine of Satan merges in the general doctrine concerning angels (see ANGEL). It has often been pointed out that the personal characteristics of angels are very little insisted upon. They are known chiefly by their functions: merged, on the one hand, in their own offices, and, on the other, in the activities of God Himself.
In the Old Testament Satan is not represented as a fallen and malignant spirit, but as a servant of Yahweh, performing a divine function and having his place in the heavenly train. In the parallel accounts of David's numbering of Israel (1Sa_24:1; 1Ch_21:1) the tempting of David is attributed both to Yahweh and Satan. The reason for this is either that 'the temptation of men is also a part of his providence,' or that in the interval between the documents the personality of the tempter has more clearly emerged. In this case the account in Chronicles would nearly approximate the New Testament teaching. In the Book of Job (Job_1:6), however, Satan is among the Sons of God and his assaults upon Job are divinely permitted. In Zec (Job_3:1, Job_3:2) Satan is also a servant of Yahweh. In both these passages there is the hint of opposition between Yahweh and Satan. In the former instance Satan assails unsuccessfully the character of one whom Yahweh honors; while in the latter Yahweh explicitly rebukes Satan for his attitude toward Israel (see G. A. Smith, BTP, II, 316 f). The unveiling of Satan as a rebellious world-power is reserved for the New Testament, and with this fuller teaching the symbolic treatment of temptation in Gen is to be connected. There is a sound pedagogical reason, from the viewpoint of revelation, for this earlier withholding of the whole truth concerning Satan. In the early stages of religious thinking it would seem to be difficult, if not impossible, to hold the sovereignty of God without attributing to His agency those evils in the world which are more or less directly connected with judgment and punishment (compare Isa_45:7; Amo_3:6). The Old Testament sufficiently emphasizes man's responsibility for his own evil deeds, but super-human evil is brought upon him from above. “When willful souls have to be misled, the spirit who does so, as in Ahab's case, comes from above” (G. A. Smith, op. cit., 317). The progressive revelation of God's character and purpose, which more and more imperatively demands that the origin of moral evil, and consequently natural evil, must be traced to the created will in opposition to the divine will, leads to the ultimate declaration that Satan is a morally fallen being to whose conquest the Divine Power in history is pledged. There is, also, the distinct possibility that in the significant transition from the Satan of the Old Testament to that of the New Testament we have the outlines of a biography and an indication of the way by which the angels fell.

3. Satan Essentially Limited:
A third general consideration, based upon data given in the earlier section, should be urged in the same connection. In the New Testament delineation of Satan, his limitations are clearly set forth. He is superhuman, but not in any sense divine. His activities are cosmic, but not universal or transcendent. He is a created being. His power is definitely circumscribed. He is doomed to final destruction as a world-power. His entire career is that of a secondary and dependent being who is permitted a certain limited scope of power - a time-lease of activity (Luk_4:6).

4. Conclusions:
These three general considerations have been grouped in this way because they dispose of three objections which are current against the doctrine of Satan.
(1) The first is, that it is mythological in origin. That it is not dogmatic is a priori evidence against this hypothesis. Mythology is primitive dogma. There is no evidence of a theodicy or philosophy of evil in the Biblical treatment of Satan. Moreover, while the Scriptural doctrine is unsystematic in form, it is rigidly limited in scope and everywhere essentially consistent. Even in the Apocalypse, where naturally more scope is allowed to the imagination, the same essential ideas appear. The doctrine of Satan corresponds, item for item, to the intellectual saneness and ethical earnestness of the Biblical world-view as a whole. It is, therefore, not mythological. The restraint of chastened imagination, not the extravagance of mythological fancy, is in evidence throughout the entire Biblical treatment of the subject. Even the use of terms current in mythology (as perhaps Gen_3:1, Gen_3:13, Gen_3:14; Rev_12:7-9; compare 1Pe_5:8) does not imply more than a literary clothing of Satan in attributes commonly ascribed to malignant and disorderly forces.
(2) The second objection is that the doctrine is due to the influence of Persian dualism (see PERSIAN RELIGION; ZOROASTRIANISM). The answer to this is plain, on the basis of facts already adduced. The Biblical doctrine of Satan is not dualistic. Satan's empire had a beginning, it will have a definite and permanent end. Satan is God's great enemy in the cosmic sphere, but he is God's creation, exists by divine will, and his power is relatively no more commensurate with God's than that of men. Satan awaits his doom. Weiss says (concerning the New Testament representation of conflict between God and the powers of evil): “There lies in this no Manichaean dualism,... but only the deepest experience of the work of redemption as the definite destruction of the power from which all sin in the world of men proceeds” (Biblical Theology New Testament, English tanslations of the Bible, II, 272; compare G.A. Smith, op. cit., II, 318).
(3) The third objection is practically the same as the second, but addressed directly to the doctrine itself, apart from the question of its origin, namely, that it destroys the unity of God. The answer to this also is a simple negative. To some minds the reality of created wills is dualistic and therefore untenable. But a true doctrine of unity makes room for other wills than God's - namely of those beings upon whom God has bestowed freedom. Herein stands the doctrine of sin and Satan. The doctrine of Satan no more militates against the unity of God than the idea, so necessary to morality and religion alike, of other created wills set in opposition to God's. Just as the conception of Satan merges, in one direction, in the general doctrine of angels, so, in the other, it blends with the broad and difficult subject of evil (compare “Satan,” HDB, IV, 412a).

Literature.
All standard works on Biblical Theology, as well as Dictionaries, etc., treat with more or less thoroughness the doctrine of Satan. The German theologians of the more evangelical type, such as Weiss, Lange, Martensen (Danish), Dorner, while exhibiting a tendency toward excessive speculation, discern the deeper aspects of the doctrine. Of monographs known to the writer none are to be recommended without qualification. It is a subject on which the Bible is its own best interpreter.

Fausset:
Satan

("adversary".) Four times in Old Testament as a proper name (Job_1:6; Job_1:12; Job_2:1; Zec_3:1, with ha-, the article); without it in 1Ch_21:1; 1Ch_21:25 times in New Testament; the Devil also 25 times; "the prince of this world" three times, for Satan had some mysterious connection with this earth and its animals before man's appearance. (See DEVIL.) Death already had affected the pre-Adamic animal kingdom, as geology shows. Satan had already fallen, and his fall perhaps affected this earth and its creatures, over which he may originally in innocence have been God's vicegerent, hence his envy of man his successor in the vicegerency (Gen_1:26; Gen_3:1-14). "The winked one" six times; "the tempter" twice. "The old serpent, the devil, and Satan, who deceiveth the whole world" (Rev_12:9; Rev_20:23). In Job his power is only over outward circumstances, by God's permission. Instead of being a rival power to good and God, as in the Persian belief as to Ormuzd and Ahriman, he is subordinate; his malicious temptation of David was overruled to work out Jehovah's anger against Israel (2Sa_24:1; 1Ch_21:1).
As the judicial adversary of God's people he accuses them before God, but is silenced by Jehovah their Advocate (Zec_3:1-2; 1Pe_5:8; Psa_109:6; Psa_109:31; 1Jo_2:1-2). The full revelation of "the strong man armed" was only when "the stronger" was revealed (Luk_11:21-23). He appears as personal tempter of Jesus Christ. (See JESUS CHRIST.) The Zendavesta has an account of the temptation in Eden nearest that of Genesis, doubtless derived from the primitive tradition. Christ's words of Satan are (Joh_8:44), cf6 "ye are of your father the devil; he was a murderer (compare as to his instigating Cain 1Jo_3:9-12) from the beginning and abode not in the truth. When he speaketh a lie he speaketh of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it." He is a "spirit," "prince of the powers of the air," and "working in the children of disobedience" (Eph_2:2). "Prince of the demons" (Greek), at the head of an organized "kingdom" (Mat_12:24-26), with "his (subject) angels."
They "kept not their first estate but left their own habitation"; so God "hath reserved them in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day" (Jud_1:6). Again "God spared not the angels, but cast them into hell (Tartarus, the bottomless pit: Luk_8:31; Rev_9:11), and delivered them to chains of darkness" (2Pe_2:4). Their final doom is Tartarus; meanwhile they roam in "the darkness of this world"; step by step they and Satan are being given up to Tartarus, until wholly bound there at last (Revelation 20). "The darkness of this world" (Eph_6:12) is their chain. They are free now to tempt and hurt only to the length of their chain; Rev_12:7-9 describes not their original expulsion, but a further step in their fall, owing to Christ's ascension, namely, exclusion from access to accuse the saints before God (Job_1:11; Zechariah 3). Christ's ascension as our advocate took away the accuser's standing ground in heaven (compare Luk_10:18; Isa_14:12-15).
Pride was his "condemnation," and to it he tempts others, especially Christian professors (Gen_3:5; 1Ti_3:6). As love, truth, and holiness characterize God, so malice or hatred (the spring of murder), lying, and uncleanness characterize Satan (Joh_8:44; 1Jo_3:10-12). Disbelief of God is what first Satan tempts men to (Genesis 3); "IF Thou be the Son of God" was the dart he aimed at Christ in the wilderness temptation, and through human emissaries on the cross. Also pride and presumption (Mat_4:6). Restless energy, going to and fro as the "roaring lion"; subtle instilling of venom, gliding steadily on his victim, as the "serpent" or "dragon"; shameless lust (Job_1:7; Mat_12:43); so his victims (Isa_57:20). He steals away the good seed from the careless hearer (Mat_13:19), introduces "the children of the wicked one" into the church itself, the tares among and closely resembling outwardly the wheat (Mat_13:38-39).
His "power" is that of darkness, from which Christ delivers His saints; cutting off members from Christ's church is "delivering them to Satan" (1Co_5:5; 1Ti_1:20; Act_26:18; Col_1:13). The Jews might have been "the church of God," but by unbelief became "the synagogue of Satan." His "throne" opposes Christ's heavenly throne (Rev_4:2; Rev_2:9-10; Rev_2:13). He has his "principalities and powers" in his organized kingdom, in mimicry of the heavenly (Rom_8:38; 1Co_15:24; Col_2:15; Eph_6:12). He instigates persecution, and is the real persecutor. He has "depths of Satan" in opposition to knowledge of "the deep things of God" (Rev_2:24); men pruriently desire to know those depths, as Eve did. It is God's sole prerogative thoroughly to know evil without being polluted by it. Satan has "the power of death," because "the sting of death is sin" (1Co_15:56); Satan being author of sin is author of its consequence, death. God's law (Gen_2:17; Rom_6:23) makes death the executioner of sin, and man Satan's "lawful captive."
Jesus by His death gave death its deathblow and took the prey from the mighty; as David cut off Goliath's head with his own sword (Mat_12:29; Luk_10:19; Isa_49:24; 2Ti_1:10; Psa_8:2; Heb_2:14). "Christ ... through death ... destroy (katargeesee, "render powerless") him that had the power of death." Satan seeks to "get an advantage of" believers (2Co_2:11); he has "devices" (noeemata) and "wiles" (methodeias, "methodical stratagems") (Eph_6:11), and "snares" (1Ti_3:7), "transforming himself (Greek) into an angel of light," though "prince of darkness" (2Co_11:14; Luk_22:53; Eph_6:12). "Satan hinders" good undertakings by evil men (Act_13:10; Act_17:13-14; Act_3:8-10), or even by "messengers of Satan," sicknesses, etc. (2Co_11:14; 2Co_12:7; 1Th_2:18; Luk_13:16). Satan works or energizes in and through antichrist (2Th_2:9; Rev_13:2) in opposition to the Holy Spirit energizing in the church (Eph_1:19). The wanton turn aside from Christ the spouse after Satan the seducer (1Ti_5:11-15).
The believer's victory by "the God of peace bruising Satan" is foretold from the first (Gen_3:15; Rom_16:20). The opposition of Satan in spite of himself will be overruled to the believer's good, the latter thereby learning patience, submission, faith, and so his end being blessed, as in Job's case. Man can in God's strength "resist Satan" (Jam_4:7); by withholding consent of the will, man gives Satan no "place," room or scope (Eph_4:27). "The wicked one toucheth not" the saint, as he could not touch Christ (1Jo_5:18; Joh_14:30). Self restraint and watchfulness are our safeguards (1Pe_5:8).
Translate 2Ti_2:26 "that they may awake (ananeepsosin) ... being taken as saved captives by him ("the servant of the Lord", 2Ti_2:24; autou) so as to follow the will of Him" (ekeinou; God, 2Ti_2:25): ezogreemenoi, taken to be saved alive, instead of Satan's thrall unto death, brought to the willing "captivity of obedience" to Christ (2Co_10:5). So Jesus said to Peter (Luk_5:10), cf6 "henceforth thou shalt catch [unto "life" (zogron)] men." Satan in tempting Christ asserts his delegated rule over the kingdoms of this world, and Christ does not deny but admits it (Luk_4:6), "the prince of this world" (Joh_12:31; Joh_14:30; Joh_16:11; 2Co_4:4; Eph_6:12). Satan slanders God to man (Gen_3:1-5), as envious of man's happiness and unreasonably restraining his enjoyments; and man to God (Job_1:9-11; Job_2:4-5).
Satan tempts, but cannot force, man's will; grace can enable man to overcome (Jam_1:2-4; 1Co_10:13; Jam_4:7, etc.). Satan steals the good seed from the careless hearer (Jam_1:21) and implants tares (Mat_13:4; Mat_13:19; Mat_13:25; Mat_13:38). Satan thrusts into the mind impure thoughts amidst holy exercises; 1Co_7:5, "come together that Satan tempt you not because of your incontinency," i.e., Satan takes advantage of men's inability to restrain natural propensities. Satan tempted Judas (Luk_22:5; Joh_23:27), Peter (Luk_22:31), Ananias and Sapphire (Acts 5). Augustine's (De Civit. Dei, 22:1) opinion was that the redeemed were elected by God to fill up the lapsed places in the heavenly hierarchy, occasioned by the fall of Satan and his demons.

Nave:
Satan
Called:
Abaddon
Rev_9:11
Accuser of our Brethren
Rev_12:10
Adversary
1Pe_5:8
Angel of the Bottomless Pit
Rev_9:11
Apollyon
Rev_9:11
Beelzebub
Mat_12:24; Mar_3:22; Luk_11:15
Belial
2Co_6:15
The Devil
Mat_4:1; Luk_4:2; Luk_4:6; Rev_20:2
Enemy
Mat_13:39
Evil Spirit
1Sa_16:14
Father of Lies
Joh_8:44
Gates of Hell
Mat_16:18
Great Red Dragon
Rev_12:3
Liar
Joh_8:44
Lying Spirit
1Ki_22:22
Murderer
Joh_8:44
Old Serpent
Rev_12:9; Rev_20:2
Power of Darkness
Col_1:13
Prince of this World
Joh_12:31; Joh_14:30; Joh_16:11
Prince of Devils
Mat_12:24
Prince of the Power of the Air
Eph_2:2
Ruler of the Darkness of this World
Eph_6:12
Satan
1Ch_21:1; Job_1:6; Joh_13:27; Act_5:3; Act_26:18; Rom_16:20
Serpent
Gen_3:4; Gen_3:14; 2Co_11:3
Spirit that Worketh in the Children of Disobedience
Eph_2:2
Tempter
Mat_4:3; 1Th_3:5
The God of this World
2Co_4:4
Unclean Spirit
Mat_12:43
Wicked One
Mat_13:19; Mat_13:38
Kingdom of, to be destroyed
2Sa_23:6-7; Mat_12:29; Mat_13:30; Luk_11:21-22; 1Jo_3:8
Synagogue of
Rev_2:9; Rev_3:9
Unclassified scriptures relating to
Gen_3:1; Gen_3:4-5; Gen_3:14-15; 1Ch_21:1; Job_1:6-7; Job_1:9-12; Job_2:3-7; Job_9:24; Psa_109:6; Zec_3:1-2; Mat_4:1-11; Mar_1:13; Luk_4:1-13; Mat_13:19; Mar_4:15; Luk_8:12; Mat_13:38-39; Mat_25:41; Mar_3:22-26; Mat_9:34; Luk_11:15; Luk_11:18; Luk_10:18; Luk_13:16; Luk_22:31; Luk_22:53; Joh_8:38; Joh_8:41; Joh_8:44; Joh_12:31; Joh_13:2; Joh_13:27; Joh_14:30; Joh_16:11; Act_5:3; Act_13:10; Act_26:18; Rom_16:20; 1Co_7:5; 2Co_2:11; 2Co_4:4; 2Co_11:3; 2Co_11:14-15; 2Co_12:7; Eph_2:2; Eph_4:27; Eph_6:11-16; Col_1:13; Col_2:15; 1Th_2:18; 1Th_3:5; 2Th_2:9; 1Ti_1:20; 1Ti_3:6-7; 1Ti_5:15; 2Ti_2:26; Heb_2:14; Jam_4:7; 1Pe_5:8-9; 2Pe_2:4; 1Jo_2:13; 1Jo_3:8; 1Jo_3:10; 1Jo_3:12; 1Jo_5:18; Jud_1:6; Jud_1:9; Rev_2:9-10; Rev_3:9; Rev_2:13; Rev_2:24; Rev_9:11; Rev_12:9-12; Rev_20:1-3; Rev_20:7-8; Rev_20:10

Smith:
Satan
Sa'tan. The word itself, the Hebrew, satan, is simply an "adversary", and is so used in 1Sa_29:4; 2Sa_19:22; 1Ki_6:4; 1Ki_11:14; 1Ki_11:23; 1Ki_11:25; Num_22:22-23; Psa_109:6. This original sense is still found in our Lord's application of the name to St. Peter in Mat_16:23. It is used as a proper name or title only four times in the Old Testament, namely, (with the article), in Job_1:6; Job_1:12; Job_2:1; Zec_2:1, and without the article in 1Ch_21:1. It is with the scriptural revelation on the subject, that we are here concerned; and it is clear, from this simple enumeration of passages, that it is to be sought in the New Testament, rather than in the Old Testament.
I. The personal existence of a spirit of evil is clearly revealed in Scripture; but the revelation is made gradually, in accordance with the progressiveness of God's method. In the first entrance of evil into the world, the temptation is referred only to the serpent. In the book of Job, we find, for the first time, a distinct mention of "Satan," the "adversary," of Job. But it is important to remark the emphatic stress laid on his subordinate position, on the absence of all, but delegated power, of all terror and all grandeur in his character. It is especially remarkable that no power of spiritual influence, but only a power over outward circumstances, is attributed to him.
The captivity brought the Israelites face to face with the great dualism of the Persian mythology, the conflict of Ormuzd with Ahriman, the co-ordinate spirit of evil; but it is confessed by all that the Satan of Scripture bears no resemblance to the Persian, Ahriman. His subordination and inferiority are as strongly marked as ever. The New Testament brings plainly forward the power and the influence of Satan. From the beginning of the Gospel, when he appears as the personal tempter of our Lord, through all the Gospels, Epistles, and Apocalypse, it is asserted, or implied, again and again, as a familiar and important truth.
II. Of the nature and original state of Satan, little is revealed in Scripture. He is spoken of as a "spirit" in Eph_2:2; as the prince or ruler of the "demons" in Mat_12:24-26; and as having "angels" subject to him in Mat_25:41; Rev_12:7; Rev_12:9. The whole description of his power implies spiritual nature and spiritual influence. We conclude, therefore, that he was of angelic nature, a rational and spiritual creature, superhuman in power, wisdom and energy; and not only so, but an archangel, one of the "princes" of heaven.
We cannot, of course, conceive that anything essentially and originally evil was created by God. We can only conjecture, therefore, that Satan is a fallen angel, who once had a time of probation, but whose condemnation is now irrevocably fixed. As to the time, cause, and manner of his fall, Scripture tells us scarcely anything; but it describes to us distinctly, the moral nature of the evil one. The ideal of goodness is made up of the three great moral attributes of God -- love, truth, and purity or holiness; combined with that spirit, which is the natural temper of the finite and dependent, we find creature, the spirit of faith. We find, accordingly, opposites of qualities are dwelt upon as the characteristics of the devil.
III. The power of Satan over the soul is represented as exercised, either directly, or by his instruments. His direct influence over the soul is simply that of a powerful and evil nature on those, in whom lurks the germ of the same evil. Besides this direct influence, we learn from Scripture, that Satan is the leader of a host of evil spirits, or angels, who share his evil work, and for whom, the "everlasting fire is prepared." Mat_25:41. Of their origin and fall we know no more than of his.
But one passage Mat_12:24-26 -- identifies them distinctly with the "demons," (Authorized Version, "devils"), who had power to possess the souls of men. They are mostly spoken of in Scripture in reference to possession; but in Eph_6:12, find them sharing the enmity to God and are ascribed in various lights. We find them sharing the enmity to God and man, implied in the name and nature of Satan; but their power and action are little dwelt upon in comparison with his.
But the evil one is not merely the "prince of the demons;" he is called also the "prince of this world" in Joh_12:31; Joh_14:30; Joh_16:11, and even the "god of this world," in 2Co_4:4; the two expressions being united in Eph_6:12. This power, he claimed for himself, as the delegated authority, in the temptation of our Lord, Luk_4:6, and the temptation would have been unreal, had he spoken altogether falsely.
The indirect action of Satan is best discerned, by an examination of the title, by which he is designated in Scripture. He is called, emphatically, ho diabolos, "the devil". The derivation of the word in itself implies only the endeavor to break the bonds between others, and "set them at variance;" but common usage adds to this general sense, the special idea of "setting at variance by slander." In the application of the title to Satan, both the general, and special senses, should be kept in view.
His general object is to break the bonds of communion between God and man, and the bonds of truth and love, which bind men to each other. The slander of God to man is best seen in the words of Gen_3:4-5. They attribute selfishness and jealousy to the Giver of all good. The slander of man to God is illustrated by the book of Job. Job_1:9-11; Job_2:4-5.
I. The method of satanic action upon the heart itself. It may be summed up in two words -- temptation and possession. The subject of temptation is illustrated, not only by abstract statements, but also by the record of the temptations of Adam and of our Lord. It is expressly laid down, as in Jam_1:2-4 , that "temptation," properly so called, that is, "trial," is essential to man, and is accordingly ordained for him, and sent to him by God, as in Gen_22:1. It is this tentability of man, even in his original nature, which is represented in Scripture as giving scope to the evil action of Satan. But in the temptation of a fallen nature, Satan has a greater power. Every sin committed makes a man, the "servant of sin" for the future, Joh_8:34; Rom_6:16, it, therefore, creates in the spirit of man, a positive tendency to evil, which sympathizes with, and aids, the temptation of the evil one.

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The Occult according to the dictionary - 01

Sun, 7 Oct 2007 21:54:42 +0200

The word occult comes from the Latin occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to "knowledge of the hidden".
The word has many uses in the English language, popularly meaning "knowledge of the paranormal", as opposed to "knowledge of the measurable", usually referred to as science. The term is sometimes popularly taken to mean "knowledge meant only for certain people" or "knowledge that must be kept hidden". The terms esoteric and arcane can have a very similar meaning, and the three terms are often interchangeable.
The term occult is also used as a label given to a number of magical organizations or orders, and the teachings and practices as taught by them. The name also extends to a large body of literature and spiritual philosophy.
Occultism is the study of occult or hidden wisdom. To the occultist it is the study of "Truth", a deeper truth that exists beneath the surface: 'The truth is always hidden in plain sight'. It can involve such subjects as magic, extra-sensory perception, astrology, spiritualism, numerology and lucid dreaming. There is often a strong religious element to these studies and beliefs, and many occultists profess adherence to religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Hinduism, Judaism, or Neopaganism.
The word "occult" is somewhat generic, in that most everything that isn't claimed by any of the major religions is considered to be occult (and many things that are). Even religious scientists have difficulties in defining occultism.
From the 15th to 17th century, these kinds of ideas had a brief revival, that was halted by the triumph of empirical sciences in the seventeenth-century. "By the eighteenth century these unorthodox religious and philosophical concerns were well defined as 'occult', inasmuch as they lay on the outermost fringe of accepted forms of knowledge and discourse," and wholy preserved by a few antiquarians and mystics. However, from about 1770 onwards, a rekoned desire for mystery, an interest in the middle ages and a romantic temper encouraged a revival of occultism in Europe, "a reaction to the rationalist Enlightenment."
Behind it's many varied forms appearantly lies an uniform function, "a strong desire to reconcile the findings of modern natural science with a relIgious view that could restore man to a position of centrality and dignity in the universe.
Direct insight into or perception of the occult does not consist of access to physically measurable facts, but is arrived at through the mind or the spirit. The term can refer to mental, psychological or spiritual training. It is important to note, however, that many occultists will also study science (perceiving science as a branch of Alchemy) to add validity to occult knowledge in a day and age where the mystical can easily be undermined as flights-of-fancy. An oft-cited means of gaining insight into the occult is the use of a focus. A focus may be a physical object, a ritualistic action (for example, meditation or chanting), or a medium in which one becomes wholly immersed; these are just a few examples of the vast and numerous avenues that can be explored.

Science and the occult
Occultism is conceived of as the study of the inner nature of things, as opposed to the outer characteristics that are studied by science. Alchemy, a precursor to modern science, is considered an occult practice. Alchemy used to be common among scientists, such as Isaac Newton. During the Age of Enlightenment alchemy and science went their separate ways.

Tantra, originating in India, includes amongst its various branches a variety of ritualistic practices ranging from visualisation exercises and the chanting of mantras to elaborate rituals involving sex or animal sacrifice, sometimes performed in forbidden places such as cremation grounds. Tantric texts were at one stage unavailable for mass public consumption due to the social stigma attached to the practices. In general, tantra was predominantly associated with black magic and the tantriks were held in great dishonor.
From Wikipedia encyclopedia

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