Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, sorcerers, adulterers, and perjurers are often grouped together as individuals who engage in practices that are contrary to the commandments and teachings of God. These terms are frequently mentioned in the Scriptures as examples of sinful behavior that leads to spiritual and moral decay.Sorcerers Sorcery, also known as witchcraft or divination, is condemned in the Bible as an abomination to the Lord. Sorcerers are those who practice magic or engage in the occult, seeking to manipulate spiritual forces for personal gain or to harm others. The Bible explicitly warns against such practices, as they are seen as a rebellion against God's sovereignty and an attempt to gain power apart from Him. In the Old Testament, sorcery is strictly prohibited. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 states, "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable things the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you." The New Testament continues this condemnation. In Galatians 5:19-21 , sorcery is listed among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the Spirit: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Adulterers Adultery is the act of being unfaithful in marriage, violating the covenant between a husband and wife. It is considered a grave sin in the Bible, as it not only breaks the marital bond but also undermines the sanctity of marriage, which is a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. The commandment against adultery is one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Exodus 20:14 simply states, "You shall not commit adultery." This commandment underscores the importance of faithfulness and purity in marriage. In the New Testament, Jesus expands on the concept of adultery, emphasizing that it is not only the physical act but also the lustful intent that constitutes sin. In Matthew 5:27-28 , Jesus teaches, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Perjurers Perjury, or bearing false witness, is the act of lying or making false statements under oath. It is a violation of the Ninth Commandment, which calls for truthfulness and integrity in all dealings. Perjury undermines justice and trust within the community, and it is condemned throughout Scripture. Exodus 20:16 commands, "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." This commandment highlights the importance of honesty and the destructive nature of deceit. In the New Testament, the call for truthfulness is reiterated. Jesus emphasizes the importance of honesty in Matthew 5:37 : "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." This teaching underscores the expectation that believers should be people of their word, reflecting the truthfulness of God. In summary, sorcerers, adulterers, and perjurers are consistently portrayed in the Bible as engaging in behaviors that are contrary to God's will. These practices are seen as destructive to both individuals and communities, and they are met with strong warnings and calls for repentance throughout Scripture. |