The Bible provides clear and consistent warnings against consulting mediums, spiritists, and engaging in practices associated with the occult. These prohibitions are rooted in the understanding that such practices are detestable to God and lead individuals away from reliance on Him.

Old Testament Prohibitions

The Old Testament explicitly forbids the Israelites from engaging with mediums and spiritists. In Leviticus 19:31 , the Lord commands, "You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God." This directive underscores the defiling nature of such practices and the importance of maintaining spiritual purity.

Further, in Leviticus 20:6 , God warns, "Whoever turns to mediums or spiritists and prostitutes himself with them, I will set My face against that person and cut him off from his people." This severe consequence highlights the seriousness with which God views the act of consulting mediums, equating it to spiritual unfaithfulness.

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 provides a comprehensive list of forbidden practices, including divination, sorcery, and consulting the dead: "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."

Historical Examples

The narrative of King Saul consulting the medium at Endor serves as a cautionary tale. In 1 Samuel 28, Saul, desperate for guidance, seeks out a medium despite having previously expelled them from the land. This act of disobedience leads to his downfall, as foretold by the spirit of Samuel, whom the medium conjures. Saul's decision to consult a medium is portrayed as a significant turning point that contributes to his tragic end.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly repeat the Old Testament prohibitions against mediums, it continues to affirm the importance of relying on God for guidance and wisdom. Acts 16:16-18 recounts the account of a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. The Apostle Paul, recognizing the spirit's source, commands it to leave her in the name of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the power of God over occult practices.

Theological Implications

From a theological standpoint, consulting mediums is seen as a rejection of God's sovereignty and a failure to trust in His provision and guidance. The Bible consistently calls believers to seek wisdom and direction from God alone, as seen in James 1:5 : "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Conclusion

The biblical warnings against consulting mediums are clear and unequivocal. These practices are considered an affront to God's holiness and a dangerous deviation from faith in Him. Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance through prayer, Scripture, and the counsel of the Holy Spirit, avoiding any form of occult involvement.