The Bible and...: Part 11b: The Occult

The Bible and...: Part 11b: The Occult
Friday, August 30, 2024 by Dr. James W. Walraven

Categories: Apologetics / Contemporary issues / Spiritual deception / Spiritual warfare / The church / Thought for Today

Mixing the Bible and the occult. How many pastors and church leaders are unaware that they are doing precisely that? As for those who may attend, how many of them have no idea of what is going on?

The “signs and wonders” movement is rife with occult practices, particularly within the New Apostolic Reformation. Churches like Bethel, Redding, and their allies engage in many so-called ‘movements of the spirit” that have direct ties to the demonic, and outright deception.

Perhaps the most notorious was “soul sucking”. We’re not talking the popular slang term for unhealthy, draining relationships with other humans. The intent was to go to the grave of a deceased noteworthy Christian, like on the grave, and then suck up his or her spiritual anointing. Does one find that in the Scriptures? No! One does find it in the occult, with certain spiritual beings sometimes referred to as “paranormal parasites” who torment their victims.

1 Timothy 4:1–2 (NAU): But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron.

One thinks of “The Passion Translation” supposedly a viable new version of the Bible, authored by Brian Simmons. On the website it looks fine, but when researching deeper into his methodology, one finds practices deeply rooted in the occult. As he relates, an “angel” named Passion gave him the translation. The original Greek or Hebrew for any given verse sometimes has little to do with his supposed “translation” of that verse. His “translation” often does tie in to the teachings of the NAR. He’s also had visions of the “heavenly library” from which he will be given new books of the Bible in the future. In addition, his listed biography is, in fact, less that accurate. From all appearances, he seems to be firmly convinced about all he does and says.

2 Timothy 4:3–4 (NAU): For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

Although the details differ, Brian Smith’s experiences in some ways parallel those of Joseph Smith and Muhammad. Both Joseph Smith and Muhammad said they were visited by, and given revelations by, the angel Gabriel. As just mentioned, Brian’s angel was named Passion. It is the angel’s name that became the basis for the title of his Bible version, not the publicized idea that his version would inspire passion for reading Scripture.

The warning to us, as Christians, is not to have itching ears, to not heap to ourselves teachers that will tell us what we want to hear. It is a way to “grow” a church, and earn lots of $$$, but it leads directly to Hell.

As for those who teach this stuff, God gives a sobering warning:

James 3:1 (NAU): Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.

There is more, 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 (NAU): For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

Such individuals appear to be serving God, but in reality they are serving someone else. As the passage states, it will not end well for them.

If you happen to be attending a church that is in to these sorts of demonic practices that masquerade as being godly, please leave that church immediately. Seek out a church that maintains that the Bible means what it says. Having itching ears leads only to one’s eternal death.

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