Special Revelation vs. Paranormal Information

You are much better off living by God's special revelation (the Bible) than seeking paranormal information.

Everyone wants a leg up in life. If we could get some insight beyond our senses, perhaps information about our future, we could make life-changing decisions. 

Our culture is fascinated by the paranormal. From conspiracy theories to reality TV, from dabbles with ouija boards to psychics and horoscopes, even if a person does not consider himself to be a "spiritist" we do show a great deal of interest. 

The Bible warns us of such interest and commands us to avoid it.

There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.

Deuteronomy 18:10-13

The Bible tells the story of a paranormal pursuit gone bad in 1 Samuel 28. Saul could not seem to get a word from God, so he consulted a medium. His story serves to illustrate why we are better off with God's special revelation (the Bible) than we are with paranormal information.

Desperation vs. Devotion

Saul was desperate. He could not get the answer he wanted when he wanted it (1 Sam. 28:3-7).

People usually seek paranormal when they are desperate. Perhaps they have lost a loved one or they are in a difficult situation and do not know what to do. It seems like making contact with a loved one beyond the grave or with a spirit would be healing and helpful. 

Beware! Desperate will make you dumb! 

The main reason Saul was desperate was that throughout his life that he demonstrated that he only wanted to obey God when it fit his self-interests. 

We don't get answers from God's Word out of desperation, but out of devotion. The Bible is not a quick-fix; it's correction out of the long-haul of obedience. 

Divination vs. Revelation

Is the paranormal real? Yes. But it isn't what you think it is. That's not your loved one you conjured up. That's a demon! But you may object. "But they knew things about me that only my late husband or wife would know."

So you don't think demons are taking notes on you?

Divination uses deception and manipulation to get information. And that's a dangerous road.

God's Word is truth. God has revealed to us what He wants us to know in His Word. It was good for you when your loved one was alive. God's Word is what's best for you even after they're gone.

Divination is about bringing things out of the dark. God's revelation in His Word is about bringing things to light (Psalm 119:11).

Walk in the light!    

Bible Study

Read 1 Samuel 28.

• According to Deuteronomy 18:10-13 what were Saul's mistakes?
• What does this passage teach us about the dangers of consulting paranormal sources?
• What promises of God did Saul forfeit? (consult other passages)

Challenge

Get rid of any media or devices in your home, vehicle, or workspace that are connected in any way to the paranormal. Repent and ask for God's forgiveness.

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