The Occult, part 2: Divination

part 1

Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one...that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch...

I purposely skipped the first forbidden practice in this passage (child sacrifice); I wanted to save it for last, partly to do more research and partly because of the disturbing nature of the subject. Many of the practices seem to be nearly the same or at least very much related (for instance a witch/wizard/sorcerer may use divination or enchantment or consult with familiar spirits), so I may end up including others in this and later discussions.

So what is divination? Wikipedia defines divination as “the attempt of ascertaining information by interpretation of omens or an alleged supernatural agency…”
A British website, Holistic Shop (an occult site), says,

“Divination is the art of making apparent information that is hidden or not immediately obvious. From the outside looking in, it can appear magical, mystical, and maybe even scary, because we may not understand where this information is coming from.”

So here we have the definition of occult ("information that is hidden"). We also have to wonder where is the information coming from? Of course the people who wrote this have their ideas (probably a pantheistic/panentheistic view that some force they call god is in everything, therefor everything is connected by this force, and all we have to do is learn to tap into it). I want to submit the explanation that the real source is evil, demonic spirits. As we go along, I'll try to include not only biblical reasons why I believe that but also logical ones.

Simply put, I'd say divination is the attempt to discover hidden knowledge (often about future events, sometimes about things or people in a distant location) by means of signs or omens (such as observing the flight pattern of birds or using tarot cards) or by using devices such as pendulums or divining rods (dowsing/water witching). Okay, that wasn't as simple as I thought it would be.

Here is an example of divination using a crab. This is a crab sorcerer in Cameroon who "tells the future by interpreting the changes in position of various objects as caused by a fresh-water crab..."

Common forms of divination

There are various techniques I have heard of over the years which, until recently, I did not realize were really forms of divination. One example is bobbing for apples. Apparently this was at one time related to Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit trees, gardens, etc. who was also associated with fertility and whose symbol was the apple. It was said that the first person to grab an apple with their teeth would be the next to marry.

Dowsing is another example. I remember watching an old black and white western movie as a child in which an old man used a small forked tree branch to find water. He would walk around with the branch in both hands until the end began to bend downward, indicating there was water underground in that location. This has also been used with a metal rod to find water lines and has even been used in oil exploration. Of course some try to say that this is scientific, that somehow there is a magnetic attraction between the metal rod and the water. But what about in the case of the wooden branch? And why wouldn't that work over a pond even more powerfully than over water that is in the ground. Something has to apply the force to bend the stick or move the pendulum. I believe this is the work of a demon spirit. This scenario seems clear to me considering the fact that some dowsers can actually find oil by using a pendulum on a map of a distant location. Take a look at the International Society of Dowsers to understand that this is a supernatural, occult technique. They say that "dowsing has been used to find water for wells, mineral deposits, oil, buried treasure, archaeological artifacts - even missing people." The society's purpose: "In Uniting the International Community of Dowsers, Healers, Intuitives, Clairvoyants, thru Communication and Education, We Hope to Bring to Light, the Scientific, Educational, Health and Social Applications of Dowsing, Healing and Intuitive Technologies to the World Community." They also compare dowsing to remote viewing, another occult method:

"Some theorize there is a psychic connection established between the dowser and the sought object. We consider it more of a Subtle Energy connection among all things, living and inanimate, Another theory suggests, all things possess an energy force, a part of the "Living Field". The dowser, by concentrating on the hidden object's field or the energy signature of information , is somehow able to tune in to the energy field force or "vibration" of the object which, in turn, thru a trained subtle reaction or other means, causes the pendulum to swing in a decisive direction, or the dowsing rod or stick to swing."

The ouija board is another form of divination. It is not a simple child's game. Wikipedia defines ouija board as "any flat surface printed with letters, numbers, and other symbols, to which a planchette or movable indicator points, supposedly in answer to questions from people at a séance." Again people have proposed various scientific explanations for this phenomenon, but physics can't account for the retrieval of information in this manner. The movie, The Exorcist, is apparently based on a true case study (with some details changed for Hollywood's sake of course) in which a child became demon possessed by using a ouija board.

Another popular form of divination involves holding some type of pendulum or chain over the belly of a pregnant woman in order to determine the gender of the baby. Supposedly the pendulum moves one way for a boy and another for a girl. This was described to me by a friend who said he tried this on his wife before he was saved. He said the object he used (a necklace, I think) began to move in a circular motion. He recounted that it greatly disturbed him, and he quickly stopped the practice. I'd say that was a good call.

Another way used to divine is in observing the entrails of animals, usually after their being sacrificed to idols. This is mentioned in the Bible.

Ezekiel 21:21 For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver.

I have even heard that those groups who participate in human sacrifice observe the writhing of the victim on the ground as a means of divination. Also the phrase "he made his arrows bright" in Ezekiel 21:21 describes another method. According to Albert Barnes, this means rather that "he shook his arrow; [it was] a mode of divination much in practice with the Arabians. It was usual to place in some vessel three arrows, on one of which was written, “My God orders me;” on the other, “My God forbids me;” on the third was no inscription. These three arrows were shaken together until one came out; if it was the first, the thing was to be done; if the second, it was to be avoided; if the third, the arrows were again shaken together, until one of the arrows bearing a decided answer should come forth." This sounds very similar to our magic eight ball today...

If you are a born-again Christian, I would advise you not to be involved in any of these practices. However you should not let these things scare you "because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

part 1

Letting the Enemy In

Nehemiah 13:4-5 And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: (5) And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

If you know who Tobiah is then you can see why Nehemiah reacted the way he did beginning in verse 7. He called what Eliashib did an evil thing. If we go back to chapter 2 verse 10, we see that Tobiah was one of those who were already in the region when Nehemiah's party returned to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. "...it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel." So apparently they did not care for the well being of the Israelites. Nehemiah tells us that Tobiah and the others "laughed us to scorn, and despised us" (2:19) But I love Nehemiah's answer: "The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem." (2:20) Again we see in 4:7-8 that Tobiah was among those who became very angry when they heard that the walls were being rebuilt and "conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it." There are other episodes all throughout the book describing their enemies' efforts to disrupt their work or to attack them. We can probably safely presume that Tobiah was involved in most if not all of them.

So going back to chapter 13, we now understand that Eliashib sinned greatly in what he did. He became the ally of Tobiah; he brought him into the house of God and gave him a space of his own; in order to do so he had to remove the stored grain offerings, frankincense, the temple implements, etc. which were used in temple service. The gravity of this act is evident in what Nehemiah had to do when he found out about it. He threw Tobiah's possessions out and ordered the room to be ceremonially cleansed before it could be used again.

There is a lesson here. We should not ally ourselves with the world. We are told to "come out from among them, and be ye separate...and touch not the unclean thing..." (2 Cor. 6:17) Any time we compromise with the world the gospel suffers. The items which Eliashib removed all signified in some way the atoning work of salvation which Jesus Christ would accomplish on the cross; the cleansing which was ordered by Nehemiah did the same thing. Thus we have our answer to such a problem. Should we find that we have compromised with the world's system in any way, we should repent (because it is sin) and return to the cross because it is the only answer for sin.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

We should also realize that this is a warning to Christians. We must be careful and take heed not to be deceived. We may be able to see the obvious, overt attacks on the Faith (sometimes we fail even at this); however we often lack the discernment to notice the subtle deceptions introduced through our own leadership. (Sometimes this may be done by those who are purposely trying to deceive and mislead the Body of Christ; however, I believe that most of the time, when a pastor, teacher, etc. goes down a wrong path, it is because of their own ignorance of a particular subject or because they have been deceived despite their having meant well.) It should not shock us to realize this possibility; we are warned many times in Scripture of this very thing.

Acts 20:28-31 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (29) For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (30) Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (31) Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Jude 4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. (14) And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (15) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

I think it is time for us, as Christians, to get serious about serving the Lord, to humble ourselves, to repent of our wicked ways, to ask the Lord to help us to thoroughly learn and understand His Word, and to separate ourselves from the ways of the world. Don't allow the enemy to enter in any way because "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." (Galatians 5:9) Let us rely on the power of God rather than allying ourselves with the world in a common purpose.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Memorial Day

"It is, in a way, an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country, in defense of us, in wars afar away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise. We see them as something like the Founding Fathers, grave and gray-haired. But most of them were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives, the one they were living and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country, for us. And all we can do is remember." - Ronald Reagan

Don't forget those who served and gave their lives to preserve our freedom, as well as those who are currently serving our country. And let us return to God Almighty and the Lord Jesus Christ, without whose grace and mercy this country would not have been a reality.

Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Let us not make the same mistake. We need to return to the Cross and live by faith in Christ's finished work, forsaking our self-righteousness and fleshly works.

John 12:25 He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.

Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Fourth stanza of "The Star Spangled Banner"

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust.'
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Pray for our country...

Baptismal Regeneration?

Updated on May 23, 2008

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

I have heard some try to prove baptismal regeneration with this verse. That is the idea that you cannot be saved unless you are baptized in water. There are different versions of this false doctrine, some of which are listed below. There are several ways to disprove this view. We must use good hermeneutics when determining the meaning of the verse. We should explore the immediate or local context by checking the preceding and following verses. And we need to place the verse in its proper place within the context of the entire Bible.

First let's look at the surrounding verses.

John 3:3-7 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

First notice that Nicodemus thought that being born again meant being delivered from his mother's womb a second time. Then, in verse 5, we might be tempted to think that Jesus is correcting him by saying that physical birth has nothing to do with what He was talking about and that salvation involves water and a work of the Spirit. But if that is the case, we have to ask ourselves, why did Jesus say "born of water" instead of "baptized in water"? Secondly, in verse 6, we can see that Jesus is restating verse 5 because the second phrase in both verses is "born of the Spirit." Therefore it is reasonable to conclude that "born of water" and "born of the flesh" are equal in meaning. This can be summed up in the common saying: "He who is born once dies twice; he who is born twice dies only once."

It is also clearly taught in Scripture that we are not justified by our works but by God's grace through our faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross which atoned for all sin. (Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 13:39, Luke 18:13-14, Romans 3:20-28, Romans 5:1-2, Galatians 2:16, etc.) But what about Mark 16:16?"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." I think there are two ways we could look at this. First notice the context:

Mark 16:16-18 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Some interpret this to mean that water baptism is also a sign that "shall follow them that believe." Also notice that verse 17 doesn't say "And these signs shall follow them that believe and are baptized." But I don't think verse 16 is talking about water baptism, although I do believe that water baptism is an important sign which should quickly follow after one's salvation. But what other kind is there? It seems from the Scripture that there are at least three baptisms:

1. Water baptism

   Acts 8:37-38 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (38) And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

2. Baptism into the Body of Christ:

   1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

3. Baptism with the Holy Spirit:

   Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.

Water baptism, as I stated, is very important and necessary, since it was ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ. But we must realize that immersion into water is not what saves us, sanctifies us, or in any other way initiates the grace of God. It is a public sign of a believer's witness that he has been baptized into the Body of Christ. This is the baptism that counts for salvation. It is the "one baptism" spoken of in Ephesians 4:5. Remember that the thief on the cross who asked the Lord to "remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom" never had a chance to be immersed in water; yet Christ told him, "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43) Here are examples of what water baptism is meant to represent:

Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Galatians 3:26-27 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Colossians 2:11-12 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: (12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [Notice Paul first mentions a circumcision made without human hands; this gives us a clue that the baptism of verse 12 is also one that is done apart from human involvement.]

The bottom line is a person can be saved without being water baptized, although a believer should absolutely be water baptized as soon as possible. The danger in believing that the act of immersion saves a person is that it is a denial of the sufficiency of the atonement of Christ upon the cross. If you must be water baptized for your salvation to be complete, then what Jesus did on the cross wasn't good enough (and the thief on the cross wasn't really saved which would make Jesus a liar!).

Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

The power of God for salvation is in the preaching of the cross, not in ordinances performed by men.

1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

---

Here are some examples of improper views of baptism:

• The Roman Catholic Church

  Here are some sources cited in an article that are typical of Catholic belief.

  "Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free and admitted into eternal life..." (Tertullian - Baptism, 1 [A.D. 203])

  "It is not possible to receive forgiveness of sins without baptism" (Origen - Exhortation to the Martyrs, 30 [A.D. 235])

  "If any man does not receive baptism, he does not have salvation. The only exception is the martyrs, who even without water will receive the kingdom." (Cyril of Jerusalem - Catechetical Lectures, 3:10 [A.D. 350])

  This is why they baptize infants; they believe that the act of water baptism is what saves a person.


• United Church of Christ

  "Through baptism a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God's people always." ("About Baptism" - ucc.org)

  Notice that they say it is "through baptism" that a person enters into the body of Christ.

  "Through water at baptism, God embraces you — no matter who you are — and brings you into Christ's Church...Baptized, you now participate fully in life of the Church and God's realm." (from "What Matters to Us" found at uccvitality.org)

  In response to the question, "Who is baptized in the UCC?" -- "Infants, children, youth and adults. For infants and children, as well as for youth and adults who have never been baptized before, baptism marks their acceptance into the care of Christ's church, the sign and seal of God's grace and forgiveness, and the beginning of their Christian faith and life." ("About Baptism" - ucc.org)
  [How can an infant begin their Christian faith? Infants have no cognitive abilities to believe anything. Therefor the belief is that the water saves and not God's grace through their faith.]

  Further confirmation that something is wrong here is found in their response to the question, "What words are used?" -- "The recognition of our baptism by the ecumenical church is important to us, and the Book of Worship encourages the use of language recognized in most Christian churches: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." Feminine images for God may surround these words to enrich understandings and offer balance." ("About Baptism" - ucc.org)



• United Pentecostal Church International

  The UPCI believes that baptism in water is essential to salvation (as well, they believe in baptism in the name of Jesus only).

  "Water baptism is an essential part of New Testament salvation and not merely a symbolic ritual. It is part of entering into the kingdom of God..." (From "The Apostles' Doctrine" on upci.org)

Rebuke...Then Forgive

Many Christians today are very eager to forgive (or at least have the outward appearance of forgiveness), but to point out error or correct someone is very taboo. But Christ taught us something even more shocking than mere correction: rebuke. Luke 17:3 sums it up very nicely:

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

Notice the order of what He says here. First of all, we are dealing with other Christians: "If thy brother..." Second we should not pretend ignorance when a brother sins against us: "trespass against thee..." And does Jesus say that we should just dismiss it when a brother sins (skipping straight to forgiveness)? No! Rather He tells us to "rebuke him..." To rebuke means to criticize or reprove sharply, to reprimand, admonish, castigate, chastise, etc. So there is a biblical basis for such criticism, as well as correction, as long as it is based on the principles revealed in Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

This doesn't mean that we should scream and yell and throw things, but it does give us precedent for godly rebuke and correction for the purpose of building each other up in the faith. And don't forget the last part: and if he repent, forgive him. So the proper order is reproof then forgiveness. And forgiveness is important indeed:

Luke 17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? (22) Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Syria's Nuclear Ambitions

Back in September 2007, we heard reports about an air strike by the Israeli Air Force on a target in the Syrian desert. Many quickly became suspicious of Syria's pursuit of some type of WMD project because they really didn't seem to make much of a protest. Now we learn that the target was Syria's attempt at nuclear weapons.

"A suspected Syrian reactor bombed by Israel had the capacity to produce enough nuclear material to fuel one to two weapons a year, CIA Director Michael Hayden said on Monday."
(from MSNBC)

"A Syrian nuclear reactor built with help from North Korea was weeks away from functioning, a top U.S. official said Thursday after lawmakers were briefed on the site destroyed last year by Israeli jets."
(from Fox News)

Apparently Damascus has been working on nuclear power for some time. In an Unclassified Report to Congress, January - June 2002, the CIA said:

"Syria—an NPT signatory with full-scope IAEA safeguards—has a nuclear research center at Dayr Al Hajar. Russia and Syria have approved a draft cooperative program on cooperation on civil nuclear power. In principal, broader access to Russian expertise provides opportunities for Syria to expand its indigenous capabilities, should it decide to pursue nuclear weapons. During the second half of 2001, Damascus continued to receive help from abroad on establishing a solid-propellant rocket motor development and production capability. Syria's liquid-propellant missile program has and will continue to depend on essential foreign equipment and assistance—primarily from North Korean entities and Russian firms. Damascus also continued its efforts to assemble—probably with North Korean assistance—liquid-fueled Scud C missiles."

Then in its Unclassified Report to Congress, July - December 2003 , it stated:

"Syria...has a nuclear research center at Dayr Al Hajar. Russia and Syria have continued their long-standing agreements on cooperation regarding nuclear energy, although specific assistance has not yet materialized. Broader access to foreign expertise provides opportunities to expand its indigenous capabilities, and we are monitoring Syrian nuclear intentions with concern."

Recently CIA director, General Mike Hayden, issued a press release in which he stated:

"Last spring, we acquired information confirming that a building in eastern Syria was a covert nuclear reactor using North Korean technology. We had suspected the two nations were cooperating on nuclear technology as early as 2001, and although imagery had revealed the existence of the building, it lacked features associated with a nuclear installation. The new information included photographs of the interior and exterior that offered our first unambiguous indication that the building was a nuclear reactor. Moreover, the reactor would have been capable of producing plutonium for nuclear weapons, was not configured to produce electricity, and was ill-suited for research.

"...Syrian efforts to dismantle the ruined building and remove every trace of the incriminating equipment—largely conducted at night or under tarpaulins for concealment—further underscored Damascus’s less than benign intent for the facility."

Very interesting...

Isaiah 17:1 The burden of Damascus. Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap.