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Sorcery

by Micky Galloway

As we read Galatians 5:19-21 we are impressed with the fact that “sorcery” is grouped with a category of sins that share identical condemnation “…they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Lest we become guilty of participating in that which is sinful, let us investigate the sin of sorcery.

A witch or sorcerer is not some peculiar old lady wearing a black dress. Several different English words, as well as different Greek words, have been used in the New Testament to describe this sin and those who practice it. Some of the English words are “enchantment,” “exorcist,” “soothsaying,” “witchcraft,” and “sorcery.” Some of the Greek words are mageia, magic arts such as those practiced by Simon in Acts 8:11. Also, a similar word, magos, one who resorts to the use of magic or sorcery such as Elymas in Acts 13:8. The word “witchcraft” is from the Greek word pharmakeia and means literally “the act of administering drugs and then of giving magical potions” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia). It is from this word that we get our word “pharmacy.” Thayer tells us that pharmakeia is “the use or the administering of drugs … poisoning … sorcery, magical arts” and then adds the comment “often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it.” It means in general, the illicit use of drugs.

The mind-altering substances involved in these black arts in olden times must be reconsidered by those professing to be Christians. Although still associated with the occult, illicit use of drugs has entered the mainstream of America, with the glorification of alcohol and a dependence on hallucinogens and narcotics. Drug users actually brag of the altered state of reality that results from a common marijuana joint. All such use of mind-altering drugs, alcohol included and perhaps emphasized, are condemned as works of the flesh, pharmakeia, in all its ugliness. In order for a Christian to walk soberly and righteously through life, he must exercise self-control and vigilance. Paul wrote in Romans 13:12-14, “The night is far spent, and the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk becomingly, as in the day; not in revelling and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and jealousy. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to (fulfil) the lusts (thereof).” He further said that we are to “live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world” (Titus 2:12). To live “soberly” signifies one who is of sound mind, rational. It is defined, “to be free from the influence of intoxicants” (W.E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words).

Jesus was offered “drugs” as he was crucified. “They gave him wine to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted it, he would not drink” (Matthew 27:34). Mark’s account tells us “And they offered him wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not” (Mark 15:23). “Myrrh was added to the wine in order to give it a stupefying effect” (Lensky’s Commentary). The Jerome Bible Commentary says, “It was the practice of Jewish women to offer a strong narcotic drink to men condemned to execution; Jesus refused this.” This sedative drink given before execution was not an evidence of mercy on the part of the executioners, it was intended to make the handling of those executed easier. The man who had been heavily doped with this drink would be easier to handle. Jesus refused this drink that would cause senselessness as he intended to go through the agony of the cross with a perfectly clear mind. We live in a drug using society, but it is not new. It existed during Bible times. But can you imagine Jesus intoxicated with “wine mingled with gall” or “myrrh” facing the sufferings of the cross?

Though such drugs as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, etc. do make people feel good and provide a means of escape, that good feeling is only temporary. It doesn’t last. No matter how high we get, when it is over we still must come down to the real life with its real problems.

We hear people say, “Legalize Pot” and it is legal in California. Others say, “Pot does not lead to hard drugs.” Still others say, “there are no lingering adverse effects of the use of marijuana.” Please consider the following … “The main active chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC for short …When someone smokes marijuana, THC rapidly passes from the lungs into the bloodstream, which carries the chemical to the brain and other organs throughout the body … marijuana intoxication can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory. Research has shown that, in chronic users, marijuana’s adverse impact on learning and memory can last for days or weeks after the acute effects of the drug wear off. As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all of the time” (http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/infofacts/marijuana).

What is God’s attitude toward sorcery (pharmakeia) in any form? “Those who practice such shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Does the use of alcohol, or marijuana lead to the use of other drugs? With the information available you can’t afford to bet your life, much less your soul, that it doesn’t. Repentance and correction of life, however, is always possible if we are willing to turn to God on his terms (II Peter 3:9).

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