0806. 788. Spiritism

788. Spiritism

“The Doctrine of Demons” 1Ti_4:1, R.V.

We are warned against the doctrine or teaching of having to do with the dead. The departed do not come back, but demons may impersonate them.

1. Command. Lev_19:31, where we have a distinct command not to turn to those who have familiar spirits: “Turn ye not unto them which have familiar spirits.”

2. Cut Off. In Lev_20:6, Jehovah declares that those who resort to the dead can have no fellowship with Him, for He says: “I will even set My face against” them.

3. Prohibition. In Deu_18:10-12, the Lord prohibits having to do with those who inquire of the dead, for the meaning of a “necromancer” is one who inquires of the dead.

4. Separation. From the experience of King Saul, we know that those who resort to the dead are forsaken by God—1Sa_28:6-13; Isa_19:3, R.V.; Isa_29:4.

5. Abomination. Those who are associated with the dead are said to be “evil,” and are an abomination unto the Lord—Deu_18:14; 2Ki_21:6.

6. Condemnation. A special judgment from God comes upon those who have to do with the dead—2Ch_33:6; 1Ch_10:13, 1Ch_10:14.

7. Darkness. Those who have to do with the dead are in the darkness of heathenism, and have no light of morning as to the future—Isa_8:19-20, R.V.

8. Deception. Those who consort with the dead are deceived by demons who impersonate the departed, for that is what is meant by the “doctrine of demons” (1Ti_4:1, R.V.).

By: DR. F. E. MARSH