Answer
The phrase magic arts is found in Revelation 21:8. The full verse reads, “The cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” In this verse, those who practice magic arts are sorcerers, which is how the ESV translates the Greek word pharmakois.
In the Bible, there are several instances where sorcery and witchcraft are explicitly condemned. The Mosaic Law, for example, cites death as the punishment for sorcery: “Do not allow a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:18; cf. 2 Chronicles 33:6). The Israelites are commanded to abstain from divination, sorcery, omen interpretation, and every other occult practice (Deuteronomy 18:10–12).
The practice of sorcery and witchcraft is also forbidden in the New Testament. For example, Simon the Sorcerer is harshly rebuked by the apostle Peter for attempting to purchase the gift of the Holy Spirit: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20).
In Galatians 5:19–21, the apostle Paul lists sorcery as a work of the flesh that is contrary to the Spirit of God: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, orgies, and things like these. I warned you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (ESV, emphasis added).
The mention of sorcery in Revelation 21:8 indicates the seriousness of practicing magical arts. Those who practice such things will be “consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” This is the ultimate punishment for those who persist in sinful rebellion against a holy God.
Rather than seeking supernatural power through abominable means, the Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom, guidance, and power from God through prayer, faith, and obedience to His commandments (Proverbs 3:5–6 and Psalm 119:98–100).
In examining the term magic arts, it is important to distinguish between the supernatural power that comes from God and the forbidden practices of sorcery and witchcraft (James 3:17). Yes, the Bible affirms the reality of the spiritual realm and the existence of supernatural powers, but the only legitimate source of supernatural power is God Himself (Proverbs 9:10).
Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of God’s miraculous interventions and demonstrations of power. These divine acts, such as parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21), healing the sick (Matthew 9:1–8), turning water into wine (John 2:1–11), and raising the dead (John 11:38–44), are not the result of occult practices but are powerful manifestations of God’s sovereignty.
On the other hand, the practice of magic arts involves seeking supernatural wisdom and power through illegitimate means with the intention to manipulate or control the spiritual realm for personal gain or to deceive others. In the end times, “the coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder” (2 Thessalonians 2:9, BSB). Such practices are rightly condemned.
In modern society, the occult is sometimes glamorized or trivialized. It is either depicted as entertaining or harmless. However, the Bible reminds believers of the dangers and consequences associated with dabbling in the magic arts.
Again, those who practice magic arts are included in a list of sinners who will experience eternal condemnation unless they repent and turn from the wickedness of their ways (2 Chronicles 7:14). God alone is the source of true wisdom, spiritual guidance, and power. Therefore, believers should seek Him instead of deceitful human practices that will ultimately result in eternal separation from God.
