The Occult Counterfeit
Illustrating a Truth of Exposing the Darkness
The occult is the most thoroughly evil side of the kingdom of darkness that is available for human encounter and participation. Ironically, it usually attempts to characterize itself as a bearer of light. Recall that the devil goes by two names in scripture: Satan (unabashedly wicked) and Lucifer (a pretender to wisdom). The occult occupies both ends of that diabolical spectrum. This domain is so closely allied to the evil one, that its human practitioners are usually (but not always) knowingly engaged in doing evil. Most ordinary sinners, by contrast, are deceived about the true extent of the evil embedded in their sins.
These sinister, semi-secretive penetrations of the kingdom of darkness into our world come in many veiled forms, making them difficult to recognize. In scripture, the occult receives absolute condemnation.[i] It takes four main forms: worship of false gods (idolatry, false religions); forbidden knowledge of the future (astrology, prognostication); forbidden contact with the dead (seances, mediums); and forbidden ways of accessing spiritual power (witchcraft, sorcery). How can we recognize it better to avoid it ourselves and help others get free?
The occult counterfeits true spiritual power and light (truth). It is like a planet crossing in front of a star. An occultation in astronomy is an obscuring of the desired object by something that crosses in front of it, much like a planet that gives off light but has no fire of its own, yet it still obscures the true light of the stars behind it.
The occult thrives on what is dark, hidden, secretive, or falsely revealed. It is something spiritual that looks good, appears to be full of light, boasts of great powers, but intentionally hides the One True God. The occult and its spawned religious cults always distort the Person and the saving work of Jesus Christ. Know what the truth is. Stay clear of the occult counterfeits!
And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 2 Corinthians 11:14 ESV
But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8 ESV
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12 ESV
Prayer
Father, thank You that You have both the power and the loving desire to cleanse me from all of my transgressions in these areas. Jesus, thank You for the Blood that You shed which is my liberation and the enemy's doom. Holy Spirit, thank You for working to lead me into all truth by removing the veil of deception that blinded me in the past. I ask for and gratefully receive all of Your ministry to me in this area. Please continue in every way to lead me out of darkness into Your glorious Kingdom of Light!
Endnotes
I renounce any occult practices in the generations of my fathers and I repent of having walked in them myself. I repent of my own involvement or contact with _____. Forgive me and break its power over me and my generations. Wash me with the Blood of Christ and with Your Word. Fill me and seal me with Your Spirit.
[i] See Exodus 22:18-20; Leviticus 20:6-8; Leviticus 20:27
Next Illustrated Insight
One Addiction, Three Lies
Illustrating three powerful lies that bind people into addictions.
Free Downloads
An Illustrated Guide (64-page eBook)
The Occult Counterfeit (this article)
The Occult Counterfeit (illustration only)
Interested in Going Deeper?
Consider taking our free eCourse for Healing. We have designed a complete series for personal transformation, 'Matters of the Heart,' to help Christians gain emotional freedom and inner healing. In all there are 24 Main Healing Lessons and 24 Head to Heart Guides to help you bring your heart to God and receive His Great Heart for you in return!
