Drug Abuse and Witchcraft
The Greek definition of the word “witchcraft” is: pharmakeia, literally, “poison,” “magic potion,” “the administering of drugs,” and thus “sorcery” (Exodus 7:11), the supposed ability to produce magic spells. Witchcraft is defined as a mixing of potions. Drugs and potions have traditionally been used in witchcraft to induce deeper subconscious states which enable persons to have fellowship and communication with demons. So, when a person mixes drugs such as marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, etc., they unknowingly allow their minds to be open for demonic oppression and even possession.
Paul encountered the practice of sorcery at Ephesus (Acts 19:19). And he said to the Galatians, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21- King James Bible).
Now, compare that same passage transliterated from the Greek text in the Heritage Bible and notice that witchcraft is translated as use of drugs: “And the works of the flesh are manifest, which are: Adultery, sexual promiscuity, uncleanness, lack of moral restraint, Idolatry, use of drugs, hatred, quarreling, jealousies, hard breathing, strife, dissensions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, carousings, and the such like, which I tell you before, as I also said previously, that those practicing such things will absolutely not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:19-21, Heritage Bible).
Ancient sorcery and modern Spiritualism have much in common. John includes sorcery among the sins of those who will be destroyed eternally by fire: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8; also 9:21; 18:23). Sorcerers in this verse, are those that practice the magical arts and use enchantment and drugs to produce a stupefied condition.
To pollute or harm our bodies by harmful drugs is to desecrate the temple of God. The Bible says, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17 also 6:19).
Because Christ has saved people from eternal death, it is their duty to do all they can do to keep their bodies in the best condition, so that they may best glorify Him. They should not take any harmful substances in order to keep the temple of the Holy Spirit pure. The believers will not allow their physical appetites and lusts to control them. Instead, they will make their bodies under the control of the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:13; 12:1; 1 Corinthians 9:25, 27).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
