Is it wrong to use healing crystals?

Many people believe that crystals possess magical powers for healing and use them as alternative medical techniques to cure ailments and protect against disease. They claim that crystals act as conduits for healing, allowing positive, healing energy to flow into the body while negative, disease-causing energy flows out. This belief has gained popularity in recent years, with many individuals turning to crystals as a form of holistic therapy. However, it is essential to examine the validity of these claims through a biblical lens.

Despite the widespread belief in their healing properties, there is no scientific evidence or studies that support the idea that crystals have any healing effects. Crystals are often categorized as pseudoscience because diseases have never been proven to result from a so-called energy flow in the body. The perceived successes of crystal healing can often be attributed to the placebo effect, where individuals experience perceived improvements in their condition due to their belief in the treatment rather than any actual therapeutic benefit.

Crystals in the Bible

Crystals are beautiful stones created by God, and they hold a significant place in biblical texts. In the Old Testament, we learn that the breastplate worn by the high priest contained twelve stones, each engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel: “The first row was carnelian, chrysolite, and beryl; the second row was turquoise, lapis lazuli, and emerald; the third row was jacinth, agate, and amethyst; the fourth row was topaz, onyx, and jasper. They were mounted in gold filigree settings” (Exodus 39:10-13). This indicates that God created these stones for beauty and purpose, but not for mystical healing properties.

In the New Testament, we find that precious stones will be used in the construction of the New Jerusalem. The apostle John wrote, “It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst” (Revelation 21:11,18-20). These references highlight the beauty of crystals but do not attribute any healing powers to them.

The Occult

The Bible does not attribute any mystical properties to crystals. So, how did the belief in their healing powers arise? Those who claim that crystals have healing abilities are often involved in the occult. Occultism, by definition, focuses on supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or phenomena. It is linked to astrology, numerology, divination, Eastern religions, sorcery, mediumship, spirit channeling, and psychic healing. The rise of new age practices has further blurred the lines between spirituality and the occult, leading many to seek healing through means that are not aligned with biblical teachings.

The Bible clearly warns against engaging with the occult. God declared, “There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). This warning serves as a reminder that engaging in practices associated with the occult can lead one away from God and His teachings.

Any practice that seeks to manipulate the spirit world can be categorized as witchcraft. Therefore, using crystals as charms, amulets, or talismans is considered a form of occult practice. The Lord forbade His people from adopting pagan practices, including wearing amulets (Ezekiel 13:18,20-21). The apostle Paul noted that sorcery is among the sinful works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). This connection between crystals and the occult raises serious concerns about their use in healing practices.

Satan’s Supernatural Power

The Bible teaches that the devil uses magic to reveal his own supernatural power. This is evident in the story of Moses and Pharaoh: “So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded. Aaron threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a snake. Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers; and the Egyptian magicians also did the same thing by their secret arts. Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake” (Exodus 7:10-12). This account illustrates how the devil can perform signs and wonders to deceive people.

Paul described the Antichrist in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, stating that “The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.” This serves as a warning that not all supernatural occurrences are of God, and believers must be discerning about the sources of such powers.

The apostles encountered the occult while preaching and rebuked its practices (Acts 8:1-25; Acts 16:16-24). When the Gentiles practicing magic in Ephesus heard the Gospel preached by Paul, they demonstrated their repentance by burning their occult books (Acts 19:17-19). This act of renouncing their former practices highlights the importance of turning away from anything that contradicts God’s word.

Satanic supernatural powers will be especially evident in the end times: “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:13-14). This prophecy emphasizes the need for vigilance and discernment in a world filled with deception.

In the Bible, those who will enter the kingdom of heaven are described as “those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie” (Revelation 22:14-15; also Revelation 21:7-8). This stark contrast serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in practices that are contrary to God’s will.

The True Healer

Instead of seeking healing and restoration through the power of Satan, individuals should seek healing from God, the true physician. David declared, “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion” (Psalm 103:2-4). This verse encapsulates the essence of divine healing, emphasizing that true restoration comes from God alone.

While there is nothing wrong with enjoying crystals for their aesthetic appeal, the Bible clearly states that they do not possess any magical powers. Using crystals for healing purposes can be considered an idolatrous practice, as it relies on spiritual powers outside of what is approved by the Lord. Idolatry and the occult are strictly forbidden and condemned in the Bible (Deuteronomy 4:15-20; 1 Corinthians 10:14-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16-17). Believers are called to place their trust in God rather than in created objects.

In conclusion, while crystals may be beautiful and appreciated for their natural beauty, it is crucial to understand their place within a biblical framework. Engaging in practices that attribute healing powers to crystals can lead one away from the truth of God’s word. Instead, believers should focus on seeking healing and wholeness through faith in God, who is the ultimate source of healing and restoration.