Definition
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines extrasensory perception (ESP) as perception (telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition) that involves awareness of information about events external to the self not gained through the senses and not deducible from previous experience. All Psychic abilities (intuition, sixth sense, Psychometry, clairaudience… etc.) can be grouped under ESP.
The Bible and Extrasensory Perception (ESP)
The Bible states that there are Satanic angels and powers that are much superior to men in intelligence. These spirits are in open rebellion against God and against His children. Paul explained, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).
God warns His children from contacting these Satanic spiritual entities for wisdom and power through mediums and psychics. For Satan inspires the words of a spirit medium according to his own purposes and gives humans illusions and they think it is extrasensory perception (ESP). The Lord says, “‘Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 19:31).
To protect His children from these wicked spirits that misguide people and lead them astray, the Lord commanded in ancient Israel that, “‘A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be upon them” (Leviticus 20:27).
The prophet Isaiah alerts God’s people, “And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:19,20). Thus, the Word of God is the standard of truth and the guide to right living. Whatever men may speak that is not in harmony with that Word has “no light” in it (Isaiah 50:10, 11).
In the New Testament, Paul also alarms the believers against these Satanic spirits and their human mediums saying, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
Seek God for Wisdom
God the Father is the source of every good and perfect gift (James 1:17; 1 Peter 4:10). Jesus Himself affirms, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:13).
The Lord promises to help His children and guide them to all the truth through His Holy Spirit and not through extrasensory perception (ESP). And He assures, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
There are different ways in which God can give wisdom to men. He may increase our comprehension of His Word, so that we clearly understand His will for us. He may impress our minds by His Holy Ghost as to what path would be best for us to take (Isaiah 30:21). He may speak to us through godly people, or by working out circumstances in such a way as to show His will.
The Final Deception
Paul warns: “In later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). Modern spiritualism and extrasensory perception (ESP), prominent examples of the “doctrines of devils,” are simply a revival of the demon worship and witchcraft of the past. Its seductive influence will finally sweep the world, Christian and non-Christian alike, and usher the way for Satan’s final great deception – the appearance of the Antichrist.
Therefore the Lord urges His children to, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The apostle warns his readers about the devil’s operations, but reminds them that God has not left them to their own human resources. Therefore, instead of relying on mystical, psychic powers such as extrasensory perception (ESP), believers ought to rely on God’s wisdom and power which are given freely and generously to all that seek it by faith (Matthew 7:7).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
