I Witnessed How Witchcraft Works
A deep dive into a sorcery to make Christians rebellious.
When it comes to spiritual entanglements, my relationship with bewitchment has always been complex. The constant vigilance against false doctrines, the mental gymnastics to safeguard the truth — it’s a relentless battle, both spiritually and emotionally.
So, I decided to take a step back. I paused my war against false teachings for a week — not even a quick rebuttal of a misleading sermon. It was time for a change, a pivot towards a more discerning, spiritually nourishing approach.
During my week of doctrinal detox, I realized I’m not defined by the heresies I’ve countered or the number of deceived souls I’ve guided back to the light. There are many genuine reasons to confront falsehoods, but too often, I’ve zealously opposed teachings that didn’t fundamentally threaten the core of faith.
It means to speak ill of, to slander, and to bring shame through accusation, ensnaring the unsuspecting
Before launching into a doctrinal dispute, it’s crucial to evaluate the significance of the deviation. A well-considered defense of truth is far more satisfying than a hasty, knee-jerk reaction.
If this were the last false doctrine you could ever expose, would you choose this one?
Being mindful of the delicate intricacies of faith has given me a heightened sensitivity to the underlying spiritual dynamics. When we first encounter the word “witchcraft” in the New Testament, it appears in Galatians. Paul’s stern words in Galatians 3:1, “O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth,” ring with urgency. Here, Paul isn’t just addressing confusion; he sees a malevolent force at work, a spiritual subversion pulling the Galatians away from the truth.
But this deception didn’t come from God. Paul is clear — someone else is behind this. Hence, his vehement curse on anyone preaching a different gospel. Through the spirit of witchcraft, false teachings have infiltrated the church. Unlike blatant acts of black magic, these teachings subtly distort the truth, which Paul equates with witchcraft. This form of spiritual deception is even more perilous because it masquerades as truth while leading believers astray.
The Greek term “βασκαίνω” (baskainó) unravels this concept further. It means to speak ill of, to slander, and to bring shame through accusation, ensnaring the unsuspecting. This perfectly describes what happens when the law is taught for condemnation rather than justification. Such teaching is a form of slander, inducing guilt and shame instead of fostering righteousness. The law imparts the knowledge of sin, not justification, spotlighting the danger Paul perceives in the Galatians’ shift from spirit to flesh.
The law, given by Moses, served as a guide to Christ, but now, under grace, we must follow the truth brought by Jesus. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,
Paul’s rhetorical challenge is sharp: How did the Galatians, who began in the spirit, fall into seeking perfection through the flesh? How did they receive the Holy Spirit and witness miracles — by the works of the law or by hearing with faith? This question underscores the folly of reverting to the law after starting with the spirit. False teachers introduced the law, bringing sin awareness and shame, leading many astray.
What makes “βασκαίνω” particularly insidious is its charm and allure. Not everything that captivates us is true. Many are drawn to teachings that sound mystical and profound, like the notion of specific times for spiritual gates to open, yet these teachings often lack solid biblical grounding. The fascination of such doctrines can easily lead believers away from the truth, just as it did with the Galatians.
Paul’s message is urgent: the Galatians are not merely deceived by false teachers but are under the influence of a spirit of witchcraft. This spiritual battle is more dangerous because it disguises itself as truth. The law, given by Moses, served as a guide to Christ, but now, under grace, we must follow the truth brought by Jesus. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, not the law. Understanding this distinction is crucial for maintaining the integrity of our faith and avoiding the bewitchment that ensnared the Galatians.
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