The Works of Darkness
What do you know about the works of darkness? Is it all just a hoax, or is there some reality and truth to things like magic, fortune telling, and necromancy? Does the Bible, the Word of God, say anything about this subject?
If you live in fear of the power of darkness, if you practice such works, watch movies or tv programs about them, find yourself fascinated by them, or if you simply “play around” with them, please take a moment to discover what the Bible says about the works of darkness. In the end, at the heart of God's Word, you will find that Jesus Christ is the only one who can truly deliver!
1. Does the Bible say anything about the works of darkness?
The answer to this question is “yes.” In fact, in studying the Bible, you will find that it addresses this subject in depth. For starters, what are the works of darkness mentioned in the following text?
Deuteronomy 18:9-14 When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
Consider some of the various practices that are mentioned in this text. This text includes everything from predicting the future or fortune telling, to astrology, to practicing various forms of magic and witchcraft, to speaking with the dead. This is quite an extensive list!
2. Are these works of darkness real or deceptions?
No doubt, most of the time, those who profess to be capable of doing these sorts of acts are masters of deception. However, according to the following two Bible texts, there are times when a true supernatural power is manifested.
Exodus 7:10-12 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
Mark 5:1-4 And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.
According to these texts, it seems very evident that a man was able to transform a staff into a snake and another was able to break chains of iron with his flesh. Both of these works are impossible for a natural man! God did not create man with this power. So, where did this power come from?
3. What is the source of the power of the works of darkness?
In the context of 2 Thessalonians 2:8-10, we read what will take place in the last days by the Antichrist, a world ruler that will lead the entire globe and be worshipped by men. The Bible reveals that the Antichrist will be able to perform great miracles. Where will this power come from?
2 Thessalonians 2:8-10 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
According to this text, the Antichrist will perform miraculous works through the power of Satan himself. This is true for all works of darkness that manifest a true supernatural power. Often, these works are deceptions, but if there is real power, it doesn’t come from man, but from Satan.
4. What is the purpose of Satan through the works of darkness?
As we look at the Bible, we come to understand that Satan has a specific purpose in manifesting his power through the works of darkness: in order to prevent someone from believing in Jesus Christ as personal Savior! Consider the following two texts:
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
Before we continue, it is important to understand that after someone believes in Christ, Satan doesn’t stop trying to hinder the work of Christ in the believer’s life. It might be through other methods and strategies, but the spiritual warfare continues. Praise the Lord that we have the victory in Jesus Christ!
5. What will happen to those who practice the works of darkness?
For those who practice the works of darkness, who never repent of their sin and unbelief and trust in Jesus Christ as personal Savior, the Bible clearly reveals their eternal destiny. Consider the following text:
Galatians 5:19-21 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.
Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
6. How can someone be delivered from the works of darkness?
The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ died a sacrificial death for the sins of men. It also states in Hebrews 2:14-15 that the death of Jesus Christ was for the purpose of destroying the devil and his works. Consider the following texts:
Hebrews 2:14-15 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
1 John 3:8b For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, but also in order to deliver you from the power and works of the devil! However, this deliverance is conditional. What must you do in order to be saved?
You must repent of your sin and unbelief:
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
The idea of “repent” is to change your mind or direction. In this text, it means to change your mind in respect to Jesus Christ, sin, and unbelief.
You must believe in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior:
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
If you have not yet believed in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, we want to encourage you not to wait another instant. This is the most important decision of your life! Please consider the promises of God cited above and call upon Jesus Christ right now to be your personal Savior, to forgive you of your sins, give to you eternal life, and deliver you from the works of darkness. He will be faithful to His Word!
Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Colossians 1:12-13 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
7. As a believer, how should you respond to the works of darkness?
The commands of God to the believer concerning this subject are clear. A Christian is not to participate in any way with the works of darkness! Consider the words that the Holy Spirit uses in the following text:
2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
What about various forms of entertainment such as music, books, magazines, and movies that deal with the works of darkness? What about reading astrology, Ouija boards, and superstitions? According to God’s Word, the believer is not to participate in any way with these things! How can the believer allow himself or herself to be entertained by something that God so clearly condemns?
How did the believers in the following text respond to the works of darkness?
Acts 19:18-20 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
- a complete and final renouncement.
- if necessary, in a public manner.
- even when it is at great cost.
In Ephesians 6:10-18, believers in Christ are encouraged to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. They can do this by taking on the whole armor of God so that they might stand against the strategies of the devil. We hope that you will consider your life before the Lord Jesus. Are you being strong in the Lord? Or, are you making tragic compromises with the works of darkness?
Consider the following exhortation as a fitting conclusion to this study:
Ephesians 5:7-8, 11-12 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light…And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
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