What are the magic arts in Revelation 21:8?

Answer

The term “magic arts” is mentioned in Revelation 21:8. The complete verse states, “But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” In this verse, those who practice magic arts are referred to as sorcerers, which is how the ESV translates the Greek word pharmakois.

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous instances where sorcery and witchcraft are explicitly denounced. For instance, the Mosaic Law prescribes death as the penalty for sorcery: “Do not allow a sorceress to live” (Exodus 22:18;cf: 2 Chronicles 33:6). The Israelites are instructed to refrain from divination, sorcery, omen interpretation, and all other occult practices (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

The practice of sorcery and witchcraft is also prohibited in the New Testament. For example, Simon the Sorcerer is strongly rebuked by the apostle Peter for trying to buy the gift of the Holy Spirit: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” «But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. », (Acts 8:20).

In Galatians 5:19–21, the apostle Paul includes sorcery as a deed of the flesh that is opposed to the Spirit of God: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, orgies, and things like these. I warned you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will be

Not inheriting the kingdom of God” (ESV, emphasis added).

The mention of sorcery in Revelation 21:8 indicates the seriousness of practicing magical arts. Those who practice such things will be “consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.” This is the ultimate punishment for those who persist in sinful rebellion against a holy God.

Instead of seeking supernatural power through abominable means, the Bible encourages believers to seek wisdom, guidance, and power from God through prayer, faith, and obedience to His commandments (Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 119:98-100).

When examining the term magic arts, it is crucial to distinguish between the supernatural power that comes from God and the forbidden practices of sorcery and witchcraft «But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. », (James 3:17). The Bible affirms the reality of the spiritual realm and the existence of supernatural powers, but the only legitimate source of supernatural power is God Himself «The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding. », (Proverbs 9:10).

Throughout the Bible, we witness numerous examples of God’s miraculous interventions and demonstrations of power. These divine acts, such as parting the Red Sea «And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. », (Exodus 14:21), healing the sick (Matthew 9:1-8), performing miracles like turning water into wine (John 2:1-11), and raising the dead (John 11:38-44), are not the result of occult practices but are powerful manifestations of God’s sovereignty.

On the other hand, the practice of magic arts involves seeking supernatural wisdom and power through illegitimate means with the intention to manipulate or control the spiritual realm for personal gain or to deceive others. In the end times, “the coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder” «even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, », (2 Thessalonians 2:9, BSB). Such practices are rightly condemned.

In modern society, the occult is sometimes glamorized or trivialized. It is either depicted as entertaining or harmless. However, the Bible reminds believers of the dangers and consequences associated with dabbling in the magic arts.

Again, those who practice magic arts are included in a list of sinners who will experience eternal condemnation unless they repent and turn from the wickedness of their ways «if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. », (2 Chronicles 7:14). God alone is the source of true wisdom, spiritual guidance, and power. Therefore, believers should seek Him instead of deceitful human practices that will ultimately result in eternal separation from God.