What is a medium?

Answer

In both modern and ancient times, a medium is a person who communicates with spirits, usually without the use of witchcraft. A medium is essentially an “intermediary” between the spirit world and ours. The Bible condemns the practice of mediumship, and attempting to speak to the dead, whether through séances or other means, is expressly forbidden.

At times, mediums are referred to as “channelers,” as they supposedly “channel” communication from the deceased to the living. A medium may communicate with one or more specific spirits (referred to as “familiars” or “familiar spirits”), or the communication may involve various spirits. The messages may be received audibly, visually, or through physical sensations. Modern mediums differentiate themselves from psychics, who solely interpret the “energies” of a person or place and do not engage in communication with actual spirits. (The term “psychic medium” can create confusion on this matter.) Additionally, a medium is not necessarily a witch, wizard, sorcerer, or necromancer, as mediums believe that their ability to communicate with the spirit world is innate. An example of a medium would be the fictional character Cole Sear in the movie The Sixth Sense.

Mediums are mentioned in various passages of the Old Testament. Leviticus 20:27 condemns mediums along with “spiritists.” Deuteronomy 18:10–11 mirrors Leviticus and broadens the scope to include diviners, sorcerers, witches/wizards, individuals who cast spells, and those who practice child sacrifice.

The sinful use of a medium by King Saul is documented in 1 Samuel 28. The prophet Samuel had passed away, and King Saul, feeling frustrated that God was no longer communicating with him through prophets or dreams, went against God’s Law and his own previous commands by instructing his men to locate a medium who could communicate with Samuel. «Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Ramah, even in his own city. And Saul

Had put away those who had familiar spirits and the wizards out of the land.” , (1 Samuel 28:3). This medium summoned Samuel, and Saul communicated with the deceased prophet. Theologians debate whether this summoning was a physical reappearance of Samuel or simply an image of him. There is also some uncertainty about whether the medium intended to summon Samuel, as she appeared to be the most startled by his presence – “When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice” (verse 12). Perhaps she was a charlatan who did not anticipate seeing a spirit, or perhaps she was expecting to communicate with her “familiar spirit” rather than directly with Samuel. Nevertheless, God allowed Samuel’s summoning to emphasize His message to Saul. The prophet’s warning to Saul was one of impending doom (verses 17-19), and he perished the following day. First Chronicles 10:13-14 reveals that Saul’s encounter with the medium played a significant role in his downfall and the end of his dynasty.

In the New Testament, sorcery and related practices are deemed inappropriate and sinful for any Christian “But there was a certain man named Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in that city and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great.” , (Acts 8:9ff and 19:19). Since these activities primarily involve communicating with spirits, it is fitting to include mediumship in these New Testament admonitions.

It is important to note that the spirit a medium summons is not the spirit of a deceased individual (the situation of Samuel speaking to Saul was a rare exception). Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:18-31 provides compelling evidence that once a person has passed away, their soul resides either in heaven or hell. Therefore, the spirits that mediums communicate with are not from the deceased individuals.The lying spirits «Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. », (see 1 Kings 22:23) deceive people by making them believe their deceased loved ones are communicating with them. When grieving parents consult a medium to connect with their departed child, they are unaware that the entity communicating is actually a demon masquerading as their child. The Bible strongly warns against any involvement in such practices, including seeking guidance from mediums.