Who Is Really Behind the Occult?

Principles That Protect

These are other things that we can do to protect ourselves from the demons. Consider the following Bible guidelines.

"Do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God." (1 John 4:1) Some statements made by astrologers, psychics, mediums and witch doctor may indeed be true. For example, the demonized girl in Philippi spoke the truth when she said about Paul and his companions: "These men are slaves to the Most High God, who are publishing to you the way of salvation." (Acts 16:17) Nevertheless, Paul and his companions did not accept her in their company. Instead, Paul ordered the evil spirit to come out of her. Test religious statement by comparing them with what the Bible says. -Acts 17:11.

"Subject yourselves, therefore, to God; but oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you." (James 4:7) The demons are God's enemies and yours too. Do not even become curious about their dark ways. Instead, subject yourself to God by heeding his loving commandments, which are not burdensome. (1 John 5:3) For example, God said to the ancient nation of Israel: "There should not be found in you anyone who . . .employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or anyone who inquires of the dead. For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) God's view has not changed. -Galatians 5:19, 20.

"There is no lucky spell against [Jehovah's servants]." (Numbers 23:23) All who want to please God need not fear the demons. Indeed. those wicked spirits "shudder" before God, aware of his overwhelming power, which he will eventually use to destroy them. (James 2:19) God will "show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him," and he 'will never allow the righteous one to tottter.' -2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 55:22.

"The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all." (Ecclesiastes 9:5) God's Word teaches that the dead are just that-dead! They should not be feared, for they can no longer harm anyone. (Isaiah 26:14) In order to deceive people, the demons sometimes masquerade as spirits of the dead, which may explain why people find that the "spirit of a formerly kind person may seem different from the person they knew.

"You cannot be partaking o"You cf 'the table of Jehovah' and the table of demons." (1 Corinthians 10:21, 22) All who truly love Jehovah will stay away from books, movies and computer games that are rooted in the occult or that promote occult practices and beliefs. I shall not set in front of my eyes any good-for-nothing thing." says Psalm 101:3. What is more, occult entertainment often glorifies violence and immorality, which "lovers of Jehovah" repudiate. -Psalm 97:10.

The demons have always tried to hide their true nature from humans. But they have not fully succeeded. By means of the Bible, Jehovah has exposed them for what they really are-malicious liars and vicious enemies of mankind. What a contrast to our Creator, Jehovah God! As the following article shows, he loves us, always tells the truth, and wants us to live happily forever. -John 3:16; 17:17.

Next time: A Sure Source of Guidance and Hope

Awake! 2011