Mediums: Intermediaries Between the Spirit World and the Living
A medium is, literally, an intermediary between the spirit world and ours. The Bible condemns the practice of mediumship, and any involvement with such practices is strongly warned against in Scripture.
The Spirit World
The spirit world refers to the realm of existence beyond the physical, material universe — the domain inhabited by spiritual beings such as God, angels, evil spirits (demons), and the souls of the deceased. In biblical theology, it is the unseen reality that coexists with but is distinct from the physical world.
The spirit world is real and active
The Bible treats the spirit world as a genuine realm, not metaphorical. Spiritual beings interact with the physical world, as seen in Daniel 10:12-13, where an angelic creature describes being opposed by a demonic prince, and in Ephesians 6:12, which states that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
The spirit world contains both good and evil beings. God and His holy angels operate within it, as do fallen angels and evil spirits who oppose God's purposes. Upon death, human souls enter the spirit world, either to God's presence (heaven) or separated from Him (hell), as illustrated in Jesus' account of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. This passage gives strong evidence that, once a person has died, their soul remains in its appointed place and does not return to communicate with the living.
The Nature of Mediumship
In both modern and ancient times, mediums have claimed the ability to communicate with spirits of the dead. Sometimes mediums are called "channelers," as they allegedly "channel" communication from the dead to the living through "familiar spirits"). The messages may come audibly, visually, or through physical sensations.
Modern mediums distinguish themselves from psychics, who only read the "energies" of a person or place and do not communicate with actual spirits.
Biblical Condemnation of Mediumship
The Old Testament explicitly condemns mediumship in multiple passages. Leviticus 20:27 pronounces judgment on both mediums and spiritists – those who consult the dead and those who claim occult knowledge through a familiar spirit. Deuteronomy 18:10-11 broadens this prohibition to include divination, sorcery, witchcraft, the casting of spells, and even child sacrifice — placing mediumship firmly among the most serious spiritual offenses.
In the New Testament, sorcery and other associated practices are considered inappropriate, sinful activities for any Christian (Acts 8:9ff,19:19). Since the primary purpose of these activities is to communicate with spirits, it is correct to include mediumship in these New Testament warnings.
Saul and the Medium at Endor
King Saul's sinful use of a medium is recorded in 1 Samuel 28. When the prophet Samuel died, Saul was frustrated that God had ceased communicating with him through prophets or dreams. In direct violation of God's Law, the king told his men to find a medium who could communicate with Samuel.
This medium conjured Samuel, though she seemed surprised at his actual appearance. God appears to have allowed Samuel's conjuring as a rare exception to deliver a message of doom to Saul. Saul died the next day, and First Chronicles 10:13-14 reveals that his interaction with the medium was an important part of why he was dethroned and his dynasty cut short.
Stay away from this dangerous deception
Reflection and Application:
- Consider why God so firmly condemns mediumship and what that reveals about His protection of His people.
- Reflect on the comfort that comes from trusting God's sovereignty rather than seeking forbidden spiritual shortcuts.
- Recognise that the spirits behind mediumship are deceiving demons, not departed loved ones.
- Examine whether any practices in your own life might blur the line between faith and forbidden spiritualism.
See also: dead, occult, spirit realm, spiritism.