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Sermon #4191

Spiritism and the Christian

A Sermon on Ephesians 6:10-13

Originally preached Nov. 27, 1960

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Scripture

Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV KJV
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against …

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Sermon Description

Do not tinker with demons! In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–13 titled “Spiritism and the Christian,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the topic of spiritualism and the use of mediums. He says that while the Bible never denies the existence of spirits and other powers, it nevertheless condemns the use of these spirits to commune with the dead and divine the future. He uses the example of Saul and the witch of Endor as an example of the pagan spiritism that God’s word unequivocally condemns. It is only out of a spirit of unbelief that people are tempted to turn away from God and try to consult the dead. This reliance on unholy demonic powers is a fundamental denial of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and His loving providence over the entire world. It is only when people reject God that they turn to pagan idolatry. Furthermore, some have argued that the Bible, particularly the ministry of Jesus, is compatible with spiritualism. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that to do so is to reject the clear teachings of the gospel that it is the Holy Spirit and the power of God that empowers the ministry of Jesus, not so-called spirits and medians. Only the true power of God can preserve and lead to all truth and righteousness.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The Bible condemns spiritism and consulting mediums.
  2. Spiritism denies God's revelation and salvation. It offers a false way of salvation.
  3. Spiritism denies biblical teachings about angels, Jesus, miracles, resurrection, heaven and hell.
  4. Spiritism is the work of evil spirits, not departed loved ones. The spirits impersonate to deceive people.
  5. The case of Saul consulting the medium of Endor proves this. The medium was terrified because Samuel appeared unexpectedly, showing God condemned Saul's action.
  6. The transfiguration of Jesus was unique and showed Jesus fulfilling the law and prophets. It was not spiritism.
  7. Spiritists never glorify Jesus or believe in His deity, virgin birth, miracles or resurrection.
  8. Spiritism shows a lack of trust in God and His salvation. People want to control their destiny instead of trusting God.
  9. Spiritism denies God the Father's providence and love, the sufficiency of Jesus and the Holy Spirit's fellowship.

Sermon Q&A

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones on Spiritualism and the Christian Response

What does the Bible teach about consulting mediums and spiritualists?

According to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, the Bible condemns spiritualism (or spiritism) "altogether and in its entirety." He cites several biblical examples, including 1 Samuel 28, where Saul had "put away those that had familiar spirits and the wizards out of the land," and 2 Kings 23:24, where King Josiah "put away" workers with familiar spirits as "abominations." Isaiah 8:19-20 is also referenced, where the prophet ridicules the notion of turning to familiar spirits, saying, "Should not a people seek unto their God? For the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony!" Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that every time there was a reformation or revival in Israel, such practices were excluded.

Why is spiritualism dangerous according to Dr. Lloyd-Jones?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones outlines several dangers of spiritualism:

  1. It "sets revelation on one side" - ignoring God's Word in favor of seeking knowledge elsewhere
  2. It denies specific biblical teachings about angels, Christ's deity, and the afterlife
  3. It offers an alternative "way of salvation" contrary to God's revealed plan
  4. It involves communication with "evil spirits" that impersonate departed loved ones
  5. It demonstrates a lack of trust in God's goodness and provision
  6. People who practice it "never glorify the Lord Jesus Christ" in His full deity

As Lloyd-Jones states: "There is nothing that's right about this teaching. It is altogether opposed to God and everything that he has done for mankind."

Did Samuel actually appear to Saul during the séance with the Witch of Endor?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that this incident actually condemns spiritualism rather than supporting it. He points out that the woman was terrified when Samuel appeared, crying out with a loud voice, suggesting this was not normal. Lloyd-Jones explains: "The woman was no doubt on the point of trying, as she thought, to call up Samuel. But before she has an opportunity of doing anything, Samuel appears and the woman is alarmed and amazed."

He concludes that "God is correcting and punishing king Saul for even attempting such a thing" and that "far from being a case of the exercise of spiritualistic power, it is nothing of the kind." Samuel's appearance was God's direct intervention to condemn the practice.

What is the Christian alternative to seeking guidance from spiritualism?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Christians have divine resources that make spiritualism unnecessary:

  1. God's providential care: "The very hairs of your head are all numbered"
  2. Christ's indwelling power: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me"
  3. The Holy Spirit as Comforter: "I shall not leave you comfortless"
  4. The Bible's complete revelation: "To the law and to the testimony"

Lloyd-Jones concludes: "A Christian who turns to this kind of thing is displaying either his total unbelief or else he's so ignorant and uninstructed that he knows nothing of the exceeding riches of God's grace and the unsearchable riches of Christ."

How should Christians respond to spiritualism's phenomena?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones acknowledges that not all spiritualist phenomena are fraudulent. However, he emphasizes that Christians should:

  1. Recognize these phenomena as the work of evil spirits, not departed loved ones
  2. Understand that while spiritualism may demonstrate "the reality of the spiritual realm," Christians already believe in this realm based on Scripture
  3. "Resist it, steadfast in the faith"
  4. "Take unto you the whole armor of God"
  5. "Be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might"

He characterizes spiritualism as "one of the devil's masterpieces, trying to counterfeit the scriptures and above all, the son of God."

The Book of Ephesians

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.