Out of Darkness: Finding Freedom from the Occult and False Religion

False religion and the occult are defined as “the hidden, secret, and mysterious, particularly pertaining to the supernatural.” Common examples of false religious practices are Ouija boards, tarot cards, tea leaves, spiritism, fortune-telling, magic (both black and white), Wicca, witchcraft, and Freemasonry. From the beginning of time, humanity has been interested in the occult, especially as these practices have captivated millions worldwide with their ability to fascinate, allure, and empower.

False religion appeals to an individual’s natural curiosity, as many become involved due to the simple “harmless” nature of practices such as playing with Ouija boards, having your fortune read via your palm, or even enjoying a fantasy book/movie as a child. However, these practices are often likened to quicksand as they are easy to get into but difficult to escape. In reality, all false religious practices are rooted in darkness, controlled by evil forces, and often offer just enough information to keep their victims intrigued while exerting more spiritual authority over the heart and mind than bargained. 

God strictly warned His people in Leviticus 20:6 not to become involved in the occult or false religion. Additionally, in Deuteronomy 18:9-14, He gives complete instruction to drive out the pagan and false religious practices of the surrounding nations. Finally, in 1 Timothy 4:1, forms of false religion are mentioned as a clear sign of the end of the age and the coming of the Lord. From all accounts of Biblical guidance, God does not take our involvement in the negative influence of false religion (secret groups, dark ceremonies, initiations, pacts, judgments, vows, covenants, or agreements) lightly. 

Questions to Ask*: 

1. What is the situation that has prompted such difficulty in your life? 

   1. Describe your life when these problems first started.  

2. Describe/list your involvement with any form of occult/false religious material. 

3. Do you ever feel compelled to do things out of your control? 

4. Do you ever struggle with thoughts that plague/criticize you? 

5. How have you sought solutions to these problems in your life? 

6. Are there any lies you believe about God’s Word, your identity in Christ, or God’s promises to you that may be influenced by false religion or the occult?  

*Additional Questions to Ask:  

Please use the additional questions below to provide further guidance as you pray for freedom and emotional healing from all involved with the occult and false religion.xv In each case, use the following prayer aid: “In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (false religious influence). 

1. Have you ever tried to contact dead loved ones to receive messages or instructions?  

   1. “In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence).” 

2. Have you ever been contacted by dead loved ones to give messages or instructions?* 

3. Have you ever made vows, covenants, or promises to groups or organizations (Freemasons, Wicca, Christian Science, Sororities, Fraternities) apart from God and His Holy Word?)*  

4. Have you ever been curious about the New Age, read New Age material, listened to New Age teachings, or attended New Age conferences?  

5. Have you ever sought out or received guidance from a medium, spiritual guru, spirit guide, or shaman?*  

6. Have you ever had an imaginary friend or spiritual being give you instruction apart from God, His Holy Spirit, and His Word?* 

7. Have you ever indulged in fantasy television/books, watched horror movies, or listened to dark radio/podcasts involving death, torture, magic, spell casting, or receiving supernatural power apart from God or His Holy Spirit?* 

8. Have you ever sought medical counsel and assistance from a natural healing specialist utilizing holistic and spiritual energy methods?* 

9. Have you had any additional spiritual experiences that you considered abnormal or fearful?* 

Connected Influences: Astral Projection, astrology/Horoscopes, black or white Magic, crystal ball/magic eight ball, fortune telling, freemasonry/eastern Star, mental telepathy, occult and masonic accessories—i.e., books, Ouija boards, palm reading, psychic readings/healings (reincarnation, past life, tea leaves, coffee ground), table tipping/lifting, tarot cards, trances and passive states of mind, eastern meditation, voodoo/hoodoo Wicca/witchcraft, spell/hex casting, made a blood pact/oath/vow, seen a sacrifice, visited pagan temples, Buddhism, Hinduism Christian Science, Jehovah’s witness, Mormonism, Islam/Eastern Religions, Unitarian/Universalism, New Age, New Thought, yoga practice, reiki touch, Santeria, ancestral worship, satanism.  

Scriptural Truth: 

“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, be very careful not to imitate the detestable customs of the nations living there. 10 For example, never sacrifice your son or daughter as a burnt offering. And do not let your people practice fortune-telling, or use sorcery, or interpret omens, or engage in witchcraft, 11 or cast spells, or function as mediums or psychics, or call forth the spirits of the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord. It is because the other nations have done these detestable things that the Lord your God will drive them out ahead of you. 13 But you must be blameless before the Lord your God. 14 The nations you are about to displace consult sorcerers and fortune-tellers, but the Lord your God forbids you to do such things.” (Deuteronomy 18:9-14) 

“Do not defile yourselves by turning to mediums or to those who consult the spirits of the dead. I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:31)  

“Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.” (1 Samuel 15:33) 

“Then the Lord said, “These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts.” (Jeremiah 14:14) 

“Someone may say to you, “Let’s ask the mediums and those who consult the spirits of the dead. With their whisperings and mutterings, they will tell us what to do.” But shouldn’t people ask God for guidance? Should the living seek guidance from the dead?” (Isaiah 8:19) 

How to Pray for Breakthrough from False Religion and The Occult:

You may pray aloud, using each step below:

1. REALIZE: "Lord, I confess (negative influence) is an area that limits my walk with You. Would You show me the first time I experienced this?"

   
   

2. RELEASE: "Lord, who I need to forgive for influencing this in my life. I choose to forgive (name of person) for (what they did or failed to do). It made me feel (share your emotions with the Lord). I release them from any debt they owe me and repent for judging them. I choose to bless them."

   1. "Lord, do I need to forgive myself for how I responded to this negative influence?”

   2. "Lord, am I holding onto judgment or unmet expectations of You because of this negative influence?"

      
      

3. REPENT & RENOUNCE: "I repent partnering with (negative influence). In the name of Jesus Christ, I renounce my agreement with (negative influence). I choose to hand this to You.”

   1. Lord, I also renounce my agreement with (any connected negative influences).

      
      

4. RECEIVE: "Lord, what do You want to give me in exchange for the negative influence I have given You?"

   1. What truth do You want me to walk in, based on Your Word, Your promises to me, and my identity in Christ?" (Write down and give thanks for the truths that you received from the Lord!)

You can break free from every negative influence present in your life! If you want to go deeper into the spiritual and emotional wholeness that God has for you, check out my book, Encountering Abba’s Heart, or use the purchase link below.

Encountering Abba's Heart