The closing chapters of the Bible, Revelation 21 and 22, provide warnings about the terrifying eternal destiny of those who reject the Gospel and persist in sin. This includes sorcerers and idolaters, which speaks directly to the dangers of New Age and occult practices.

Revelation 21:8 proclaims, “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”

Then verse 15 adds details of who won’t be admitted to the New Heaven: “Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood” (Revelation 22:15). By the way, the reference to dogs is a symbol of those who reject the Gospel, and isn’t about our pets.

These verses are pronouncements of judgments at the very end of the Bible. They emphasize that eternal torment is the consequence of rejecting God for the false powers of sorcery, the empty worship of idols, or the lies of sin. These warnings are chilling for those who are drawn into the New Age, which promises enlightenment, healing, and empowerment but instead leads to spiritual bondage and destruction.

Sorcery and Idolatry in Revelation and the Occult Today

The Koine Greek word used for sorcery in Revelation is transliterated pharmakeia, from which we derive our word “pharmacy.” It originally referred to the use of potions, spells, or drugs in occultic contexts. In Scripture, sorcery is based upon rebellion against God and the seeking of hidden power apart from Him. This stands in direct opposition to the Gospel, for it seeks spiritual control rather than humble submission to God.

The New Age movement packages sorcery with more socially acceptable labels such as energy healing, crystal therapy, astrology, manifestation, vision boards, tarot reading, and channeling spirit guides.

These practices are no different in essence from the occultism condemned in Scripture. They may appear harmless or even therapeutic, and they may even seem effective. Yet, they open the door to demonic influence and distract people from the sufficiency of Jesus Christ. God’s Word warns, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer” (Deuteronomy 18:10).

Idolatry is likewise condemned throughout the Old and New Testaments. We normally think of idolatry as bowing down before a carved image. Yet, idolatry is any elevation of creation (including fallen angels masquerading as deities) over the Creator. The New Age is based upon idolatry, as it deifies the self, nature, goddesses, or abstract forces such as “the universe.”

New Agers worship celestial bodies through astrology, and revere crystals through believing they have magical powers apart from God. Those involved in Wicca worship an imagined “divine feminine.” Even practices like yoga is based upon glorifying Hindu deities with asana poses; mindfulness is rooted in Buddhism and Hinduism; and rituals invoking ancestors are modern expressions of idolatry. Scripture warns that “they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). We’re exhorted to give all glory to God.

Idolatry and sorcery are often linked, since both reject God’s authority and pursue false spiritual power. In Revelation, they’re judged together in the Lake of Fire, which is the terrifying eternal destiny of all who die without repenting and believing in Christ.

The Lake of Fire is described as the second death. Some theologians describe it as eternal separation from God’s presence of blessing, while other scholars say that it’s eternally being in the presence of God’s wrath. While the New Heaven is filled with light, life, and fellowship with God, those who cling to the unrepentant rejection of God through sorcery and idolatry are excluded forever.

Those in the New Age often argue that “God is love” and that He’d never send anyone to hell. Yet, Jesus warned about hell more than anyone else in the Bible. Occultists argue that they’re spiritually protected by their intentions and “prayers of protection.” Yet, there’s no prayer that can protect people from the consequences of unrepentant sin. No occult power can shield someone from God’s judgment, and no idol can save from His wrath.

Even as Revelation gives this final warning to idolaters and sorcerers, the Bible also gives the Good News of the Gospel. God desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world to save sinners. He lived a sinless life, fulfilling God’s Law perfectly. He died on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice, bearing God’s wrath for sin. He rose from the dead on the third day, conquering sin and death.

Anyone who turns from sin and believes in Jesus will be saved: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). This salvation isn’t earned through works or spiritual rituals but is the gift of God by grace through our faith (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Those who’ve been involved in New Age or occult practices like I was aren’t beyond the reach of God’s grace for those who repent and believe the Gospel.

The blood of Jesus cleanses from all sin (1 John 1:7). Many former sorcerers, idolaters, and occult practitioners such as myself have been delivered and now testify to the power of Christ. As Paul reminded the church at Corinth, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

The eternal destinies presented in Revelation 21 and 22 reveal the stark choice to either persist in sorcery, idolatry, and falsehood and face the eternal torment of the Lake of Fire, or to repent, believe the Gospel, and receive the gift of eternal life in Christ. The seductive promises of the New Age doesn’t even compare with the glory of the New Heaven.

For those involved in New Age practices today, this is a loving but firm warning that no matter how spiritual, enlightened, or harmless it seems, these practices place you outside the gates of Heaven. Yet Jesus says, “Let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price” (Revelation 22:17). The Gospel is open to all who will repent and believe.

If you’re entangled in New Age deception or occult practices, turn to Christ now. Confess your sins, renounce the false idols, and trust in Jesus alone for salvation. He is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Today is the day of salvation, and tomorrow isn’t promised. The Gospel stands as both a warning and an invitation for you to flee from the wrath to run to the Savior who freely gives eternal life.

All glory to God!

For more from Doreen please visit her page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.