Spiritualism: The Devil’s Oldest Trick—A Reformed Christian Rebuttal

The world of Spiritualism is seductive. It whispers promises of secret knowledge, communion with the dead, and supernatural enlightenment. It cloaks itself in the language of love and light, but at its core, it is deception—a demonic counterfeit of God’s truth. From séances and spirit guides to psychic readings and energy healing, Spiritualism plays on the age-old lie: “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5).

Reformed Christianity, grounded in the absolute authority of Scripture, stands in direct opposition to this deceptive system. Spiritualism is not a harmless pursuit of truth—it is a rebellion against God, an invitation for demonic influence, and a rejection of the sufficiency of Christ. Let’s tear the mask off and expose the darkness hiding beneath the glittering façade of Spiritualism.

1. Contacting the Dead? No, You’re Talking to Demons

Spiritualists claim to communicate with the dead through mediums, séances, or spirit guides. They tell grieving hearts that their loved ones are just a whisper away, eager to share wisdom from the other side. It’s a comforting lie—but a lie nonetheless.

Biblical Reality: The dead do not linger to chat. The Bible teaches that upon death, the soul immediately enters its eternal destiny—either in the presence of Christ (Philippians 1:23) or in torment, awaiting judgment (Luke 16:22-26). There is no middle ground, no wandering spirits, and certainly no ancestors waiting to give us advice.

So who are these so-called spirits? Demons. Satan’s forces are more than happy to masquerade as deceased loved ones if it means pulling people deeper into deception. This isn’t speculation—it’s biblical truth.

2 Corinthians 11:14 – “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

Leviticus 19:31 – “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.”

Isaiah 8:19 – “Should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”

When people dabble in spirit communication, they are not talking to Grandma or Uncle Joe. They are engaging with demons who will exploit their emotions, distort truth, and lead them further from Christ.

2. The Lie of Secret Knowledge

Spiritualism promises hidden wisdom—messages from beyond, esoteric knowledge, and personal revelations. It sounds eerily similar to another ancient lie:

"Did God really say…?" (Genesis 3:1)

Since the beginning, Satan has been tempting humanity to seek knowledge apart from God. Spiritualism is just another variation of the same deception: it offers a spirituality that bypasses the Word of God and instead relies on personal experience, feelings, and supernatural encounters.

Reformed Christianity stands on Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone. God has already revealed all we need to know in His Word. The idea that we need hidden spiritual knowledge outside of the Bible is not only false but dangerous.

Deuteronomy 29:29 – “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”

Colossians 2:8 – “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Chasing after secret wisdom outside of Scripture is nothing but rebellion. God has spoken. His Word is enough.

3. Energy Healing and Spirit Guides: The Occult in Disguise

From Reiki and crystal healing to shamanic journeys and "spirit guides," Spiritualism loves to offer power. People are promised healing energies, supernatural protection, and the ability to manipulate spiritual forces. Again, this is nothing new. It’s just witchcraft with better PR.

The Bible is clear: supernatural power that does not come from God comes from Satan.

Acts 16:16-18 – A slave girl had a spirit of divination, which Paul rebuked and cast out. The demonic realm can give real supernatural abilities—but they lead to bondage, not freedom.

Exodus 7:11-12 – Pharaoh’s magicians could imitate some of God’s miracles, proving that occult power exists—but it is ultimately inferior and under God’s judgment.

Galatians 5:19-21 – Sorcery (pharmakeia) is listed as a work of the flesh, condemned alongside sexual immorality and idolatry.

Energy healing, spirit guides, and divination are just modernized versions of ancient paganism. They do not draw from the power of God but from the kingdom of darkness.

4. The Only True Spiritual Power: The Gospel of Jesus Christ

Spiritualism peddles cheap counterfeits of what is already offered in Christ. Looking for peace? Christ gives peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7). Seeking wisdom? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Want healing? Christ is the Great Physician (Matthew 9:12).

Everything Spiritualism promises, Christ fulfills completely.

Jesus doesn’t offer vague spiritual mumbo-jumbo, rituals, or hidden knowledge. He offers Himself. And only through Him can we have true life.

John 14:6 – “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Acts 4:12 – “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Every supernatural pursuit outside of Christ leads to destruction. There is no enlightenment apart from Him—only darkness masquerading as light.

Final Warning: Get Out Now

If you’re dabbling in Spiritualism, stop now. Burn the tarot cards. Delete the psychic’s number. Throw out the crystals. Renounce the spirits. Run to Christ.

God does not tolerate divided loyalties. The moment you flirt with the occult, you open yourself to demonic deception. Spiritualism is not a game. It’s not “just energy work.” It’s not “just connecting with spirits.” It is warfare. Choose your side. Cling to Christ, and you have eternal life. Chase after the spirits of the world, and you invite judgment.

"What fellowship has light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14)

There is no middle ground. Reject Spiritualism. Bow before the King. Let Christ be enough.