World/ Pharmacia Sorcery/ False Religion

Drugs in the Bible

Rev. 18:23, World History January 1, 1996

Drug abuse is a major problem in our society today. The results are devastating. Few people realize that the Bible has something to say regarding the subject of drugs. Let us assure you that it does. When we search the Scriptures we find out. The New Testament was written originally in Greek. With the use of a concordance, we can track down the deeper more diverse meanings of specific words. (We recommend Strong’s concordance.) This study will bear out the value of being a private eye many times in the study of Scripture.

The words “sorceries” and “sorcerers” are found a total of eight times in the New Testament. Four of these are in the Book of Acts (chapter 8, verses 9 & 11 and chapter 13, verses 6 & 8) These words are used to speak of men using magic and sorcery to bewitch the people. The other four times these words “sorceries” and “sorcerers” appear they are translated from entirely different Greek words. These are the two words, “pharmakeia”. You can readily see where we get our word “pharmacy”, which we commonly call a ‘drug store”. The word “pharmakeia” actually means “enchantment with drugs”. The word “pharmakos” means enchanter with drugs”. The first (pharmakeia) refers to the user of drugs, and the second (pharmakos) speaks of the promoter or dealer in drugs.

Revelation 9:21 and 18:23 speaks of pharmakeia, medication (pharmacy), i.e. (by extension magic. (lit. or fig.) sorcery, witchcraft. Revelation 21:8 and 22:15 uses the term pharmakeus from pharmakon (a drug, i.e., spell-giving potion); or poisoner, (by extension) a magician, sorcerer.

Now, for a most important factor. The four times these words that are translated “sorcery” and “sorcerers” appear are all in the Book of Revelation (chapter 9, verse 21; chapter 18, verse 23; chapter 21, verse 8 and chapter 22, verse 15). When we come to these chapters it is clearly apparent that we are approaching the end of this age.

Let us look at just one of the passages. Revelation 18:23 where we read, “for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived” or “for by thy pharmakeia were all nations deceived” or for by thy enchantment with drugs were all nations deceived”. This is the real meaning of this verse. Note the word, “enchantment”. The dictionary defining this word states, “the producing of certain wonderful effects; overpowering influence of delight; the warmth of fancy”. Another dictionary puts it this way; “To cast under a spell; bewitch. To attract and delight completely; charm.” I must also add that the influence of drugs is not always a good or delightful experience. I have known of, and heard of many past and present users speak of “bad trips”. We have all heard of those either committing suicide, or other heinous crimes while on drugs. How very significant this is in light of the effects produced in a life of drugs.

Shall we consider another word in our verse – the word “deceived”. To be deceived means to be deluded, fooled, misled, or entrapped. Who, then is behind this master plot to destroy lives and damn souls? As we study the chapters that contain these verses we have referred to, we find that Satan is backing this program. Over and over we read that he is the “deceiver”. “Satan, which deceiveth the whole world.” Rev. 12:9 See also Rev. 18:23 and chapter 20:10. What does this all add up to? Just exactly this; the whole devastating drug culture is a Satanic campaign, “...for he knows his time is short“, and he wants to claim as many as he can. If you are involved you could be his captive. Has he deceived, deluded, ensnared, misled and entrapped you?

We would never have considered writing this article if we had to stop here. What would it avail to diagnose the case if no remedy could be prescribed. So, read the following words carefully. Ask God what they really mean. They are God’s prescription for a sick society, drugs among all the other, sicknesses or the world.

1. KNOW THAT you, too, are a sinner before God. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Romans 3:23 KJV

2. KNOW THAT the penalty of your sin is death, separation from God forever. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord”. Romans 6:23 KJV

3. KNOW THAT Christ paid the penalty of your sin on the cross. “But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

4. KNOW THAT your part is to accept Christ as your Savior. “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in His throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” Rev 3:20-22

If drugs have had a hold on you or someone you love, cry out to God for help and mercy!