Though Your Sins Be as Scarlet

 

Scarlet is a distinctive color that carries a lot of baggage. What does the biblical phrase “though your sins be as scarlet” mean? What is the Bible’s solution to this problem?

Whether the word scarlet brings to mind Nathaniel Hawthorne (The Scarlet Letter), Margaret Mitchell (Gone With the Wind’s Scarlett) or Stan Lee (either the Marvel character or the actress with that name), it is a word with powerful connotations. Some of those come from the Bible.

Merriam-Webster.com gives these definitions of the English adjective scarlet:

“2 a: grossly and glaringly offensive ‘sinning in flagrant and scarlet fashion’—G.W. Johnson

“b [from the use of the word in Isaiah 1:18 & Revelation 17:1-6 (King James Version)]: of, characterized by, or associated with sexual immorality ‘a scarlet woman.’”

The word scarlet is actually used 49 times in the New King James Version of the Bible, mostly in a positive context. In fact, blue, purple and scarlet were used extensively in God’s tabernacle (see Exodus 25:4 and many other passages).

“Though your sins be as scarlet”

Still, the Bible does connect scarlet with sin.

In Revelation John saw a harlot dressed in scarlet and purple and riding on a scarlet-colored beast (Revelation 17:3-4). The context shows these represent evil religious and governmental powers that will make war with Jesus Christ at His return (verse 14; read more in our article “Revelation 17: Who Is the Scarlet Woman?”).

The other verse mentioned by Merriam-Webster is Isaiah 1:18, a key passage about how God views our sins, and how He deeply desires to forgive us.

“‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ says the LORD, ‘though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.’”

The expression is better known as it was stated in the distinguished and long-dominant King James Version: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

The Hebrew words for scarlet, red and crimson

For background, let’s look at the meanings and connotations of the Hebrew color words in this verse: scarlet from Hebrew saniy (H8144), red from adam (H119) and crimson from tola (H8438).

Saniy (scarlet) “describes a bright red color with a tinge of orange in it. It was used to color ribbons, threads, etc., in the ancient world and was easily seen (Gen. 38:28, 30; Lev. 14:4). It was a featured color of various items in the Tabernacle (Ex. 25:4; 26:1; 27:16)” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament).

Gesenius’ Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon connects this word with the insect from which the scarlet color dye was made.

Adam (red) is “a verb meaning to be red, ruddy, dyed red.” It can be used to describe people like Esau and David, or things like dyed ram skins and red wine. “Metaphorically, this word describes sin as ‘red like crimson’ (Isa. 1:18)” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament).

Tola (crimson) can also be translated purple and scarlet. “It refers to the color of one’s sins that stands out in a shocking way, drawing attention to its intensity. … These colors also are associated with royalty, [palatial] living, etc. (Lam. 4:5).”

A form of the word “refers to the colors attributed by scholars to expensive cloth materials or threads, ropes, chains, etc. of cloth, used in the materials found in the Tabernacle and its furnishings (Ex. 25:4; etc.; Num. 4:8). A scarlet string was involved in the ritual of cleansing a leper (Lev. 14:4, 6); a house (Lev. 14:49, 51, 52); and in the law of the red heifer (Num. 19:6)” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary Old Testament).

These Hebrew words could have good and bad connotations. Saying scarlet without context would not be automatically bad.

So let’s look at the context.

The context of “though your sins be as scarlet”

Isaiah 1:4 sets the scene:

“Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked to anger the Holy One of Israel, they have turned away backward.”

God sent Isaiah with a message of warning to his sinful nation—and it’s a message every sinful nation should take to heart.

The guilt of sin is a heavy burden. The word picture portrayed “an entire people, bowed and crushed under the enormous weight of accumulated crimes” (Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Whole Bible, note on Isaiah 1:4).

Reading about the sin, corruption, oppression, violence and hypocrisy of Judah bears an uncanny resemblance to the worsening moral state of our nations today.Reading about the sin, corruption, oppression, violence and hypocrisy of Judah bears an uncanny resemblance to the worsening moral state of our nations today.

How God sees sin

In verse 6 Isaiah describes sin from God’s perspective:

“From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; they have not been closed or bound up, or soothed with ointment.”

To God, their sins were like those that led to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (verse 10). Even their outward show of religion was disgusting to God (verses 11-14).

God said, “Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood” (verse 15).

“The expression full of blood, denotes crime and guilt of a high order—as, in murder, the hands would be dripping in blood, and as the stain on the hands would be proof of guilt. It is probably a figurative expression, not meaning literally that they were murderers, but that they were given to rapine and injustice; to the oppression of the poor, the widow, etc.” (Barnes’ Notes, note on Isaiah 1:15).

“Though your sins be like scarlet” refers to the color of blood

It’s in this context of having their hands full of blood that God compares their sins with scarlet and crimson. This is the most obvious connection. Bloody hands are also mentioned in other passages in the Bible.

God hates “hands that shed innocent blood” (Proverbs 6:17).

The phrase “blood is on their hands” is connected with murder, spiritual adultery and even child sacrifice in Ezekiel 23:37 and 45.

And Isaiah explains that God has great power and desires to help: “But your iniquities have separated you from your God; and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perversity” (Isaiah 59:2-3).

The next dozen verses continue the list of evils that displeased God. Violence, shedding innocent blood, injustice, oppression and revolt are among these iniquities that characterized the society of Isaiah’s day—and ours.

God’s call for repentance from sin

After noting “your hands are full of blood” in Isaiah 1:15, God calls on all sinners to change.

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow” (verses 16-17).

Repentance involves not only acknowledging our sins, but a deep desire to become clean.Repentance involves not only acknowledging our sins, but a deep desire to become clean. This includes steps to stop sinning and do good instead. None of these things earn God’s forgiveness. Nothing we could do can earn God’s forgiveness. But they are prerequisites—the steps necessary to come to God. Read more about this in our article “How to Repent.”

God can forgive all sin, even murder

God can forgive—and has forgiven—even the sin of murder. God sent the prophet Nathan to point out King David’s great sins. “You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon” (2 Samuel 12:9).

And David cried out in heartfelt repentance. Part of his repentance is recorded in Psalm 51:14: “Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation.”

And the apostle Paul, before his conversion, was a zealous Pharisee and was guilty of persecuting the Church, causing innocent members to suffer martyrdom.

“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest” (Acts 9:1).

But God struck him down and called him to the right path. Paul deeply appreciated what God had done in calling him to repentance and granting him forgiveness.

And Paul strongly warned the Corinthians—and us—that we must not continue in sin after we have been forgiven.

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

We can be washed and cleansed, not by our own power, but by the awesome sacrifice that Jesus Christ gave.

The price for sins was paid by the blood of Jesus Christ

Sin is so horrible, so destructive, so evil, God’s perfect justice requires the death penalty to cleanse its stain.

Since we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and earned that death penalty (6:23), we can be eternally grateful that God in His great mercy has provided a way to pay for that penalty without our eternal death.

But that way required the death of our Creator, King and Savior—Jesus Christ.

How to make scarlet as white as snow

We can be “justified by His blood” (5:9). That means our past sins can be blotted out, cleansed. Figuratively we can be like those in Revelation 7:14 who “washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

The book of Hebrews explains that the Old Testament sacrificial system purified the flesh as a type of the much greater sacrifice of Christ. Compared to the blood of bulls and goats, “how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14).

Repentance is not just a one-time emotional act. It is a commitment to always repent of every sin and to strive to stop sinning. God does the cleansing, but the apostle Paul described the attitude and approach God wants to see in each of us as we strive to change and become like Him.

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation. … What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (2 Corinthians 7:10-11; see a helpful explanation of this passage in our article “Godly Sorrow”).

“If you are willing and obedient”

After offering to cleanse our sins and make them as white as snow, God said, “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword” (Isaiah 1:19-20).

God’s way ultimately produces blessings—and eternal life! But if we reject His merciful offer of cleansing, the end result will be curses and eternal death.

We have all sinned, and our sins are as scarlet and crimson to God. It’s as if our hands are covered with blood. We are responsible for the death of our Savior.

But He wants us to repent and change. This is the most important continuing commitment we can make. Study more about what God says about repentance, forgiveness, cleansing and living a life of Christian conversion in our concise free booklet Change Your Life!

What Is the Sin That Leads to Death?

 

In 1 John 5:16-17 we read, “There is sin leading to death” and “there is sin not leading to death.” Are there sins a person can commit that will not earn the penalty of eternal death, and other sins that will? What is the meaning of this perplexing passage?

The apostle John encouraged us to pray for sinning Church members. But he added a distinction that has confused people for hundreds of years, between “a sin unto death” and “a sin not unto death” (King James Version).

1 John 5:16-17: a difficult passage

Here is the passage in the New King James Version: “If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death” (1 John 5:16-17).

William Barclay in his Daily Study Bible states: “There is no doubt that this is a most difficult and disturbing passage” (comments on 1 John 5:16-17).

The Bible: key to understanding

As we review these scriptures, we will come to understand that the answer is not as difficult as it first appears. We have to go to the Bible to find the answers. Since the Bible was inspired by the Creator, there can be no errors or contradictions in the Scriptures He originally inspired. John 10:35 clearly says, “The Scripture cannot be broken.”

If we recognize the authority of the Bible as being the inspired Word of God, then we can have confidence that seeming contradictions can be sorted out. (Read more about this in our booklet Is the Bible True? and our article “Contradictions in the Bible?”)

What is sin in the Bible?

The Bible states that sin “is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4, KJV). As J.B. Phillips renders this verse, “Everyone who commits sin breaks God’s law, for that is what sin is, by definition—a breaking of God’s law” (emphasis added throughout).

Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Revised Edition) says: “Our status as ‘children of God’ does not change the basic definition of sin, nor does it alleviate our moral responsibility. Sin is always ‘lawlessness,’ whether committed by a child of God or anyone else” (p. 459).

Read more about God’s law in our section on “The 10 Commandments and God’s Way of Life.”

The wages of sin is death

The Bible states that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), so how can there be a sin that does not lead to death?The Bible states that the wages of sin—all sin—is death (Romans 6:23; see “What Is the Meaning of Romans 6:23?”). The Bible does not separate sins into “mortal sins” and “venial sins.” Each time we break God’s law, we earn the death penalty. So, how can there be a sin that does not lead to death?

The essential difference, as explained throughout the Bible, is what happens after we sin. If we repent, we can be forgiven. But if we do not repent, we remain under the penalty of death.

Is there a sin that can be classified as unpardonable and can lead to eternal death? Yes, it is possible for someone who has received the Holy Spirit to deliberately and willfully decide he or she no longer wants to follow God’s way of life. And it is possible for someone to willfully decide to reject God’s way without receiving the Holy Spirit (such as the beast and false prophet of Revelation 19:20).

Willful and deliberate sin leads to death

If, after making a total and unconditional commitment to God, we deliberately choose to return to the ways of the world, showing disregard for God’s ways, then we are in danger of the sin that leads to death.

Hebrews 10:26-29 states: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment. …

“Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified [set apart] a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?”

If someone deliberately insults God and tramples Christ’s sacrifice underfoot, he or she will receive the punishment that is rightfully deserved—unless he or she repents and has a change of attitude.

Hebrews 6:4-6 issues this warning: “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit … if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.”

Anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit is in “danger of eternal damnation” (Mark 3:28-29, KJV). For a deeper examination of these passages about the unpardonable sin, see our article “What Is the Unpardonable Sin?”

William Barclay makes the following observations with reference to 1 John 5:16-17: “If he allows himself again and again to flirt with temptation and to fall, on each occasion the sin becomes easier; and, if he thinks he escapes the consequences, on each occasion the self-disgust and the remorse and the regret become less and less; and in the end he reaches a state when he can sin without a tremor. It is precisely that which is the sin which is leading to death.”

God is a just and merciful Judge of all sinners

Hebrews 10:30 says, “‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The Lord will judge His people.’”

It is God who decides what justice and punishment to administer, as only He knows the hearts, motives and intents of men. “And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

God’s administration of justice will always be fair and equitable, as He knows exactly what is in our hearts and minds. And He is abundant in mercy to all who are willing to repent.

When should we pray for a sinner?

We’ve seen that those who commit a “sin leading to death” are those who by a deliberate, self-willed and conscious decision have decided to reject God and His ways. They stubbornly refuse to acknowledge God in their life and become unable to repent or feel remorse or sorrow for sins they committed.

The passage in 1 John 5 is about praying for others, including those who are “sinning a sin which does not lead to death” (1 John 5:16). But referring to “the sin leading to death,” the end of that verse states, “I do not say that he should pray about that.”

What does that mean in practice? Do we have to judge if someone else has committed the unpardonable sin?

Christians are not forbidden to pray and ask God for mercy, but we must recognize that not even our merciful God will take away a person’s freedom to choose how he or she will live. In most cases we won’t know if someone has reached the hardened, unrepentant state or not. Therefore it is okay to pray for the stumbling brother or sister, and then leave it up to God to work with them.

For more about praying for others, see our article “Intercessory Prayer: How Does God Want Us to Pray for Others?”

Praying for brothers—converted Christians

John was specifically writing to Church members about praying for other Church members. There are a few exceptions, but the “sin leading to death”—the unpardonable sin—generally refers to converted Christians, those who through the process of repentance, accepting Christ’s sacrifice, baptism and with the laying on of hands have received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

After a period of time in which they walked on the right path—led by the Holy Spirit—they ignore the warnings that they are drifting away and neglecting the precious calling. Often they make a deliberate decision to abandon the road that leads to eternal life. They do not endure to the end (Matthew 24:13) and are guilty of a blatant violation of God’s will.

What about the sin not leading to death?

Even though true Christians strive and struggle to “enter through the narrow gate” (Luke 13:24), endeavoring to please God in their daily lives, they don’t always succeed. From time to time all fall into sin as they learn to walk with Christ. Accidental sin is not a willful violation of God’s laws.

As the apostle John stated: “If we [he included himself] say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). “But if we freely admit [confess] that we have sinned, we find God utterly reliable and straightforward—he forgives our sins and makes us thoroughly clean from all that is evil” (verse 9, J.B. Phillips Translation). In this context read 1 John 1:10 and 2:1-2 as well.

Confession of sins has to do with what the Bible calls repentance. This word represents the difference between the sin that leads to death and the sin that does not lead to death.

What is repentance?

Repentance is a total and complete change of mind, purpose and attitude toward God and His Word.Repentance is a total and complete change of mind, purpose and attitude toward God and His Word. The opposite attitude—the unrepentant mind—is one of rebellion against God, rebellion against His laws, rebellion against the way of His righteousness.

Repentance means to have heartfelt sorrow, not only for what we have done, but what we are as individuals. We then begin to take on a completely different and new nature—that of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

As long as we exhibit a continuously repentant attitude, with God’s Spirit dwelling in us, we are called the children of God, and we will appear in the presence of Jesus Christ at His return (1 John 3:1-3). This is a result of daily striving to live in a way that is pleasing to our Heavenly Father.

We should be ever ready to prayerfully and wholeheartedly ask God for forgiveness when we recognize we have sinned against Him. Our desire should be to continually walk according to Ephesians 5:8: “For you were once darkness [unconverted], but now you are light in the Lord [converted]. Walk [live your lives] as children of light.”

This is the attitude of the “sin not leading to death.” See more in our article “How to Repent” and other related articles.

Summary: sin that leads to death vs. sin that doesn’t lead to death

• The sin that leads to death is what is sometimes called the unpardonable sin. It refers to a person who has willfully and intentionally made a decision to return to his or her old, sinful, corrupt way of life. The apostle Peter states that if those who have “escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, … are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. … It has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit,’ and, ‘a sow, having [been] washed, to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:20-22).

This category of individuals refuses to repent and return and obey God, rejecting His offer of eternal life in His Kingdom. Instead they will die the second death, perishing in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15).

• The sin that doesn’t lead to death refers to those who have God’s Spirit dwelling in them and who do desire to repent whenever they realize their sins. They are God-centered, keeping His commandments as a way of life. Their major focus is to please their Heavenly Father in every aspect of their lives. From time to time they stumble and sin, but quickly acknowledge their transgressions and humbly ask God for forgiveness.

King David of Israel was just such a person (Psalm 51:1-19). God is well-pleased with an attitude of meekness and a desire to please Him. He will readily forgive such individuals upon genuine and heartfelt repentance (Psalm 103:11-14).

If these individuals continue to grow in grace and knowledge—endure to the end—they will inherit the promises given to those who seek and obey Him, including ultimately eternal life.

Of course, someone who has not yet been baptized certainly has the opportunity to repent. Peter wrote that God “is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

What should 1 John 5:16-17 lead us to do?

Our responsibilities are clear. We should certainly pray for those who have sinned that they will repent, but we also need to make sure we are living in harmony with God’s Word and allowing it to act as a guiding light in our own lives (Psalm 119:105). We must beware of Satan’s devices and avoid the traps of temptation and habitual sin.

For further study about repentance, forgiveness and conversion, read our booklet Change Your Life! May your future be richly blessed as you continue to seek God through the study of His Word!

Astrology: Can Christians Use Horoscopes?

 

Some read horoscopes for fun, while others seek guidance. They are rooted in the ancient pagan practice of astrology. Can you be a Christian and use horoscopes?

Horoscopes are based on astrology, an ancient form of divination that claims the movements and positions of the stars and planets have an unseen mystical influence on our human lives. (This is completely different from the actual science of astronomy.)

Astrology has been used to make predictions of future events, from wars to economic forecasts to personal events in people’s lives.

The simplest form of astrology is sun-sign astrology, which is based on the 12 constellations of the zodiac. This takes the form of a horoscope (from Greek words meaning “watcher of the hour” in reference to the hour of one’s birth), making predictions of events in your life based on your birth month. More elaborate and complex forms of astrology use birth charts based on the date, time and place of your birth.

Astrology, ancient and modern

The practice of astrology is an ancient one. According to the American Federation of Astrology, astrology has its roots in ancient Babylon and was passed down to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

William Frederick Allan, who used the pseudonym Alan Leo, is credited by some with making astrology popular in modern times. He practiced a style of psychology that blended concepts of karma, reincarnation and astrology.

In the last five years interest in astrology has increased dramatically among Millennials. According to a study conducted by Australian psychologist Graham Tyson, many people turn to astrology when facing stressful situations: “Under conditions of high stress, the individual is prepared to use astrology as a coping device even though under low-stress conditions he does not believe in it.”

Can a person be a Christian and participate in astrology?

God’s command

According to Dictionary.com, divination is “the practice of attempting to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means.” The Bible warns against the practice of divination, also known as a soothsaying:

“When you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.

“For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you” (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).

Following any of these pagan religious practices means putting something else before the true God, thus breaking the First Commandment. Using astrology and horoscopes is thus a sin, and Christians are called to break the shackles of sin and replace it with obedience to God (Romans 6:15-16).

Other examples of astrology and divination in the Bible

The practice of astrology was widely used in Babylon. When Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had a dream that troubled him, he called the wise men, including “astrologers,” before him to tell him his dream and its meaning (Daniel 2:1-6). They were unable to perform his request, which made the king furious. He commanded that they all be put to death (verses 10-13).

God warns us not to look to the creation for guidance, but to look to Him as the Creator.Daniel the prophet, who relied on God instead of divination, was found to be 10 times wiser than the astrologers and the wise men of Babylon (Daniel 1:20). Through God’s inspiration, Daniel was able to recount and interpret the dream to the king, revealing incredible insight into future events all the way up to Jesus Christ’s return and beyond. (See more about this event and its prophetic meaning in the article “Daniel 2: Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream.”)

God also condemned the Babylonian reliance on “the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly prognosticators [fortune-tellers or diviners]” through the prophet Isaiah. God challenged the Babylonians to let these pagans “stand up and save you from what shall come upon you” (Isaiah 47:13). Of course, the astrologers “shall not deliver themselves,” and thus God told the Babylonians, “No one shall save you” (verses 14-15).

That’s the point. Only God can guide our futures and save us.

In the New Testament Paul encountered a slave girl who had an evil spirit of divination. Paul commanded the spirit to leave her, ending her fortune-telling days, which made her masters very angry (Acts 16:16-19).

In Ephesus those called into the Church of God who had practiced magic decided to burn their pagan books (Acts 19:19). According to The NKJV Study Bible note on this verse, “These books were filled with formulas, spells, and astrological forecasts. … Burning the books indicated real repentance on the part of those who had practiced magic.”

Trusting in God

Human beings have a deep desire to know the future and to have guidance through an ever more complex and chaotic world. As such, people seek wisdom from a source greater than themselves. For some, that is the universe—the movement of the stars. However, God warns us not to look to the creation for guidance, but to look to Him as the Creator (Romans 1:25). You may not know the future in as much detail as you would like, but you can have confidence that God is in control of your future and has a place for you in His plan.

Astrology is a false belief that claims wisdom comes from knowing the arrangement of planets and stars. A Christian’s wisdom comes from God alone (James 1:5), and if you trust God alone, He will “direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Faith in anything besides God will not produce positive fruit in our lives.

To learn more practices to avoid and the source of true knowledge about the future, read:

• British and Americans Embracing Astrology and Wicca: What’s the Danger?
• Wicca: Is It Wrong for Christians?
• Purpose of Prophecy
• How to Grow in Faith
• Our Future Hope
•