Expert: Rev C.Brian Ross - 3/1/2011

Question
Greetings,

I really enjoyed reading your answer “There is a difference between numerology - the occult study that would seek to find secret codes and messages in Biblical (and other) numbers, and which is an offence before God - and the use of numbers as a thematic Bible Study.”  Thank you for addressing this issue with insight.

My husband and I are on different sides when it comes to using numbers and codes as a way to interpret the Bible.  He often goes to websites containing “secrets revealed in the last days” type of information.  To me the material content is bits and pieces of unrelated scripture text pasted together to create a man made doctrine.  His feeding off this material greatly concerns me as I believe this is spiritually detrimental.  On the other hand, my husband sees me as unenlightened and narrow minded.  This subject of conflict keeps reoccurring in our daily conversations.

To me the red flag has been the words secret, hidden mysteries.  I firmly believe that at great expense God came to reveal Himself to “whosoever will come”.  The Bible is not wrapped around some secret club society with only a “chosen few” with understanding.  I did remember some verse that support that view.  This settled the issue for me.

John 18:20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
Acts 26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

However, these few verses have not resolved the issue for my husband.  Therefore, his opposing argument of validly of the “number/code” practice remains.  Noted in your answer was the idea that this is an offence before God.  It would be a great help, to have the scriptural references for your statement.  Oh courses, any further help in this matter would be highly appreciated.  
God Bless,
Sue

Answer
Hi Sue!

I am glad that you received some help from my previous answer, and I am happy to try to provide some further insight/assistance.

May I begin, however, by expressing my agreement with what you have written.  YOu are quite correct in realising that words like 'secret' and 'hidden mysteries' are not at one with the Gospel.

One useful website that you might wish to visit is at

http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/numerolo.htm

It provides specific reference to some of the recent plethora of books that claim that there are secrets hidden in the Word of God, that must be "teased out".  This is, of course, just a modern form of the ancient heresy of Gnosticism - the doctrine that taught that there were 'secrets' in the Bible that were available only to certain special people.  This had the benefit of appealing to people's pride - and we both know (a) what comes after pride; and (b) what it did to Lucifer!

Although there are no specific references to numerology in the Bible - of which I am aware - I do class it along with the various occultic practices that are clearly condemned.  For example:

“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 [an ancient occult practice], 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 [detestable] to the LORD…” (Deut. 18:9-12a).  I would even go as far as to suggest that the interpretation of omens is not far removed from numerology!

Many of citizens of ancient Ephesus practised the magic arts. Those who became Christians realised the foolish error of their former lives and burned their expensive books of magic as the trash they were (Acts 19:19).   They would not have been seeking answers in numbers in the the Hebrew Scriptures - the O.T. - and the N.T. was still in the making, but the practice was a part of divination.

Rev.9:21 and 22:15 indicate the potential destiny of those who resort to such practices, instead of seeking the Light that is found only in the Lord Jesus - Who is the Light!

I do trust that the above will have helped, but I would urge you to seek face-to-face help for your husband.  There is, obviously, a limit to what can be achieved through a website such as this.  It is a sad, but experientially proven fact of life that those who play with fire often end up with badly burned fingers!

Blessings

C.Brian Ross (Rev)