Superstition in the Name of Faith: A Biblical Condemnation

In recent years, India has witnessed a troubling rise in superstition disguised as faith. Many self-proclaimed “men of God” and religious leaders have begun to sell so-called anointing oils, blessed handkerchiefs, bottles of water, and relics as instruments of healing and deliverance. They promise miracles in exchange for money, preying on the weak, the poor, and the desperate. But let us be clear: this is not Christianity. This is not the Gospel. This is exploitation, deception, and idolatry.

1. The Sin of Commercializing God’s Power

The Bible is explicit about the sin of turning God’s power into a business. Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:18–20 tried to buy the power of the Holy Spirit, but Peter rebuked him sharply:

“May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money!” (Acts 8:20)

Today, when preachers sell oil, cloth, or relics for “blessings,” they repeat the sin of Simon. They treat the power of God as a commodity, deceiving people into thinking that miracles can be bought. God’s gifts are never for sale—they are freely given to those who believe (Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 10:8).

2. Misusing the Bible to Justify Relics

Some argue from Acts 19:11–12, where handkerchiefs and aprons that touched Paul brought healing. But notice carefully:

  • Paul never sold them.
  • Paul never advertised them.
  • God performed the miracles, not the objects themselves.

What happened was a sovereign act of God, not a formula or business model for the church. Turning this rare biblical account into a trade is nothing less than twisting Scripture for personal gain (2 Peter 2:3).

3. The Curse of Idolatry in Disguise

Anointing oil and prayer cloths in themselves are not evil, but when people start attributing divine power to objects, they cross into idolatry.  The Bible warns:

“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.” (Romans 1:25)

When believers begin to trust in a bottle of oil instead of the Spirit of God, or a handkerchief instead of the blood of Jesus, they commit spiritual adultery. It is not faith—it is superstition.

4. Wolves Among the Sheep

Jesus Himself warned us about false prophets who come in His name but exploit the flock:

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)

These so-called miracle sellers are not shepherds but wolves. They do not care for souls; they care for profit. Like the money changers in the temple, they have turned the house of prayer into a den of thieves (Matthew 21:12–13).


5. True Biblical Healing

The Bible makes it clear that healing comes by faith in Jesus Christ, not by objects. James 5:14–15 teaches:

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.”

Notice:

  • The oil was symbolic, not magical.
  • It was used in prayer, not sold in markets.
  • The healing came from God, not the oil.


6. A Call to the Church in India

India is already a land filled with superstition. From astrology to charms, from temple relics to amulets, people are enslaved by fear of spirits and fate. The Church must not add to this darkness. When the church sells oil, cloths, or relics, it joins hands with paganism and betrays the Gospel of Christ.

We must remember: Christianity is not a religion of objects, but a relationship with the living God. Jesus Christ is enough. His blood is enough. His Spirit is enough. We need no relic, no trinket, no talisman—only faith in Him.

Repent and Return

To those who sell these objects: Repent! You are no different from Simon the sorcerer or the money changers in the temple. God’s judgment will fall on all who exploit His people.

To the believers: Wake up! Do not be deceived by false prophets. Test everything with the Word of God (1 John 4:1). Hold fast to Christ alone, for “there is one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

The time has come for the church in India to cast away superstition and stand firm on the truth. Let us not trade the priceless Gospel for bottles of oil or pieces of cloth. Let us stand on Christ, the solid rock—and nothing else.

✦ “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” (Hosea 4:6)

This is the tragedy we see in India today. And this is the reason we must rise with the truth—strict, uncompromised, and biblical.