Crystals in the Bible are one of God’s many most beautiful and precious works of art. But is using it biblical?
Crystals hold a special mystic allure for many people. They believe crystals have healing and potent properties. Some people also think crystals can help them develop spiritually. They think crystals have a transformative effect on their lives. In the past years, a growing number of people have been using crystals. They believe in their power and meaning. But, as Christians, are we allowed to use crystals? Read on to learn more about crystals in the Bible.
What are Crystals in the Bible?
What are crystals?
Scientifically, crystals are solid materials whose atomic structure repeats over and over again. Such repetition is in a highly ordered fashion.
All around us, minerals have an internal order. Minerals are the building blocks of nearly all of Earth’s rocky terrain. Crystals reveal the internal order to the outside world. Crystal systems are a term for these kinds of formations. All minerals crystallize on the inside, regardless of their outward appearance.
The relationship between a crystal’s exterior and internal form is a bit complex. We can find crystals in a wide array of sizes, colors, and shapes. Because of this, they are very attractive to people.
Are crystals mentioned in the Bible?
The Bible mentions crystals as one of God’s many most beautiful and precious works of art. The Bible makes a few passing references to crystals of various kinds.
“For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” By analogy, the book of Lamentations mentions rubies.” Proverbs 8:11
“Their princes were brighter than snow and whiter than milk, their bodies ruddier than rubies, their appearance like lapis lazuli.” Lamentations 4:7
“The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold.” Job 28:19
“Over the heads of the living creatures, there was the likeness of an expanse, shining like awe-inspiring crystal, spread out above their heads.” Ezekiel 1:22.
An ancient belief was that crystals formed from water frozen in cold conditions. This belief is why the Bible frequently mentions crystals in connection to water. In the Book of Revelation, you can find crystals numerous times:
“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Revelation 22:1
“Also, in front of the throne, there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal. In the center, around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back.” Revelation 4:6
“Having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” Revelation 21:11
Are crystals biblical?
Although the Bible mentions crystals, it does not mean that it prescribes their use. It merely describes its existence, especially among pagan rituals. In fact, God warned the Israelites. He told them not to use things that involved sorcery, witchcraft, and spells. We can find this warning in Deuteronomy 18:9-12.
Truths and Myths about Crystals in the Bible
Healing crystals
Many individuals use crystals in crystal healing. It is a pseudoscience that claims to treat a wide range of illnesses with the help of crystals. Practitioners claim that the strategic placement of crystals produces its powers. Crystals on a patient’s body can align with or stimulate the body’s chakras. This alignment facilitates healing.
People still use crystals and other natural remedies to treat wounds. They believe crystals help them recover from illness or lessen pain. Crystals allegedly also sharpen concentration and destress people. An emerging practice involves bringing or holding crystals to various body parts. This method is for eliciting many physiological and psychological effects. Healing occurs with a crystal’s ability to harmonize with a person’s energy field. Such is for restoring harmony to the body.
Many people have tried crystals in the hope that they will cure their ailments. However, no scientific evidence exists to support this belief. The Bible is not the source of spiritual traditions that use crystal healing therapies. In fact, “sacred stones” were commonly used by non-Christian cultures during biblical times.
Several cultures worldwide attribute miraculous healings and spiritual awakenings to using crystals. Yet, it is also destructive. The best approach is to consider crystals for what they indeed are: inert minerals. There is no truth to the belief that crystals have magical or curative properties. Crystals do not have any special powers. They are just gorgeous minerals that God made.
Ornate and beautiful crystals
God made crystals, so they must be beautiful. According to the Bible, God’s crystals are wonderful. They are lovely, can be worn as jewelry or displayed as wall art, and are all products of God’s creative genius.
Rarely are gemstones or crystals mentioned in the Bible for their spiritual properties. Instead, Scripture constantly notes crystals in the context of ornamentation or jewelry. The Bible does not attribute any supernatural or healing powers to gemstones. This fact is despite their associations with wealth, value, and beauty.
Powerful properties of crystals
Crystals do not own any unique qualities that endow them with magical abilities. Many people highly regard crystals for their purported therapeutic and curative properties. But they are also thought to bring good luck, strengthen romantic connections, and shield their owners from harm.
As devout Christians, we know the Bible makes no such claims for crystals. Those who put so much faith in crystals may dabble in some occult practices. The Bible strongly discourages people from dabbling in the occult.
Are Christians Allowed to Use Crystals?
When answering this question, it is noteworthy to remember that the occult mainly uses crystals. People who subscribe to the occult use supernatural powers and influences to practice ‘mystical things.’ They believe in energies they can channel through crystals. This energy brings about healing and spiritual experiences. Some even think that crystals have innate powers that bring prosperity and good fortune.
It is easy to attach wonders and signs to the Lord; therefore, one may think it is good. But these can be the work of Satan. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10 says, “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing.”
No Christian believes in superstition or the occult, for it is a form of disobedience to the Lord. For these reasons, the uses of crystals that involve occult beliefs are un-Christian and unbiblical.
The use of crystals in superstition is one more way that fallen humanity has perverted something God created. Gem-quality crystals are beautiful manifestations of the Creator. Crystals can be beautiful additions to home decor or jewelry, but they are not magical. Idolatry lies at the heart of the practice of relying on crystals for these purposes. Idolatry is the practice of putting one’s trust in anything other than God for one’s well-being. This practice includes the healing and protection of the spirit world. The Bible forbids idolatry numerous times in solid terms.
Cautions About Using Crystals
Many individuals use crystals for decorative purposes. Indeed, they are one of the beautiful things that God has made. But like any other thing in this fallen world, its use can be corrupted. The spread of modern beliefs and practices within our faith tends to mislead us. These practices are harmful because it diverts our attention from God. We must exercise extreme prudence in deciding whom or what to support in our lives.
If one must benefit from crystals, a heart and mind check must also be in order. It may be beneficial to ask yourself questions like: “What do I believe about crystals?”, “For what purpose will I use crystals?” and finally, “What does God say about this particular use for crystals?” Asking these questions will ensure that you have the right motive. God sure wants us to enjoy His beautiful creations. But this enjoyment does not mean that we turn them into idols and commit sin in the process.
In Summary
The Bible only gives us a broad sense of the meaning of crystals. That is why we cannot be sure precisely what each crystal or stone represents in the Bible. But crystals are often used to symbolize something precious. But this does not mean crystals are a representation of our Christian beliefs. It also does not nurture our spirituality.
There is no mistaking the Bible’s stance against using crystals for spiritual support, safety, or health. It is a form of idolatry where we substitute something else for God. All of our fortification, strength, and protection must come from God. Only He can give us the kind of relief we need. For these reasons, the Lord commands us to abandon using crystals and stones. And instead, place our faith in Jesus Christ, the true rock and hope who gave us salvation and eternal life.