The modern term “pharmacy” comes to us from the ancient Greek language from which it has been transliterated (taken bodily from one language to another). In Greek, it appears as
“Pharmakeia.” It means the dispensing and use of drugs, but mainly in a bad sense. In both Old and New Testaments, this term, and its Hebrew equivalent “kashaph” are translated in English as “witchcraft(s) and sorcery.” It is interesting to note that this plays a major role in the lives of men as the age comes to a close. This idea is not to be taken as an accusation of evil toward legitimate pharmacies whose purpose is to aid in the treatment of the ills and pains of men in their physical infirmities. But it denotes the ages-long abuse and misuse of drugs in what is called recreational, and mind altering abuse as it predominates as a major problem in modern times.
Moreover, the Biblical terms “witchcraft and sorcery” have definite metaphorical denotations in usage throughout human history. Sometimes a drug is a physical substance.
Sometimes it is a strong line of falsehoods meant to alter the thinking from that which is ultimately true, especially the Word of God. In ancient times the practitioners of idolatry employed both. They used physical drugs as they knew them, but the aim and purpose was to captivate and alter the minds of men with forms of doctrine and ceremonies that originated in hell itself. Why did this happen, and why does it continue to happen? It is as old as good and evil, God vs Satan. It is Satan’s design and purpose to destroy the very images of Almighty God as much as possible. He is the destroyer, and that must not be forgotten.
The apostle Paul named “Pharmakeia”( translated “witchcraft”) as a work of the sinful flesh in Galatians 5:20. Additionally, as false religious systems of the world, termed metaphorically as Babylon, are destroyed, their just and righteous charge among several other things is the practice and dissemination of sorceries (Pharmakeia). Revelation 18:23. It is by these things that false religion has been drunken with the blood of God’s people from the death of righteous Abel, to the prophets, and to New Testament times. Presently, the explosion of
“Pharmakeia” both in literal and metaphorical senses are bringing about the destruction of this nation, and the world at large. It is imperative then to the wellbeing of every person to have a firsthand, knowledgeable standing place, namely upon the Word of God alone. If it is deemed wise to avoid the literal “Pharmakeia,” it is many times more wise to avoid the metaphorical
“Pharmakeia.” The inerrant, infallible Word of God, and not the word of religious men, offers the only alternative. How dare anyone to let the Bible collect dust in their homes and hearts.
Let those with ears to hear, hear the admonition to abandon the drunken course of this world and its influence. God offers to all sobriety, but those in “pharmakeia” wil meet the sure judgment already set forth in the clear terms of the Holy, Eternal Word.
FOR THOUGHT: Do you think this is the age of Aquarius or the age of “Pharmakeia?” Do you understand that widespread use of il icit drugs, and erroneous use and presentation of God’s Word have a common goal to turn the minds of people away for God and the truth of life that brings peace to the soul?
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