Throughout history, humanity has held a deep fascination with the supernatural. Stories of sorcery, miracles, prophecy, and unexplainable phenomena are as ancient as civilization itself. While most of modern society has moved toward rationalism and scientific materialism, many religious traditions and spiritual thinkers warn that the supernatural — especially forms of "magic" — will not only return, but become globally commonplace before the appearance of one of the most feared figures in eschatological prophecy: the Antichrist.
Far from being harmless illusions or stage tricks, this resurgence of "magic" is predicted to be spiritual in nature, deceptive in function, and global in influence. According to Christian prophetic literature, especially in books like Revelation, Daniel, and 2 Thessalonians, the rise of supernatural manifestations will serve as a precursor and a preparatory force for the rise of the Antichrist — a figure who will unite the world under false promises, miracles, and powerful signs.
A Biblical Framework for End-Time Sorcery
The Bible makes multiple references to the presence of sorcery and false wonders in the last days. Revelation 13:13-14, describing the rise of the second beast (often linked with the False Prophet who precedes or accompanies the Antichrist), says:
"He performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work... it deceives those who dwell on earth."
This passage paints a picture of a world where spiritual and supernatural signs will be real and visible — not just confined to the realm of belief or myth. The purpose? Deception.
Furthermore, Revelation 18:23 speaks of "Babylon" (interpreted by many scholars as a metaphor for the corrupt global system in the end times) and says, “For your merchants were the great ones of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.” Here, the Greek word pharmakeia — translated as sorcery — can also refer to enchantments or the use of occult knowledge, including the manipulation of minds and bodies through substances or rituals.
These passages imply that before the final collapse of this system and the arrival of divine judgment, the world will be saturated with magical influence — from political systems to religious movements, technology to entertainment.
Magic as a Technological and Spiritual Fusion
Today’s rapid evolution in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, biotech, and consciousness studies is already blurring the lines between science and sorcery. In ancient times, magic was seen as the manipulation of unseen forces to produce visible effects — the ability to change reality through will, words, or ritual. Increasingly, our technologies mimic this function.
Some futurists argue that as humanity edges toward a transhumanist reality — where consciousness may be uploaded, bodies modified, and reality simulated — we are, in effect, recreating the conditions of "magical" control over nature and the mind. In this context, magic no longer looks like dusty spellbooks and ritual circles, but takes the form of hyper-intelligent systems, digital sorcery, and manipulation of the unseen realms (data, thought, emotion, even energy).
Christian thinkers warn that such developments will not be spiritually neutral. As boundaries dissolve between man and machine, natural and supernatural, a door may be opened to ancient forces disguised as modern innovation — forces that seek to prepare the world for the reign of the Antichrist.
Global Acceptance of Supernatural Experiences
Across religious, mystical, and New Age movements, the world is increasingly open to supernatural experiences. Practices once considered fringe — such as astrology, tarot, energy healing, mediumship, and channeling — are now mainstream in many cultures. Books, music, and films routinely glorify magic and occult themes, and many modern spiritual movements explicitly reject traditional religion in favor of a universal spirituality that welcomes all supernatural experiences without moral judgment.
This openness creates fertile soil for deception.
Jesus himself warned in Matthew 24:24:
“For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.”
Here, supernatural works are not denied — they are expected. But their source and purpose are called into question. Rather than being signs of divine blessing, these wonders serve to deceive.
This growing acceptance of supernatural experiences, especially when untethered from discernment, is a critical ingredient in the rise of a global deception. The Antichrist, according to Scripture, will not merely be a political leader, but a false messiah — one who uses signs, wonders, and the promise of peace to unite a world desperate for transcendence.
Occult Revival: Preparing the Way
In parallel with the rise in technological and spiritual openness, there is a marked resurgence of occult interest. Practices linked with the ancient mystery religions — such as Hermeticism, Gnosticism, Kabbalah, and ceremonial magic — have experienced a modern revival, particularly in elite and intellectual circles. Some theorists even suggest that global leadership, media, and cultural institutions are subtly influenced by occult ideologies that promote hidden knowledge, personal divinity, and the reshaping of humanity.
This worldview aligns closely with the one the Antichrist is expected to promote: unity through spiritual power, transcending national boundaries, religions, and moral absolutes.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10, Paul writes:
“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.”
Before the Antichrist fully rises, then, there will be an increase in the use of magic — both as spiritual deception and technological spectacle — seducing humanity into false unity and preparing the way for total control.
The Danger of Spiritual Counterfeits
Not all that is supernatural is holy. This is the core warning of biblical prophecy regarding end-time sorcery. Just as Pharaoh’s magicians mimicked Moses’ miracles, so too will dark powers perform works that appear impressive, benevolent, or even sacred. But they serve a deeper agenda: to turn hearts away from God and toward a counterfeit kingdom.
The danger lies not just in open rebellion, but in subtle deception. A generation raised on signs and wonders without discernment is vulnerable to following the first figure who offers unity, miracles, and transcendence — even if he leads them into spiritual slavery.
Conclusion: A Global Stage Set for the Final Act
As the 21st century unfolds, we are witnessing a convergence of factors — technological, cultural, spiritual — that echo ancient prophecies. Magic, once hidden or forbidden, is reemerging as a powerful and global phenomenon. But according to biblical warning, its rise is not harmless. It is the opening act in the greatest deception the world has ever known.
Before the Antichrist emerges, magic will no longer be fantasy or superstition. It will be a tangible, seductive force — a global language of influence, control, and counterfeit enlightenment. And those unprepared to discern its origin may be swept away in the illusion of light that precedes the darkest hour.