What does the Bible say about secret societies?
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The Bible does not forbid every private association, but it warns against secrecy used to hide sin, deceive others, evade truth, or claim spiritual knowledge apart from God’s revealed Word. Ephesians 5:12 and John 3:19 expose shameful deeds done in darkness, while Mark 4:22 teaches that what is hidden will ultimately be brought to light. Jesus said in John 18:20 that He taught openly, and Matthew 5:34-37 calls His followers to plain, truthful speech. Amos 3:7 and Psalm 25:14 show that God reveals His counsel to His servants and those who fear Him, not through occult or manipulative schemes. Christians should test every spirit by Scripture, as 1 John 4:1 commands.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 5:12
For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.
- Amos 3:7
Surely the Lord Yahweh will do nothing, Unless he reveals his secret to his servants the prophets.
- Matthew 5:34-37
[34] but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; [35] nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. [36] Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black. [37] But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'no.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.
- Isaiah 5:20
Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, And light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, And sweet for bitter!
- 1 John 4:1
Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.
- John 3:19
This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil.
- Mark 4:22
For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light.
- John 18:20
Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret.
- Psalms 25:14
The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear him. He will show them his covenant.
- Psalms 90:8
You have set our iniquities before you, Our secret sins in the light of your presence.
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