The idea of a “sixth sense” or “third eye” refers to extrasensory perception (ESP) – the ability to perceive information through means other than the five physical senses. Those who believe in a sixth sense claim it allows them to receive intuitive insights, predict future events, see auras or spiritual energies, communicate with spirits, or otherwise gain access to knowledge that exceeds the bounds of the physical world.
The Bible does not use the terms “sixth sense” or “third eye” specifically. However, it does address the validity and proper use of special spiritual insights, prophetic abilities, and supernatural knowledge. Overall, the Bible suggests that while genuine spiritual gifts do exist, Christians should exercise caution in exploring extrasensory pursuits to ensure they align with God’s truth and will.
Spiritual Discernment
The Bible indicates that some people are given a special ability to spiritually discern truth from falsehood. For example, the apostle John encourages believers to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1). The gift of discernment allows Christians to judge prophetic messages and identify false teachings that may sound plausible but contradict the gospel (1 Cor 14:29; 1 Thess 5:21).
This spiritual insight is not a “sixth sense” in the paranormal meaning of extrasensory perception. Rather, it relies on the power of the Holy Spirit working in a believer as they study and apply God’s Word. Spiritual discernment equips Christians to perceive truth and lies – not through psychic ability, but by fully utilizing the five senses in combination with an understanding of Scripture.
Prophecy
The Bible also describes prophecy as a spiritual gift whereby God gives some people supernatural revelations, visions, or predictions of the future. Before the Bible was complete, prophets played a key role in revelation as they delivered inspired messages from God. Even after Scripture was written, prophecy continued in the early church through figures like Agabus (Acts 11:28; 21:10).
However, New Testament prophets were held to high standards in exercising their gift rightly. Their prophecies had to align with the Old Testament (Isaiah 8:20) and the testimony of Jesus (1 Corinthians 12:3). Those listening to prophets were instructed to judge their words carefully (1 Corinthians 14:29). And some who claimed prophetic gifts were exposed as false prophets if their words did not come true (Deuteronomy 18:21-22).
Ultimately, while God may still grant some prophetic visions today, Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the final and complete revelation of God’s truth (Hebrews 1:1-2). The Bible warns against adding extra “prophetic” books or messages that go beyond Scripture (Revelation 22:18).
Miraculous Powers
Both the Old and New Testament record times when God granted individuals unique clairvoyant capabilities or remarkable mental powers beyond the normal human experience. For example, Elisha could somehow perceive events happening miles away from him (2 Kings 5:25-27), and Jesus knew Nathanael’s character before meeting him (John 1:47-48).
However, these brief glimpses into extrasensory perception were extremely rare. And nowhere does the Bible suggest that Christians should actively pursue psychic abilities or miraculous mental powers. God distributes spiritual gifts “as he determines” for his purposes (1 Corinthians 12:7,11), not according to human desire. Additionally, Scripture always portrays God’s prophets and apostles using their gifts in humble service, not for showmanship.
Forbidden Practices
Not only does the Bible fail to endorse a sixth sense; it explicitly condemns pursuing supernatural knowledge and experiences through magical means or occult rituals. Practices like divination, fortunetelling, consulting mediums, interpreting omens, casting spells, using crystals, or attempting to contact the dead are clearly prohibited as “detestable” sins (Deuteronomy 18:9-13; Galatians 5:19-21).
Scripture explains that these forbidden practices are not from God but involve fellowship with demons. Paul writes, “The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons” (1 Corinthians 10:20). Because occult activities displease God and partner with dark spiritual forces, the Bible urges Christians to reject them.
Dangers of Mystical Pursuits
Seeking out mystical experiences can spring from pride, impatience, discontentment, or lack of faith. The church in Corinth struggled with believers who sought status and admiration for their spiritual gifts over serving others (1 Corinthians 12-14). Even sincere exploration of extrasensory perception risks opening one’s mind to deception, distraction, or demonic influence.
Additionally, the Bible consistently directs Christians to find sufficiency, fulfillment, truth, and guidance from God’s Word and Spirit – not through mystical insights from within themselves (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). Isaiah warns against turning to psychic mediums instead of seeking God’s counsel (Isaiah 8:19). And Paul exhorts believers to exercise control over their minds and thought lives rather than pursuing altered states of consciousness (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 10:5).
Healthy Spiritual Growth
Rather than chasing subjective spiritual experiences, Christians believe that a better path to deeper knowledge of God comes through growing in biblical wisdom and faith. As believers study Scripture, practice spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting, worship God, serve others, and participate in Christian community, they become more attentive and responsive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Developing spiritual maturity requires effort and discipline over time more than attaining some secret insight. Christians are called to pursue the biblical “gifts of the Spirit” like love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control before desiring any sensational abilities (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 14:1). This focus keeps believers grounded in God’s word as the foundation and filter for evaluating any spiritual insights.
Testing Spiritual Claims
Because mystical sources can be deceptive, Christians take care to test any teachings or spiritual experiences against Scripture. God’s Word serves as the standard for determining what is true and what is false (Psalm 119:160; Acts 17:11). The Bible teaches several key principles for assessing supernatural claims:
- True guidance from the Holy Spirit will never contradict God’s Word.
- Any message truly coming from God will line up with the revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture.
- God’s Spirit will bear good fruit like love, joy, peace, and self-control – not disorder, confusion, or sin.
- Weigh carefully any predictive prophecies – they must be 100% accurate to come from God.
- Be wary of any claims to new revelation that add to the sufficient truth of the Bible.
Careful attention to these biblical criteria helps Christians avoid false teachings and counterfeit spiritual experiences.
A Discerning Approach
The Bible does acknowledge spiritual gifts of discernment, prophecy, and revelation. However, Scripture also warns against the danger of false prophets, occult practices, and deception. Christians take a cautious approach when evaluating any supernatural abilities or paranormal insights.
Rather than chasing subjective mystical experiences that could lead to pride or heresy, believers pursue hearing God’s voice through His Word, Spirit, and biblical community. While God may still grant special revelations or abilities today, Christians test them against Scripture and fruitfully apply them to knowing Jesus, not gaining secret knowledge.
Overall, the Bible calls Christians to shun occult counterfeits and instead develop genuine faith, Godly character, scriptural wisdom, and devotion to Jesus Christ as the full revelation of God’s truth.
Key Biblical Passages
Some key Bible passages that address spiritual gifts, mystical practices, hearing God’s voice, and testing claims of supernatural revelations or abilities include:
- 1 Corinthians 12: Discusses different gifts of the Spirit, emphasizing that all are given to serve others and unite the church in Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 14: Provides guidelines for orderly use of gifts like prophecy for instructing and strengthening the church.
- 1 John 4:1–3: Commands believers to test every spirit and only follow those in line with the confession of Jesus as God’s Son.
- Deuteronomy 18:9–13: Explicitly forbids occult practices like divination, interpreting omens, witchcraft, casting spells, mediumship and spiritism.
- Galatians 5:19–21: Lists sorcery and witchcraft as acts of the flesh that displease God.
- 2 Timothy 3:14–17: Declares God’s Word as the source of truth, instruction and training in righteousness for the Christian life.
- Hebrews 1:1–2: Affirms that God has fully revealed Himself and His plans through Christ rather than any ongoing mystical insights.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21: Commands believers to test every prophetic word and only hold on to what is good.
These and other biblical standards help Christians seek authentic spiritual gifts that align with God’s truth, while rejecting mystical counterfeits that do not match Scripture.
Conclusion
The Bible does not endorse a sixth sense or third eye that provides access to extrasensory perception. While God may grant special abilities like prophecy, discernment, or miraculous knowledge, Scripture prohibits occult practices and calls Christians to evaluate all spiritual claims against God’s truth revealed in His Word.
Rather than chasing subjective mystical experiences that can lead to deception and pride, believers are to pursue hearing God through prayer, Scripture, godly community, and the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives. As Christians reject the counterfeit and embrace the genuine, they grow in understanding God’s truth and purpose as revealed in the Bible and Jesus Christ.
