The Jesus drug (dimethyltryptamine) – What is it?

from the old testament

• DMT is a hallucinogenic substance used to induce intense visions or supposed spiritual encounters. While this may seem new, the underlying desire is ancient. In Scripture, people often sought supernatural knowledge or power through forbidden means. The prophets and law called such practices sorcery—using rituals, potions, or substances to access the unseen world apart from God. These acts rejected trust in the LORD and instead imitated the pagan nations who used charms, omens, or drugs to gain secret knowledge (Isaiah 47:9–13; Exodus 7:11). The connection between DMT and sorcery lies in that same pursuit: seeking spiritual power through artificial means instead of submission to the Creator.
• The law clearly warned Israel against all forms of sorcery, divination, and witchcraft. Moses said, “There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer” (Deuteronomy 18:10). Such acts were not harmless curiosity; they were “an abomination to the LORD” (Deuteronomy 18:12). The law demanded that those who practiced witchcraft be cut off from the community (Leviticus 19:31; 20:6). These warnings made it plain that spiritual power is not to be messed with and that curiosity about hidden things easily becomes rebellion against God.
• Idolatry was often connected to these practices. When Israel turned to idols, they also turned to false prophets, mediums, and magicians who promised spiritual experiences. The LORD repeatedly warned that idols are lifeless, but those who worship them “become like them” (Psalm 115:4–8). Idolatry exchanged the glory of the living God for false substitutes and opened the door to demonic deception (Deuteronomy 32:16–17). Every attempt to summon divine experience without the LORD’s permission was, at its core, idolatry—seeking power or peace from creation rather than the Creator.
• God gave all that was needed to be known about Him and the spiritual realm. For example, God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2–6). Later, when Israel wanted to hear from Him, they were told to listen to His appointed prophets and obey His Word (Deuteronomy 18:15–18). Even under the old covenant, the only proper approach to God was through the means He provided—His Word, His priests, and His sacrifices. Humanity cannot find God rightly or accurately through mystical techniques or altered states, but only through His self-revelation given in truth and obedience.

from the new testament

• In the New Testament era, the desire to reach the divine through mystical or chemical means remained unchanged. DMT may be presented today as a tool for spiritual enlightenment, yet its pursuit mirrors the ancient sin of sorcery—attempting to access hidden knowledge or power apart from God. Just like sorcerers such as Simon sought spiritual authority for personal gain (Acts 8:9–24), the same temptation persists whenever people seek spiritual experience without repentance and faith in Christ. What may seem like a revelation can, in fact, become deception that leads the heart away from the true God.
• Scripture gives strong warnings about the eternal danger of sorcery. Revelation declares that “as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Those who practice these things reject the authority of God and align themselves with demonic power. Sorcery and idolatry are consistently listed among the “works of the flesh” that exclude a person from inheriting the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19–21). The Bible does not view these practices as harmless experimentation, but rather as rebellion with eternal consequences.
• The New Testament also warns against intoxication and anything that clouds the mind. Paul commanded believers, “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). The principle applies broadly—altered states of consciousness, whether through alcohol or hallucinogens, hinder discernment and invite temptation. The Christian life requires alert, sober-minded faith because “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Clarity of mind is necessary for resisting evil and walking in obedience.
• In contrast to mystical shortcuts, Scripture teaches that the only proper way to know God is through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Spiritual life does not come from visions, experiences, or chemicals, but from faith in the crucified and risen Savior. In Him, believers receive the Holy Spirit, who gives wisdom, peace, and understanding far beyond any counterfeit revelation (1 Corinthians 2:12–14). The Spirit points hearts away from self and toward Christ, where genuine transformation begins.
• Finally, the New Testament reminds us that Scripture provides everything needed for life and godliness. Paul wrote, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Peter added that God “has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” through knowing Him (2 Peter 1:3). The believer does not need altered states to gain wisdom or encounter the divine. God has already revealed Himself perfectly in His Son and in His Word, which renews the mind, nourishes faith, and leads to genuine fellowship with the living God.

implications for today

Every generation seeks ways to reach the divine, but Jesus made it clear that there is only one path to know God truly—through Him. “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). All other efforts, whether through mystical experience, religious ritual, or mind-altering drugs, are rejected because they bypass the Son whom the Father sent. God will not be found through altered states or hidden knowledge but through humble faith in His revealed Word. Those who attempt to reach God through any other means are not enlightened—they are deceived.

The Father sent Jesus so that sinful people could be brought into a real relationship with Him. Our sin separates us from God, and no experience, emotion, or effort fixes that problem. But Jesus lived the perfect, sinless life we could not live and died on the cross to bear the penalty for our sin. When He rose from the grave, He conquered death and opened the only way for us to be reconciled to the Father. Through Him, we receive forgiveness, the indwelling Spirit, and the promise of eternal life.

If you have been seeking truth through mystical experiences or spiritual shortcuts, turn instead to the One who is the truth. Admit your sin and your inability to reach God on your own. Believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection are sufficient to save you and call on Him as Lord. God promises that “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). True peace, purpose, and spiritual life are not found through chemically-induced visions, but in a living relationship with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.