**This entry addresses the implications of Pt 2-A.
DO GHOSTS EXIST?
According to the Bible, there is no “intermediate state.”
Years ago, while surfing through TV channels, I came across a “ghost expert” waxing eloquent. Educating the world on ghosts, he said,
“Ghosts are spirits that weren’t quite finished completing their mission on earth. Hence, before they’re able to move on to whatever’s next, they’re here with us.”
According to the Bible, there are no “disembodied human spirits” (a.k.a. ghosts) roaming this earth trying to complete their mission. In fact, scripture teaches just the opposite.
Most are familiar with what Paul wrote to the believers at Corinth,
“So we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord… In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthian 5:6-8)
But note also what Jesus told the repentant thief,
“Today, (the very moment the thief died) you shall be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
Furthermore, in the only parable in Scripture that includes a proper name, Jesus describes the Rich Man as going immediately to hell after he died, and Lazarus (not the “raised-from-the-dead Lazarus”) going immediately to heaven.
In other words, the Bible consistently teaches human beings are not allowed a “roaming around on earth period” between life & the afterlife.
This begs the question, “If there are no such thing as ghosts, what’s behind all the paranormal activity? Answer: The same things behind the paranormal activity in the NT: demons, the most gifted imposters and deceivers in existence.
CAN WE COMMUNICATE WITH THE DEAD?
“I see dead people.”
That phrase exploded into mainstream culture in 1999 with the debut of M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Sixth Sense.’
Years ago, I read one author who cited the 8 Best Famous Psychics in the World. At the top of the list is the same man who’s been at the top of that list for decades. His name is John Edward. His web site states,
“As a psychic medium, Edward has helped thousands with his uncanny ability to predict future events and to communicate with those who have crossed over to the other side.”
Necromancy is defined as the supposed practice of communicating with the dead. And God forbids it. Why? Because you’re not talking to you deceased loved one; you’re talking to a demon who’s impersonating you’re loved one.
The Old Testament passages of Leviticus. 20:6, 27, and Deuteronomy 18:10-12, are strongly worded commandments from God, leaving no doubt as to where He stands on people foolishly trying to communicate with the dead.
Further, there is no approval of it found anywhere in the Old and New Testaments – only warning and condemnation. In the book of Acts, Paul exercises little patience with a local fortune-teller. (Acts 16:16-18)
**NOTE: I’m in now way talking about voicing verbal love and thoughts to a loved one who’s passed away. I “talk” to my deceased son, Jordan Blake Watts, almost everyday i.e. “Son, I love and miss you so much… I can’t wait to see you, etc.”
WHY ARE THESE TOPICS SO POPULAR?
It’s all part of the diabolical plan.
It’s Satan’s way of drawing people into his domain so as to influence our thoughts and actions. Remember, he “disguises himself, and is the consummate pathological liar.”
Satan is the ultimate narcissist – and loves attention. He hides in the shadows, mind you and is desperate not to be exposed. But, impersonating ghosts and dead loved ones is a perfect strategy to draw people in. This is precisely why, in his Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis warns his readers,
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel *an excessive and unhealthy interest* in them. They themselves (demons) are equally pleased by both errors.” [emphasis mine]
The late British theologian, J.I. Packer, asserted,
“Satan will easily use an obsession with him as a smoke-screen for his real work of spiritual corruption.”
An addendum to this topic of communicating with the dead is provided for you below. There is a passage in the Old Testament that some will use to claim God approves of communicating with the dead. I’ve commented on that passage.
Nick
ADDENDUM: There is an intriguing story found in 1 Samuel 28, where the Jewish King, Saul, desperate for help, rather than depending on God, foolishly sought out a medium in Endor. I bring this to your attention because proponents of necromancy use this passage as biblical support for what they do. What follows is a brief commentary on this passage by renowned theologian, Merrill Unger:
(Upon Saul’s request), “the woman doubtlessly began her customary preparations for her control to take over, entering into a trance-like state to be used by her control or divining demon, who would then proceed to impersonate the individual called for. The startling thing, however, was that the usual occult procedure was abruptly cut short by the sudden and totally unexpected appearance of the spirit of the prophet, Samuel (who was dead). In other words, even the medium was shocked and terrified that someone from beyond was appearing! Transfixed with terror, the woman screamed out with shock as she perceived that God had stepped in. By God’s power and special permission, Samuel’s actual spirit was presented to pronounce final doom upon Saul.”
So, like parting the Red Sea, a virgin giving birth, and a donkey talking, this is simply an instance when God, in his sovereignty, did what He wanted to do to fulfill His purpose.
Never develop a biblical doctrine from a single verse, passage, or story. Cult leaders do this all the time. Rather, study scripture responsibly, always allowing scripture to interpret scripture. Or, as Paul put it, always consider “the whole counsel of God.”
nw