Are ghosts real?
The Bible is clear that once a person dies, they cannot return from the dead. Each person is to die once and then to stand before God.
“And as it is appointed for men to dies once, but after this the judgement,” (Hebrews 9:27)
A person does not get to choose whether they are going to return to haunt the people of their earthly life.When a person dies, they immediately before God.
“Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7, NKJV)
Depending on whether or not they accepted Jesus will determine if they go to Heaven or hell. All individuals who have placed faith in Jesus will go to Heaven; however, all of the people who have not accepted Jesus will go to hell. Each person will either go to one or the other. There is not a third option to return to the earth and complete “unfinished business.” (Luke 16:26, NKJV)
There are no such thing as ghosts, but there are demons. What people report as being ghosts are actually demons. Demons are known to masquerade themselves in an attempt to fool people.
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15, NKJV)
Since demons can masquerade as angels of light, it is completely possible that they can make themselves look like dead loved ones. If you believe you have experienced the ghost of a dead loved one, it was not your deceased loved one. If your deceased loved one is a believer, then they are with Jesus in Heaven. The “dead loved one” you would have seen was a demon.
What does the Bible say about spiritual beings?
Demons are spiritual beings. In addition to demons, the other spiritual beings are angels. The main difference her is that angels are good and demons are bad. Angels help believers and protect them.
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14, NKJV)
Demons seek out mankind’s downfall.
What is the paranormal?
Becoming involved with the paranormal is not encouraged for Christians. God warns us about not seeking out mediums or necromancers. (Leviticus 19:31, NKJV)
Believers need to flee from any fascination with ghosts as the ghosts are only demons. You cannot have a seat at God’s table and the table of demons. (1 Corinthians 10:21, NKJV)
Satan and his demons want to cause your downfall. They want to scare, harm, and hurt you (John 10:10, NKJV). Becoming involved with ghosts can cause bad things to happen to you.
God is more powerful than the devil and his demons, but we should never test the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:16; Matthew 4:7, NKJV). The Lord wants you to live in the freedom, love, and joy of knowing Him.
God’s plan does not involve becoming involved with demons, mediums, or the occult. As believer, we do not have to fall victim to their tricks. The One who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4, NKJV)
The Holy Spirit will keep you safe from demons, but we also have to use our own knowledge to abstain from the paranormal. If demons know that a loved one has passed, they may try to deceive you with visions, dreams, or encounters with your loved one.
Even in the difficult times of losing a loved one, you still must stand your ground against Satan and his schemes. Lean on God, talk with Him, and pour out your sorrow to Him. (Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV)
When Jesus rose from the dead, His disciples thought He was a ghost. Jesus did not tell His disciples, “Yes, I am a ghost. Dead people can come back from the dead and visit their friends and families.” Some people believe that Jesus affirms the existence of ghosts by His statement in Luke 24:39; however, He is not affirming the existence of ghosts. The more correct word that should be used here is “spirit” rather than ghost.
Jesus was showing His disciples that He has truly physically risen from the dead. He was not a spirit – He was the resurrected Lord. Jesus came back from the dead because He is God. Nobody else has ever come back from the dead because mankind cannot rise from the dead.
Why does this matter?
Ghosts are not real; however, demons are real. Demons want to trick you in any way possible. Therefore, it is essential that all believers abstain from the paranormal and abstain from a fascination with ghosts. You will see your loved one again if they are a believer. There is no need to try to seek out the dead while you are here on earth because you will not be communicating to your loved one or a “ghost”. Rather you will be communicating with a demon.
