What does the Bible say about ghosts & hauntings? | Are Ghosts Real? | GotQuestions.org

What the Bible Means by Ghosts

Today's question is, what does the Bible say about ghosts and hauntings? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective. Afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

Is there such a thing as ghosts? The answer to this question depends on what precisely is meant by the term ghost. If the term means spirit beings, the answer is a qualified yes. If the term means spirits of people who have died, the answer is no.

The Bible makes it abundantly clear that there are spirit beings, both good and evil. But the Bible negates the idea that the spirits of deceased human beings can remain on earth and haunt the living.

Death, Judgment, and the Fate of the Soul

Hebrews 9, verse 27 declares, "...man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. That is what happens to a person's soul spirit after death—judgment. The result of this judgment is heaven for the believer," Philippians 1, verse 23, and hell for the unbeliever," Matthew 25, verse 46.

There is no in-between. There is no possibility of remaining on earth in spirit form as ghosts. If there is such a thing as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be dismembered spirits of deceased human beings.

Angels, Demons, and Spiritual Deception

The Bible teaches very clearly that there are indeed spirit beings who can connect with and appear in our physical world. The Bible identifies these beings as angels and demons. Angels are spirit beings who are faithful in serving God.

Angels are righteous, good, and holy. Demons are fallen angels—angels who rebelled against God. Demons are evil, deceptive, and destructive. According to 2 Corinthians 11, verses 14 -15, demons masquerade as angels of light and as servants of righteousness.

Appearing as a ghost and impersonating a deceased human being definitely seems to be within the power and ability that demons possess. The closest biblical example of a haunting is found in Mark 5, verses 1 -20.

A legion of demons possessed a man and used the man to haunt a graveyard. There were no ghosts involved. It was a case of a normal person being controlled by demons to terrorize people of that area. Demons only seek to kill, steal, and destroy—John 10, verse 10.

They will do anything within their power to deceive people, to lead people away from God. This is very likely the explanation of ghostly activity today. Whether it is called a ghost, a ghoul, or a poltergeist, if there is genuine evil spiritual activity occurring, it is the work of demons.

Psychics, Mediums, and Paranormal Counterfeits

What about instances in which ghosts act in positive ways? What about psychics who claim to summon the deceased and gain true and useful information from them? Again, it is crucial to remember that the goal of demons is to deceive.

If the result is that people trust in a psychic instead of God, a demon will be more than willing to reveal true information. Even good and true information, if from a source with evil motives, can be used to mislead, corrupt, and destroy.

Interest in the paranormal is becoming increasingly common. There are individuals and businesses that claim to be ghost hunters, who for a price rid your home of ghosts. Psychics, seances, tarot cards, and mediums are increasingly considered normal.

Human beings are innately aware of the spiritual world. Sadly, instead of seeking the truth about the spirit world by communing with God and studying His Word, many people allow themselves to be led astray by the spirit world.

The demons surely laugh at the spiritual mass deception that exists in the world today. Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content. And check out the details section below this video, there is one book I recommend, along with several related articles.

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