A Timely Excerpt from GotQuestions.org
Question: "What does the Bible say about ghosts / hauntings?"
Answer: Is there such a thing as ghosts? The answer to this question depends on what precisely is meant by the term “ghosts.” 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.
Hebrews 9:27 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 (2 Corinthians 5:6-8; Philippians 1:23) and hell for the unbeliever (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:22-24). There is no in-between. There is no possibility of remaining on earth in spirit form as a “ghost.” If there are such things as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be the disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.
If there are such things as ghosts, according to the Bible, they absolutely cannot be the disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.
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 11:14-15, demons masquerade as “angels of light” and as “servants of righteousness.” Appearing as a “ghost” and impersonating a deceased human being definitely seem to be within the power and abilities that demons possess.
The closest biblical example of a “haunting” is found in Mark 5:1-20. 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 the people of that area. Demons only seek to “kill, steal, and destroy” (John 10:10). 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 ...
Please take a moment to read the final two paragraphs of this important article, "What Does the Bible Say About Ghosts / Hauntings"
at GotQuestions.org.
Related: Can a Christian be Demon-Possessed?
Linked at BarbaraH's "thinkful" meme The Week in Words at Stray Thoughts.
Photos: MattTaylor (Flickr)
Do you agree or disagree? 
10 Comments:
well stated sweet heart.
be blessed big hug
I've often wondered about the story in 1 Samuel 28:11-16ff when Saul supposedly conjured up the spirit of Samuel through the medium at Endor. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Such a timely post. I'm glad to see this today.
What an interesting focus for today!
Lisa Notes: Great question, Lisa!!!
Having done some research in the past on the identity of "Samuel" brought up by the Witch of Endor, I'm convinced that what appeared was a "familiar spirit" or demon impersonating Samuel.
I Chron 10:13-14 makes it clear that God had nothing to do with "Samuel's" appearance:
13So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to enquire of it;
14And enquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.
This article helps to further explain the passage in 1 Samuel 28 about the Witch of Endor:
http://www.bibleone.net/print_tbs88.html
Happy Reformation Day!
Thank you--I knew you'd have already thought about this. :-) I love how thorough you are. I'll go check out the link now. Blessings to you.
Great explanation of a timely subject.
I was thinking the same thing as Lisa, about the witch of En dor (I just finished teaching my Sunday school kids from I and II Samuel). But your explanation certainly makes good Biblical sense.
Wow e-Mom.. what a great article! You've certainly done your research well and I'm happy to pass it on to my own girls, who are curious about such things.
Thank you!
That's a good Scripture to use when people bring up the possibility of ghosts or haunting.
I had always heard the first scenario from the link you posted for Lisa taught, but the author makes a compelling case for the latter.
Thanks for some very fruitful discussion my friends!
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