BibleSponge

Well, yet again we are at the cusp of another celebration of Halloween festivities.  A time when folks from kids to adults dress up and celebrate death.  People don their best ghoulish or sexy costumes and set out for an evening of – well, I’m not sure what exactly is the point.

One thing that comes to mind with the images is the topic of ghosts, spirits, incantations, etc.  The following is a biblical look at ghosts and spirits.

Surprisingly, if someone would ask me if I believe that there are spiritual beings around on the earth, I’d have to say “yes”.  However, it would have to have a footnote beside it that would reference Hebrews 9:27.  That verse pretty much sums it up referencing spirits of people who have physically died.

And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.

-Hebrews 9:27, ESV

Not to overstate the obvious, but this kind of flies in the face of the idea of deceased human beings hanging around the house to slam doors, creak stairs, flicker light switches or create other distractions and encounters that we often imagine.  The mind is a powerful thing.  I have refuted members of my own family who have sworn they have smelled my late grandmother’s perfume or experienced something that sensed, “she was there…” We allow the subliminal to create fantasies that are eerily lifelike.  However, as with anything, your litmus test is book, chapter and verse, of which you’ll find no support in the Bible for this line of thought.

Scripture is clear in the regard of death.  You die once and are judged (Hebrews 9:27) and if you are a believer and regenerate there is heaven (2 Corinthians 5:6-8) or you go to hell (Matthew 25:46).  It’s really that simple folks.  The closest reference to a haunting as given to us by the almighty Hollywood is Mark 5:1-20 where Jesus heals a possessed man.

Now, there are spiritual beings that can/do interact with us.  They either do God’s will or they don’t, they’re called angels or demons. Again, it is important to filter this through our litmus test as well, remember, “book, chapter, verse”. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 makes clear reference of how demons can “masquerade as servants of righteousness”.  So even if someone would go to a psychic or medium and seek “good” information, he or she would open themselves up for failure on three fronts.  First, even so-called “good” advice or information about future events can be used for evil purposes.  Second, a psychic or medium is now being trusted, rather than God.  And third, by doing so, you are associating yourself with those who God was said to hate (Deuteronomy 18:9-14).

This may also be a good time to debunk the common candy-coated Christianity thought that “God only hates the sin, not the sinner…” Um, not exactly.  He’s pretty clear referencing such cultic practices:

“…for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord.”

-Deuteronomy 18:12

Hopefully, this will give you a reference point the next time someone asks or you just wonder about the paranormal.  I’ll close by apologizing for taking the fun out of your next trip to the movies to see such silly entertainment.  You may want to instead make some popcorn and pull up a chair to the Bible, it’s much more interesting anyhow!

And now for some selfish promotion…

While everyone will be celebrating death with their kids, families and friends, a bar-turned-church will celebrate life over death. Check out the event on Facebook if you’re in the area and are looking for something to do.  Grace Bible Church is hosting the First Annual Spirit Fest: Waking the Dead.  It will be a celebration as we are awaken and called to “arise from the dead” (Ephesians 5:14).

JS