Stories and beliefs about the dead communicating with the living have been around for centuries, but what does the Bible say? Scripture offers clear teachings on life after death and cautions against seeking communication with the dead.
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What Does The Bible Say About the dead visiting the living
Matthew 17:3
“Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.”
This verse recounts the transfiguration of Jesus, during which Moses and Elijah appeared to Him and had a conversation. It demonstrates that the dead can indeed visit the living, although this specific event was a unique occurrence. It shows the continuity of life beyond death and that there is a spiritual realm where communication between the living and the dead can occur.
As a Christian, I believe that this verse emphasizes the supernatural power of God and serves as a reminder of the eternal nature of our souls. It provides comfort to those who have lost loved ones, knowing that their spirits are not confined to the grave but can have a presence and interact in ways we may not fully understand.
1 Samuel 28:7-20
“Then Saul said to his attendants, ‘Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.’ ‘There is one in Endor,’ they said. So Saul disguised himself, putting on other clothes, and at night he and two men went to the woman. ‘Consult a spirit for me,’ he said, ‘and bring up for me the one I name.’ But the woman said to him, ‘Surely you know what Saul has done. He has cut off the mediums and spiritists from the land. Why have you set a trap for my life to bring about my death?’ Saul swore to her by the LORD, ‘As surely as the LORD lives, you will not be punished for this.’ Then the woman asked, ‘Whom shall I bring up for you?’ ‘Bring up Samuel,’ he said. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out at the top of her voice and said to Saul, ‘Why have you deceived me? You are Saul!’ The king said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. What do you see?’ The woman said, ‘I see a ghostly figure coming up out of the earth.’ ‘What does he look like?’ he asked. ‘An old man wearing a robe is coming up,’ she said. Then Saul knew it was Samuel, and he bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Samuel said to Saul, ‘Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?’ ‘I am in great distress,’ Saul said. ‘The Philistines are fighting against me, and God has departed from me. He no longer answers me, either by prophets or by dreams. So I have called on you to tell me what to do.’ Samuel said, ‘Why do you consult me, now that the LORD has departed from you and become your enemy? The LORD has done what he predicted through me. The LORD has torn the kingdom out of your hands and given it to one of your neighbors—to David. Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out his fierce wrath against the Amalekites, the LORD has done this to you today. The LORD will deliver both Israel and you into the hands of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also give the army of Israel into the hands of the Philistines.'”
This passage tells of Saul’s desperate attempt to consult a medium to bring back the spirit of Samuel, who had died. While the medium did bring forth Samuel’s spirit, it was not a pleasant encounter for Saul. Samuel’s message confirmed God’s judgment upon Saul, who had disobeyed Him, and foretold Saul’s impending death. This account illustrates that communication with the dead through mediums is possible, but it is not something condoned or encouraged by God.
As Christians, we should be cautious about seeking contact with the dead, as it can open the door to spiritual deception and harmful practices. Our focus should be on seeking a relationship with the living God and finding comfort and guidance in His Word. It is important to trust in God’s wisdom and authority, rather than seeking validation or answers from the deceased.
Deuteronomy 18:10-12
“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD; because of these same detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.”
This passage clearly prohibits engaging in various occult practices, including consulting the dead. God explicitly states that those who consult the dead are considered detestable to Him. He warns the Israelites of the practices of the nations they were about to conquer, reminding them that such practices are sinful and lead to the judgment of God.
As Christians, we should heed this warning and steer clear of any form of divination, sorcery, or communication with the dead. Our allegiance should be solely to God and His truth. Engaging in these detestable practices not only dishonors God but also exposes us to spiritual harm and deceit. We must remain steadfast in our faith and seek wisdom and guidance from God alone, through prayer and the study of His Word.
Isaiah 8:19
“When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?”
In this verse, Isaiah challenges the people of Judah to turn to God for guidance instead of seeking answers from mediums and spiritists who claim to communicate with the dead. He questions the wisdom of consulting the dead on behalf of the living when they should be seeking God’s wisdom and guidance.
This verse reminds us that as believers, we have direct access to the living God who hears and answers our prayers. We do not need to turn to supernatural or occult practices to seek knowledge or guidance. Instead, we should seek a personal relationship with God, relying on His Word, His Spirit, and the community of believers to provide wisdom and direction in our lives.
1 Corinthians 15:21-22
“For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.”
These verses affirm the reality of death and the hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ. Death entered the world because of Adam’s sin, bringing separation from God and the consequence of physical death for all humanity. However, through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection, all believers have the promise of eternal life.
As a Christian, I find great comfort and hope in the assurance that death is not the end, but a doorway to everlasting life in the presence of God. This truth underscores the significance of our faith in Christ, as it is through Him that we receive redemption from sin and the hope of resurrection. It encourages us to live each day with an eternal perspective, knowing that our physical death is merely a transition to a glorious and eternal existence with our Savior.
John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”
These powerful words were spoken by Jesus to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, after the death of their brother. Jesus proclaimed Himself as the source of resurrection and eternal life, affirming that whoever believes in Him will experience life even in physical death and will never truly die.
This verse reassures us of the hope and assurance we have as believers in Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that our faith transcends mortality and that our relationship with Christ grants us eternal life. Personally, this verse has been a source of great comfort during times of loss and grief, reminding me that death does not have the final say and that there is hope beyond the grave. It encourages us to place our trust and belief in Jesus, who has conquered death and offers us the gift of eternal life through His sacrifice.
Luke 16:19-31
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ‘The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue because I am in agony in this fire.’ But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'”
This powerful parable shared by Jesus recounts the story of a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. After death, Lazarus was carried by angels to be comforted by Abraham, whereas the rich man was tormented in Hades. The rich man pleaded for a moment of respite and even asked that Lazarus be sent as a messenger to warn his family, but Abraham’s response highlights that those who do not listen to God’s Word will not be convinced, even if someone were to rise from the dead.
This parable conveys the importance of heeding God’s teachings and the need to believe and repent while we still have the opportunity. It demonstrates that our choices and actions in this life have eternal consequences. The rich man’s plea reveals his regret but also provides a sobering reminder that once we die, our fate is sealed. It serves as a call to prioritize a relationship with God and to seek His will and guidance while we have the chance.
Hebrews 11:5-6
“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: ‘He could not be found, because God had taken him away.’ For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
This passage refers to the story of Enoch, who walked so closely with God that he was taken directly into heaven without experiencing physical death. Enoch’s faith and devotion pleased God, highlighting the significance of faith in our relationship with Him.
As believers, we are called to have faith in God and believe in His existence and promises. It is through faith that we can have a personal relationship with Him and experience His rewards and blessings. Enoch’s story challenges us to walk closely with God, seeking to please Him in all aspects of our lives. It also reminds us that as we earnestly seek Him, He will reveal Himself to us and reward us with His presence and blessings.
Ecclesiastes 9:5
“For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even their name is forgotten.”
This verse presents a perspective on death, stating that once someone has died, they are no longer aware or conscious of anything happening in the world. It affirms that there are no further rewards or experiences for the deceased and that their name is eventually forgotten.
As Christians, we understand that this verse reflects the temporal and earthly perspective of life and death. While it acknowledges the finality and limitations of physical existence, we know that there is a spiritual realm and an eternal life beyond the grave. Our faith in Jesus Christ assures us that death is not the end, but a transition to an everlasting existence with God. While the name of a person may be forgotten on earth, they are forever known and remembered by God, their Creator.
Genesis 5:24
“Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more because God took him away.”
This brief verse refers to Enoch, a descendant of Adam, who had such a close relationship with God that he was taken away, bypassing physical death. It highlights Enoch’s faithfulness and intimacy with God, resulting in a unique ending to his earthly life.
This verse serves as an encouragement for us to pursue a deep and faithful walk with God. Enoch’s example demonstrates the significance of having a close relationship with Him and seeking to please Him in all aspects of our lives. It reminds us that God desires intimacy with His children and rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Psalm 115:17
“It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to the place of silence.”
This verse acknowledges that once someone has died, they are unable to praise the Lord or have any active involvement in worship. It highlights the finality and limitations of physical death, emphasizing the importance of each individual’s relationship with God during their earthly existence.
As believers, we understand that our time on earth is an opportunity to serve and worship the Lord. This verse reminds us to make the most of our lives by actively praising and glorifying God while we have breath. We are called to live in a manner that brings honor to Him and to seize every opportunity to grow in our faith and share the message of His love with others, knowing that our ability to worship and serve Him is limited to our earthly existence.
Luke 23:43
“Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”
These words were spoken by Jesus to one of the criminals who was crucified alongside Him. In response to the criminal’s request for remembrance in Christ’s kingdom, Jesus assured him that they would be together in paradise that very day. This verse provides a powerful depiction of Jesus’ graciousness and willingness to forgive, offering salvation and eternal life to a repentant soul even in the final moments of life.
This verse offers hope and assurance that salvation is available to anyone who turns to Jesus in genuine repentance and faith, regardless of their past. It demonstrates the incredible mercy and love of our Savior, who is able to transform even the direst circumstances into an opportunity for redemption. It serves as a reminder that it is never too late to seek forgiveness and turn to Christ for eternal life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.”
These verses offer comfort and hope to believers who have experienced the death of loved ones. Paul addresses the Thessalonian Christians and assures them that their grief should not be like that of unbelievers, who have no hope beyond death. He emphasizes the faith in Christ’s resurrection and the promise that God will reunite those who have died in Him with Jesus at His second coming.
As a Christian, this passage reminds me of the hope we have in Jesus Christ, extending beyond the boundaries of physical death. It comforts and encourages us to grieve with the assurance that those who have died in Christ are not lost but are awaiting a glorious resurrection. This truth transforms our grief into a profound longing for the day when we will be reunited with our loved ones in the presence of our Lord.
Revelation 14:13
“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.'”
This verse reveals a vision of John, where he hears a voice from heaven pronouncing a blessing upon those who die in the Lord. It assures believers that after their earthly labor, they will find rest and their righteous actions will have a lasting impact.
As a Christian, this verse provides assurance and comfort, knowing that our labor and deeds in this life have value and will not be forgotten. It encourages us to serve the Lord faithfully, knowing that our actions and service for His kingdom will make a difference and have eternal significance. This truth motivates us to live with intentionality and dedication, knowing that our efforts are not in vain but will be rewarded in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
Luke 20:38
“He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”
This verse is a response from Jesus to the Sadducees, who were questioning Him about the resurrection and marriage in heaven. Jesus affirms that God is not a God of the dead but of the living, declaring that in God’s eyes, all are alive.
As believers, this verse reminds us of the nature of our relationship with God. It reveals that our relationship with Him is not confined to our earthly existence but transcends physical life. Our spirits are alive in Him, even when our physical bodies cease to exist. This truth offers hope and reassurance, knowing that our connection with God is eternal and that we will continue to experience His presence and love beyond the boundaries of death.
2 Corinthians 5:8
“We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
In this verse, Paul expresses his confidence and desire to be absent from his physical body and present with the Lord. It reveals his anticipation of the eternal and intimate fellowship with God that awaits believers after death.
This verse offers comfort and encouragement, emphasizing the joy and peace that come from being in the presence of the Lord. It reassures us that death is not something to be feared, but a journey towards being reunited with our loving Heavenly Father. Personally, this verse reminds me to long for that day when I will experience the fullness of God’s presence and be completely at home in His arms, free from the trials and burdens of this earthly life.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”
These verses describe the future event known as the rapture, where believers, both the living and the dead in Christ, will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. It signifies the ultimate reunion of believers with Jesus and the beginning of an eternal life in His presence.
This passage offers hope and excitement, reminding us of the glorious future that awaits us as followers of Jesus. It assures us that death is not the end, but a transition to a new and everlasting existence with our Savior. The rapture embodies the fulfillment of God’s promises and the culmination of His redemptive plan. As Christians, we eagerly anticipate this wondrous event and cling to the assurance of our eternal destiny.
Acts 7:55-56
“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ‘Look,’ he said, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'”
These verses describe the vision that Stephen, a faithful follower of Jesus, had just before his martyrdom. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen saw a glimpse of heaven, witnessing Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Stephen’s vision serves as a testimony to the reality of the spiritual realm and the presence of Jesus in heaven. It strengthens the faith of believers, knowing that Jesus is actively involved in our lives and is interceding for us before the Father. This passage also underscores the hope and assurance that await us as followers of Jesus, as we look forward to the day when we will see Him face to face and dwell in His eternal glory.
John 5:24
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.”
These words spoken by Jesus emphasize the importance of faith in Him and the assurance of eternal life for those who believe in Him. He declares that believers have already crossed over from death to life and will not face judgment.
This verse brings great comfort and security, knowing that salvation is not based on our own merits or works, but on our faith in Jesus Christ. It assures us that through faith, we have already passed from spiritual death to spiritual life, experiencing a renewed relationship with God. It also reminds us of the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice, which grants us the hope of eternal life and freedom from the judgment of sin.
Psalm 146:4
“When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.”
In this verse, the psalmist acknowledges that when a person dies, their spirit returns to the ground and their plans and pursuits in life cease to have any effect.
As Christians, this verse serves as a reminder of the temporary nature of our earthly existence and the fleeting nature of our human accomplishments. It encourages us to prioritize our relationship with God and seek His purposes and kingdom above all else. Our focus should be on eternity rather than solely on the pursuits and achievements of this life, knowing that our true fulfillment and significance are found in our relationship with God and our eternal destiny in Him.