Ghosts are real! The Bible says so!

Are ghosts real?

At this time of year, near the eve of Halloween, ghost stories become the norm. We question the reality of ghosts and spirits.

Throughout my life I’ve witnessed the church deny the existence of ghosts — and if they really do exist, they must be the works of the devil.

The concept of ghosts is contrary to Christian doctrine. Christian doctrine states when we die we’re going to await the return of Christ. When Christ returns the righteous will convene with Jesus in heaven and have everlasting life, while the non-believers and the sinners will be subjugated to an eternity in hell.

This view of the afterlife leaves no place for ghosts or spirits of any kind.

But what does the Bible say?

I turn to 1 Samuel chapter 28. In this tale Saul is King and his prophet and adviser Samuel has recently been killed. His enemy, the Philistines, were gathering to do battle with him. Saul was terrified. Out of fear, Saul turned to the Lord for answers and insight…but the Lord did not appear. In desperation, Saul seeks out a spiritist (a medium) so that he may inquire with the spirit of his recently deceases adviser Samuel.

This was an act of utter hypocrisy, since Saul had banned all mediums from the land — however, one was found in Endor.

Saul disguised himself and visited the woman known as the Witch of Endor. At first, she was reluctant to heed his request to bring up a spirit because of the decree against such practices — but Saul assured her she would not be punished.

The medium then proceeded to bring forth the spirit of Samuel. Not only is she successful in speaking to the ghost of Samuel, but Samuel explains to Saul why the Lord is angry with him, plus he predicts his defeat to the Philistines and the death of his sons on the battlefield. Each of Samuel’s predictions come to fruition.

So according to the Bible: ghosts are real, we can communicate with them and they can predict the future. Nice!

~ by robjacik on October 29, 2008.