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Ghosts, hauntings, séances, tarot cards, Ouija boards, crystal balls—what do they have in common? They captivate many individuals because they appear to provide insight into an unfamiliar realm that exists beyond the boundaries of our physical existence. To numerous people, these phenomena appear benign and innocuous.
Those who explore these topics from non-biblical viewpoints often believe that ghosts are the spirits of deceased individuals who, for various reasons, have not moved on to the “next stage.” According to believers in ghosts, there are three distinct types of hauntings: (1) residual hauntings (similar to video replays with no actual interaction with spirits), (2) Hauntings by human spirits, whose characteristics are a blend of good and bad (though not evil). These spirits may simply seek attention from individuals; some may be mischievous, but in either scenario, they do not cause harm. (3) Interaction with non-human spirits or demons. These entities can pretend to be human spirits, but they are malevolent and perilous.
When delving into literature about ghosts and hauntings from non-biblical origins, it is important to remember that just because an author may mention the Bible or characters from it (such as Michael the archangel), it does not necessarily mean that the author approaches the subject from a biblical standpoint. In cases where an author does not provide a source for their information, readers must question, “How do they know this to be true? What is their basis?” For instance, how does an author ascertain that demons disguise themselves as human spirits? Ultimately, individuals who discuss such matters from non-biblical sources must rely on personal opinions, the opinions of others, and/or historical experiences. However, given that demons are known to be deceptive and can mimic benevolent human spirits, experiences can be misleading! To gain a proper understanding of this subject, one must turn to a source that has demonstratedItself to be accurate 100 percent of the time—God’s Word, the Bible. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about such things.
1. The Bible never speaks of hauntings. Instead, it teaches that when a person dies, the spirit of that person goes to one of two places. If the person is a believer in Jesus Christ, their spirit is ushered into the presence of the Lord in heaven (Philippians 1:21-23;2 Corinthians 5:8). Later, they will be reunited with their body at the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). If the person is not a believer in Christ, their spirit is put in a place of torment called hell (Luke 16:23-24).
Whether a person is a believer or an unbeliever, there is no returning to our world to communicate or interact with people, even for the purpose of warning people to flee from the judgment to come (Luke 16:27-31). There are only two recorded incidents in which a dead person interacted with the living. The first is when King Saul of Israel tried contacting the deceased prophet Samuel through a medium. God allowed Samuel to be disturbed long enough to pronounce judgment upon Saul for his repeated disobedience (1 Samuel 28:6-19). The second incident is when Moses and Elijah interacted with Jesus when he was transfigured in Matthew 17:1-8. There was nothing “ghostly” about the appearance of Moses and Elijah, however.
2. Scripture speaks repeatedly of angels moving about unseen (Daniel 10:1-21). Sometimes, these angels interact with living people. Evil spirits, or demons, can actually possess people, dwell1. Demons can influence individuals by residing within them and exerting control over them (see Mark 5:1-20, for example). The four Gospels and the Book of Acts document various cases of demon possession and instances where benevolent angels appeared to assist believers. Both malevolent and benevolent angels have the ability to bring about supernatural occurrences (Job 1–2; Revelation 7:1; Revelation 8:5; Revelation 15:1; 16).
3. The Scriptures reveal that demons possess knowledge that is beyond human awareness (Acts 16:16-18; Luke 4:41). Due to their extensive existence, these malevolent angels naturally possess information that surpasses the understanding of individuals with finite lifespans. As Satan currently has entry to God’s presence (Job 1–2), it is conceivable that demons may also have insights into future events, although this remains speculative.
4. The Scriptures describe Satan as the originator of falsehoods and a master of deception (John 8:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:9), who masquerades as an “angel of light.” Those who align themselves with him, whether human or otherwise, engage in the same deceit (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).
5. Satan and demons wield significant power in comparison to humans. Even Michael the archangel relied solely on God’s authority when confronting Satan, as illustrated in the dispute over the body of Moses: “But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee” (Jude 1:9). Nevertheless, Satan’s power pales in comparison to that of God (Acts 19:11-12; Mark 5:1-20).
;Mark 5:1-20), and God is capable of using Satan’s evil intent to accomplish His good purposes (1 Corinthians 5:5;2 Corinthians 12:7).
6. God instructs us to have no association with the occult, devil worship, or the unclean spirit world. This includes mediums, séances, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot cards, channeling, etc. These practices are considered abominable by God (Deuteronomy 18:9-12;Isaiah 8:19-20;Galatians 5:20;Revelation 21:8), and those who partake in them are inviting disaster (Acts 19:13-16).
7. The Ephesian believers demonstrated how to handle occult objects (books, music, jewelry, games, etc.). They acknowledged their involvement as sin and publicly burned the items (Acts 19:17-19).
8. Freedom from Satan’s power is attained through God’s salvation. Salvation is received by believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:18;Acts 26:16-18). Efforts to break free from demonic entanglement without salvation are fruitless. Jesus cautioned about a heart without the Holy Spirit’s presence: such a heart is an empty place vulnerable to even more malevolent spirits (Luke 11:24-26). However, when a person turns to Christ for forgiveness of sin, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within until the day of redemption «And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. », (Ephesians 4:30)).
Certain paranormal phenomena may be ascribed to fraudulent individuals. It is advisable to interpret other accounts of apparitions and ghostly occurrences as the handiwork of malevolent entities. These entities may at times openly reveal their true nature, while in other instances resort to trickery by masquerading as disembodied human souls. Such deceit gives rise to further falsehoods and bewilderment.
The Scriptures caution against seeking guidance from the deceased for the living. Instead, it advocates, “To the law and to the testimony!” (Isaiah 8:19-20). The Word of God serves as our wellspring of discernment. Followers of Jesus Christ should steer clear of involvement in occult practices. While the spiritual realm is genuine, Christians need not live in fear «Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. », (1 John 4:4).
