So what does the Bible say about ghosts?

It’s almost Halloween … so what does the Bible say about ghosts?

Every October, millions of our Southern California family members, friends and neighbors have a renewed interest in ghosts, goblins and all things haunted. In fact, in recent years SoCal theme park owners have discovered that transforming their amusement parks into scare parks is a great way to see their profits soar.

When it comes to the paranormal, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. So, what does the Bible teach us about ghosts? Are they real?

Well, that depends on what you mean by “ghosts.” If by “ghosts” you’re referring to “spirit beings,” the Bible answers with an unequivocal “Yes!” The Bible is clear that Christians’ struggle “is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

But if by “ghosts” you’re referring to “the disembodied spirits of people who have died,” the Bible’s answer is a resounding “No!” Consider one of the key verses that proves this, Hebrews 9:27: “Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” In other words, once a person dies, there is no in-between place where his/her spirit can communicate with or interact with the living before he/she faces God’s eternal judgment.

So, when the Bible speaks of invisible “spirits” who may, sometimes, interact with us in the physical world, who or what are they? Simply put, they are either angels or demons. Angels are good spirits who serve God and carry out His marching orders. And demons are evil spirits who align with Satan’s goals to steal, kill and destroy. And according to 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, sometimes demons “masquerade as angels of light.”

So, hypothetically, could a demon masquerade as the ghost of a dead family member, a long-lost saint or even as an alien from another planet?

Certainly! Hence, the Bible teaches us to be on guard against the enemy’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-11). Faith in Jesus Christ provides a shield that protects us from needless fear about any so-called “spirits” who might try to sidetrack us from trusting, loving and obeying God.

Here is one final Bible verse to consider. After teaching us that God is love, the Apostle John tells us plainly, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).

Dane Davis is the pastor of Impact Christian Church. Join us for worship on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. or 10 a.m. at 16209 Kamana Road in Apple Valley, or livestream us on Facebook or YouTube. For more information, visit www.GreaterImpact.cc.