What Does the Bible Say about Ghosts?

Theology
1
What Does the Bible Say About Ghosts?

This discussion explores biblical perspectives on ghosts, focusing on the difference between spirits and demonic forces, and how Christians are advised to approach these topics. Participants are invited to share their thoughts on the existence of ghosts and what Scripture reveals about the spiritual realm.

#BiblicalPerspectiveOnGhosts #WhatTheBibleSays #ChristianViewOnSpirits #SpiritualRealmInBible #GhostsOrDemons

image
image700×366 51.7 KB

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/leolintang

Ghosts are a popular subject in culture, but the Bible has specific things to say about spirits, both good and evil. Jesus’ disciples, for example, mistook Him for a ghost when He appeared walking on the water – Mark 6:49 – and there are references to spirits in other parts of Scripture. The Bible also warns against communicating with spirits of the dead, as seen in Leviticus 19:31, which advises, “Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists.”

How do you interpret what the Bible says about ghosts and spirits? Have you ever thought about the difference between a ghost and a demon?

For more insight, check out this article:

2

I am concerned about the mindlessly simplistic content of many of these Crosswalk articles. As a longtime member of the British Society for Psychical Research, American Society for Psychical Research and International Association for Near-Death Studies, and having experienced some of these phenomena myself, I am considerably better informed than the author of this piece.

These phenomena are experienced and reported by millions of people, including highly respected evangelicals and evangelical leaders - and always have been. Gary Habermas has written about them in his work on the Resurrection. Renowned NT scholar Dale C. Allison has written about his own startling experiences. To ascribe them to “demons” is, IMO, simply silly.

This is a VAST body of human experience that comprises so-called ghosts, apparitions, deathbed visions, After-Death Communications, Near-Death experiences and other afterlife-related phenomena, all of which make a compelling case that the dead do indeed sometimes communicate with the living. To suggest that God allows demons to deceive people on this scale, faithful Christians and atheists alike, reflects a very disturbing notion of God. I would have to believe that my own experiences with my own father, mother, late wife and sister-in-law were demonic, even though the only effect of these experiences was to greatly ENHANCE my belief.

I highly recommend this recent book by Allison: Encountering Mystery: Religious Experience in a Secular Age: Allison Jr., Dale C.: 9780802881885: Amazon.com: Books.

3

I remember reading an article long ago that theorized the human eyes and brain, when dressed by fear or forbidding, may project images thst the person may see as ghosts. Grandma years after her death, etc.

Interesting concept.

4

Let’s clear the fog with Scripture, not séances. The question was: “What does the Bible say about ghosts?” And the answer isn’t floating in a library of psychical research or nestled in a footnote by Dale C. Allison—it’s etched in the eternal, unchanging Word of God.

First, yes, Jesus’ disciples thought He was a ghost in Mark 6:49—but thinking something doesn’t make it true. The point of that passage wasn’t that ghosts are real, but that fear distorts faith. And what did Jesus do? He didn’t validate their ghost theory—He said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (v. 50). In other words: stop freaking out, it’s not Casper, it’s Christ.

Now let’s get serious. Scripture draws a hard, holy line between the living and the dead. Hebrews 9:27 declares, “It is appointed unto man once to die, and after this the judgment.” No loopback. No soul cameo. No post-mortem walkabouts. The dead are not taking strolls through our living rooms or whispering bedtime encouragements. They are either with the Lord (2 Cor. 5:8) or awaiting judgment (Luke 16:22–23). Those are the only two paths.

You say millions experience these phenomena, including “respected evangelicals.” Let me remind you: truth isn’t crowd-sourced. The broad road is packed too, and we know where it leads (Matthew 7:13). Even Satan masquerades as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14), so don’t think your goosebumps are divine just because they feel good. Demons don’t need pitchforks and red capes—they’ll use Grandma’s voice if it means you’ll bypass the Bible and chase a mystical breadcrumb trail into deception.

Your concern that “to ascribe these to demons is silly”? Let me flip that: to ignore Scripture’s clear warnings about deceptive spirits (1 Tim. 4:1, 1 John 4:1, Deut. 18:10–12) in favor of emotionally satisfying encounters is not just silly—it’s spiritually dangerous. You’re right that demons deceiving Christians and atheists alike is disturbing. That’s the point. Deception should disturb you. It should wake you up, not woo you deeper into sentimentalism.

As for those “positive effects” of your experiences—Satan is perfectly content to enhance your belief in anything but the truth. If an “after-death communication” convinces you that God’s Word is incomplete, insufficient, or irrelevant, then the mission was a success. The devil’s favorite trick isn’t to scare you—it’s to comfort you right out of discernment.

And let’s be clear: we’re not mocking grief. We’re calling people back from the brink of spiritual gullibility masked as mystical insight. The Bible doesn’t say the dead sometimes pop in for a chat—it says the devil roams like a lion looking for someone to devour. You want to know the difference between a ghost and a demon? Easy. One’s fictional. The other is hunting.

So no, I won’t be recommending Dale C. Allison’s Encountering Mystery. I’ll be recommending Scripture—because unlike spiritual experiences, it won’t lie to you.

You want a real encounter? Try the empty tomb.

—Sincere Seeker. Scripturally savage. Here for the Truth.

2 Likes
5

Very simplistic, we need to read the Bible, go to Church and learn theology.

6

@Bingo
Your statement above reminded me of the story of Job. Do you see? Job, we are told, had a real encounter with the evil spirit, it was allowed by God, and even though Satan’s intent was to destroy his subject, the only effect of his encounter was to greatly ENHANCE his belief.

Then Job answered the LORD and said:
"I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.
You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”
Job 42:1-6

Just an observation
KP

7

I have thought about this a lot. The Bible speaks clearly about spiritual realities, but not in the way pop culture imagines.

A person dressed as a ghost covered in a white sheet with two black eye holes cut out, standing against a dark background.
A person dressed as a ghost covered in a white sheet with two black eye holes cut out, standing against a dark background.1200×630 39.8 KB

Scripture never supports the idea that the spirits of the dead roam the earth. Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” When a person dies, their soul does not linger. It goes to face God. So when people claim to see or interact with “ghosts,” I believe we need to ask: What spirit is this really?

The Bible does speak of spirits, but they’re often fallen angels or demons, not the souls of the dead. 2 Corinthians 11:14 says even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Deception is his specialty. What may seem like a harmless ghost story may actually be a demonic attempt to distract, confuse, or lead people away from God’s truth.

God forbids consulting the dead or engaging in spiritism for a reason (Deuteronomy 18:10–12). It opens doors to darkness and invites the influence of powers we are not meant to entertain. The Holy Spirit is the only spirit we are to welcome and trust.

So yes, there’s a big difference between a “ghost” as the world defines it, and what the Bible calls demons. One is folklore, and the other is a real spiritual danger.

8

Scripture confirms that fallen angels, or demons, are active in the world and continue to seek to deceive and destroy human souls (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:12). They can influence, oppress, and in some cases possess people, especially when sin, idolatry, or occult practices open the door to their activity. The Gospels describe numerous instances of possession, and Jesus’ ministry repeatedly demonstrated His authority over these spirits, commanding them to depart or, in one instance, to enter a herd of pigs (Mark 5:1–13). This account illustrates that demons fear the judgment of God: once bound or commanded by a priest or by Christ Himself, they must submit, ultimately awaiting the eternal abyss prepared for them (Matthew 25:41). Exorcism is the Church’s sacramental response, invoking Christ’s name, the authority of the Church, and the power of the Holy Spirit to bind, expel, and safeguard souls. Through prayer, fasting, and the proper liturgical rites, the Church protects the faithful, exposing and expelling the deception of the evil spirits.
In demonology, we often describe four stages in which the devil tries to trouble us:

  1. Thoughts: Demons whisper suggestions into our minds. This is common for all Christians. We must learn to discern between what is from God and what is from the enemy.

  2. Demonic energy: In some cases, demons try to stir up energy or pressure in us to act on sinful thoughts, like smoking, lust, or laziness.

  3. Possession: Rare, but here a person may experience blackouts, doing things against their will (for example, falling back into drinking without realizing it). Not all addictions are possession, but in true possession, only the Church can help.

  4. Demoniac: Very rare, when several demons oppress a person, destroying body and soul. In such cases, the Church must intervene through a priest.

1 Like
9

@Samuel_23

So, are you submitting that “fallen angels”, or “demons” who are active in the world, are the same thing as “ghosts”? Do you see these terms as synonymous or is one real and the other fictitious? Are they just two names given to the same phenomena, or are they just similar beings in that both are described as ethereal, immaterial, or incorporeal? Personally, I believe one of them exists, but not the other.

KP

10

I wouldn’t say the terms are identical, but the experiences people call “ghosts” today often fall into the category of demonic deception in Christian theology. Demons, however, do actively interact with the world, appear, imitate the dead, and deceive (2 Cor. 11:14). So when someone claims to encounter a “ghost,” our tradition would caution that it may not be harmless or sentimental, it may be a fallen spirit imitating a soul to mislead.

11

@Samuel_23
Got’cha. I hear you, and I get your point…
(although I don’t think the verse you referred to actually speaks to this phenomenon.)

But what I (Paul) do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers (false apostles) also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

2 Corinthians 11:12-15 (NKJV)

Thanx for your respected opinion
KP

12

Oh…
I meant: “This is why discernment, grounded in Scripture, Tradition, and the mind of the Church, is so crucial. Demons are active in the world and often interact with those who are spiritually vulnerable, presenting a false “truth” that is meant to deceive. Real truth is not simply what appears good or persuasive, it is what is consistent with the Apostolic witness and the life of the Church.”

13

I don’t hold to the Eastern orthodox and dogmas @Samuel_23

1 John 4:4 — “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” The verb nenikēkate (you have overcome) is perfect tense, meaning a completed victory with continuing results. The indwelling Spirit’s presence forbids demonic takeover.

1 John 5:18 — “He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him.” The verb haptetai (touch) means “to fasten onto” or “to lay hold of.” John declares that Satan cannot attach himself to the believer who is tērei (kept) by Christ.

Colossians 1:13 — “He has delivered us from the authority of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” The verbs errusato (rescued) and metestēsen (transferred) both denote a completed, once-for-all act. The believer has already been removed from demonic jurisdiction (exousia tou skotous).

Ephesians 1:13–14 — “Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” The verb esphragisthēte (you were sealed) means to mark with ownership and protection. No demon can break the divine seal placed by God Himself.

Ephesians 6:11 — “Put on the full armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” The verb stēnai (to stand) shows a position of victory, not struggle for survival. The armor is defensive, implying the believer is already secure.

Romans 8:38–39 — “Neither angels nor principalities nor powers… shall be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.” The verb dunēsetai (will be able) declares incapacity; demonic beings lack the power to sever the believer from Christ.

Luke 10:19–20 — “I have given you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” The verbs dedōka (I have given) and patein (to tread upon) signify bestowed, active authority. The believer is not prey but victor through delegated power.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 — “The Lord is faithful, who will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” The verbs stērixei (will strengthen) and phulaxei (will guard) describe ongoing divine action ensuring spiritual security against demonic assault.

John 10:28–29 — “No one shall snatch them out of My hand.” The verb harpasei (to snatch, seize) is future active indicative and expresses impossibility. The believer is gripped by the omnipotent hand of Christ and the Father.

Colossians 2:15 — “Having disarmed rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, triumphing over them in it.” The verbs apekdysamenos (having stripped away) and thriambeusas (having triumphed) portray total conquest. The demonic realm is defeated and publicly shamed through the cross.

Taken together, these verses form a unified testimony that those who are in Christ cannot be possessed or dominated by demons. They may be tempted or opposed, but never inhabited. The decisive verbs show permanent deliverance, sealing, guarding, and triumph wrought by Christ’s victory at the cross and applied by the Spirit who indwells and secures the redeemed.

Thanks.

J.

14

Ok thank you

Thank you so much, again..

Thanks a lot

15

This firm assurance, that you, @Johann, eloquently laid out for us, is of the same stuff that allows Jesus to sleep in the back of the boat during a storm (Mark 4:38), or Peter to sleep in prison hours before his execution (Acts 12:6), or Paul and Silas to sing in prison (Acts 16:25), or Stephen to pray for those who were stoning him (Acts 7:59), or Daniel to have peace in the presence of hungry lions (Daniel 6:21), … I could go on.

This same supernatural assurance led Hannah to sing as she gave up her long-awaited first born to The Lord:

“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
My horn is exalted in the Lord.
I smile at my enemies,
Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

“No one is holy like the Lord,
For there is none besides You,
Nor is there any rock like our God.

“Talk no more so very proudly;
Let no arrogance come from your mouth,
For the Lord is the God of knowledge;
And by Him actions are weighed.

“The bows of the mighty men are broken,
And those who stumbled are girded with strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
And the hungry have ceased to hunger.
Even the barren has borne seven,
And she who has many children has become feeble.

“The Lord kills and makes alive;
He brings down to the grave and brings up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
He brings low and lifts up.
He raises the poor from the dust
And lifts the beggar from the ash heap,
To set them among princes
And make them inherit the throne of glory.

“For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
And He has set the world upon them.
He will guard the feet of His saints,
But the wicked shall be silent in darkness.

“For by strength no man shall prevail.
The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces;
From heaven He will thunder against them.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

“He will give strength to His king,
And exalt the horn of His anointed.”

(1 Sa 2:1–10)

The Lord over us, around us, behind us, below us, and in us calms our hearts to know that only what He permits can come about, and what God permits in the lives of His saints always properly places Glory where it ought to reside.

KP

16

I know where your calling rests brother @KPuff, and I have seen your gifting in the Lord, for you are a true paraklētikos, an encourager of believers in the body of Christ Jesus, our great God and Savior, building them up through the same paraklēsis that strengthens the saints and glorifies God.

Act 4:36 Now δὲ Joseph Ἰωσὴφ - ὁ having been called ἐπικληθεὶς Barnabas Βαρνάβας by ἀπὸ the τῶν apostles ἀποστόλων, (which ὅ is ἐστιν translated, μεθερμηνευόμενον Son Υἱὸς of encouragement), παρακλήσεως, a Levite, Λευίτης, a Cypriot Κύπριος at the τῷ birth, γένει,

Shalom to you and family.

J.