What does the Bible actually say about ghosts or spirits of the dead?
The Devotional Answer
The devotional answer is that the Bible's teaching on the dead is meant to bring peace and focus, not fear or curiosity about "ghosts." Once a person dies, their soul goes to a distinct realm—to be with Christ (for believers, Question 49) or to await final judgment (for unbelievers). They are not left to wander the earth (Question 123).
The spiritual world is real, but the Bible places the focus squarely on living for Christ and avoiding all forbidden practices (Question 124). If you focus on the truth and presence of the Holy Spirit, you are protected from all spiritual deception and fear.
The Simple Answer
The Bible does not support the popular concept of human spirits ("ghosts") haunting houses or roaming the earth due to "unfinished business."
The biblical perspective is defined by two key points:
The State of the Dead: The Bible states that believers who die are "away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Unbelievers go to a place of confinement, often referred to as Sheol (Old Testament) or Hades (New Testament), to await final judgment (Luke 16:19-31). In both cases, the spirits are not said to remain on earth.
The Prohibition Against Contact (Necromancy): The Bible strictly and vehemently condemns any attempt to communicate with the dead (called necromancy). This is viewed as an abomination to God.
“Let no one be found among you... who consults a medium or spiritist or who inquires of the dead.” — Deuteronomy 18:10-12 (NIV)
The Deeper Dive: Spiritual Deception and Reality
While the Bible does not endorse the idea of human spirits roaming, it does acknowledge the existence of powerful spiritual beings who are not human: angels and demons (Question 126).
1. Demonic Deception
The most common biblical explanation for alleged "ghost" encounters (after ruling out psychological or natural causes) is demonic deception.
Satan is called the father of lies (John 8:44), and his fallen angels (demons) seek to deceive, harass, and distract people from God.
The Bible states that Satan himself masquerades as an "angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14). It is highly plausible that a demon could easily masquerade as a deceased loved one to draw people into forbidden practices or spiritual confusion.
2. The Case of the Medium of Endor
The only time the Bible records what appears to be a consultation with the dead is when King Saul visits the medium of Endor (1 Samuel 28:7-20) to summon the prophet Samuel.
The Result: The text describes the appearance of Samuel, who delivers a message of judgment against Saul.
The Lesson: The unique nature of this event, combined with the fact that Saul was immediately condemned for seeking the medium in the first place, emphasizes the rule: God forbids this practice. Whether God made a special, sovereign exception to allow Samuel to appear, or if a demon was impersonating him, the action of consulting the dead led directly to Saul’s spiritual and physical downfall.
3. Jesus and the "Spirit"
In the New Testament, the disciples thought Jesus was a "spirit" when He walked on the water (Mark 6:49) and after His resurrection (Luke 24:37). Jesus corrected them immediately:
“Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does a spirit not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” — Luke 24:39 (NIV)
Jesus deliberately distinguished Himself from a disembodied spirit, emphasizing the physical reality of His resurrection.
God's Assurance
God assures you that you are called to consult the living God—the source of all truth—not the dead.
“Should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?” — Isaiah 8:19 (NIV)
You are assured that through prayer and Scripture, you have all the guidance and wisdom you need (Question 119).
Your Takeaway Thought
Do not allow curiosity about "ghosts" or the paranormal to draw you into spiritual danger. Your focus must remain on the Resurrected Christ, who has conquered death and the grave. If you encounter any unusual spiritual manifestation, do not seek to understand it or communicate with it; immediately use the authority of Jesus' name and rebuke the spirit, recognizing that your safety is found in your exclusive allegiance to the living God.
