ARE GHOSTS REAL?

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YES, BUT NOT AS MOST PEOPLE THINK. Ghosts are real in the sense that spiritual beings, such as angels, are real. But are they the spirits of the dead, as portrayed in movies or claimed by so-called paranormal experts? No. The Bible gives no basis for the idea that the souls of the departed roam the earth.

Hebrews 9:27 is clear: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” After death, a person immediately faces judgment—either eternal life with God or eternal punishment in hell (Matt. 25:46). There is no forty-day grace period, no wandering for closure, and no “photo-bombing” someone’s selfie. You only live once, and afterward comes judgment. If people could remain on earth after death, the Bible’s teaching on the afterlife would be meaningless.

IF THEY ARE NOT DEPARTED SPIRITS, THEN WHAT ARE THEY?

Ghosts are evil spirits impersonating the dead. They are not angels—angels are far too occupied doing God’s will to pull blankets or appear in dark hallways. Demons, however, are masters of disguise. Scripture says Satan can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:14), so it’s no surprise his followers can mimic a “white lady” or any familiar figure. If humans can dress like ghosts for a costume party, evil spirits can certainly imitate the dead.

WHY DO THEY DO THIS?

Their primary goal is deception. Jesus called Satan “the father of lies” (John 8:44). He mixes just enough truth with falsehood to make it believable—he even twisted Scripture when tempting Jesus (Matt. 4:6). Demons also aim to harm. Throughout the Gospels, evil spirits inflicted suffering on people (Matt. 12:22; 15:22; 17:15).

Another major objective is fear. When people are controlled by fear, they struggle to trust God. That’s why Scripture repeatedly commands, “Do not fear” (Deut. 31:6; Josh. 1:9; Isa. 41:10; 2 Tim. 1:7; 1 John 4:18). Fear can draw people away from God and make them easier to deceive.

SOMETHING TO REMEMBER

Satan is already a defeated enemy (Heb. 2:14; Col. 2:15). His final judgment is certain. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), including his deceptions. Evil spirits may look frightening, but their power is limited. Jesus said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. Fear Him who has authority to throw you into hell” (Luke 12:4–5).

Believers have authority over demonic forces through Christ (Luke 10:17). The devil may be strong, but Christians can resist him: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Stay Curious.

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