The Paranormal
Have you ever seen a ghost? A recent survey says 60% of people believe they have… and 40% believe their pets have seen/sensed a ghost. Theories abound on things haunted, but the Bible actually offers a lot of truth concerning the paranormal. Oftentimes people are hesitant to share their experiences, but the season of October brings a lot of questions as people dive into paranormal entertainment & experiences.
Some Paranormal Is Fake or Fraud. Lots of people are out to make a quick buck. In many realms of paranormal and supernatural practices there are fraudsters who fake their experiences for profit. In a similar way, false teachers are described in the Bible. One of the characteristics of a false teacher is a presumption of knowledge and an arrogant attitude towards the paranormal and demonic (Jude 1:3-16 & 2 Peter 2) with the motivation of greed and fame.
2 Peter 2:10-11 says, “Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord.”
Some Paranormal Is Deception or Delusion. Sometimes we think we see things that weren’t really there. Medicine, drugs, sleep-deprivation, weather conditions, mental conditions, and many other factors can alter our perception of reality. So as we assess the reality of the paranormal and supernatural we must be honest and realize that not all claims occurred in reality, even when the observers were sincerely convinced they did. King Nebuchadnezzar is a good example (Daniel 4) of how God allowed a mental illness that altered his perception of reality for a significant period of time.
Some Paranormal Is Real. The supernatural world does exist. God clearly evidences His own existence through Creation (Romans 1:19-20). God uses angels to do His bidding among mankind across the Scriptures, but Satan continues to work and use his demons across earth as well. When we experience real supernatural activity, we need to consider whether the source is Satan or God.
All Real Paranormal Is Demonic. When God uses an angel, there is no deception; the message and messenger correspond to the revealed truth of the Bible. God is clear that once humans die, their souls go to Heaven or Hell and are not permitted to roam the earth (Luke 16:19-31); they are in Heaven and Hell for eternity.
Which means… if you’ve really seen a ghost… that didn’t communicate & verify itself to be a angel of God… you saw a demon. Don’t be surprised or shocked by this, demons can disguise themselves in a variety of ways. Their intent? To deceive or distract you from following the truth of God. To get you more excited or afraid of your ghostly encounter than in having excitement or fear in an encounter with the One, True God. To get you talking to an apparent dead relative and trusting their voice more than you trust the Word of God.
2 Corinthians 11:14–15 says, “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.”
Paranormal Fascination Endangers Your Soul. God repeatedly commands humanity to avoid paranormal practices; those who search after ghosts (Ezekiel 13:17-23), talk to the dead (necromancy), seek out spiritual advice apart from God (mediums, diviners, spiritists, etc.), use charms, omens or witchcraft (Leviticus 19-20, Deuteronomy 18)… and so much more.
So before you watch that next paranormal TV show or movie… before you go to a haunted house or dress up like a supernatural being…before you consult a horoscope, get your palm read, participate in a seance, tarot cards, or seek a supernatural experience or supernatural knowledge outside of the One, True God and His Word, the Bible… ask yourself this simple question: does this please God, or does this please Satan?
Hear the warning that God issued to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 as they participated in demonically inspired activities. “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Shall we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he?”
I’m praying for you during this season for wisdom as the enemy ups His attacks in a very real way.
