The Bible does not support the idea that the spirits of the dead roam the earth as ghosts. Instead, it teaches that after death, a person’s soul goes immediately to either be with the Lord or to await judgment.
Hebrews 9:27 is clear:
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
This means there is no wandering period or second chance after death. Ecclesiastes 12:7 also affirms:
“Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it.”
The Bible does record instances of spiritual beings, but they are either angels or demons, not human spirits lingering on earth. For example, in 1 Samuel 28, Saul consults a medium who brings up Samuel. This was a unique event, and the text makes it clear that this was outside of God’s will and a form of rebellion.
Scripture strictly forbids attempts to contact the dead or engage with spirits:
“There shall not be found among you… a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”
(Deuteronomy 18:10–12)
Experiences that people describe as “ghost sightings” are often demonic deceptions. 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns:
“And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”
The enemy uses fear, confusion, and false experiences to lead people away from the truth.
Believers are to walk by faith in God’s Word, not by supernatural curiosity or subjective experiences. The Holy Spirit, not spirits of the dead, is the one who guides and comforts the Christian.
Christians should reject belief in ghosts and avoid all forms of spiritism, focusing instead on the clear truth of Scripture.
