Ghosts and the Gospel

By Rev. Jeffery W. Grams

As a pastor, I often get questions from members regarding “spiritual things” that are not often spoken of in Holy Scripture. Among them is, “Are ghosts real?”

When most people ask about ghosts, they’re asking whether or not the “spirits” of those who have died can still be seen or heard wandering the earth. Such ghosts are usually described as people who have died without peace, wander in torment and seek some resolution for something that happened in their lives.

We can be assured from Holy Scripture that this doesn’t happen. Hebrews 9:27 says,”...it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” And Jesus said to the thief on the cross, “Today, you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). He also warns that there is no “second chance” to receive forgiveness or right wrongs we have done after the day of our death. We must be ready because “no one knows the day and the hour” (see Matthew 24:36-51).

This is great comfort to us. We know that our loved ones who depart in the faith are already in heaven, safely kept in the Father’s care, until the day of the resurrection of all flesh. They cannot “get lost” or “flee from the light” or “be bound here due to some unfinished business,” for our Lord has promised that He will be there to take us to our Father’s house: “If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3 ESV).

What then does this mean for the spiritual phenomena that many observe today?

First, we recall that both angels and demons are active in our world. The angels are “ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14), while demons are described as those who wage war against us: “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Angels will not deceive us, and serve only the will of the Father in heaven. Demons, however, serve the father of lies and can appear in many shapes and disguises.

In addition, the Lord has, at times, allowed those who have died to return to this world and bear witness. Moses and Elijah appeared on the mountain of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:2). Also, Samuel was seemingly allowed to testify to Saul, who broke the Law of God and consulted a witch (1 Samuel 28:8ff).

Holy Scripture also speaks of the Lord sending visions and dreams to His people to comfort or instruct them (Ezekiel 40:2, Daniel 10:2-9), but this doesn’t indicate that the spirits of the dead will be permitted to come back to us personally (Luke 16:19-31).

Where does all of this leave us? Be aware that the vast majority of such “events” have a perfectly natural explanation. Human beings are truly blessed with a powerful imagination. A famous “haunting” once turned out to be a child’s whistle stuck in an old tree catching the wind! If there’s not an obvious explanation, though, it might be wise to talk to your pastor.

I’ve heard Christians describe that they felt as if their beloved departed were watching over them, or dreamed that they saw them smiling down upon them. We know that because Christ is with us and they are with Christ, our loved ones are never truly far away. We can give thanks to God for comforting dreams that remind us of the hope that our loved ones have in the Risen Savior. Yet we must be careful not to demand or expect such experiences. Instead, we should simply trust in the promises of our Lord and find peace in the gift of salvation.

On the other hand, if you’re feeling troubled by spirits that cause you to be afraid, or seem to be trying to impart information to you that is contrary to the Word of God, simply pray aloud in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and ask the Lord to defend you from evil. If you are unsure what to pray, I encourage you to pray the Lord’s Prayer, which asks God to “deliver us from evil” or Luther’s evening prayer in the Small Catechism. This is another good time to talk to your pastor as soon as you can.

Also, remember that due to the danger of being deceived by unclean spirits, the Lord has consistently forbidden his people to seek out such experiences (Deuteronomy 18:10-12a).

In the end, remember that you are children of the Heavenly Father, filled with the Holy Spirit of God. He’s sent His angels to watch over you and the Lord Jesus Christ rules all creation for you at His right hand. Satan and his fallen angels have been defeated by the blood of the Lamb and on the Last Day they will be forever condemned to the fires of hell. You have nothing to fear from their power because you stand in Christ Jesus.

Rev. Jeffery W. Grams is pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and can be reached at revgrams@gmail.com.