Author	Thread: ghost, what are they??
stormcountry33 View Profile History	ghost, what are they?? Posted : 12 Jan, 2010 08:46 AM I know I just recently posted another topic on here but this is another one that I struggle with. What are ghost? In my discussion with some people in my church, I have learned that some believe that when we pass away from here, earth, that we are present with the Lord. Therefore, they believe that "ghost" are either angels or demons that are sent to send a message. So for example, if someone who you are close to dies and later you see "their spirit" assuring you that things are okay, these people believe that God has allowed an angel to appear to you as this person in order to comfort you. On the other hand, Satan may send a demon disguised as someone in order to scare you or to send a false message. I believe that both are possible however, I don't believe that when we die that we are instantly standing before God in heaven. Jesus, when visiting the disciples after His death and ressurrection, told them that He wasn't a spirit, which to me makes it sound that back in those times they too had an understanding of spirits or ghost. I'd like to know what the greek/hebrew word was used and what it means. I guess I'm asking if you guys believe that it is in fact possible that after we die that our spirits could become restless and wonder the earth until God gathers us in the sky at His returning? Post Reply
GlendoraMike View Profile History	ghost, what are they?? Posted : 12 Jan, 2010 09:35 AM In a Christian book about "Satan is alive and well," ( I think that is the title. It is a Hal Lindsey book) a man that was at a seance that turned out to be the real deal did this: He asked the departed one in the name of Jesus Christ to tell who he was. He wasn't the departed and just wanted to make the people feel good. This goes along with those nice shows on TV where everyone gets to go to the light and be with God. This is one way that people are led away from the Lord. Think about it. If you could hang around, why wouldn't you? You could travel or see what your great grandkids will be like. You could do all kinds of stuff. So everyone would stay and nobody would leave. In 1 Samuel chapter 28, King Saul asks a medium to call up Samuel. When she called him up, she told Saul that she was seeing a "divine being." Yes, God has allowed spirits to deceive. Look at 1 Kings 22:20-22 Post Reply
DontHitThatMark View Profile History	ghost, what are they?? Posted : 12 Jan, 2010 10:24 AM I don't believe people are wondering around after death. The bible seems pretty clear to me that we "sleep" when we die, that we know nothing when we are dead, that we have no place in anything done under the sun. So if you see a "spirit", then I'd say it's an evil angel. I don't think God would purposely try and mislead people by sending angels disguised as their loved ones and making them think their loved ones are walking around on around on earth...when His word says something else. This also would open up a big discussion about whether or not evil people are burning in hell right now....I don't think they are. The bible says wicked men are "reserved" until the day the entire earth is burned, and the elements melt, i.e. The Judgment Day. Why would God punish people before He judges them? Doesn't make much sense to me...but anyway... Here's a forum post with a bunch of verses. http://www.christiandatingforfree.com/forum/forum_details.php?topic_id=4110&forum_sub_cat_id=14&start=0 Post Reply
View Profile History	ghost, what are they?? Posted : 12 Jan, 2010 07:17 PM 2 Cor 5:8 I believe that death releases us to dwell forever with God in His kingdom. ** Many people are convinced that ghosts exist. What ghosts actually are "Familiar spirit" you may want to look into that. Especially when it's a loved one who has died. Our enemy comes in many shapes and ways, he wants you to believe in ghosts because that's his world. The devil is all about fear, he wants you to be afraid of the dark, the boogey man and so many other things. when we are afraid of those things, that makes him bigger than God. If God wanted you to know something He would not send an image of someone who has died. Christians should not have anything to do with astrology(reading your horoscope), watch those shows on tv about ghosts or paranormal activity, scary movies, etc... Those things open the door to fear in our lives. I shouldnt say that christians shouldnt watch those programs because I know plenty that do, but I myself do not watch them. The enemy always trying to scare us with our health, job, family, etc., he wants the attention off of God and onto him. Fear is huge and gives space for so many other things come into our lives. If you do see a "ghost" speak the name of Jesus and it will go away. If you want to be set free from Fear, this is a good place to start, stay away from things that would scare you then repent for giving them a place in your heart. Blessings, Jennifer Post Reply
View Profile History	ghost, what are they?? Posted : 12 Jan, 2010 08:45 PM I concur with 'Riveroflife'. Also: DO PEOPLE BECOME ANGELS AFTER DEATH? No, angels are not glorified human beings. Matthew 22:30 explains that they do not marry or reproduce like humans, and Hebrews 12:22-23 says that when we get to the heavenly Jerusalem, we will be met by �myriads of angels� and �the spirits of righteous men made perfect��two separate groups. Angels are a company or association, not a race descended from a common ancestor (Luke 20:34-36). We are called �sons of men,� but angels are never called �sons of angels.� (Author: Dr. Paul Eymann) ARE ALL ANGELS GOOD? Sorry! You can't trust every angel. The Bible classifies some angels as �elect� (1 Timothy 5:21) or �holy� (Matthew 25:31; Mark 8:38). All angels were originally holy, enjoying the presence of God (Matthew 18:10) and the environment of heaven (Mark 13:32). Other angels oppose God under the leadership of Satan (Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; Ephesians 6:12). We often call these �demons.� There is actually a great unseen conflict raging that goes beyond anything we can imagine. It is not, however, a fight between two equal and eternal forces. God who created all beings is still in charge, and once He has used wicked angels to accomplish His purposes, He will bring them to a final defeat. (Author: Dr. John Bechtle) Post Reply
View Profile History	ghost, what are they?? Posted : 13 Jan, 2010 08:20 AM When you die God decides where you end up. It is not roaming this earth so that you can be on TV with some Rota-Rooter Guys making money off of you. If God wants to allow you to return to "help" a loved one -- that is His perogative, but if a "ghost" manifestation is real...I gaurantee you that it is not some person's spirit hanging around, but most likly demonic. Angels were created by God and are a seperate "species" than humans. Post Reply
stormcountry33 View Profile History	ghost, what are they?? Posted : 13 Jan, 2010 08:46 AM I want to thank all of you for your responses. But I want to make something clear. I don't believe that angels are spirits of those who have passed on. I have just heard too many accounts of the supernatural to believe that they are all either angels sending a message or demons messing with minds. I don't know....I guess I just don't know. Post Reply
Agnos View Profile History	ghost, what are they?? Posted : 13 Jan, 2010 05:22 PM Just a comment and it would be appreciated any correction� It is written, just to mention one, in Ecclesiastes 9.5 : For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten. I won�t add too much because I could be wrong using too much words, but for me it is clear that �ghost� if have been seen, are not dead people. What are they? I could not answer with certitude, because I believe that God is SOVERAIGN, He can/will do and permit things without human comprehension... Something it is clear: if for some reason somebody has doubts about if what is been seeing is a ghost = dead people or not, it is written not to speak-consult with them, it is written in Leviticus 20.27: 'A man or woman who is a medium or spiritist among you must be put to death. You are to stone them; their blood will be on their own heads.' I have heard �We are not under Moses� law� it is right, Yes, we are under the Grace, given by Jesus, and Grace has �substituted� to use some word, the law, yes, but because of the punishment!!! Christ came and fulfilled the law; He carried our punishment to free us from the law. And now: Christ is the only one who fulfilled it, we cannot do it. BUT He never said �now, go ahead and kill, or still or consult dead, etc. and crucify me every time again and again� Post Reply
View Profile History	ghost, what are they?? Posted : 13 Jan, 2010 06:14 PM stormcountry, 99% of the time they are demons. Post Reply