A Solemn Warning.
In the near future, Satan will again use sorcery—as he did in the prophet Daniel’s day—to deceive the world (
Revelation 18:23). Sorcery is a supernatural agency that claims to receive its power and wisdom from the spirits of the dead.
Posing as Jesus' Disciples.
Posing as godly loved ones who have died, saintly clergymen who are now dead, Bible prophets, or even the apostles of Christ (
2 Corinthians 11:13), Satan and his angels will deceive billions. Those who believe the dead are alive, in any form, will likely be deceived.
All miracle working is not from God, because devils also work miracles.
Do devils really work miracles?
“For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles” (
Revelation 16:14).
“False christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect” (
Matthew 24:24).
Answer: Yes indeed! Devils work incredibly convincing miracles (
Revelation 13:13-14). Satan will appear as an angel of light (
2 Corinthians 11:14) and, even more shocking, as Christ Himself (
Matthew 24:23-24). The universal feeling will be that Christ and His angels are leading out in a fantastic worldwide revival. The entire emphasis will seem so spiritual and be so supernatural that only God’s elect will not be deceived.
Why will God's people not be deceived?
“They received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (
Acts 17:11).
“If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (
Isaiah 8:20).
Answer: God’s people will know from their study of His book that the dead are dead, not alive. They will know that a
“spirit” claiming to be a deceased loved one is really a devil! God’s people will reject all teachers and miracle workers who claim to receive special
“light” or work miracles by contacting the spirits of the dead. And God’s people will likewise reject as dangerous and false all teachings that claim the dead are alive in any form, anywhere.
Back in Moses’ day, what did God command should be done to people who taught that the dead were alive?
“A man or a woman who is a medium, or who has familiar spirits, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones” (
Leviticus 20:27).
Answer: God insisted that mediums and others with
“familiar spirits” (who claimed to be able to contact the dead) should be stoned to death. This shows how God regards the false teaching that the dead are alive.
Will the righteous people who are raised in the resurrection ever die again?
“Those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead … nor can they die anymore” (
Luke 20:35-36).
“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (
Revelation 21:4).
Answer: No! Death, sorrow, crying, and tragedy will never enter into God’s new kingdom.
“When this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’ ” (
1 Corinthians 15:54).
Belief in reincarnation is expanding rapidly today. Is this teaching biblical?
“The living know that they will die; but the dead know nothing. … Nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun” (
Ecclesiastes 9:5-6).
Answer: No, not biblical. Almost half the people on earth believe in reincarnation, a teaching that the soul never dies but is instead continually reborn in a different kind of body with each succeeding generation. This teaching, however, is contrary to Scripture.
The Bible Says, after death a person: returns to dust (
Psalms 104:29), knows nothing (
Ecclesiastes 9:5), possesses no mental powers (
Psalms 146:4), has nothing to do with anything on earth (
Ecclesiastes 9:6), does not live (
2 Kings 20:1), waits in the grave (
Job 17:13), and continues not (
Job 14:1-2).
Satan's Invention.
Satan invented the teaching that the dead are alive. Reincarnation, channelling, communication with spirits, spirit worship, and the
"undying soul" are all inventions of Satan, with one aim to convince people that when you die you are not really dead. When people believe that the dead are alive,
"spirits of devils, working miracles" (
Revelation 16:14) and posing as spirits of the dead will be able to deceive and lead them astray virtually 100 percent of the time (
Matthew 24:24).
Are you thankful for the Bible, which tells us the truth on this sensitive subject of death?