Ghosts, Spirits, and the Occult

The Bible teaches that there are spirit beings that can appear in our physical world – holy angels that are righteous and good, and evil spirits or demons which are deceptive evil agents of Satan who comes to steal, kill and destroy and masquerades as an angel of light (Jn 10:10; 2 Cor 11:14).

Nature of Spirit Beings

These so-called ghosts disquieten and frighten people. Such undesirable mirages may be the product of an overactive imagination, or part of the grieving process whereby the evil spirit realm seeks to deceive and hold people in bondage through the alleged disembodied spirits of deceased human beings.

The Bible teaches, after death comes judgement and there is no possibility of remaining on earth as a 'ghost' to haunt and hold people in fear (Heb 9:27). Those attempting to contact the dead do so through spirit guides or familiar spirits; the Bible forbids any involvement with mediums and such practices which are an expression of evil powers (Lev 19:31, 20:6,27; Deut 18:9-14; Isa 8:19-21; Eph 6:12).

Only connect with the Holy Spirit

Halloween dabbles in this wrong spirit realm. In many third world countries, occult practices and spirit worship remain prevalent, with communities regularly engaging in rituals to communicate with ancestral spirits or appease local deities through traditional mediums and shamans.

Folklore and Reality

Folklore considers ghosts are the souls of dead people appearing to the living. Such impressions are evil spirit beings, (which along with God's angels can interact and appear in our physical world) impersonating a deceased person or exhibiting unhuman qualities.

Spirit beings can appear in our physical world

Biblical Encounters

The disciples initially thought it was a ghost when they saw Jesus walking on the water (Mk 6:49). After Jesus had risen and supernaturally appeared to them in a locked room, again their reaction was 'this is a ghost' (Lk 24:37). On neither occasion does He take the opportunity to challenge their cultural beliefs, denying their existence but stated, "A ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have" (Lk 24:39).

Jesus affirmed spirits exist but distinguished Himself from them

Reflection and Application:

Many people, instead of seeking the truth about the spirit world by communing with God and studying His Word, allow themselves to be led astray by human reasoning.
In the past the Holy Spirit (who together with the Father and Son makes up the Godhead) was sometimes called the Holy Ghost.
Christians should avoid all practices related to contacting the dead or participating in occult activities.
Focus on relationship with the Holy Spirit rather than fear of evil spirits.