Cryptic Shadows does not discuss beliefs surrounding the paranormal and religion. This is a personal matter for each individual. We have however received many questions regarding the subject, so this article was written specifically for you. Following is some information you might find helpful.....
The spirit realm and physical realm do co-exist; yet are on different planes. It is believed that some ghosts may not be people on the other side; they could be residual energy or thoughts left over from traumatic or emotional past events or ghosts in forms mentioned in the Bible. The Bible is full of "paranormal" activity...and ghosts / spirits.
"And Samuel saith to Saul, Why hast thou troubled me, to bring me up?"
The scripture is very clear that this was Samuel; and as Samuel had died and crossed over to the other side...that would make him a spirit or ghost.. This passage should also plainly show that mediums or any of us can have contact with people on the other side. This medium, whom Saul used, saw many people on the other side, when she was calling up Samuel. One should also note in this verse, that Samuel had maintained his form of an old man wearing a mantel, just like many documented ghost sightings of apparitions, report the ghost to be dressed in "period dress" from their own time era, here on earth.
When Saul compels a seer to summon the prophet Samuel, they witness “a spirit coming up out of the ground” (vs. 13 NIV). The spirit is recognized as the dead prophet who validates himself by prophesying against Saul (vss. 16-19). So was Samuel a ghost? And where was he before his invocation? Whatever your answer, the manifestation of Samuel’s “ghost” is possible evidence of another category of existence, neither demon nor angel but disembodied man, still able to interact with our earthly plane.
When Saul compels a seer to summon the prophet Samuel, they witness “a spirit coming up out of the ground” (vs. 13 NIV). The spirit is recognized as the dead prophet who validates himself by prophesying against Saul (vss. 16-19). So was Samuel a ghost? And where was he before his invocation? Whatever your answer, the manifestation of Samuel’s “ghost” is possible evidence of another category of existence, neither demon nor angel but disembodied man, still able to interact with our earthly plane.
Moving into the new testament, we see Jesus having "appeared" to many after his resurrection. To "appear" indicates the idea of manifesting from the invisible to the visible, just as a spirit or ghost might manifest, from the spirit to the physical realm. It is interesting to note that he "appeared" to Simon (Luke 24:34); and he "appeared" to Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9). Jesus "appeared" to two of his followers in a different form that was not recognizable to them. What? I mean they had a conversation with him and still didn't recognize Jesus physically! Yes, the scripture says:
Mark 16:12, "...to two of them, as they are going into a field, walking, he was manifested in another form."
He also "appeared" to the eleven disciples and stood in the midst of them during their conversation (Luke 24:36). Can you imagine that? He manifested right before their eyes from the realm of spirit. But what is interesting to note is Jesus' statement concerning their fear of him "appearing" right before their eyes:
Luke 24:39 "...handle me and see, because a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see me having."
Well, at first blush, one might argue, hey, Jesus wasn't a spirit or ghost because he had flesh and bone. I would sort of agree, but I might add that Jesus still was "appearing" like a ghost or a spirit would do and I have seen Spirits that appear to have flesh and bone just like you and me then they vanish in thin air. Does flesh and bone "appear" out of thin air? Those of you who have actually seen a FBA (Full Body Apparition) know how much it can look like flesh and bone, but is not. However, the biggest point might be missed if one does not consider Jesus' statement further, about not being a spirit or ghost...he was in effect stating that spirits (ghosts) do exist, but that he was not like them!
Notice, the disciples immediately assumed they’d seen a ghost, suggesting that ghosts were an admissible category within their culture. Even more interesting, Jesus does not rebuke them for this belief. In fact, He seems to substantiate it: “a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have” (vs. 39). This is important because, Christians have historically maintained that Christ resurrected in His same body. Even though the risen Jesus had the ability to vanish (Lk. 24:31) and suddenly appear in locked rooms (Jn. 20:19, 26), He was not a ghost. Among other things, this tells us that ghosts are not resurrected souls (and vice-versa), which means they are… something else.
This common belief in ghosts is found in another new testament passage, as well. You may remember Jesus walking on the water towards his disciples who were in a boat on the sea. The verse in Matthew 14:26 states:
"and the disciples having seen him walking upon the sea, were troubled saying, 'It is an apparition, and from the fear they cried out."
This common belief in ghosts is found in another new testament passage, as well. You may remember Jesus walking on the water towards his disciples who were in a boat on the sea. The verse in Matthew 14:26 states:
"and the disciples having seen him walking upon the sea, were troubled saying, 'It is an apparition, and from the fear they cried out."
Matthew 27:52-53, "and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who have fallen asleep, arose; and having come forth out of the tombs after Jesus' rising, they went into the holy city and appeared to many." This to me says that there are ghosts and spirits and they are not all demonic or bad spirits.
The writer of Hebrews, (probably the apostle Paul) mentions the fact of spirits being all around us, in Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us."
This appears to be confirmation of the spirit and physical realms co-existing with one another, but on different planes. It is a spiritual truth, that what exists here on earth, must first exist in the spirit realm; for spirit is the life-giving force behind all. And that spirit is God. God is life. The Bible proclaims in the Lord's Prayer, "On earth (physical realm), as it is (first) in heaven (the realm of spirit)."
This appears to be confirmation of the spirit and physical realms co-existing with one another, but on different planes. It is a spiritual truth, that what exists here on earth, must first exist in the spirit realm; for spirit is the life-giving force behind all. And that spirit is God. God is life. The Bible proclaims in the Lord's Prayer, "On earth (physical realm), as it is (first) in heaven (the realm of spirit)."
"and there appeared to them, Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus."
This passage not only confirms that spirits can manifest here, but it shows a very important spiritual truth, as well. Jesus spoke with people on the other side of the grave. Therefore, those on the other side of the grave can speak to us! No matter how you look at this passage; the fact remains, it is not only possible for ghosts to exist, but Jesus, who is to be our example, shows us that some spirits communicate with us! Why did Jesus choose only to reveal this truth to James, John and Peter? To many, this truth has been spoken against by traditional Christian doctrine for years. Yet, Jesus felt it important enough to reveal to these three disciples what was really going on "behind the scenes." Jesus seemed to understand quite a lot about what was going on "behind the veil" of this physical world. Perhaps, we should follow his example and not fear or question the existence of ghosts; but seek to understand the truth of the spirit realm.
Another point to consider is that many of us can recall our surprise when we first learned that The Bible speaks not only of a resurrection, but of resurrection(s) - more than one, spread out over a long span of time. So the claim that ghosts can not exist because you only die once and go straight to heaven or hell doesn't really stand valid, as it was not the case in these scriptures.
Through Bible History, there are a number of recorded resurrections of people back to normal physical life after they had died from old age, illness or injury. All of these people would have died a natural death again later. A few examples:
The widow's son by Elijah (1 Kings 17:19-24)
The Shunammite's son by Elisha (2 Kings 4:32-35).
A man whose body had been placed in Elisha's tomb (2 Kings 13:21).
Lazarus by Jesus Christ (John 11:43-44).
The ruler's daughter by Jesus Christ (Matthew 9:23-26).
A number of people at the moment of the death of Jesus Christ (Matthew 27:51-53)
Eutychus raised back to life through Paul after he fell out of a third-floor window (Acts 20:9-10).
Tabitha by Peter (Acts 9:36-43)
Of course, the greatest resurrection up to now, the only one to glorious spirit life so far, was that of Jesus Christ Himself (Luke 24:1-53).
The Resurrection At The Return Of Christ
Those who have been truly called, and have repented, through all the ages up to the day of The Return of Jesus Christ will be resurrected from the dead, or instantly changed if they are alive that day, to eternal spirit life. They will serve Him, and rule the world with Him, during the 1,000 years (see The Elect):
"For this we declare to you by the word of The Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of The Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep. For The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the archangel's call, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first; then we who are alive, who are left, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air." (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 RSV).
"Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom judgment was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony to Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life, and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Revelation 20:4 RSV)
"This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and they shall reign with Him a thousand years." (Revelation 20:5-6)
The Resurrection At The End Of The 1,000 Years
All of the people who have lived through the ages who did not have the opportunity to learn of Christ and be converted will be resurrected back to physical life at the end of the 1,000 years - not as any sort of "second chance," but as their first chance. Then, for that relatively short time between the second resurrection and the final judgment, they will learn the truth and have the opportunity to repent and be converted. Those that choose to obey God will then be transformed into eternal spirit beings just as those who were changed at the Return of Christ 1,000 years before.
Acts 2:4:
"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
(King James Version)
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."
In the New Testament the exsistence of Spirits is clearly implied, most notably in Luke 24:39, when Jesus tells his followers: ‘Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do!’ Jesus wanted his followers to know that he was the only one who actually rose from the dead in the flesh...unlike ghosts or spirits who appeared after death and were not composed of flesh and bone. Much as we envision ghosts today (as transparent figures).
Elsewhere, in 2 Corinthians, St. Paul speaks of having attained separation of the spirit and the body at will and having ascended ‘in the spirit’ to the third heaven
(Revised Standard Version)
Mark 9:4, in the infamous Mount of Transfiguration passage:
"and there appeared to them, Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus."
Matthew 27:52-53, "and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who have fallen asleep, arose; and having come forth out of the tombs after Jesus' rising, they went into the holy city and appeared to many."
The writer of Hebrews, (probably the apostle Paul) mentions the fact of spirits being all around us, in Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore, we also having so great a cloud of witnesses set around us."
Quite a bit of evidence in addition to Scripture suggests that there is another "dimension" beyond our own. Scripture is adamant that there is life after death.
So imagine this if you will:
SPIRITS:
Spirits have passed over and embraced the light of their holy father--and are happily living as sons and daughters of God (even as good spirits).
GHOSTS:
There are numerous Ghosts among us here on the earth because when these passed they refused to embrace the light of the Father for various reasons such as:
(1) they don't know they are dead,
(2) They may have committed crimes and such and are afraid they will be sent to hell--so they do not embrace the light and roam the earth instead? Much like in the movies "the Others" these can't understand what mortals are doing in their "space" and find it hard to understand why mortals don't normally communicate with them...
Ghosts can communicate with those who are psychically sensitive to them.
"In Matthew 14:26 when Jesus is walking on the water the disciples are afraid because they think that he is a "ghost". If ghosts do not exist then how do they even know about them?"
In 1 Corinthians 15:50 and 2 Peter 1:18 it is stated that flesh and blood cannot enter the celestial kingdom; in John 3:13 it is noted that heaven is for spiritual beings and that we are all spirit in essence and will return from whence we came: ‘And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from the heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
St. Paul attempted to clarify the idea that Jesus had risen physically from the tomb and in so doing made a distinction between our earthly form and our spirit: ‘There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial is another…There is a natural body and there is a spiritual body. (1 Corinthians 15:35-44).
In Matthew 12:43 Jesus says, “Then an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it.” This is the scripture that REALLY makes me think.
In the story of the man possessed by demons and Jesus cast them out (performs an exorcism), it says, “And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into them, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When those tending the pigs saw what had happened, they ran off and reported this in the town and countryside” (Luke 8:31-34).
Demons have personalities, for Jesus conversed with them. God’s Word clearly teaches
that demons can “enter in” to something, or someone; can “take possession of;” or, “control of”
human beings, or animals, such as these swine in this incident Luke tells of. Demons are evil spirits...not all spirits in the Bible are evil; therefore to claim that all ghosts are from the devil is simply an untrue statement. The facts are in the scriptures.
1 Corinthians10:20, tells us, “some have fellowship of demons.”
Satan is spoken of as a “wondering spirit,” invisible though he maybe to physical eyes.
His demons can enter houses; give information through mediums; disclose past events and, to a limited extent, can forecast future events, as well. Satan cannot create. He and his demons are “fallen angels. Angels are not in the physical form...they are spirits as the Bible clearly indicates.
Much of the strange phenomena can be explained when we understand it. In the story of the walls of Jericho falling in Joshua 5:13, we read that before battle Joshua, met an angel, called, “The Captain of Host of the Lord.” We are told that it was the armies of the Host of Heaven that threw down those walls.
Ministry of Angels is seen all through Scripture and Angels are Spirits. They were placed as guardians of Garden of Eden; sent to deliver Lot just before Sodom destroyed; Jacob wrestled with angel at Bethel; when Elijah was despondent under the Juniper tree, angels brought him bread and water; angels smote 185,000 Assyria soldiers in one night; and Daniel was minister to by angels in the lion's den. When Jesus was born angels were there; an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt, saving Mary and Jesus’ life; angels ministered to Jesus after His time of fasting in the wilderness; at Gethsemane angels appeared to strengthen Jesus; angels liberated Apostles from prison; sailed with Paul and saved him from shipwreck; and Jesus said that Lazarus was carried by angels to heaven.
In 1 Chronicles 14:13-17 we read of God's angel spirits helping out in a battle when Philistines were raiding the camps of Israel/ This passage says, “Once more the Philistines raided the valley; so David inquired of God again, and God answered him, `Do not go straight up, but circle around them and attack them in front of the balsam trees. As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move out to battle, because that will mean God has gone out in front of you to strike the Philistine army.' So David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army, all the way from Gibeon to Gezer. So David's fame spread throughout every land, and the LORD made all the nations fear him.”
How Do You Test the Spirits?
The Bible says we are to test the spirits to see if they are of God. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (I John 4:1-3).Even though in the natural world there are certain laws, one law may counteract another law. For instance, the law of gravitation holds steel on table, but the law of magnetism can lift it from the table. Lazarus came under law of death. But a higher law – the Resurrection – came into play and raised him from the dead!
It is considered a gift to have the ability to know supernaturally--the discerning of spirits. (I Cor. 12:10) This gift is self-explanatory. It is the discerning of bad spirits and of good spirits. The Greek word for discerning means "through judgment.
God has placed spiritual gifts within the Body, His Church, to bring victory. Let me give you a few of the spirits that are named in the Bible:
The spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14); the spirit of sleep (Isaiah 29:10); the spirit of bondage (Romans 8:15); a perverse spirit (Isaiah 19:14); the spirit of infirmity (Luke 13: 11); the spirit of divination (Acts 16:16).
There is a whole list of spirits. Some are good, and some are bad. The Bible talks about the spirit of truth (John 16:13); a right spirit (Psalms 51:10); a free spirit (Psalms 51:12); an excellent spirit (Daniel 6:3).
These are just a few of those mentioned in the Bible. We are to embrace good spirits, but bad spirits are to be resisted and cast out.
An example of the gift of discernment in operation Is given In the case of Simon the sorcerer. (Acts 8:21-22)
Peter discerned his motives and said in verse 20, "...because thou hast thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money, thou has neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of thy wickedness and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."
Peter could discern that he was a sorcerer by the gift of discernment.
The Bible says we are to test the spirits to see if they are of God. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world" (I John 4:1-3).Even though in the natural world there are certain laws, one law may counteract another law. For instance, the law of gravitation holds steel on table, but the law of magnetism can lift it from the table. Lazarus came under law of death. But a higher law – the Resurrection – came into play and raised him from the dead!
God has placed spiritual gifts within the Body, His Church, to bring victory. Let me give you a few of the spirits that are named in the Bible:
The spirit of jealousy (Numbers 5:14); the spirit of sleep (Isaiah 29:10); the spirit of bondage (Romans 8:15); a perverse spirit (Isaiah 19:14); the spirit of infirmity (Luke 13: 11); the spirit of divination (Acts 16:16).
There is a whole list of spirits. Some are good, and some are bad. The Bible talks about the spirit of truth (John 16:13); a right spirit (Psalms 51:10); a free spirit (Psalms 51:12); an excellent spirit (Daniel 6:3).
These are just a few of those mentioned in the Bible. We are to embrace good spirits, but bad spirits are to be resisted and cast out.
An example of the gift of discernment in operation Is given In the case of Simon the sorcerer. (Acts 8:21-22)
Peter discerned his motives and said in verse 20, "...because thou hast thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money, thou has neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of thy wickedness and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."
Peter could discern that he was a sorcerer by the gift of discernment.
Both the “spirit-world” and the “natural-world” lie very close to each other, and sometimes can be overlapping in their laws. Supernatural “miracles” and not contrary to nature, it’s just that a “higher law” comes into the situation.
Do these stories validate the existence of ghosts? Maybe. Maybe not. More importantly, what they do is to expand the boundaries of possibility and our understanding of paranormal phenomenon. It is simply too easy to resign all paranormal phenomenon into the category of the demonic. Samuel’s “appearance” was not viewed as demonic, nor was the Transfiguration of Moses and Elijah. Furthermore, we have no need to “test the spirits and see whether they are from God” (I Jn. 4:1) if all spirits (or spiritual phenomenon) are categorically evil. So while the Bible cautions us about deceiving spirits, it does not go so far as to say that all “encounters” are necessarily of the “deceptive” order.
I understand that this might trouble some people. The larger issue, as I see it, is coming to grips with the world we live in. Scripture paints a universe of vast mystery, teeming with intellects (visible and invisible) both good and evil, and phenomenon beyond our wildest imaginings. This is why the Bible contains wondrous stories — stories we often take for granted — about miracles, visions, reviving corpses, warrior angels, talking mules, fiery chariots, demonized swine, tongues and prophecies. We simply live in a supernatural world. The downside—paranormal phenomenon does not always fit tightly into our theological framework. Like it or not, it still exists.
When it comes to ghost stories, some are merely the work of pranksters, a hoax, however, some “ghost stories” are stories involving genuine spirits – demons or angels – good or bad – Godly or devilish!
Do these stories validate the existence of ghosts? Maybe. Maybe not. More importantly, what they do is to expand the boundaries of possibility and our understanding of paranormal phenomenon. It is simply too easy to resign all paranormal phenomenon into the category of the demonic. Samuel’s “appearance” was not viewed as demonic, nor was the Transfiguration of Moses and Elijah. Furthermore, we have no need to “test the spirits and see whether they are from God” (I Jn. 4:1) if all spirits (or spiritual phenomenon) are categorically evil. So while the Bible cautions us about deceiving spirits, it does not go so far as to say that all “encounters” are necessarily of the “deceptive” order.
I understand that this might trouble some people. The larger issue, as I see it, is coming to grips with the world we live in. Scripture paints a universe of vast mystery, teeming with intellects (visible and invisible) both good and evil, and phenomenon beyond our wildest imaginings. This is why the Bible contains wondrous stories — stories we often take for granted — about miracles, visions, reviving corpses, warrior angels, talking mules, fiery chariots, demonized swine, tongues and prophecies. We simply live in a supernatural world. The downside—paranormal phenomenon does not always fit tightly into our theological framework. Like it or not, it still exists.
When it comes to ghost stories, some are merely the work of pranksters, a hoax, however, some “ghost stories” are stories involving genuine spirits – demons or angels – good or bad – Godly or devilish!
Just Food for Thought....
This article was written using scriptures directly from the Holy Bible. Commentary was added to provoke thought and does not represent our beliefs one way or the other. Hopefully the information gathered will provide some clarity to those with questions, and bring better understanding on the subject. Thanks for reading.....
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Cryptic Shadows Paranormal Research
http://www.csparanormalresearch.com/
www.youtube.com/csparanormal
Find us on Facebook and Twitter!
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