Ghost.

farmcntry · 04-28-2004, 10:49 AM

Not the Holy Ghost. Just Ghost. Anyone believe in them, if so how would you explain them bibically?

Are they Ghost or just good angels and demons??

j3k2c1 · 04-28-2004, 03:05 PM

Ghosts I completely believe in them. They are the angels of the Devil, or demons.

gman1969 · 04-28-2004, 04:12 PM

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ORIGINAL: j3k2c1

Ghosts I completely believe in them. They are the angels of the Devil, or demons.

Well said. I have to agree with j3k2c1. Anything of the spiritual world that would lead any person into a belief system that leads them away from Christ, is not of God. The goal/objective of Satan is to keep people away from the salvation offered to mankind that is only found in the cross of Christ. And Satan accomplishes this by way of the many belief systems that exist that are at odds with Scripture.

"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world." -1 John 4:1-3

The spiritual realm is very real. It's existance isn't dependant on whether we believe in it or not.

But as for all believers in Jesus Christ with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we have this comfort:

"...the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." -1 John 4:4

Take Care & God Bless.

trapper T · 04-28-2004, 05:14 PM

BUt what about maybe an experience with say a dead family member or what not, is that possible?

I remember when my Grandpa died, he was in the hospital and about 1 or 2 in the morning my Dad woke up crying. Telling me he had just had a dream that his Dad came by to say good bye. Within 5 minutes the phone rang, it was the hospital telling us he'd passed on?

Would that be the same as a Ghost and would that be the work of God or Satan?

farmcntry · 04-28-2004, 05:17 PM

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Would that be the same as a Ghost and would that be the work of God or Satan?

In that case I would say neither. Just the strong will of a man to say goodbye to his son.

But you do have a great question. What about "visits" from passed on family members?? Guys, your thoughts? I'll give mine later on.

farmcntry · 04-28-2004, 05:23 PM

J3K, Gman, so no "good" ghost's or spirits usually?

trapper T · 04-28-2004, 05:26 PM

Yrou probably right, I know I'd wish to do the same with my kids. I don't clearly recall but I want to say I think one of my Uncles had the same type dream the same night.

Tha's when I started to really beleive in a spiritual world, and I was only twelve at the time?

gman1969 · 04-28-2004, 06:42 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: trapper T

BUt what about maybe an experience with say a dead family member or what not, is that possible?

I remember when my Grandpa died, he was in the hospital and about 1 or 2 in the morning my Dad woke up crying. Telling me he had just had a dream that his Dad came by to say good bye. Within 5 minutes the phone rang, it was the hospital telling us he'd passed on?

Would that be the same as a Ghost and would that be the work of God or Satan?

Hi trapper T,

I've heard of a similar experience before.

Quote:

ORIGINAL: farmcntry

J3K, Gman, so no "good" ghost's or spirits usually?

Hi farmcntry,

Here are just a few verses that come to mind:

1) "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" -Hebrews 1:14

2) "For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light." -2 Corinthians 11:14

From these verses we see both good and evil spirits. The good will always point a person to Christ for salvation (Hebrews 1:14). The evil ones will not. Even if their intentions do not seem malicious, they are still not leading one to Christ.. Satan himself can look like an angel of light. He can seem very attactive, and even benign (2 Corinthians 11:14).

3) "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment." -Hebrews 9:27

This verse is often used to show that re-incarnation is not biblical. But it also shows that once a person dies, their spirit doesn't just wander around here on Earth. They are either in a place eternally seperated from God (hell) or they are forever with God (heaven). There are spirits here on Earth, but definately not any of our departed loved ones.

The point is, spirits are real. And we are told to test them. Demonic spirits will not lead a person to Christ. For the cross is their defeat. They will point in all other directions except to the cross. Even if that direction seems harmless, it's still not leading to the cross! Any spirit that is from God will point directly to Christ, and only to Christ.

For a spirit is either from God or it is not. It is either pointing a person to God's salvation in Christ or it is detracting from it.

j3k2c1 · 04-28-2004, 09:27 PM

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J3K, Gman, so no "good" ghost's or spirits usually?

We believe that in my religion those "good" ghosts are people who are Just Men. They lived a great life obedient to the Lord God. They are not as exalted as an Angel though.

BOWFANATIC · 04-29-2004, 04:19 AM

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But it also shows that once a person dies, their spirit doesn't just wander around here on Earth. They are either in a place eternally seperated from God (hell) or they are forever with God (heaven).

Isn't there scripture in the old testament that talks about a medium (what we would call a phsycic) summoning a dead person (think he was a king) and the dead person was angered by her awakening him? It leaves alot of unanswered questions about ghosts or where we go when we die until judgement day.

I do believe there are evil "ghosts" or spirits , but I also believe there are good "ghosts" and perhaps passed loved ones that intervene to help someone.