While some people believe that deceased loved ones might manifest themselves in some fashion on earth, the Bible takes a gloomy view of such events. Rather, it highlights the hope that Believers have in Christ.
So what does the Bible say about loved ones visiting us? Many people who have had the sensation or occurrence of a departed loved one visiting them describe the event as providing them comfort and comforting them that the loved one is still around. “I am confident he is looking over us,” or “I can tell she is viewing us from the sky with a grin on her face,” are common phrases.
The desire to achieve peace of mind about a loved one is understandable, and the feeling should be addressed with care. Yet, what is the biblical perspective on loved ones visiting us after they have died?
Contents
What Does The Bible Say About Loved Ones Visiting Us?
It may be claimed that whether the Bible tackles the question of loved ones contacting us after death is up for debate. In 1 Samuel, for example, King Saul sought the help of a medium to speak with the prophet Samuel after the Lord ceased responding to his requests.
“It may be claimed that whether the Bible tackles the question of loved ones contacting us after death is up for debate. In 1 Samuel, for example, King Saul sought the help of a medium to speak with the prophet Samuel after the Lord ceased responding to his requests.”
– 1 Samuel (28:11,14)
The story of Samuel being recalled after his death by a psychic is remarkable. The method by which he appeared, however, is expressly described in the text: by the aid of mediums and necromancers.
“And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.”
– Mark 9:4
This topic in the Bible is one of caution and warning against activities like as necromancy, or seeking to speak with the dead. While the Bible records Jesus’ meeting with two Old Testament characters, it is worth noting that only Moses is clearly recorded to have died (Deuteronomy 34:5, 7), whereas Elijah was snatched up in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). The extraordinary nature of this incident is shown by Peter’s stunned reaction in verses 5-6.
Except for this occasion, there are no unambiguous teachings in the Bible concerning loved ones contacting us after death. In reality, the overall tone of the Bible on this subject is one of prudence and caution, forbidding practices such as necromancy that seek to predict the future.
Also read: Who Was Baptized Twice In The Bible?
Can Loved Ones Visit Us From Heaven?
God, as our Creator, understands our deep longings and wants. He understands that when our loved ones die, we sense their absence. It is appropriate to reminisce about memories, to fantasize about them, or even to keep some tangible remembrance of our loved ones.
As we think about our departed loved ones, we should not confuse our dreams, recollections, or symbolic reminders for reality. Although the Bible mentions saints dying, it does not suggest that they have any other connection to the reality of this world after death.
“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.”
– 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
The Bible talks about saints dying in terms of their presence with God, implying that when Jesus returns at the second coming, he will bring them with him. This Biblical notion, however, does not necessarily support the view that our loved ones can visit us in heaven after they die.
According to the Bible, after a person dies, they enter into eternal rest and are no longer present in this earthly sphere.
“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, Father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”
– Luke 16:27-31
In this story, Jesus speaks about two individuals who died, one of whom went to paradise and the other to hell. The guy in hell requests that Abraham send someone from above to warn his family about hell’s torments. Abraham declines, claiming that the Bible contains all of the evidence needed to believe in God.
While this chapter suggests that someone may return after death, it is vital not to take the tale too literally in order to reach a conclusion about the metaphysical possibility of a loved one visiting us beyond death.
Also read: How Long Is A Generation In The Bible?
What Does the Bible Teach About Loved Ones Coming to Visit Us In Our Dreams?
While the Bible has references to angels and God Himself visiting people in their dreams (e.g., Matthew 2:19, Genesis 20:3, Genesis 31:24, and 1 King 3:5), there are no references to loved ones visiting in dreams. Dreams do play an important role in Israeli history since they are frequently utilized to explain theologically significant events (as seen in Genesis 40-41 and Daniel 1-2, 4).
Nonetheless, the Bible warns against putting too much faith in predicted dreams. While dreams can disclose vital parts of God’s character and redeeming goals, they should not be used as the only foundation for making decisions or interpreting future events (see Jeremiah 23:28-32).
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods…Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams…”
– Deuteronomy 13:1-3
The Bible cautions about the risk of demonic influences influencing dreams and their interpretations leading people away from loving God. Even if a dream appears to disclose extraordinary information or remarkable ability, it should not be trusted if it takes us away from God and His truth.
Also read: How Tall Was Adam In The Bible?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q1: Is it appropriate to find solace in the thought that our loved ones are looking over us from above?
A1: While it is fair to seek solace in this concept, the Bible urges us to take solace in our hope in Him and the prospect of eternal life with Him.
Q2: Is there any proof in the Bible of loved ones contacting us after they have died?
A2: The Bible does not say if loved ones may come to see us after they die. While certain passages may be construed as proof for such visits, others may not be.
Q3: Is there proof in the Bible of loved ones contacting us after they have died?
A3: The Bible is silent on whether loved ones can visit us after they have died.
Conclusion
So finally, what does the Bible say about loved ones visiting us? The Bible does not provide a definitive response to the question of whether loved ones may visit us after they have died. While the Bible contains examples of visions and dreams, they are generally used to reveal God’s character or redeeming purposes, rather than to offer evidence of loved ones visiting us.
Furthermore, the Bible advises against contacting the dead through mediums or necromancers, as well as putting too much faith in dreams and visions that are considered to be predictive. Finally, the Bible teaches that our hope should be in Christ and the promise of resurrection, rather than in loved ones visiting us from beyond the tomb.
