What does the Bible say about consulting with our dead ancestors?
In a recent Podcast episode of Desiring God, theologian John Piper answers an interesting question about connecting with the dead. A common belief in South Africa is that when people die, their spirits roam around the earth until their family will fetch their spirit using a tree. After their spirit has been taken, that’s only when they can bury their dead body and their spirit will go to heaven.
Consulting with dead ancestors
According to a Christian from that region, even people of faith practice that tradition. South African people also visit their ancestors’ graves to consult with them about the decisions they have to make and what the future will be for them. John Piper was then asked by that South African Christian what the Word of God says about this practice.
He started his answer by boldly warning that God is dishonored in this practice. People who believed in such tradition either didn’t understand what was written in the Bible or they didn’t believe God’s Words. John also cited four Biblical truths that would give us wisdom about this concern.
(2023). Consulting Dead Ancestors [Photograph], Retrieved October 31, 2023, from: www.canva.com
1st truth: God removes our soul immediately from our body after we pass away.
It has been written in the Bible many times that our spirit will depart our body immediately after our body dies. No spirit can roam around the earth after their death because our judgment immediately comes the moment we die.
2nd Truth: God forbids us from consulting with the dead.
Isaiah 8:19 clearly tells us that God does not want us to inquire from our dead ancestors. If there’s anyone who we can consult with during our difficult moments, it’s God. No matter what your question is, ask our living God because He is all-knowing.
3rd Truth: God has already spoken lavishly.
God is willing to tell you what you need to do to live for His glory. He is the only one who could provide us all that we need to know to live a fruitful and God-honoring Christian life, not our ancestors, nor anyone else.
4th Truth: God’s providence governs all for our good.
The entire Bible teaches us that God is in control of everything here on earth and beyond. Because of His great love for us, He works all things for the good of everyone who trusts in Him.
(2023). Consulting Bible [Photograph], Retrieved October 31, 2023, from: www.canva.com
“Don’t pursue communication with the dead, because pursuing messages from the dead is evidence that biblical truth about God is either not understood or not believed. And in either case, God is dishonored.”
Read also: WHITE WITCH DELIVERED FROM 26 DEMONS AFTER HEARING GOD’S VOICE
Reference: Desiring God
Header Image: (2023). Consulting Dead Ancestors [Photograph], Retrieved October 31, 2023, from: www.canva.com