Lesson 34:
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Ecclesiastes 9:5
Introduction
Is there life after death? Do we go straight to heaven or hell when we die, or do we become a ghost and wander the earth for all eternity without rest? What about communicating with those who have already died? Are we able to talk to them from beyond the grave? Could this be another one of Satan's deceptions? The word of God is very clear on this matter.
What are the elements of this chapter?
Concept: THE NATURAL IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL
A false doctrine that came from pagan philosophy and was incorporated into Christianity during the great apostasy which teaches that the soul goes on living after death. (see Lesson 3).
Concept: SPIRITUALISM
The belief and practice that there is consciousness/life after death.
The core of Spiritualism maintains that mankind is immortal, evolving to be more god-like.
Man is therefore his own judge and is in nature an un-fallen demigod, which asserts that any “good” person is therefore equal to Christ.
Spiritualisms Other Tenets
Man can have the ability to communicate with the “spirits” of the dead who “return to minister to the living.”
Ideologies That Practice Spiritualism
New Ageism
Astrology, Divination
Neo Paganism: Wicca/witchcraft
Satanism, Luciferianism, Spirit Worship
People: THE FOX SISTERS
American founders of modern spiritualism
As spirit mediums, Leah, Margaretta, and Catherine claimed to hear mysterious rapping (knocking) from the “spirit world” and made a living “contacting” spirits by conducting seances.
Spiritualism’s Influence in Christianity
(GC 557.2-558.2)
Believing that you go straight to heaven or hell when you die dependent upon whether you were a “good” or “bad” person.
God's love is dwelt upon as His chief attribute and is degraded to a weak sentimentalism.
Spiritualism influences Christians to make little distinction between good and evil.
Spiritualism is Contrary to Scripture
The Bible says:
There is no life after death.(Ecclesiastes 9:5-6)
Communication With Spirits Forbidden
Do not consult those who have familiar spirits (speak to spirits who they consult with). (Leviticus 19:31, 20:27; Revelation 16:13-14)
Familiar spirits = spirits of devils
Communication with spirits is an abomination. (Leviticus 20:6, Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
Participation in pagan festivals where spiritualism is practiced is forbidden. (Numbers 25:1-3, Psalm 106:28-29; 1 Corinthians 10:20)
Doctrines of Devils
False doctrines that undermine scripture.
(1 Timothy 4:1)
They sound pleasing, stating some truths that are intended for the "well being" of the living.
They foretell future events in order to establish credibility in a particular false doctrine.
They deny the deity of Christ putting Him on the same level as other “holy people.”
Make no distinction between the righteous and the wicked.
Concept: UNIVERSALISM
Everybody is going to be saved.
Universalism holds the premise that all people are good, therefore God will not punish anyone.
Satan Promotes Spiritualism
(Genesis 3:4-5) (GC 555.2)
Satan presents the belief that there is life after death as a spirit, a lie which was first told to Eve in the garden of Eden.
The spirits are fallen angels masquerading as messengers from the netherworld.
From Beyond the Grave?
Satan counterfeits the appearance of the dead bearing a message from “beyond the grave” using “spirits to declare falsehoods such as:
You don’t have to keep the law.
Whatever is, is right and nothing is ever wrong.
God doesn’t condemn anyone because He is all-loving.
Any sin committed is innocent, it can’t be helped and should be accepted.
Divination
Satan deceives through miracles conducted through his earthly agents.
Pharaoh's magicians (Exodus 7:11-12)
Witch of Endor conjures "spirit" of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:7-11)
Slave girl that tells fortunes (Acts 16:16-18)
Satan targets humanity especially those who are self-indulgent, pleasure-loving, and/or sensual by presenting temptations to match their weaknesses.
Spiritualism is Satan’s Trap
(Isaiah 5:20) (GC 555.1)
Once you are caught you become unable to escape on your own power as you indulge in sinful traits of character and cherish sin.
You are useable by Satan
Something you used to call good is now evil and what was once evil you now call good.
You become skeptics and scoffers denouncing the Bible and God’s Law and blind to Satan’s deceptions.
Satan Plays the Long Game
(Revelation 16: 13-14)
A long time effort since the beginning of the great controversy which started in heaven.
Satan lulls his victims into a false sense of security then slowly closes his trap. His power is now manifesting itself today.
Concept: SPIRITUAL WARFARE
Fighting against evil spirits. (Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 4:4, 2 Timothy 2:15)
Opposing spiritualism is opposing Satan.
How does one prepare for this warfare?
Study God's word and be ready to answer with Scripture
Pray always, pray often
Share the gospel message with the world
Obey God's Commandments
What does this have to do with me today?
What happens when people entertain "spirits" of the dead?
Why are people so willing to believe in Spiritualism?
Can the Devil be outsmarted?
How are my day-to-day decisions affected if I believe that everyone is going to be saved in the end?
What media have I seen that promotes spiritualism?