A Christian View of Near-Death Experience

“...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” -Hebrews 9:27.

There are many stories coming from people with Near Death Experiences (NDE), and it's a challenge for believers to fit them into Christian doctrine. We don't need to question someone's NDE, yet for their sakes and ours we should seek understanding for what's happened.

For openers, remember that “we walk by faith, NOT by sight”, as says the scripture in 2 Corinthians 5:7. Many people esteem their experiences above all else, but they lack discernment as to the nature of the experiences. Christians should believe the Bible by faith, and look to it for guidance. The scripture promises that through it we may become perfect, and are thoroughly equipped to serve God;

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” -2 Timothy 3:16,17. Bold type added to emphasize.

And so we begin with the premise that God's Word is true, and reliable to provide the right understanding in ALL matters. Because of this, I refer to these as Near-Death Experiences, even though some say they've died; as the opening verse (Hebrews 9:27) states, every person is appointed by God for one time to die, and the fact that the person is still around to share with the living proves that it wasn't their appointed time yet.

Usually when people share their NDE they may tell you what Heaven or Hell is like, or what God and loved ones told them from the “other side.” But, if they haven't fully come to their appointed time, they're only getting glimpses into the spirit realm; an area in which they have NO EXPERIENCE, and can easily misunderstand, or be misled. Ephesians 2:2 calls our enemy the, “the prince of the power of the air”, and NDE would play right into his hands.

Any proclamations people make about their NDE experience can be listened to politely, but should be taken with a grain of salt. I do believe God is behind some of these, but if they're of Him they will agree with His Word without adding to it, or contradicting it; it's why serious Bible Study is so vital for our spiritual well-being;

“Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” -Proverbs 30:6.

“But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” -2 Corinthians 4:2.

“...they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” -from Acts 17:11.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15.

The simplicity of it all is that there are no accounts of NDE in the Bible, as we hear of them today. Jesus, of course, is GOD, dying for our sins and rising again according to prophecy. Beyond that I see 7 examples of people being raised from the dead, but no record of what they “experienced” while they were dead. There was the widow's son with Elijah in 1 Kings 18:17-23; the son of the “great woman” with Elisha in 2 Kings 4:18-37; Jesus raised the man from Nain (Luke 7:11-15), the daughter of Jairus (Luke 8:49-55), and Lazarus (John 11:1-44); Dorcas was raised through Peter in Acts 9:36-41, and Eutychus through Paul in Acts 20:9-12.

The Bible teaches a clear separation between the living and the dead, and condemns those who try to bridge the gap; those who use familiar spirits. Not counting the ONLY exception God allowed (1 Samuel 28:7-20), familiar spirits are devils that impersonate the deceased, and almost always come as “angels of light” ( 2 Corinthians 11:13-15) to those affected; we need to stay clear of these!

“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” -Leviticus 19:31.

“There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.” -Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” -Isaiah 8:19.

There is yet a prophecy which affirms God will use some supernatural manifestations in our day; but when considering these I would again remind you that works of God will agree with His Word; they will provide nothing new which the Bible hasn't covered; and deceptive signs will be much more common.

“But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:” -Acts 2:16,17. (Joel 2:28,29)

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before.” -Matthew 24:24,25.

“And then shall that Wicked be revealed...whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” -from 2 Thessalonians 2:8,9.

But in spite of the Bible's overt warnings, there may be some who rationalize that God might do more supernatural works in an effort to reach people; that their lives may be turned around by the miraculous. Brethren, Jesus already answered that supposition! The majority weren't saved by seeing Jesus' miracles when He was here in the flesh, and they won't be saved by such now;

“Then began he (Jesus) to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not.” -Matthew 11:20. (Jesus) added to identify.

“But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him:” -John 12:37

“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 16:30,31 (16:19-31). Bold type added to emphasize.

By knowing the Word of God, it will be our foundation (Matthew 7:24-27) against the storms of false signs and wonders we are sure to face in these last of the LAST DAYS. We should regard NDE with skepticism, because even anything good (which will be few) will not add anything to what God has already supplied us with.

Remember that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, unless we allow it to (Romans 8:37-39), but the Lord may still leave space to test our love for Him. And if He lets us be tested, He'll also provide a way of escape to get through it. Keep your eyes on the prize our Lord has waiting for us (1 Corinthians 2:9)!

“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, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.” -Deuteronomy 13:1-4. Bold type is added.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” -1 Corinthians 10:13. Bold type is added.

Here is the link to a short YouTube video that I did on this subject https://youtu.be/k_C_ntl0NTo.

A Life and Death Need for Bible Study

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” -Acts 17:11. Bold type added.

Take this as an urgent alert going out to ALL Christians; you must study God's Word for yourself, and examine the entire passages your religious leaders teach from, finding out for yourself if what they claim about it is true (supported by scripture), or opinion. Let us not be deceived by those preaching/teaching Another Gospel into turning aside to lies.

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” -Galatians 1:6,7.

“...there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them...” -from 2 Peter 2:1.

For centuries the church in Rome kept the world in the dark by controlling the Bible, twisting meaning and adding to it while at the same time telling their adherents that ordinary laymen couldn't understand the Bible-the church would burn their manuscripts and murder those who held them.

But the Reformation came about because large numbers were reading the true Word of God for themselves; it was this truth that made them free from the tyranny of Rome, and free by a salvation that came from faith in Jesus Christ as a gift, and not by religious works.

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” -John 8:31,32.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” -Ephesians 2:8,9.

This Reformation came with a price of blood, because Rome sought to control the masses by controlling the Bible, and then ruling through fear. Yet ultimately out of this struggle God's Word came forth for everyone through the King James Bible. This is our heritage; which is to KNOW God's true Word for ourselves; something our adversary the devil fights desperately against. He is a relentless foe, and we must learn from history to not allow our freedom in God's Word to be taken from us again.

“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life...” -Revelation 22:19A.

Christians today have largely put away any meaningful Bible study of their own out of a respect of persons, and their opinions (James 2:9); blindly trusting in leaders whom people respect to lead them aright in the ways of God. We have high regard for them as being smarter and more learned than most; seldom questioning anything they teach. This will have to change soon, or we're doomed.

First of all, each of us is responsible for the handling of God's Word (2 Corinthians 4:2), primarily for our own lives, but also for others. This 1^st point naturally implies the second, that we are well able in Christ to understand God's Word without assistance (1 John 2:27) from people.

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” -John 12:48.

A third point to consider is that the Bible has extensive warnings about false prophets Matthew 24:24,25) and teachers in the last days, and our need to test them (1 John 4:1). The fourth point flows from the third, which is that on judgement day we will account for ourselves (Romans 14:12), without being able to shift blame toward others.

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.” -Acts 20:28-30. See also 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

So how is it that we've become so careless in handling God's Word? It all basically comes down to changing God's Word; continually re-translating it on many levels. This undermines the believer's spiritual foundation of FAITH (Psalm 11:3, Matthew 7:24-27), for they won't be able to stand on God's promises if they're unsure of the actual words.

When you combine this with all the fast-paced technology by which we are kept so busy, people won't take the time for any serious study; sacrificing several hours at church each week is about all they can bring themselves to do. They then blindly trust their pastors & teachers to do the studying, bringing them closer to God. In a real sense, man-made church organizations have become another mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). In a way, you could also say churches have taken the place of the HOLY SPIRIT, because many just follow the general leading toward of what the church is doing, instead of seeking the Lord's will for them individually.

These church leaders then take it upon themselves to re-translate even further when teaching; telling congregations what a passage really means, or could mean, but they're never questioned due to our respect of persons, and an unwillingness to study for ourselves.

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15.

Be warned about teachers who are constantly re-translating scripture; examine those teachings, and be ready to either confront them, or turn away (2 Timothy 3:5). Especially be wary when their re-working of scripture looks nothing like the plainly translated text; God wants EVERYONE to understand His preserved Word, not just a special few, for that would lead us into bondage again.

NOTE: please don't be confused because of many Bible versions, thinking, “How can the KJB be right, and all others wrong?” There are really just 2 translations of the Bible, the Authorized Translation (AT) and the Revised Translation (RT). The AT is the King James Bible, but all other versions come from the RT, whose translators are encouraged to, “put it in their own words”; and so there are many different versions; both for opinions' sake, and for copyright profit. Remember also that the RT was established supposedly only to update some “out-dated” language in the KJB, but instead it exchanged the very manuscripts our Bible comes from. Simple side-by-side comparison will tell you that the versions stemming from the RT are NOT saying the same thing as the KJB. I'd like to suggest www.chick.com as a good resource for the Bible version issue.

Don't be intimidated by those of great education in men's eyes; God chooses few of that type for His service. The Word of God is our standard, and the Holy Spirit our teacher; the leading of those will have an eternal standing.

Below you'll find more scriptures to encourage your deeper studies.

“But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” -1 John 2:27. See also Romans 8:26.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” -2 Timothy 3:16,17.

“Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” -Psalms 119:98-100.

“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” -1 Corinthians 7:23. Also Galatians 1:10.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” -James 1:5.

“...Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” -from Colossians 2:2,3.

God uses those of low esteem, Acts 4:13;

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”

“...the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard.” -Ecclesiastes 9:16B.

“For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:” -1 Corinthians 1:26-28; please read 1:18-30. Bold type added.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things...” -from John 14:26. Please remember that Matthew 4:4 tells us,

“..Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” so

it's vital to know what these words are, and act upon them. Dig deeply into the Bible to be sure of the doctrine you're learning is truly from God.

“But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” -John 3:21.

“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” -2 Timothy 4:2-4.

Here is a link to the YouTube video that I did on this subject https://youtube.com/shorts/dB2y5FMZgIo?feature=share.