“...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.
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