What does the Bible say about spirits?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that spiritual realities are real, but believers must seek God alone, test spiritual claims by his Word, and rest in the Holy Spirit’s power rather than fear. Ecclesiastes 12:7 says the human spirit returns to God who gave it, while 2 Timothy 1:7 assures Christians that God gives a Spirit of power, love, and self-control. Scripture strongly forbids turning to mediums or familiar spirits, as Leviticus 20:6 warns. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 cautions that deceitful spirits promote false teaching, yet 1 John 4:18 declares that God’s perfect love casts out fear. In 2 Kings 6:14-17, God opens Elisha’s servant’s eyes to see his protecting heavenly host.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ecclesiastes 12:7
And the dust returns to the earth as it was, And the spirit returns to God who gave it.
- 1 John 4:18
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. He who fears is not made perfect in love.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- Leviticus 20:6
"'The person that turns to those who are mediums, and to the wizards, to play the prostitute after them, I will even set my face against that person, and will cut him off from among his people.
- 1 Timothy 4:1-3
[1] But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, [2] through the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; [3] forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
- 2 Kings 6:14-17
[14] Therefore sent he there horses, and chariots, and a great host: and they came by night, and surrounded the city. [15] When the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host with horses and chariots was round about the city. His servant said to him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? [16] He answered, Don't be afraid; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. [17] Elisha prayed, and said, Yahweh, Please open his eyes, that he may see. Yahweh opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
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