What does the Bible say about the existence of ghosts?
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The Bible does not teach that the dead ordinarily remain on earth as ghosts, but it does affirm the reality of an unseen spiritual realm under God’s sovereign rule. Ephesians 6:12 speaks of evil spiritual forces, while Colossians 1:16-17 teaches that all visible and invisible powers were created through Christ and are sustained by him. Matthew 10:28 directs believers to fear God, who judges both body and soul, rather than to fear human beings or seek contact with the dead. Acts 2:24-36 proclaims Christ’s bodily resurrection and reign, grounding Christian hope not in wandering spirits but in resurrection, judgment, and eternal life through him.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Ephesians 6:12
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
- Colossians 1:16-17
[16] For by him were all things created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.
- Matthew 10:28
Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.
- Acts 2:24-36
[24] whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it. [25] For David says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. [26] Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope; [27] Because you will not leave my soul in Hades, Neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay. [28] You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.' [29] "Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. [30] Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, [31] he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay. [32] This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses. [33] Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear. [34] For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand, [35] Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."' [36] "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
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