Indeed these types of encounters are emotional filled and seem so genuine. We can only go on the info that we have in scripture. The rich man who went to Abraham's bosom was all but told that people who once die are not sent back to Earth as their being no point to it. Now ascending into the Heavenlies and seeing passed on relatives, that's a horse of a different color! According to scripture only Samuel was raised up and brought back to stand before Saul the King. Moses and Elijah ministering to or being ministered by Christ is also given as an exception! Also, we are told to be absent from the body is to be with the Lord. Those who have been fortunate enough to experience Heaven have all said the same thing, they didn't want to leave. And with NDE's many are compelled by the will of God alone to finish their life on this Earth! This is why I brought up the idea of "spirits/ghosts" months ago looking for some feedback on a biblical perspective. Citing that even in biblical times the idea of someone's spirit appearing on Earth seemed possible. When my own father died at the age 47 from a stroke, I questioned the Lord wondering if he was saved. The Lord told me not to worry about it, as if it wasn't my business but His! So I have had to trust in His judment. Yet the occurrence of visitations are experienced worldwide and across most of human history. Trying to make sense of it all I could not discount the element of demons. Demons are inter-dimensional and eternal beings which could easily imitate the appearance, voice, mannerism's, and knowledge of anyone's loved ones. As to their purpose for doing so, is to deceive. For if even people who never accepted Christ could appear to living loved ones all with smiles, then this insures that all who die find peace! We know this is wrong, as Hell does exist. Suddenly many cultures end up trying to appease demonic entities posing as dead spirits, passed on relatives and biblical or historical figures of old. If the Lord would allow beloved relatives to appear just prior to someone leaving Earth themselves it would seem to me to be unnecessary as they would soon be reunited! Perhaps God is merciful and bends the rules for some? For if Satan can appear as an angel of light, why not the demons also to masquerade for deception's sake?! My grandmother about 3 weeks before she died in the hospital was visited by angels. Angelic encounters and visitations are an entirely different situation than the appearance of dead relatives. Honestly, given what I know, if my dead father or mother were to appear to me in the dead of night my first response would be to curse them as demonic!!! TR The Lord says “ask and you shall receive”. :whistle: Deep down I know both the visions/dreams I posted came from the Lord and not demons playing tricks on me. I was in a sad point in my life ... just lost my dad 3 days prior to that vision and also was mourning a dear cyber friend on another forum board who died of cancer. These visions both encouraged and comforted me. Whenever I had a demonic attack ... they are always trying to hurt me any way they can, not to give out comfort. There is a huge difference between a dream, vision or a spiritually pulled back veil. The ghost of a deceased person making an appearance is something I'm not ready to accept as being from the Lord. I can't judge every experience, but this is where we need a discerning spirit. TR Getting back to the idea's behind the Rapture, resurrections and the Lord's heart for the Church. Many bible scholars seem to have been able to separate and explain most of these questions. Any further thoughts? TR Christ is the Head and we are the Body. I think one reason for us meeting Him in the clouds is that the Father's design is for all who are His to be taken up together. As for the Old Testament saints, they have not been resurrected. Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Acts 2:29
