Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)
Part 1
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world (emphasis mine).
I John 4:1 (NIV)
False Beliefs and False Doctrine
Let me begin by asserting that demonstrating compassion sometimes necessitates the revelation of essential truths. For Christians, the Bible serves as the definitive standard for truth. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus articulated corrective truths to the Pharisees and Sadducees, who adhered to legalistic beliefs. They rejected Him as the Messiah. They branded Him a heretic, ultimately leading them to have Jesus crucified.
The strangeness of the Pharisees and Sadducees’ philosophy was actually one of heresy. Their teachings and beliefs were opposite of God’s laws. They were the actual heretics. Much like believing and teaching that NDEs are biblical. They are not. Belief and teaching of NDEs is heresy. There are Bible verses verifying that NDEs are not real and impossible for individuals to experience.
It is imperative to discern the truths of God’s word in relation to the teachings of false prophets. While Jesus elucidated God’s laws, the Pharisees and Sadducees considered themselves the authoritative experts, exhibiting “holier-than-thou” attitudes. Their unwillingness to recognize Jesus as the Messiah contributed to the disbelief of many during that period.
It is my contention that Jesus experienced frustration with the Pharisees and Sadducees. They adhered to their strict false doctrine relying on “works” rather than faith in Christ. Their distorted interpretations of the gospel, pride, and belief that wealth elevated their status with God, angered Jesus. Nonetheless, this did not detract Jesus from His commitment to imparting the truth. Despite the obstinacy of the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus remained devoted to disseminating God’s message. There are instances in which articulating the truth with love is necessary. Other times, it requires confronting uncomfortable realities. That is why I am writing this article and sharing the truth about NDEs. It is a false doctrine and non biblical. Many ministerial people are supporting the concept of individuals dying, going to heaven or hell and coming back to life. I want people to understand the background contrast between false information and God’s truth.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:15 (KJV)
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:16 (KJV)
The Bible presents several warnings regarding the significance of truthfulness, particularly in relation to the consequences of disobedience to God. Disobedience is regarded as a form of rebellion. The Bible equates rebellion with witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23). As children of God, it is imperative to learn the truth in order to foster growth in obedience. Therefore, I invite you, esteemed readers, to engage with this discussion on near-death experiences (NDEs).
Near-Death Experiences are Unbiblical
I do not subscribe to the belief in near-death experiences. These claims of individuals asserting that they have died and subsequently visited heaven are, in my assessment, erroneous. I acknowledge that numerous books, films, and testimonials support the idea that people have died and either gone to hell or heaven and returned back to earth. These individuals genuinely assert they have encountered some form of eternity. Nevertheless, because of what the Bible teaches, I maintain a position of skepticism regarding NDEs. Individuals who report NDEs may have undergone extremely vivid dreams while in an unconscious state. While they may sincerely believe they have experienced heaven or hell, I must go along with God’s word and that these beliefs lack any substantiation. They are unbiblical and virtually impossible.
It is pertinent to recognize that many of these accounts originate from patients who were under anesthesia during surgical procedures. Anesthesia can induce a disoriented state of consciousness. The medications administered can result in powerful, imaginative dreams and even hallucinations. Thus, I cannot endorse the notion that individuals die, enter heaven or hell, and subsequently return to earth.
I advise against accepting my opinion solely regarding the phenomenon of NDEs. Instead, let us refer to the Bible and examine God’s word collectively as a foundation for understanding His truth.
Biblical Truths
The significance and purpose of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ warrant careful consideration, particularly in light of the many accounts of individuals who have died and reportedly gone to heaven or hell. What would have been the purpose of Jesus’s death and resurrection? If anyone claims they can die, go to heaven or hell, and come back to life, then what is the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection? NDEs diminish Jesus’ sinless death on the cross and it is sacrilege for anyone to claim the same status as Jesus’s burial and resurrection.
The Bible documents the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as noted in Matthew 28:6-7. Jesus was resurrected by God, His Father. We read in John 11:14-44 that Jesus had the power to raise Lazarus from the dead. There are differences between the two men. Lazarus had been deceased for four days, whereas Jesus was dead for only three. This distinction, to me symbolizes the Trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit). Additionally, it appears that God allowed Lazarus to remain dead for four days to emphasize the uniqueness of Jesus’ resurrection; no individual can replicate the significance of Jesus Christ.
Another critical aspect of these texts is that Jesus explicitly stated, “Lazarus, come forth!” in John 11:43. This specifically is crucial because the power inherent in the body of Christ was such that, had Jesus not called Lazarus by name, all deceased individuals at that time would have arisen from their graves. The magnitude of power embodied in Jesus’s words is profoundly encouraging and instills a sense of joy and security in believers.
Contrasts between the death of Lazarus and Jesus:
1. Lazarus fell ill and died.
2. Lazarus had an odor of death (John 11:39).
3. Lazarus was bound in grave clothes.
4. Jesus was crucified and died willingly.
5. Jesus did not exhibit signs of death upon His resurrection.
6. Jesus did not have His grave clothes on when the stone of the tomb was rolled away (Luke 24:12).
Furthermore, the Bible affirms that “Jesus is the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). It is important to note that the term “resurrection” is not applied to Lazarus’s return to life. The term explicitly refers to Jesus. Jesus possesses divine authority to perform miracles, and in this context, it is evident that God the Father resurrected Jesus. God’s only Son, Jesus holds a unique and elevated status. In contrast, while Jesus had the authority to raise Lazarus, the power bestowed upon humans is derived through Jesus.
There is but One Son of God, Jesus Christ. This assertion provides comfort in the world when competing doctrines and figures try and teach false principles. Therefore, do not fall subject to believing in NDEs.
It is imperative to acknowledge that miracles continue to occur in contemporary times. God remains in control and is fully aware of the world’s happenings. He is its Creator (Acts 17:24).
However, it is also understood that the era of resurrection on Earth as witnessed with Lazarus has ceased. Jesus is alive and currently resides in heaven at the right hand of God. As indicated in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, believers are confident in the promise of being present with the Lord beyond earthly existence.
I appreciate your attention to this discussion. It is my belief that God’s love for humanity is profound, and that the potential for miraculous experiences remains. One should not lose hope, as He loves you immeasurably and is your Creator.
Love,
Annah
Contributing Advisor: Pastor Rick Dobbins, Calvary Baptist Church, Trumann, AR
Sources:
NIV, NKJV & KJV Bible
Photo: unknown at this time
Some words are capitalized to show emphasis of one true deity
Some words are italicized to show emphasis
Disclaimer:
Near-Death Experiences (NDEs)
Part 1
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world (emphasis mine).
I John 4:1 (NIV)
False Beliefs and False Doctrine
Let me begin by asserting that demonstrating compassion sometimes necessitates the revelation of essential truths. For Christians, the Bible serves as the definitive standard for truth. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus articulated corrective truths to the Pharisees and Sadducees, who adhered to legalistic beliefs. They rejected Him as the Messiah. They branded Him a heretic, ultimately leading them to have Jesus crucified.
The strangeness of the Pharisees and Sadducees’ philosophy was actually one of heresy. Their teachings and beliefs were opposite of God’s laws. They were the actual heretics. Much like believing and teaching that NDEs are biblical. They are not. Belief and teaching of NDEs is heresy. There are Bible verses verifying that NDEs are not real and impossible for individuals to experience.
It is imperative to discern the truths of God’s word in relation to the teachings of false prophets. While Jesus elucidated God’s laws, the Pharisees and Sadducees considered themselves the authoritative experts, exhibiting “holier-than-thou” attitudes. Their unwillingness to recognize Jesus as the Messiah contributed to the disbelief of many during that period.
It is my contention that Jesus experienced frustration with the Pharisees and Sadducees. They adhered to their strict false doctrine relying on “works” rather than faith in Christ. Their distorted interpretations of the gospel, pride, and belief that wealth elevated their status with God, angered Jesus. Nonetheless, this did not detract Jesus from His commitment to imparting the truth. Despite the obstinacy of the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus remained devoted to disseminating God’s message. There are instances in which articulating the truth with love is necessary. Other times, it requires confronting uncomfortable realities. That is why I am writing this article and sharing the truth about NDEs. It is a false doctrine and non biblical. Many ministerial people are supporting the concept of individuals dying, going to heaven or hell and coming back to life. I want people to understand the background contrast between false information and God’s truth.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:15 (KJV)
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Matthew 10:16 (KJV)
The Bible presents several warnings regarding the significance of truthfulness, particularly in relation to the consequences of disobedience to God. Disobedience is regarded as a form of rebellion. The Bible equates rebellion with witchcraft (I Samuel 15:23). As children of God, it is imperative to learn the truth in order to foster growth in obedience. Therefore, I invite you, esteemed readers, to engage with this discussion on near-death experiences (NDEs).
Near-Death Experiences are Unbiblical
I do not subscribe to the belief in near-death experiences. These claims of individuals asserting that they have died and subsequently visited heaven are, in my assessment, erroneous. I acknowledge that numerous books, films, and testimonials support the idea that people have died and either gone to hell or heaven and returned back to earth. These individuals genuinely assert they have encountered some form of eternity. Nevertheless, because of what the Bible teaches, I maintain a position of skepticism regarding NDEs. Individuals who report NDEs may have undergone extremely vivid dreams while in an unconscious state. While they may sincerely believe they have experienced heaven or hell, I must go along with God’s word and that these beliefs lack any substantiation. They are unbiblical and virtually impossible.
It is pertinent to recognize that many of these accounts originate from patients who were under anesthesia during surgical procedures. Anesthesia can induce a disoriented state of consciousness. The medications administered can result in powerful, imaginative dreams and even hallucinations. Thus, I cannot endorse the notion that individuals die, enter heaven or hell, and subsequently return to earth.
I advise against accepting my opinion solely regarding the phenomenon of NDEs. Instead, let us refer to the Bible and examine God’s word collectively as a foundation for understanding His truth.
Biblical Truths
The significance and purpose of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ warrant careful consideration, particularly in light of the many accounts of individuals who have died and reportedly gone to heaven or hell. What would have been the purpose of Jesus’s death and resurrection? If anyone claims they can die, go to heaven or hell, and come back to life, then what is the significance of Christ’s death and resurrection? NDEs diminish Jesus’ sinless death on the cross and it is sacrilege for anyone to claim the same status as Jesus’s burial and resurrection.
The Bible documents the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as noted in Matthew 28:6-7. Jesus was resurrected by God, His Father. We read in John 11:14-44 that Jesus had the power to raise Lazarus from the dead. There are differences between the two men. Lazarus had been deceased for four days, whereas Jesus was dead for only three. This distinction, to me symbolizes the Trinity (The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit). Additionally, it appears that God allowed Lazarus to remain dead for four days to emphasize the uniqueness of Jesus’ resurrection; no individual can replicate the significance of Jesus Christ.
Another critical aspect of these texts is that Jesus explicitly stated, “Lazarus, come forth!” in John 11:43. This specifically is crucial because the power inherent in the body of Christ was such that, had Jesus not called Lazarus by name, all deceased individuals at that time would have arisen from their graves. The magnitude of power embodied in Jesus’s words is profoundly encouraging and instills a sense of joy and security in believers.
Contrasts between the death of Lazarus and Jesus:
1. Lazarus fell ill and died.
2. Lazarus had an odor of death (John 11:39).
3. Lazarus was bound in grave clothes.
4. Jesus was crucified and died willingly.
5. Jesus did not exhibit signs of death upon His resurrection.
6. Jesus did not have His grave clothes on when the stone of the tomb was rolled away (Luke 24:12).
Furthermore, the Bible affirms that “Jesus is the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). It is important to note that the term “resurrection” is not applied to Lazarus’s return to life. The term explicitly refers to Jesus. Jesus possesses divine authority to perform miracles, and in this context, it is evident that God the Father resurrected Jesus. God’s only Son, Jesus holds a unique and elevated status. In contrast, while Jesus had the authority to raise Lazarus, the power bestowed upon humans is derived through Jesus.
There is but One Son of God, Jesus Christ. This assertion provides comfort in the world when competing doctrines and figures try and teach false principles. Therefore, do not fall subject to believing in NDEs.
It is imperative to acknowledge that miracles continue to occur in contemporary times. God remains in control and is fully aware of the world’s happenings. He is its Creator (Acts 17:24).
However, it is also understood that the era of resurrection on Earth as witnessed with Lazarus has ceased. Jesus is alive and currently resides in heaven at the right hand of God. As indicated in 2 Corinthians 5:6-8, believers are confident in the promise of being present with the Lord beyond earthly existence.
I appreciate your attention to this discussion. It is my belief that God’s love for humanity is profound, and that the potential for miraculous experiences remains. One should not lose hope, as He loves you immeasurably and is your Creator.
Love,
Annah
Contributing Advisor: Pastor Rick Dobbins, Calvary Baptist Church, Trumann, AR
Sources:
NIV, NKJV & KJV Bible
Photo: unknown at this time
Some words are capitalized to show emphasis of one true deity
Some words are italicized to show emphasis
Disclaimer:
I do not claim to be a medical expert or healthcare professional.