Who or What Are the Spirits? Chapter 1

 •  22 min. read  •  grade level: 8
 
We will approach this subject by using the Scriptures to identify who or what the spirits are. Many that I have spoken with claim that the spirits are the spirits of their ancestors who have died. These ancestral spirits are free to move about and generally remain involved in the affairs of the living. In order to investigate this claim, let us see what Scripture has to say about those who have died—what happens to their spirits? First before we do that, we should look at what the Bible has to say about each of those beings that have or are spirits. There are four distinct classes of beings including God, angels, Satan and demons, and man. As we consider each one of these beings, please think carefully about how or where the ancestral spirits may fit in.
God
God is a spirit (John 4:2424God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24)) and if we are going to have any understanding of this subject at all we must come to Him for He is the One who knows and reveals "the deep and secret things." (Dan. 2:2222He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. (Daniel 2:22)) In His Word, God has revealed Himself as the only true God (John 17:33And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3); 1 Cor. 8:66But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. (1 Corinthians 8:6); Isa. 44:66Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. (Isaiah 44:6)) and all other beings worshipped by the nations are demons and not God (1 Cor. 10:2020But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils. (1 Corinthians 10:20)). We learn that He is the Creator (Col. 1:16,1716For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16‑17)), that He upholds all things by the Word of His power (Heb. 1:33Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; (Hebrews 1:3)) and all men live and move and have their being through Him (Acts 17:2828For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. (Acts 17:28)). He is holy (Lev. 19:22Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. (Leviticus 19:2)), cannot lie (Titus 1:22In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (Titus 1:2)) and it is with Him that we have to do (Heb. 4:1313Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13)). We learn that God is Love (1 John 4:1616And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John 4:16)) and so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son to die for us (John 3:1616For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)) and that same love has now made us His own children (1 John 3:11Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1)). At one time God spoke to man through prophets using dreams, visions and direct communication, but He has now revealed Himself through the person of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom His word is now complete in the New Testament (Heb. 1:22Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (Hebrews 1:2)). When we believe on Him, God gives us His own Spirit to dwell within us and speaks to us directly through His Word (2 Tim. 3:16,1716All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16‑17); Rom. 15:44For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)).
We will consider the nature of God and our relationship further in Chapter 6, but for now it is important to see that He is a holy loving God who reveals Himself today through His word and not by secretive means, dreams or visions.
Summary: There is one true God—the Creator, Almighty, sustainer of life, and redeemer. He is revealed in three divine co-equal persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Angels
Scripture speaks of mighty unseen spirit beings called angels. Like all beings other than God, they were created by God (Col. 1:16, 1716For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (Colossians 1:16‑17)) and we find in Job 38:4, 74Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. (Job 38:4)
7When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? (Job 38:7) that the angels, there referred to as the "sons of God," were present at the creation of the world. This is significant since it clearly shows that the angels were created before man and therefore cannot be the spirits of those who have died.
We are told what they do in Heb. 1:1414Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14): "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out for service on account of those who shall inherit salvation?" Those who have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ today are the ones who will inherit salvation and God uses the unseen angels to help us. Besides helping believers, it tells us in Psa. 103:20, 2120Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. 21Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. (Psalm 103:20‑21) that they execute God's Word and do His will. They do not do their own wills or get upset with people when they are ignored. The word "angel" means "messenger" and this occupies much of their service in the examples given in Scripture (see Luke 1:1919And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. (Luke 1:19); Dan. 6:2222My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. (Daniel 6:22); Matt. 1:20; 2:1320But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:20)
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. (Matthew 2:13)). Other examples of how angels have directly helped believers may be found in Acts 12:77And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. (Acts 12:7) and Acts 27:2323For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, (Acts 27:23). We also find that angels are occupied with learning about the wisdom and ways of God by observing (they are called "watchers" in Dan. 4:13, etc.) his dealings in the world (Dan. 4), with the Lord's servants (1 Cor. 4:99For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. (1 Corinthians 4:9)), with His people (1 Cor. 11:1010For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. (1 Corinthians 11:10)) and in the assembly (Eph. 3:1010To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (Ephesians 3:10)).
Summary: God created the angels, mighty spirit beings that do His will and help believers. They were present at the creation of the world—they are not departed spirits.
Satan and Demons
Satan's Fall, His Defeat, and His End.
In Ezek. 28:14-1714Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. 16By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee. (Ezekiel 28:14‑17), we are told that Satan was created perfect in his ways as the angel that stood in the immediate presence of God covering His glory. However, there was a little seed of pride growing in his heart for he became occupied with his own beauty. The seed eventually grew into a great tree of rebellion against God and in Isa. 14:12-1512How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! 13For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: 14I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. 15Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. (Isaiah 14:12‑15) we are told that Satan decided in his heart that he would exalt his own throne above the stars of God and be like the most High. For this great sin, Satan fell from his God-given place in heaven and became the leader of all those who have since refused God's authority.
Soon after God placed the first people, Adam and Eve, upon this earth, Satan went to them and sowed the same seeds of pride and rebellion in their hearts. As a result, man sinned and sin came into the world. After this wicked act, God predicted the rest of Satan's career and his doom. In Gen. 3:1515And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (Genesis 3:15), He said that Satan and those that follow him would be against Eve and her descendents. He also foretold the day when Satan would bruise the Lord Jesus at the cross but how, in that work at Calvary, the Lord Jesus would destroy Satan's power. The Lord Himself stated in John 12:3131Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. (John 12:31) how the prince of this world (Satan) would be cast out and, in Heb. 2:1414Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; (Hebrews 2:14), it tells us that through his death he destroyed Satan's power. According to Col. 2:1515And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (Colossians 2:15), the Lord Jesus Christ completely spoiled all the unseen wicked forces allied with Satan in such a way that there is no doubt about their future utter defeat.
Even though his power is broken, today Satan is allowed by God to continue in his wicked ways as a test of the heart of man. However, the Scriptures foretell that very soon, after Christians have been taken out of this world at the coming of our Lord, Satan will be cast out of the heavens and be confined to the earth where he will stir up unimaginable wickedness and rebellion against God (Rev. 12). Shortly after, he will be bound in a bottomless pit for one thousand years and then loosed for a short time as a final test of man (Rev. 20:1-31And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. (Revelation 20:1‑3)). After this, we are told in Rev. 20:1010And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10) that he will be thrown into a lake of fire and brimstone where he will be tormented forever and ever.
Satan's Accusation of Job and His Role in Job's Sickness.
Before continuing on with the Scriptures that tell us of Satan's current activity in the world, let us look at an example from the Old Testament of how Satan works in the life of a believer. In Job 1:11There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil. (Job 1:1), we learn that a man named Job was righteous and feared God. He was greatly blessed by God in his life and had much land, cattle and possessions. In verses 6-8, we are told that the sons of God (angels) came on a certain day to present themselves before Jehovah God and Satan also came there among them. Satan accused Job before God and said that Job would curse God to His face if all of Job's possessions were taken away. As a test, God allowed Satan to destroy almost everything Job had. But Satan was wrong and Job did not sin or curse God (Job 1:2222In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (Job 1:22)). So, wicked Satan again came into God's presence to accuse Job and said that if Job became very sick that he would curse God. Again, God allowed Satan to put his hand on Job and his whole body became covered with sore boils. But Job still did not curse God.
Now, before we proceed any further, why did God allow Satan to put his hand on Job in this way? Didn't God love Job? Yes, he did. Wasn't Job righteous and God-fearing? Yes, he was. Then, how could God allow such a thing? It was because there was a hidden problem with Job a problem so difficult that God could not deal with it in any other way. You see, there was a small seed growing deep down in Job's heart that no one else could see and Job himself was barely aware of it. Do you remember how that seed grew in Satan's heart? God loved Job and did not want it to grow into a tree of rebellion, so he allowed this great trial to come into Job's life. By the end of the book of Job, he completely repented of this sin (Job 42:66Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:6)) and God blessed him with far more than he had before (Job 42:10-1610And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. 11Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold. 12So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses. 13He had also seven sons and three daughters. 14And he called the name of the first, Jemima; and the name of the second, Kezia; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch. 15And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. 16After this lived Job an hundred and forty years, and saw his sons, and his sons' sons, even four generations. (Job 42:10‑16)).
There is another very important point that we should consider about Job. Who put his hand on Job God or Satan? Although God allowed it, Satan was the one who caused all of Job's trouble and sickness. So, if it was Satan putting his hand on Job, should not Job respond to Satan and appease him in order to make peace? Absolutely not! You will never find Job or any other believer dealing with Satan in this way. In fact, Job never communicated with Satan at all. God had allowed the trial and it was God that Job had to deal with. No one can harm a believer in any way unless our loving God allows it. Just like Job, we must never deal with Satan or demons when trouble comes. Our relationship is with God and it is with Him that we have to do (Heb. 4:1313Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:13)).
Satan's Current Activity
As to his role in this world, in Eph. 2:22Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: (Ephesians 2:2) he is called the "prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience" and in 2 Cor. 4:44In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4) he is called, "the god of this world." The Lord Jesus tells us about his character this is very important, because it will give an important clue as to who the spirits may be. In John 8:4444Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. (John 8:44), He said that Satan, "is a liar, and the father of it" and "there is no truth in him." Nor is this deception limited to unbelievers. In Acts 5:2, 32And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? (Acts 5:2‑3) we find that he filled the heart of Ananias to lie to the Holy Spirit. He can deceive believers today if they do not have their armor on in the power of the Holy Spirit. This protection against his deceit is discussed at the end of this paper.
Satan's Angels—Demons
As we saw previously, other angels that sinned are called Satan's angels. They are referred to as "the spirits" and "demons" in passages like Matt. 8:1616When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: (Matthew 8:16) and we also find from these passages that they possess people and control their bodies at their will. Elsewhere, they are referred to as "wicked spirits" and "evil" spirits (see Acts 19:12-1612So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. 13Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (Acts 19:12‑16)) and "unclean spirits" (see Rev. 16:13,1413And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:13‑14)). Some are known more specifically by their characteristics like the "spirit of divination" mentioned in Acts 16:16-1816And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: 17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. 18And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. (Acts 16:16‑18). Some of these "fallen" angels are already bound in chains of darkness waiting for their final judgment, but many are still freely moving about doing their wicked deeds and they know that the time is coming when they will be tormented for their wickedness (see Matt. 8:28-3228And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. 32And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. (Matthew 8:28‑32)). In 1 Tim. 4:11Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1), the Spirit of God makes a special point of telling us that at the last times (today) some shall turn away from the faith and give their mind to "deceiving spirits" and "teachings of demons." This is a most important point since it means that there are those who profess to be Christians today who are being fooled by demons known as deceiving spirits. This is their character because they follow their leader who is "a liar and the father of it." The verse also tells us that they give their minds to "teachings of demons." There are many of these teachings among those professing to be Christians today. We must remember that the only safe source of teaching is the Word of God and everything, even this paper, must be tested by it.
Summary: Satan is a powerful, deceiving spirit who is head over demons who also deceive. His power was defeated at the cross and he can only go as far as our loving Father will let him. As we will see, the believer is to resist him and never to deal with him in any way.
Man
The final being that is mentioned in Scripture as having a spirit is man. It tells us in Gen. 2:77And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7) that "the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Animals are also referred to as having spirits in Eccl. 3:2121Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? (Ecclesiastes 3:21), but there it is referring only to their life. Scripture never speaks of animals as having a spirit that is conscious of God or that lives after death. Instead, we are told that they are made to be taken and destroyed (2 Peter 2:1212But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; (2 Peter 2:12)) and they perish (Psa. 49:12, 2012Nevertheless man being in honor abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. (Psalm 49:12)
20Man that is in honor, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. (Psalm 49:20)). By contrast, man has a spirit that was made by God (Zech. 12:11The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, saith the Lord, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. (Zechariah 12:1)) and returns to
In addition to the spirit, we find in 1 Thess. 5:2323And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23) that man is composed of two other parts; soul and body. It is the Word of God that is able to divide these things (Heb. 4:1212For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12) "joints and marrow" refer to the body) and we must not form our own opinions about them or accept teachings from other sources that do not completely conform to the Scripture. We all understand quite well what the body is since it is that part of our being that we see and use to interact with each other. The soul is the other unseen part of man that consists of his affections, desires, likes and dislikes, and ambitions. Like the spirit, it does not die and returns to God when man dies. Again, the three parts of man are:
Spirit—Unseen—God-conscious thinking part of man
Soul—Unseen—Affections, desires, and ambitions
Body—Seen—Our physical body
The question we need to answer is where the soul and spirit (hereafter referred to only as the "spirit") go when a person dies. This is the subject of the next section.
Summary: Man is a three-part being composed of spirit, soul and body that has been created specially by God.
The Dead
We understand that a person is dead when their spirit leaves the body, and Scripture confirms this in James 2:2626For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (James 2:26). We look at the body of a dead person and see that it is still there, but the person is gone. The question is, what happens to the spirit when it leaves the body? Where does it go? What does it do? This question has long been answered in traditional African religions which claim that the person's spirit is free to move around and remains involved in the affairs of its living descendents. Many believe that this is true because they have seen the face and heard the voice of some ancestor in a dream and have become convinced that it is really that person. But, is this really true? Let us see what God has to say about this in His Word.
In the Old Testament, very little is revealed about the ultimate destination of the spirit. However, under divine inspiration, various authors wrote about the relationship that the departed have with the living. In the New Testament we are told much more because there was One who came from the other side of death to reveal to us what happens there. The Lord Jesus said in John 3:1212If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? (John 3:12) that he spake of "heavenly things" as the one who has come down from heaven. But let us start with the truth of the Old Testament regarding the connection between the dead and the living.
David had a child that got very sick and died. After his death, David said, "I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me" (2 Sam. 12:2323But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me. (2 Samuel 12:23)). This verse indicates that the dead do not return to the living, not in body or in spirit. In Psa. 31:1212I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel. (Psalm 31:12) it says, "I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind." Now if the spirit of the dead could come to us in dreams or visions, would they really be out of mind? Another verse says, "The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence" (Psa. 115:1717The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. (Psalm 115:17)). If the dead come back and speak to the living in dreams or in any other way, it could not be said that they go down into silence. Either that which we think has been our experience is true or else these verses are true.
God raised up a special man named Solomon whom he prepared in such a way that he would know all that there is to know with regard to living on this earth. The wisdom which he gained is given in the book of Ecclesiastes where he wrote, "For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything" (Eccl. 9:55For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. (Ecclesiastes 9:5)). We, the living, are conscious of the fact that, as far as the normal course of things on this earth are concerned, we are going to die some day. With respect to this earth, the dead don't know anything. This means that, even if they could come and speak to us, they wouldn't have anything to say about events on this earth. In the next verse, he states it even more clearly when he says, "Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun." All that the dead cared about on earth is forever over and they have nothing to do with anything that is done on earth.
Solomon was given a further insight into the fate of the spirit in Eccl. 12:77Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7) where he says, "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it." Is the departed spirit free to roam around the earth and be involved in the affairs of the living? No it returns to God!
Now, let us turn to the greater revelation of the New Testament to find out what happens to the spirits when they return to God. In Luke 16:19-3119There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: 28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:19‑31), the Lord Jesus told an actual story of what happened to two men who died. There was a poor man who died having faith and his body was buried. The Lord Jesus told us that the part of him that wasn't buried (his spirit) was taken to a place of happiness and was comforted. The rich man, who had no faith, also died and was buried. His spirit went to a place of torment called hell. In that place he had eyes, a tongue, a memory and reason because spirits are capable of seeing, speaking, feeling, remembering and thinking even though they have no body. In his torment, he asked that the poor man be permitted to come and cool his tongue with water. However, he was told that there was a gully between them so great that no one could pass from the place of torment to the place of happiness and neither could anyone pass over from the place of happiness to the place of torment. By this we learn that those who die without faith are in a fixed place of torment where they cannot escape. This place is called a prison of spirits in 1 Peter 3:18-2018For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. (1 Peter 3:18‑20).
Knowing that his fate was sealed and that he could never move from his prison of torment, the rich man had a good idea. What if the poor man could go back to earth and tell the rich man's brothers about the place of torment so that they would not come there. He was told that this could not be because they had the Word of God to tell them. So, we learn from this story that the spirits of the departed go to fixed places after death, those with faith to a place of happiness and blessing, and those without faith to a place of torment called prison. Rev. 20 tells us that the unbelieving dead will remain in that prison until they are raised up and judged for what they did in this life. Then they will be cast into a lake of fire forever.
In Luke 23:39-4339And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? 41And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:39‑43), we find out further information about what happens to a believer after death. There were two thieves dying with the Lord Jesus on crosses next to His. One thief had faith and said to the dying Savior, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom." The Lord told him these most remarkable words; "To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." How could that be? Later on that same day, the Lord Jesus died and was laid into a tomb. The thief also died and was buried. So how were they together in paradise? It is because their spirits were together in that same wonderful place that the Lord told us that the poor man went to in Luke 16.
In fact, this is always the way the final condition of the spirits of Christians is referred to as being with Christ. In Phil. 1:21-2421For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. (Philippians 1:21‑24), the Apostle Paul spoke of desiring "to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better." In 2 Cor. 5:88We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8) he says that when we are "absent from the body" we are "present with the Lord." In 1 Thess. 4:13-1813But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13‑18), he speaks of the "dead in Christ" and says that they "sleep in Jesus." Now, if a man was sleeping on the floor in the middle of a room of people, could he talk to them? No, certainly not. Is he dead? No. His body is there, but he is in another place of consciousness. So it is with a believer who dies. His body is in the grave, but his spirit is alive in another place of consciousness and that place is the presence and enjoyment of Christ. He is asleep with respect to this world.
Summary: The dead have no communication with the living whatsoever. Believing dead are with Jesus enjoying His presence and unbelieving dead are in torment. There are no ancestral spirits!
So, Who Are the "Ancestral" Spirits?
Could they be God? They claim to be the ancestors, not God. They could only be God if He is lying, but Scripture says that God cannot lie (Titus 1:22In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; (Titus 1:2)). Could they be angels? Again, since angels are spirits who were created before men, they could only be angels if the angels are lying. But then the Scripture would be false which says that the angels are holy (Matt. 25:3131When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (Matthew 25:31), etc.). Can they be the departed spirits of men? As we have seen in the previous section, Scripture does not allow this possibility. So who are they? What is the remaining possibility? Could they be demons, spirits that scripture says are characterized by lying? Is this the conclusion we must reach from Scripture?
GOD Angels Demons Spirits of the Dead
For many, this is a very difficult thing to face, but the truth is the only thing that can set us free. No matter what it costs, let us go on to see what Scripture teaches on this important subject. We have just seen by process of elimination that spirits claiming to be ancestors must be demons. There is much teaching in the world today (no doubt, the "teachings of demons") that there are other possibilities or that the spirits are actually the spirits of our ancestors. But what does the Word of God say? "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:2020To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (Isaiah 8:20)).
Summary: There are no other beings interacting with man, only those which Scripture speaks of God, Angels, Satan and Demons, and Man. Ancestral spirits are merely deceiving demons pretending to be ancestors!