The Dead Shall Rest
Today many believers and non-believers alike are caught up in the notion that their deceased loved ones are “watching over them,” or are even “present” with them, to provide help in some way. This is a serious issue to the Lord! When Jesus Himself intercedes for you, why would you desire any help besides that which our perfect God can bring?
God’s Word says, “There shall not be found among you…a consulter with familiar spirits,…or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination to the Lord…”—From Deuteronomy 18:10-12
A necromancer literally means one that loves the dead. Such a person would naturally seek contact with the spirit(s) of those physically dead.
The term “familiar spirit” is also easy to understand, but can be approached from two viewpoints. (1) The consulter, or “medium,” may have a spirit familiar to them. New Age terminology often refers to it as a spirit guide, with each medium having their own personal guide—and they have names. (2) The person who seeks out a medium will usually attempt to contact a deceased loved one—hence, a spirit they are “familiar” with.
Often such spirits seem convincing. But remember, it is easy for a devil to impersonate a loved one. Spirits hang around us all of our lives, observing behavior. In this same light, it is easy for the impersonating devil to speak to your concerns about “what you are going through.” Just because a contact is supernatural does not mean that it is good, and Godly. We have God’s Holy Word for discernment in “trying the spirits.”
The following article is taken from our section on Catholic Faith. Within Catholicism, there is much emphasis on praying for the dead, and to the dead. As is the nature of Catholic doctrine, these practices are not only unbiblical—but actually oppose the Bible’s teaching on the matter.
Yet today for the religious and non-religious alike, the belief of contact with the dead prevails. The Star Wars series of movies did much to promote this, as well. People who would never think of even attending church, were reached by this philosophy through secular media. And because the organized church does so much to embrace the secular (against God’s will), they have also received even greater pollution on account of these movies.
Please read the following article with prayer, and a teachable spirit. Remember that God does not want to condemn you, but guide you into the path of righteousness. Turn to Him with the conviction you may receive, for He will be glad to pardon and cleanse you. If you already know of these things, perhaps you can help a friend.
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:11
The Catholic believes that all souls go to Purgatory after death. This is not Hell, but a place of intermediate suffering for each person to “pay” for remaining sins (Remember; this is a works salvation). Living friends and relatives must pay money to have Masses held, for the purpose of getting that loved one out of Purgatory and into Heaven. So the spiritual destiny of the deceased falls to the living!
One never knows when or if a soul has been released to heaven; so they must continue paying for Masses as much as possible. The bondage is spiritual and financial. What a cruel burden to be laden with! Yet the teaching of Purgatory brings the Catholic into an involvement with the dead; which God’s Word forbids.
Starting in the Old Testament, God condemns those with familiar spirits; also called necromancers.
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Deuteronomy 18:10-12
We would think of such a person as a medium, who would then summon up the spirits of the dead to communicate this.
These spirits are “familiar,” but they are not the actual loved ones that have been called for! They are devils; the fallen angels who rebelled against God, impersonating the deceased persons. These beings exist around that deceased person, and the person seeking contact. These devils know them well in every respect. Through various accounts, it has been speculated that the numbers of angels/devils is far greater than the human population, possibly 10 to 1 or more. We do not know the actual number. These spirits mostly stay invisible, but Satan is the god of this world. The scriptures warn us about this, and condemn those with familiar spirits.
Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people. And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people. Leviticus 20:5,6
And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Isaiah 8:19,20
See also Leviticus 19:31, 20:27; II Kings 23:24. In I Samuel 28 is an account of King Saul seeking out a woman with familiar spirits. When first anointed king, Saul had cut off those with familiar spirits—now fallen from God, he sought out this evil.
In this one time, it appears that the actual spirit of Samuel came back to contact Saul. God used this to further condemn Saul; not to comfort and instruct him. You will note that those contacting dead spirits almost always hear words of comfort and cheer! Compare this to the words of Christ;
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19
Leviticus 19:28 and Deuteronomy 26:13,14 also speak of not doing certain practices for the dead.
Warning: these last days will see many supernatural signs that are performed by Satan, and the antichrist he will inhabit.
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. II Thessalonians 2:9,10
And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?...And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. Revelation 13:2-4; 12-15
Why do so many assume that all the supernatural is good? Believe the Bible, and be warned!
If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 13:1
What then of the angels from God?
But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation? Hebrews 1:13,14
This scripture is the defining passage concerning angels. There are dozens of accounts to show this true! God uses angels to minister to us in varying ways, but they are not to be prayed to! They are fellow servants of God, and here for our benefit. (See Genesis 19, Daniel 10, Matthew 1:20, 2:13, 4:11; Luke 1:26; Acts 5:19, 12:7 among many others!)
Many also describe their deceased loved ones as “angels.” We do not become angels, brethren! In Matthew 22:30-32, Mark 12:25, and Luke 20:34-36, refer to our resurrected state as being like the angels. Let’s read…
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living. Matthew 22:30-32
For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. Mark 12:25
And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. Luke 20:34-36
Physically we will be like the angels: but God in His wisdom made man in His likeness; and the angels, servants to men. (This is an issue of authority, not superiority—and only the Lord Jesus commands the angels!).
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? I Corinthians 6:2-3
For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. Hebrews 2:5-8
The New Age Movement has greatly influenced the furtherance of the misconceptions about the dead and angels. The Star Wars series of movies openly espouses such thoughts through “the force.” This force is supposedly the life energy of all living things, which continues to exist and interact with those still alive—even after their outer bodies die. God addresses this one, too!
But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Daniel 11:38
Many clear distinctions in the Bible show us that the dead (physically) are cut-off from the living. Just as importantly, that there is nothing the living can do for the eternal spiritual state of the dead. Let’s look more closely…Every time you read about a person being “rewarded according to their works,” they are isolated. Only their own works, while physically alive, matter.
The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin. Deuteronomy 24:16
No prayers or penance for the dead make any difference!
When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Ezekiel 3:18
See also Ezekiel 18:20-32, 33:8-10, Romans 2:6. These passages show the believer’s responsibility to warn the non-believer while yet alive. The end result is the same; for each life will stand alone;
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. Revelation 20:12,13
Next, we view the release of death. How could death be a release, if the dead are still bogged down with the living? No; after dying, the cares of this world are left far behind.
Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again. II Chronicles 34:27,28
Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD. And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon. Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, Good is the word of the LORD which thou hast spoken. And he said, Is it not good, if peace and truth be in my days? II Kings 20:17-19
Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the LORD came not upon them in the days of Hezekiah. II Chronicles 32:26
Hezekiah was released from viewing God’s judgment through his own death. If Hezekiah were somehow still floating around among the living, he would still be greatly grieved for his family.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21
Death is better than life! Only for the redeemed, however (Please; become one of those redeemed!). See also I Kings 21:29; Job 3:21, 14:13; Proverbs 14:32; Ecclesiastes 7:1.
Death separates from the living.
For 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
See also Genesis 37:35, Ruth 1:17, Job 14:19-21, and Psalms 115:16,17
Two stories within the Bible also speak loudly and clearly about these issues; one Old Testament, the other New Testament.
But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat. Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But 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. II Samuel 12:19-23
After his child dies, David acknowledges that there was nothing further for him to do. They were separated by death, and prayers were of no more effect.
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And 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; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And 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. But 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. And 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. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And 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
Here we see that the dead are separated from the living, and are not aware of what each other goes through. This story is a true account, and not a parable!
Praying to idols, angels, and dead saints, are all part of Satan’s plan to provide substitute mediators between mankind and God. Our creator has always desired a close, personal relationship with each of us.
No doubt that Mary is the worst of these substitutes. The position Mary holds in Catholicism is handed down from Semiramis; with titles like the “queen of heaven,” the “mother goddess,” and named Venus in the Roman Empire.
Mary truly was an obedient servant of God, and deserving of the Biblical description as a saint. She would be appalled at the blasphemous heresies heaped upon her earthly life! Of course, she is now safely at home with her Lord Jesus; and therefore is removed from knowing what has transpired.
The Catholic Church calls Mary the Mediatrix. They now also claim she was immaculate (without sin), and a perpetual virgin (No human sexual relations). This church position on Mary is so far from the truth of God’s Word, that it defies logical explanation! The Bible does address the situation well. Historical analysis also shows that Catholicism was never Biblical Christianity. It is in fact, the pagan religion of sun-god worship with names from the Bible substituted for the key figures.
First of all, Catholicism sells Mary on the basis of an angry Jesus! Only Mary can supposedly pacify her son (Jesus); who is extremely enraged at His treatment by mankind. How totally, utterly ridiculous. It is clear that suffering and dying were always in God’s plan!
Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Isaiah 53:10,11
From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day….Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? Matthew 16:21, 26:53,54
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke 24:25-27
Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. John 18:11,36
Jesus’ perfect blood is for the remission of sins—it is the only sacrifice that works. (with repentance)
Mary cannot mediate. As we have seen, the dead are separated from the living. The work of intercession belongs to Jesus alone!
Interaction between Jesus and Mary occurs several places in the gospels. In Matthew 12:46, Mark 3:32, and Luke 8:19-21, Mary and Jesus’ earthly brothers are trying to gain an audience with Jesus. His response? To put heavenly priorities first. There is no mention of Him complying with His family’s wishes at all.
In Luke 2:48,49, Jesus is separated from Mary and Joseph while questioning leaders in the temple. How did Jesus respond when confronted?
And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke 2:49
This is another mild rebuke, with God’s priorities first. Jesus is still respectful, but single minded in His mission. (verse 51)
John 2:1-11 is the changing of water into wine. Jesus first response is another mild rebuke; before complying. In fact, the name Mary is not used in any of these five passages! She is referred to as the mother of Jesus. The bible does not lift up Mary’s name, and plainly shows her inability as a mediator between mankind and Jesus. God was addressing this Catholic doctrine years ahead of time; so that they would be without excuse, forewarned well in advance.
Matthew 13:55 goes a step further, actually giving us the names of Jesus’ earthly brothers. No perpetual virgin, either! So what about Mary’s status?
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. Ecclesiastes 7:20
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Galatians 3:22
Mary confesses her need for a savior.
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Luke 1:47
She also performs the sin offering of the Law of Moses.
And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. Luke 2:22-24
Praise God for Mary, and her obedient part in the plan of salvation! Do not pray to Mary, however. This is another gospel, which leads into the Lake of fire.
We are blessed by grace to be enabled to directly bring our petitions before God, through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only mediator.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; I Timothy 2:5
I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Isaiah 42:8
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber…Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:1,7-10
Jesus tells us to pray to God the Father in His name, again showing that He (Jesus) is the only mediator. See John 14:13,14, 15:16, 16:23.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Jesus is the only way of salvation; therefore the only mediator between God and mankind.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16
Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
More instruction to approach God directly through Christ, hallelujah! See also Hebrews 8:6, 9:15, 12:24.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: I John 2:1
Jesus is our advocate; continually bringing grace to those who seek Him.
Why live in fear and doubt? Turn to Jesus now, and be saved!
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.