I'm inspired by the teachings of "Christian Spirituality," found at https://www.glz.org/en/knowledge/introduction. Much is well explained in the many books that I am currently working through (transcriptions of medium transmissions in deep trance). In a nutshell: We are "old spirits" "fallen angels" on the way back to the Father and Jesus, as Christ has built us the bridge to this. This also explains well our existence on earth (our "training camp" to build up virtues and to break down vices). Everybody will make it back one day—over several human lives and incarnations. And on this way back we are strengthened and supported by the angels and holy spirits. Even Lucifer will bend his knees and be taken up again as a light bearer—as the lost son of God. Such is the will of our gracious Father.

Have you ever dealt with this before? And what thoughts and questions do you have about this? — D.

Actually, no, I have not come across this doctrine. What an interesting teaching! At first it feels like a mixture of Mormonism and New Age thinking. Certainly it seems possible somehow to connect with those who have died and are on "the other side." But such contact is strictly forbidden in both testaments, as I read them.

Nearly all my thoughts about the afterlife and related matters I read my two books on the topic. So I am emboldened to ask you: have you read my book Heaven and Hell? As for the theme of reincarnation, this is really part of an impersonal worldview. In the eastern religions, the purpose is not to become better people, but ultimately to stop existing all together – or at least to stop existing as individuals.

Nor does the Bible support the view that humans are fallen angels. See Q&A 1498, as well as other items on angels, at the website. You might also look at the N.T. Chapter Studies, for example the one on Hebrews 1. So no, I cannot embrace that teaching.

 

On the subject of "asking the dead" I still have some questions. You are right, spirits of "the dead" are not to be questioned, as described in Lev 19:31, for example. But doesn't the Bible distinguish between "the dead" and "the living" in the Christian sense? By "the dead," the Bible means those who are separated from God, those who have fallen away from God. Accordingly, the "realm of the dead" is the realm of the dead, the realm of those separated from God, also called hell. They are not to be consulted. Contact with the dead is dangerous. On the other hand, doesn't "the living" mean being united with God? The "the living" are those who are united with God. Aren't they the holy spirits that Jesus promised to send to people shortly before his earthly death? And didn't Paul also call in 1 Cor. 14:12 for contact with spirits for the edification of the church?

In the writings (transcriptions) I am reading at the moment, these good spirits talk about it being their desire to help the truth to break through everywhere, to show people the way to faith in God and to higher knowledge, to enlighten people about the divine laws and God's plan of creation, to show people the plan of salvation, and to support people in their ascent. What do you say, Douglas? — D.

I have a few further thoughts:

  • Thinking of "dead" and "living" in spiritual terms works in Paul's teaching (as in Ephesians 2)—which relies on an analogy—but Christian Spirituality's huge jump from spiritual death to physical death is unwarranted. These are not identical states.
  • Samuel was truly dead (1 Sam 28:3)—but not non-existent. He was  still conscious, still alive in another sense (1 Sam 28:14).
  • The dead are not in hell. The underworld (Hades in the NT, Sheol in the OT) is the realm of all the dead until the day of resurrection.
  • Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 16:13), not the spirits of the departed.
  • John 14 and 16 have been understood correctly as the gift of the Spirit poured out in the last days (Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28; John 7:39).