Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

As much as we might wish to communicate with individuals who were dear to us -- or they might wish (while still alive) to communicate with us -- after their deaths (particularly with respect to their eternal status in regard to redemption), the Bible does not approve of or sanction such attempts, and, in fact, specifically condemns them in passages such as Leviticus 19:31 and Isaiah 8:19.

This is not because God wishes us to be in a state of uncertainty with regard to that status, but because such attempts make us vulnerable to deception by evil, satanic spiritual forces with which Christians should not be dealing or even seek to deal.

Also, the Bible itself provides all the information necessary for those who wish to be eternally saved (as well as their loved ones) as to the action needed prior to their deaths -- the placement of faith in Christ for their salvation -- to provide or possess that assurance.

If an individual regards that assurance as insufficient, Jesus' parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31) indicates that they would not be convinced even if a deceased individual returned from the dead to provide it to them -- just as Jesus' opponents were still not converted to faith even after His own bodily resurrection from the dead.

October 02 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Donna Williams

Let me start by saying that I want to be as sensitive as possible when it comes to a question such as this one. I personally do not believe that someone that has passed on can leave any signs that they're okay.

I believe that every soul must make an open confession of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord according to Roman's 10:9-10. 

However, I know that the Lord is merciful and will give every person an opportunity to repent of their sins before they pass into eternity. 

The Lord is longsuffering, and He is not willing that any should perish.

I do have a personal testimony that I would like to share. When my father passed away many, many years ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said, "He's in My Presence." The Lord was very gracious to me by letting me know that my dad was okay. Please understand that every situation is different, and not all of us will have the same testimony.

I would like to end with this: we as believers can only pray for our loved ones while they're still present in this world, and hope that they will choose eternal life. 

I hope that you will rest in God, and not look for outward signs to give you peace. May the peace of God, that surpasses our understanding, keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus our Lord!

October 01 2020 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Grant Abbott Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

A deceased person leaves behind them what we call a legacy. It is a trail of deeds that illustrate, demonstrate and prove what kind of life they led, what was really in their heart. Jesus reminded us that we know a tree by its fruit, a good tree produces good fruit and a bad tree produces rotten fruit. Then Jesus went on to say that a good person produces good things from the goodness stored up in their heart.

Before we came to faith in Jesus, we did not have a good heart, our heart was captivated by sin, so that we produced what was evil and wicked in the eyes of God. But when we heard the gospel message and believed in Jesus, we were transformed, because Jesus gave us a new heart for God and placed his own goodness in our heart. Thereafter, our lives begin to show the world what this good heart for God looks like by the good deeds we do for the kingdom of God as we follow Jesus and walk with his Holy Spirit.

There are many examples of a life dedicated to pleasing God.

We love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength by studying the bible, praying every day, worshipping God with other believers in the local church, serving the needs of others in the church and local community, and sharing our testimony in word and deed.

We love other people more than we love ourselves by helping those in need, being a friend to the lonely, being a devoted spouse and parent, playing our part in the body of Christ through the local church, using our spiritual gifts, talents and abilities to bless others, and many other such things.

So, we can examine the life of a departed loved one and look at the legacy they left behind. When we see a life that was dedicated to pleasing God, then we have assurance that Jesus has transformed their life and now, after death, their soul is with Jesus in heaven (they are OK).

October 04 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report