Communicating With the Dead, and Q&A

0:07 Welcome to the Bible Answer Man broadcast with Christian Research Institute President Hank Hanegraaff. Our mission at CRI is not only to equip you with sound biblical teaching and spiritual discernment, but to help you become a winsome and fruitful witness of Jesus Christ. Because the credibility of our faith hinges on the answers we provide to life's biggest questions, there's often not a second chance to get those answers right.

0:34 To learn more or to find resources to help you grow in grace, call 888-7000-CRI. That's 888-7000-274. Or go to our website at equip.org. That's equip.org. The following program was pre-recorded. And now, here's Hank Hanegraaff.

0:58 Thank you very much, Randy. Unless you're living under a rock, you have probably seen... The popularization in the modern media of people communicating with the dead. In biblical terms, that's necromancy. And it is clearly denounced in the Bible. In fact, from a biblical worldview, ghosts are the stuff of superstition.

1:23 And yet, that kind of superstition is the stock and trade of modern culture. The gullible have turned from God. Well, to ghosts and incessant inquiries concerning the gloom that lies ahead, the worse it gets, the more people want to know. But the truth of the matter is, necromancy is a devilish deception. What foolishness to feign communication with the dead in the guise of enlightening those who dwell in the land of the living. Listen to what Isaiah says. When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God?

2:09 Trouble is, those not bound to Scripture are inevitably bound to sink in superstition. And while the spirits of the dead do not inhabit the land of the living, demonic spirits are more than pleased to play on the field of their superstitions. Ghosts exist only in mythology. But demons are more than happy to feed unbiblical delusions. It's why we need to be steeped in the Word of God, to test all things, hold fast to the good. While fallen angels are not physical, they're as real as the very flesh upon our bones. And they're not cartoonish clowns.

2:53 They don't have elongated tails and red tights and pitchforks. They're not silly. They're not stupid. In fact, Satan appears as a cosmopolitan angel of enlightenment. And he knows full well that without the spiritual armor listed by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6, we are but pawns in a devil's game. If we lose the ability to think biblically, We will quickly be transformed from cultural change agents and initiators into cultural conformists and imitators, if you will, from God-bearers to ghostbusters. And we all too often, even in Christian circles, are wondering about ghosts. We should never wonder about ghosts. Why? Because we have the final court of arbitration by which we can test all things, and in

3:52 which we know for certain that ghosts are merely the stuff of superstition. One of the entries in my book, Afterlife, is what about ghosts? And there I give you a biblical answer to that question so that people will not be deluded by the now popular people that parade through the media that you can find on the internet who are feigning this knowledge of what is going to happen in the future because they can talk to your dead relatives.

4:25 This is just pure poppycock. It is superstition. And as Christians, we should never fall for it. Afterlife, available for your gift to the ongoing work of the Christian Research Institute. You can get your copy by simply going to thewebedequip.org or writing me at Post Office Box 8500, Charlotte, North Carolina.

4:46 Zip code 28271. Resource Consultants is always standing by. That number, 888-7000. And the letter CRI. First up today is Roger. He's listening in Modesta, California. Hi, Roger. Hi, Hank.

5:01 How are you?

5:02 I'm good.

5:04 Good, good.

5:04 It's good to hear your voice, and I praise God for your ministry.

5:08 Thank you.

5:09 I'm actually reading your book, Afterlife, which is awesome, and I think your listeners should definitely have this as a resource. And my question actually is, When we say to ask where heaven is, we can't really ask that because souls don't have extension in time and space, and correct me if I'm misunderstanding what's being said. But one day, our soul will meet and reunite, I guess, with our glorified bodies, and at that point, then we can say where heaven is.

5:46 And it's like you said, heaven is where God is and where we are. And so, but my question is, can we then ask where Jesus is? Because he's in his glorified physical body right now, right? Or am I misunderstanding?

6:02 No, no, you're absolutely right. And I think this is an important thing to understand, and what I try to lay out in Afterlife is that there's a distinction between the transitional heaven and the eternal heaven. So if you were to die now, you'd be disembodied as it were. Your body would go back to the ground again. Your soul would be absent that body and now present with the Lord. But when Jesus appears a second time, the soul returns to the body, and that body is resurrected immortal, imperishable, incorruptible.

6:36 Then we will be physical beings in a physical universe. Now, as far as Jesus Christ is concerned, think about it this way. He is now available to you spiritually. But he will, in the new heavens and the new earth, be available to you physically as well. So when we think about Jesus being embodied, Theanthropus, in flesh, we think of Jesus not in a different place as it were, but in a different dimension. Which is to say that heaven and earth are two different dimensions that one day will become a single dimension. because those dimensions will be united as one, and God's sacred space and our purified place will once again be a glorious whole. So heaven does involve our earth, our fields, our mountains, these rivers,

7:41 our space, but it is also going to be united with God's purified place, heaven. And that's what we pray for when we pray, your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.

7:54 Okay, so would it be fair to also say, and I'm a youth director, so I get this question frequently, would it also be fair to say that since our physical universe and our physical planet is going to be restored, and we're going to physically, in the eternal heaven, physically live on a physical planet, so on and so forth, when they ask me questions about aliens and UFOs and what have you, I guess I never really knew how to answer that, because my question always in my mind would be, well, even if there were... I know the Bible doesn't say yea or nay, but even if there were, how do we know they would even need to be redeemed?

8:33 And if they did need to be redeemed, then okay. But then does that mean that whatever planet they're on, they would... Like, I'm not sure how to... answer that.

8:45 Well, it's all conjecture, it's all speculation, and that's why you can't answer it. What you have said in the prologue to your question, however, is correct. The Bible does not in any way tell us or give the least bit of a hint that there are aliens or that there are ETs around somewhere. Not only that, but there's no physical evidence for it. But the Bible doesn't preclude the possibilities. So we can go on and on speculating about it, but it is sheer speculation because there's no evidence for it whatsoever. What we do know about is our privileged planet, the fact that Adam and Eve fell into the lives of perpetual sin, terminated by death, and that Jesus Christ has provided a way for reconciliation with God,

9:36 and that because of that, paradise lost one day will once again be paradise restored. So we cannot shout where the Bible is silent, but if it were at some point that we had incontrovertible evidence of an ET, or an unidentified flying object that is somewhere crashed on earth or somewhere accessible to us, it wouldn't discount the biblical worldview because the biblical worldview simply doesn't deal with it.

10:05 All right.

10:05 Well, thank you so much, Hank. And as always, the ministry that God has you in is amazing. And I praise God for you. And my wife and our children, we pray for CRI. We pray for you. So thank you again, and God bless you.

10:22 Well, thank you. It is a wonderful thing to hear that there are people like you out there praying for this ministry. And I am always grateful for the privilege of being a part of a ministry that is making a transcendent difference, not only for time, but also for eternity. We're going to have to leave it at that. We are coming up to station break. We'll be right back on the other side of the break with more answers to your questions right here at the Bible Answer Man Broadcasting.

10:48 As we go to break, do remember again for your gift to the ministry, Afterlife. I think you'll enjoy it. It is a book that I am passionate about. You can get your copy for your gift at equip.org.

11:00 Every Bible Answer Man broadcast, such as the one you're listening to right now, is made possible through the financial support of friends like you. Each month we depend entirely on God's provision through His people, to bring you more of the broadcast, podcast, and other resources you rely on. If you want a sound proclamation and defense of the gospel of Jesus Christ to continue to be heard through the outreaches of the Christian Research Institute, become a member of CRI's support team today. Call 888-7000-CRI and stand with CRI daily in the battle for life and truth. That's 888-7000-CRI.

11:46 Or visit our website at equip.org. We'll return shortly with more from Hank Hanegraaff.

12:01 Truth Matters, Life Matters More by Hank Hanegraaff is essentially two books in one. Because Truth Matters, Part 1 equips Christians to defend the essential truths of the historic Christian faith. In Part 2, Hank explains why life matters more and how we can experience the height of human existence, union with God in Christ. Simply put, the map is not the territory. The menu is not the meal. We cheat ourselves of authentic union with Christ when we elevate the message above the Messiah. Truth Matters, Life Matters More is a modern classic and the magnum opus of one of the great theological minds of our time. To receive Truth Matters, Life Matters More, simply call 888-7000-CRI and make a gift

12:48 in support of the life-changing work of the Christian Research Institute. That's 888-7000-CRI or go online to equip.org.

13:03 Dr.

13:04 Evan Alexander's wildly popular near-death experience book, Proof of Heaven, assures us that no matter what we do in this life, only unconditional love and joy await us in the world to come. But our Lord warned that while the gate to hell is wide, the road to it broad, and those who enter through it are many, the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Your generous support lets Hank Hanegraaff and CRI speak out against the lies that lead to hell. In appreciation for your gift today, we'll rush you Hank's book, Afterlife, what you need to know about heaven, the hereafter, and near-death experiences, filled with answers to your questions about life after death. Call 888-7000-CRI

13:51 or visit equip.org now. Again, that's equip.org. The Complete Bible Answer Book Collector's Edition is the comprehensive collection of the most often asked questions Hank Hanegraaff has received throughout his four decades as host of the Bible Answer Man broadcast. With more than half a million copies already in print, this newly revised and expanded Collector's Edition Help seekers and skeptics alike sort through the truth on topics such as reliability of the Bible, religions and cults, the resurrection and afterlife, and many more issues vital to a better understanding of God in Christ and our relationship to Him. To receive your copy of the complete Bible answer book, Collector's Edition, revised and expanded, call 888-7000-CRI today. and make a gift

14:46 to support the Christian Research Institute's life-changing outreaches, 888-7000-CRI, or visit us at equip.org. Let's return to your host, Hank Hanegraaff.

15:10 Back to our phone callers, Alberta next and Savannah, Georgia, hi.

15:14 Yes, good evening.

15:16 Good evening.

15:17 Yes, I want to ask you a question about the Tumorami 1124. I heard some preachers and they said that he wants to claim the land, you know, behind the church. He said, you know, walking around the field. I heard some other ministers that said that other ministers have done the same. Like the bank, they want to claim the land, but the church decided to not to believe what the bank told them. They started to walk across the field, walking and walking, and suddenly, miraculously, the bank gave them the land. So what do you think about that? Is it biblical today, the Old Testament, what Joshua did?

15:58 No, I mean, it's not. It doesn't apply at all. Now, that is not to say that you couldn't go to a parcel of land behind the church and pray, Lord, will you open the door? We want to use this for ministry. We want to use this to extend your kingdom, not by might nor by power, but by your spirit. Walk across that land and pray fervently to the Lord.

16:23 There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, there's everything right with that. But does this correlate to what's going on in Deuteronomy? No. This was a passage not written to us, but a passage written for us. So there are principles that adhere. This was a passage written to people that God had promised a land to, a land through which the plan of redemption would unfold and the Savior would be born, and paradise lost would become paradise restored. So this is a particular promise to a particular people at a particular time, and doesn't mean that every time you walk around a parcel of land that the bank is going to give it to you. Maybe God's plan is different than that. And that's why we always append to

17:15 our prayers, not my will be done, but thy will be done. Because God sees the future. He sees the whole picture. I remember a particular property that we wanted to buy as the Christian Research Institute in Southern California. And God closed the door to that. And as I look back in time, I am so glad that God at that particular time closed the door to that piece of property because if he had not, we would have done ourselves great harm as an organization. We might not even be around today. So God oftentimes says, no, not now.

17:52 I've got a different plan. I've got a different way. We see things in a different way oftentimes than God does. We tend to count nickels and noses. God doesn't always operate that way. He can create the greatest things miracles, and the greatest fruit, the greatest harvest out of the smallest things. So God's economy doesn't always operate on the same principles that have become part of the American dream.

18:20 Back to the phone lines. We'll talk to John next in La Honda, California. Hi, John.

18:24 Hello, Hank. Thanks for taking my call. I've got two questions. The first question is, I happen to go to a church that they're kind of a very formal, I And there they think that you need to wear a suit and a tie to serve in any kind of ministry, to usher, to sing on stage. My question for you is, is that actually legalism? Although they don't say that. And my next question is, regarding the flood, do you believe in a local flood or a global flood? And if you do believe in a local flood, how would you answer Anderson, Genesis, and other ministries like that?

18:58 Well, as far as the suit and tie is concerned, I can't make a judgment on that. The Bible doesn't speak to that, and therefore I'm not going to shout loudly. I have to look at ultimately, and the question you probably want to ask is, what is the intent? Is the intent to show reverence for God? If so, it may be a very good thing. Is it axiomatic to show reverence for God because you have a suit and a tie on, or because you're involved in certain legalistic practices?

19:31 No.

19:32 So I think really what it speaks to is the intent and reverence we have for God. I have a different opinion on this, incidentally, than my wife. My wife feels like every time we go to church, if I'm wearing a pair of jeans, she's in shock because she feels like I want to present myself in the very best way when I'm in the presence of the Lord because I'm going to see the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I wouldn't go to see the President dressed in a pair of jeans. How much less should I go to see the King of the Universe dressed in jeans? Now, again, as I said, I don't fully share her sentiments on that point, but that's something that's very important to her. And because of that, I honor that. But I don't think that this is something

20:17 that ought to be a deal breaker. I think the real issue is a matter of the heart. As far as the second part of your question is concerned, I've said this before, but I don't think the biblical text is designed to communicate whether the flood was global with respect to the earth or universal with respect to humanity.

20:36 That debate is ultimately settled by a proper reading of general revelation, or what I like to dub the book of nature. But in terms of principle, the civilization at the time of the flood was largely confined to the Fertile Crescent, and therefore I don't think we have to automatically presume that the floodwaters covered the globe. Scripture uses language like this in many places, and we have to Be careful how we communicate or interpret what Scripture is communicating.

21:10 When Scripture tells us that the whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart, we don't suppose that that means everybody. We don't suppose, for example, that included Aborigines from Australia. So it's important to read the text in its intended fashion. I mean, you could have Paul saying that the gospel is preached to every creature under heaven, when in essence he is very clearly in context talking about the Roman Empire.

21:40 So context is determinative there, and I think what's important here is that we do good research and through that do good science just as we do good scripture. So again, this is answered by God's general revelation. It's not answered in special revelation. Back to the phone lines. We'll talk to Steve next, Salt Lake City, Utah. Hi, Steve.

22:02 Hi, Hank.

22:02 Thanks for taking my call.

22:04 Pleasure.

22:06 I have a question. I was having a discussion with a Mormon. I'm a former Mormon, not a Christian. And he was talking about the Trinity and about the Council of Nicaea. And his position was that there were other Christians there that did not agree with with the Trinity, and that Constantine was the one responsible for establishing the concept of the Trinity, and that at the time Constantine was a pagan. And so, you know, that was a bit confusing for me. I know quite a bit about Mormonism, and I've spent a lot of time studying Christianity to separate the two. It's been an ongoing thing for me.

22:57 And I just wonder how you would respond to what he said about the Trinity and any biblical support for the Trinity that you could offer, or what would be good to say in response to that?

23:11 Sure. Well, first of all, although you want to say this in a kind way, I would say shame on you for historical revisionism. It's one thing to revise the Bible. and misinterpreted. It's another thing to revise history and misinterpret it. Both are errors, and we shouldn't abide either one of them. It is unfortunate. It is unfair. This is not what the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD was all about.

23:38 So this is impugning Constantine with something that had nothing to do with why that council was convened to begin with. As far as the Trinity is concerned, this is not something codified in the 4th century AD. No, this is something that is codified in Scripture. What Scripture tells us is that there is one God, and only one. So as Christians, we are fiercely monotheistic. We don't hold to a plurality of gods. We believe that there's only one God, by nature or by essence. But The Bible goes further and tells us that the Father is God, clearly communicates that Jesus Christ is God as Jesus Christ himself communicated.

24:27 In fact, that almost got him killed. The Jews picked up stones to stone him to death because he being a mere man, they said, claimed to be God. And indeed he did. In fact, the miracles that he did attested to his claim to divinity. So the Bible says the Father is is God, the Bible says that the Son is God, and the Bible furthermore says that the Holy Spirit is God. Now, not only is that true, but furthermore the Bible takes a step even further than that and says that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are eternally distinct, such that we cannot say that the Father became the Son, nor can we say that the Son became the Holy Spirit. So what do we have codified in Scripture, one God revealed in three persons who are

25:21 eternally distinct, or as I like to say, one what, one God by nature or essence, three in terms of person. And even there I'm equivocating because person has to do with identity formed and completed on the basis of relationships within the Godhead. So, I consider Scripture my authority and therefore I bow before God the authority of Scripture, because I can demonstrate that it is the infallible repository of redemptive revelation. Moreover, I can demonstrate that the Book of Mormon does not correspond to reality. It's contradicted by not only anthropology, but archaeology. The concern, by the way, of the Council of Nicaea was clearly and unambiguously the relationship between Father and Son. Is Christ a creature or a

26:07 true God? So they've done historical revisionism, unfortunately, I'm out of time.

26:12 Thank you for joining us for the Bible Answer Man broadcast. If you'd like more information about the Christian Research Institute or to order resources, just call 888-7000-CRI. That's 888-7000-274. Or visit equip.org where you can listen live or download archived broadcasts. Again, that's equip.org. You can also write to us at postofficebox8500. org Charlotte, North Carolina, zip code 28271. The Bible Answer Man broadcast is supported by listeners like you. We're on the air because life and truth matter.

27:01 Hank Hanegraaff has dedicated his life to defending truth because truth matters. Yet an encounter with Christians in the underground church of China left Hanegraaff contemplating his Christian experience. They were experiencing something beyond truth. They were experiencing life. Truth Matters, Life Matters More by Hank Hanegraaff is two books in one.

27:21 Because Truth Matters, part one equips Christians to defend the essential truths of the historic Christian faith. In part two, Hank explains why life matters more and how we can experience the height of human existence, union with God. Prepare to move past intellectually knowing about God to experientially knowing God in Christ. To receive your copy of Truth Matters, Life Matters More, The Unexpected Beauty of an Authentic Christian Life, call 888-7000-CRI and make a gift to support the Christian Research Institute's life-changing outreaches, 888-7000-CRI, or visit us at equip.org.