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From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Dear Rev. Graham: My friend says that she goes to the cemetery every week, bringing an angel figurine, to talk things over with her mother (who is buried there). While I don’t believe this is possible, she comes away every week uplifted and content, though for a few days, that her mother has spoken to her and given her direction in decisions she has to make. She claims that even God’s people did this at times. What can I share with her to help her understand this is not possible, and that she really needs to speak with Christ Himself? – C.D.

 

Dear C.D.: Jesus, through His Holy Spirit, is the only One who speaks from Heaven. Loved ones whose souls have gone into the presence of the Lord through death are bound physically in the grave. One day their bodies will be joined with Christ.

Our culture today is caught up with the spirit world and fascinated by angels. But Christians are to have fellowship only with people living on Earth and with the Lord Jesus Christ who is alive in Heaven, seated at the right hand of God. For those who belong to Him, He makes intercession for His own. Through His Spirit He comforts, convicts, guides, and teaches His Holy Scriptures.

Entertainment programs and movies often show people claiming to beckon spirits from the dead and commune with loved ones.

It is doubtful that people who seek to talk to the dead do so for the purpose of being rebuked; rather they want some type of mystic experience. There’s no greater experience than to hear from the Spirit of the triune God. On Easter morning, the angel asked the women who went to Jesus’ tomb, “Why are you seeking the living One among the dead?” (Luke 24:5 NASB). We must seek the Lord and listen for His voice through His written Word.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)