Here are three things the Bible teaches you should not do for a deceased person, explained carefully and respectfully, with scriptural grounding (paraphrased):
1. Do not pray to the dead
The Bible consistently teaches that prayer is directed to God alone, not to those who have died.
- The dead are described as no longer participating in earthly affairs (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
- Seeking guidance or help from the dead is explicitly forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:10–12).
Biblical idea: Prayer to the dead crosses into practices the Bible warns against.
2. Do not attempt to communicate with the dead
Practices like séances, mediums, or trying to “receive messages” from the dead are strongly condemned.
- Saul’s attempt to consult the dead through a medium is shown as disobedience and leads to judgment (1 Samuel 28).
Biblical idea: God forbids communication with the dead because it replaces trust in Him and opens the door to deception.
3. Do not believe the dead can return to change outcomes
The Bible teaches that death marks a final separation between the living and the dead in this life.
- In Jesus’ teaching about the rich man and Lazarus, a clear boundary is described that cannot be crossed (Luke 16:26).
- After death comes judgment, not a second chance to alter earthly matters (Hebrews 9:27).
Biblical idea: The dead cannot come back to warn, protect, or intervene for the living.
Important balance
The Bible does not forbid:
- Mourning
- Remembering the deceased
- Honoring their lives
But it does draw a clear line between remembrance and spiritual practices involving the dead.
If you want, I can also share:
- What the Bible encourages believers to do after someone dies
- How different Christian traditions interpret these passages
- Old Testament vs New Testament perspectives
Just tell me.
