Myths About Death

Soul immortality, purgatory, reincarnation and spiritualism - What does the Bible say about these beliefs?

Throughout history, mankind has developed various theories about what happens after death. Most religions of the world teach some form of consciousness after death — whether soul immortality, reincarnation, or communication with the dead. But where did these ideas come from? And what does the Bible say about them?

The First Lie

What was the first lie recorded in the Bible?

'God does not exist' 'You will surely not die' 'You can be like gods' 'The fruit is good to eat'

The first lie recorded in the Bible was about death! God had said clearly: “In the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die” (). Satan contradicted directly: “You will surely not die.” This lie (that death is not real, that something in us continues to live) is the basis of practically all false doctrines about death.

“The doctrine of natural immortality, first borrowed from pagan philosophy and, in the darkness of the great apostasy, incorporated into the faith of Christendom, supplanted the truth so clearly taught in the Scriptures.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 545

The Myth of Soul Immortality

Where did the doctrine of soul immortality come from?

From the teachings of Jesus and the apostles From Greek philosophy (Plato and Socrates) From the prophets of the Old Testament From the first Christians in Jerusalem

The idea that the soul is immortal does not come from the Bible, but from Greek philosophy, especially the teachings of Plato. The Greeks believed that the body was a “prison” for the immortal soul. When Christianity spread throughout the Greco-Roman world, this pagan idea was gradually incorporated into Christian theology.

Who ALONE possesses immortality?

The angels of heaven The souls of the saints All spiritual creatures God alone

The Bible is clear: only God is immortal by nature. Immortality will be granted to the saved as a gift at the resurrection (), it is not something we already possess.

The Myth of Purgatory

Does the Bible teach about a place of purification after death?

Yes, purgatory is mentioned in several passages Yes, but only for minor sins No, after death comes judgment, not purification Purgatory exists only for the unbaptized

The doctrine of purgatory — an intermediate place where souls are purified before entering heaven — has no biblical basis. The Bible teaches that “it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment.” There is no second chance or purification after death.

Can salvation be obtained by our works or suffering?

Yes, we must suffer to atone for our sins By grace you have been saved through faith, not by works We need works plus grace Our works determine our time in purgatory

The idea that we must suffer to purify our sins contradicts the gospel. Jesus already suffered for us on the cross. Salvation is by grace, through faith, not by works or suffering, either in this life or after death.

“The biblical doctrine of the investigative judgment and the extinction of sin and sinners shows that belief in eternal torment cannot be maintained.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 536

The Myth of Reincarnation

How many times does a human being die?

Several times, until reaching perfection It depends on accumulated karma Once None, for the soul is immortal

Reincarnation — the belief that the soul returns in different bodies — directly contradicts the Bible. The Scriptures teach that we die once and then comes judgment, not a series of lives. Moreover, salvation comes by God’s grace, not by spiritual evolution through multiple existences.

Is it possible to return from death to a new earthly life?

Yes, through reincarnation He goes down to Sheol and does not come up; he returns no more to his house Only the enlightened can choose to return Yes, if there is pending karma

The Myth of Spiritualism

Is it possible to communicate with the dead?

Yes, through qualified mediums Yes, under special conditions No, the dead know nothing and take no part in anything Only with dead who wish to communicate

If the dead are unconscious, who are mediums communicating with? The Bible is clear: not the dead. They are deceiving spirits — demons who impersonate the dead to spread lies.

What does God think about consulting the dead?

It is acceptable if done with good intentions It is an abomination to the Lord It is permitted in cases of necessity It is a valid way to seek guidance

God explicitly forbids any attempt to communicate with the dead. This includes séances, the use of mediums, Ouija boards, and any other similar practice. Why? Because it opens the door to satanic deception.

“The theory of the immortality of the soul was one of the false doctrines that Rome, borrowing from paganism, incorporated into the religion of Christendom. Satan operates through Romanism as his agent.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 549

The Case of Saul and the “Witch” of Endor

Who really appeared to Saul when he consulted the medium of Endor?

The true prophet Samuel An angel of God A deceiving spirit/demon Samuel's soul trapped on earth

Many point to 1 Samuel 28 as proof that the dead can communicate. But consider: God had refused to speak to Saul through dreams, Urim or prophets (). Would God then answer through a practice that He Himself forbade? The Bible says that Saul died for consulting a medium (). The apparition was not Samuel, but a deceiving spirit.

Why Are These Lies Dangerous?

All these false beliefs have something in common: they deny the reality of death and prepare people for Satan’s final great deception.

Soul immortality → Makes people believe they do not need to fear death
Purgatory → Diverts from salvation by grace
Reincarnation → Removes the urgency of choosing Christ
Spiritualism → Opens the door to demonic communication

“Satan has power to bring before men the appearance of their deceased friends. The counterfeit is perfect… Many will be confronted by spirits of demons personifying loved relatives or friends.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 552

And Now?

Biblical truth protects us from Satan’s deceptions:

Reject natural soul immortality: Only God is immortal; we will receive immortality as a gift.
Trust only Christ for salvation: There is no purgatory; Jesus already paid the complete price.
Abandon beliefs in reincarnation: We have one life to choose Christ.
Avoid all forms of spiritualism: The dead do not communicate; demons deceive.

I reject the false doctrines about death: soul immortality, purgatory, reincarnation and spiritualism. I accept the biblical teaching that the dead sleep until the resurrection and that my hope for eternal life is only in Jesus Christ.

4) Myths About Death