A friend asked me this question today.
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Let’s look at what Scripture actually teaches.
Evangelism Is for the Living
The central mission of the Church is to proclaim the gospel to the living—to call people to repentance and faith in Jesus before they die. As Paul writes, “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). The Bible teaches that death marks a person’s final opportunity to respond to God’s grace. After that, judgment follows:
“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” —Hebrews 9:27
There is no biblical support for the idea that people can be evangelized, persuaded, or converted after they’ve died.
Biblical Warnings Against Necromancy
Not only does the Bible remain silent on any practice of evangelizing the dead—it explicitly forbids all forms of interaction with the dead. God’s law warns Israel not to adopt the practices of pagan nations:
“There shall not be found among you anyone… who is a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord” — Deuteronomy 18:10–12
“Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lord your God” — Leviticus 19:31
These are not suggestions—they are serious prohibitions, and they reflect God’s desire to keep His people from being deceived or corrupted by spiritual counterfeit.
The Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus
Jesus’ parable in Luke 16:19–31 adds weight to this teaching. In the story, a rich man who has died begs for a chance to send a message back to his living brothers to warn them. Abraham refuses the request:
“If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” —Luke 16:31
The point is clear: the time to hear and respond to God is now, in this life. After death, the opportunity is gone. No gospel is preached to the dead, and no conversion happens beyond the grave.
What About Spirits That Seem to Be the Dead?
Some may point to stories of supposed encounters with deceased loved ones or spiritual manifestations that appear human. But Scripture cautions us here, too.
The Bible warns that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). In biblical demonology, deceptive spirits frequently impersonate others to mislead and confuse. In fact, some interpreters suggest that what appear to be “ghosts” or spirits of the dead may actually be demons masquerading as departed souls.
The Old Testament example of King Saul consulting a medium to summon the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 28) is one of the most debated passages—but even this story doesn’t endorse the practice. Saul is rebuked, and the entire episode is framed as disobedience, leading to his downfall.
Conclusion: Leave the Dead to God—Preach to the Living
Christians are not called to evangelize the dead. We are called to proclaim the gospel boldly, truthfully, and urgently to the living. Attempts to reach beyond the grave not only contradict Scripture, but also open the door to deception.
Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). That promise is offered now—and now is when it must be received.
Let’s make the most of the time we’re given.
