How can you discount near-death experiences?
Question:
Hello,
I have a few comments about near-death experiences.
First, you answered "No" to Job's question: "If a man dies, shall he live again?" To me, your answer is not biblical unless I misunderstand you. Jesus Christ promised eternal life for those who repent while on Earth and believe in him. So if one dies and gains eternal life, how can he not live again? Actually, the physical part of our body dies, but our soul continues to exist.
About hellish near-death experiences, you write they don't really exist. Really? Do you know God can raise one from the dead? Nothing is too hard for God. Jesus said to enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and only a few find it. This suggests many will be in hell. Why would God not warn this generation through near-death experiences?
I just do not understand your thinking. I admit there is no proof of near-death experiences either way, so why are you so quick to reject the many, many hellish near-death experiences?
Answer:
"Man, who is born of woman, is short-lived and full of turmoil. Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain. You also open Your eyes on him and bring him into judgment with Yourself" (Job 14:1-3).
"Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with You; And his limits You have set so that he cannot pass" (Job 14:4).
"For there is hope for a tree, when it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and its shoots will not fail. Though its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the dry soil, at the scent of water it will flourish and put forth sprigs like a plant. But man dies and lies prostrate. Man expires, and where is he? As water evaporates from the sea, and a river becomes parched and dried up, so man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens are no longer, he will not awake nor be aroused out of his sleep?" (Job 14:7-12).
"If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my struggle I will wait until my change comes. You will call, and I will answer You; You will long for the work of Your hands" (Job 14:14-15).
Throughout this passage, Job states that man does not return to life on this earth after death. That is why Job longed to die. He was tired of his existence. He wanted to leave this world and rest. But also notice that Job does not rule out life after death. He speaks of a change coming (I Corinthians 15:54), a judgment (I Corinthians 4:5), and God calling His people (John 5:28-29). Job's statements that death is a final separation from Earth don't rule out eternal life. Nor did my answer leave that out since the next quote was, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).
Yes, a few people experience nightmares. I agreed with the writer of the question that "the reported near-death experiences are almost universally positive." This is not ignoring the negative experiences.
You asked why God would not warn people about hell. He did. It is called the Bible. When the rich man wanted to have Lazarus sent back from the dead to warn his brothers, Abraham's answer was, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead" (Luke 16:31).
You imagine that God is using near-death experiences to warn people, but you also admit there is no proof. I laid out proof from what the Creator said about His creation and you don't wish to accept the evidence. If you desire to stay out of Hell, listen to what God has said.
