The ability to see or perceive spirits and demons is controversial in Christian circles. Some believe it is a supernatural gift of the Holy Spirit, while others view it as dangerous and warn against seeking such experiences. Ultimately, the Bible does not give a definitive answer on whether seeing spirits is a God-given ability for some believers.
Spiritual Gifts in the Bible
The New Testament discusses spiritual gifts that God gives believers to serve and build up the church. These include gifts like teaching, prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). However, the gift of “discerning spirits” is also mentioned:
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit…to another the ability to distinguish between spirits (1 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV).
This implies that some believers may have an enhanced capacity to discern between spiritual forces. The gift appears related to prophecy and vision:
Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:20-23 ESV).
Testing prophecies and visions likely involves discerning if their source is the Holy Spirit, a demonic spirit, or the human spirit. This gift is not necessarily the same as seeing invisible spirits with one’s natural senses, but may include spiritual perception.
Examples of seeing spirits
There are examples in the Bible where people saw or sensed angelic beings and demons:
- Balaam saw the Angel of the Lord blocking his path (Numbers 22:31).
- Elisha’s servant saw the mountain filled with fiery chariots at Dothan (2 Kings 6:17).
- The disobedient prophet in 1 Kings 13 listened to the words of an old prophet, but was then killed by a lion through God’s judgment. Some believe the old prophet was actually demonically inspired rather than truly hearing from God (1 Kings 13).
- Jesus cast demons out of people, and the demons are described as speaking, recognizing Jesus’ authority, and entering the Gadarene pigs (Mark 5:1-20).
In addition, after Jesus’ resurrection, he appeared to his disciples even though he had a resurrected body and was not just a spirit:
See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have (Luke 24:39 ESV).
This suggests that spirits may be visible and perceptible to some individuals, at certain times, and by God’s will.
Cautions about Seeing Spirits
While spiritual gifts like discerning spirits exist, Christians have some warnings about seeing the supernatural realm:
- Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, so spiritual perceptions could be deceptive (2 Corinthians 11:14).
- Focusing too much on the unseen world can lead people away from God’s word and truth (Colossians 2:18).
- Conjuring up spirits and magic are strongly condemned in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).
In Acts 16:16-18, Paul cast out a spirit of divination from a slave girl rather than leaving the spirit in place to give her powers. And Elisha prayed for his servant to see the angelic army, rather than seeking such visions himself or teaching the servant to develop this ability.
Overall, the Bible does not encourage believers to seek out supernatural encounters and experiences. While they occur in Scripture, the focus is on knowing God through faith in Christ and obedience to Scripture.
Seeing Demons Today
Among charismatic Christian groups today, some individuals assert that they have the gift of seeing spiritual beings. They claim to discern angelic guides, demons afflicting people, and supernatural activity affecting cities, nations, and regions.
However, these claims should be approached with discernment and caution. Scripture does not promise this ability to all believers. And alleged visions of the spiritual realm today must be carefully tested against the Bible to avoid deception.
Seeing into the spiritual realm could potentially happen today, as Scripture records precedents for it. But it is typically not advised to seek out such experiences, since demons can deceive and angels usually appeared for specific divine purposes in the Bible rather than merely to prove their existence.
Interpreting Dreams and Visions
Dreams and visions are another way some contemporary believers feel they interact with the spiritual realm. As with seeing spirits, dreams should be carefully tested:
Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said…For God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:29, 33 ESV).
While dreams and visions were sometimes given for revelation in the Bible, interpreters should have wisdom and discernment. Fantastical dreams or frightening demonic encounters may not be from God at all.
Gifts of Discernment
Rather than desiring to see spirits and demons directly, mature believers seek gifts of discernment. This allows them to distinguish truth from deception, righteous spirits from evil ones, without necessarily seeing into the supernatural realm.
Tests for discernment include aligning with Scripture, focusing on Christ, producing godly fruit in one’s life, and building up faith and the church (1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 John 4:1-3). Any spirit that detracts from these is not from God.
Conclusion
The Bible shows that seeing into the spiritual realm is possible, but was not a common or emphasized experience even during biblical times. When visions occurred, their purpose was receiving direct revelation from God.
Today, Christians are not encouraged to seek out spiritual visions. But sincere believers can grow in spiritual discernment and wisdom to distinguish truth from deception. This allows them to perceive the influence of spiritual forces through insight rooted in Scripture rather than directly observing the spiritual realm.
Rather than unverified supernatural experiences, believers today have the full revelation of Scripture to guide them. Developing character, faith and biblical spiritual gifts are the emphasis over visionary abilities. Visions and dreams may happen today, but should be carefully tested against God’s word to avoid deception.