Miracle Healing Via Dead Spirits? What’s Going On?

Miracle Healing Via Dead Spirits? What’s Going On?

I was recently chatting to some close family friends who had come back from a trip to Brazil where they witnessed a supposed miracle healer who goes by the name “John of God” performing open surgery on various people claiming to have healed them.

They said he was also a medium and was used by several deceased doctors to perform these surgeries. The Bible teaches us that the dead can’t come back to life, but I’m having a real hard time trying to convince them of this. Have you heard of this guy? And what would you advice be to me concerning my friends? as it deeply concerns me

God Bless You, S, Brisbane, Australia


I have not heard of this person and I won’t be able to say with 100% certainty what this man is doing as I have not seen him nor the subjects he is practicing upon. But, there are several possibilities regarding what he is doing and I will explore them in a moment.

But first, we can be certain that the dead, who have not be resurrected by Christ, are not capable of communicating with the living or interacting in any way. The Scriptures tell us:

  • For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; Ecc 9:5
  • No one remembers you when he is dead. Who praises you from the grave? Ps 6:5

Further the Scriptures tell us what we call death is a “sleep” (Matt 9:24, John 11:11-14, 1Thes 4:13) and when Lazarus, who had been in the grave for 4 days, arose, he had nothing to say about his experience, why? Because his brain was not working while he was dead and without a functioning brain there is no awareness.

When a human dies the body decays back to dust. However, our individuality, our unique identity, our personhood, is safely stored with Christ in heaven. It would be like having a backup copy of your computer hard drive on a server. If the computer is destroyed, all you need do is get a new machine and download the information from the server to the new computer and you have “resurrected” your computer. Likewise, when we die, our individuality is stored safely with Christ in the “heavenly record books” i.e. the heavenly server. It is not until Christ returns that the stored identities are put back into brains and the people live again when they are resurrected. Until then those who have died know nothing, learn nothing, and can communicate nothing.

Therefore, if this man is claiming to be in contact with “spirits” of dead doctors we know for certain this is not true.  And since God is a God of truth we know that what this man is doing is not of God. But knowing his work is not a supernatural work of God still doesn’t tell us what is actually going on. Four possibilities come to mind:

  1. He is a charlatan, conman, and a scam-artist who is deceiving and tricking people using the specter of interacting with the dead to mesmerize people and gain popularity, money and power. He may have persons colluding with him in the con by pretending to be sick and the surgeries are fake.
  2. He is using hypnosis to put people into a trance, which allows him to do surgery without chemical anesthesia. If he has some basic knowledge of human anatomy and antiseptic principles it is possible he is doing minor surgeries and then using the specter of spirits to heighten his “prowess” and “reputation” beyond his true abilities.
  3. He is mentally ill and deluded and actually believes he is in contact with dead persons, but in actuality it is all happening within his own mind. His surgical skill would be only that which is within the realm of human knowledge and within his ability to learn or attain.
  4. He is involved with supernatural demonic forces who impersonate the dead and who do provide him with knowledge about human physiology and surgical skills all designed by these fallen angels to confuse the minds of men and lead them away from God.

I believe all of these are possibilities (and perhaps even some combination of them) and would not be surprised by any of them but would need more evidence to determine which is most likely. One of the founders of our church predicted that Satan and his confederate angels would use such methods to deceive as we get closer to Christ’s return:

* Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in deception, and urge them on to unite with Satan in his last struggle against the government of Heaven. By these agencies, rulers and subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be Christ himself, and claiming the title and worship which belong to the world’s Redeemer. They will perform wonderful miracles of healing, and will profess to have revelations from Heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures. {GC88 623.3}

  • He [Satan] has power to bring before men the appearance of their departed friends. The counterfeit is perfect; the familiar look, the words, the tone, are reproduced with marvelous distinctness… Many will be confronted by the spirits of devils personating beloved relatives or friends and declaring the most dangerous heresies. These visitants will appeal to our tenderest sympathies and will work miracles to sustain their pretensions.- GC 552, 560 (1911).
  • The way in which Christ worked was to preach the Word, and to relieve suffering by miraculous works of healing. But I am instructed that we cannot now work in this way, for Satan will exercise his power by working miracles. God’s servants today could not work by means of miracles, because spurious works of healing, claiming to be divine, will be wrought. {2SM 54.2}

The scripture tells us that the warfare between Christ and Satan is a battle for our minds over the truth about God, (2Cor 10:3-5, John 17:3, John 8:32). Satan has no truth on his side therefore he must divert our minds and attention away from truth. One of the most effective ways of doing this is to use miracles, signs and wonders which will fascinate and enthrall, but which will not enlighten. There may even be real physical improvement, but such “healing” proves nothing. Satan wants to prevent souls from receiving eternal life, not from getting over appendicitis. The question is not, “did a real miracle occur,” but rather, “Is the truth about God being told?” In this case the “healer” is misrepresenting the truth and therefore his “power” is not from God as God is always truthful.

I don’t know how to reach your friend because I don’t know why he values this man, but I would start by asking your friend more questions, why does he value this person, upon what does he base his confidence in the healer? I would ask him if Eve’s confidence in the serpent was well placed because she saw the miracle of it speaking? When Jannes and Jambres threw their staffs down to counterfeit Moses miracle did that mean the priests of Egypt were to be trusted (2Tim 3:8)?

I would also pray that God will open your friend’s mind to discern the truth and expose this man as a fraud to the truth. Does your friend value scripture? If so it might be helpful to explore what the Bible says about human mortality and expose that the dead cannot communicate and thus this man is not working with God’s power.

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal, using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 59

I’m a native Ghanan, but am currently in France for my master’s degree. Prior to this, during my final years at undergraduate studies in Ghana, I was introduced to your ministry and I’ve been immensely blessed by what you share, especially about the Design and Imposed Laws. God richly bless you for that.

One of the first things I did when I arrived in France was to buy all four of your books. They not only helped me, but those I shared them with. I shared the message with an atheist student and I marveled at how God worked mightily in his life. Today this person shares the Love of God with others and debunks theories of who God is not. I want to share what you present in your “Heavenly Sanctuary and Investigative Judgment” pamphlet, because the message brought rest to my soul and I live today as a healthy person.

God bless you so much and your ministry.

Michael A., Ghana

 

Testimony 57

You have helped make sense of thirty two years of confusion. The material you freely provide reorganized so much of my life into such a beautiful pattern that has always been hinted at from within, but misguided with my training and what I was experiencing externally. My filipno parents, who were converted from Catholicism to SDA, were sincere and did their best to raise me the right way and I have deep respect for them. However, being immigrants and not understanding the language made for a difficult transition as I was growing up, which also applied to my spiritual growth as I learned the patterns of religion. I have been listening to as many bible study classes and reading blog posts as my time in a work truck will allow, searching for the practical applications of where spirituality and reality meet, and I thank you for helping me find that. You have helped me reach a point in which I can truly say that I love God, that I believe He loves me, and, like David, I delight in His law. God bless.

Emmanuel V., Calgary, AB Canada

Testimony 55

I was born [into the church], then I left it for many years. 10 years ago, I came back, but I could not take the hypocrisy and the lack of answers to the missing pieces. I struggled, but I did not abandon my commitment to know the truth. God is leading me to the simple understanding of his relevance and I am relearning what the church taught me as a youth… that he loves me, that he has led me to a knowledge of him such as I have never known. He is using Dr. Jennings to connect the dots that are now so apparent and hiding in plain sight!

Dean P., Arlington, TX, USA

 

Testimony 1

Thank you! I love listening to the Come And Reason Ministries Bible study classes and am using some of your notes to get the lessons together that I will be teaching. You always have such good quotes and Bible texts and pull things together to make good sense.

T. C., IN, USA

 

Testimony 71

When I was 9 years old, I remember setting at our devotional table with a hunger and thirst for God that wanted more, deeper, BETTER. I can remember literally crying and pounding on the table, “I know these teachers didn’t mean to give us error. They taught what THEY had been TAUGHT, but didn’t ANYBODY READ THE BOOK?!?!?” It mattered to me then. It mattered to me as a teenager. It matters now as I teach bible classes. It didn’t have to be so hard as I watched so many give up and lay God’s great plan and gift of salvation aside as being “impossible.” Then, a friend sent me a link to Come And Reason’s website. I grew excited. YES! FINALLY! Then another friend told me to stay away, saying her son had just broken up with a girl because she was involved with Come And Reason and that “Tim Jennings preaches a false gospel.” But, AFTER many years of developing an authentic and, dare I say FUN relationship with Jesus, through the Holy Spirit I see this message has been around a LONG time, since the apostle Paul, Ellen White, Graham Maxwell, Ray Foucher, and yourself (though I admit, you’ve made me back up, rewind and replay the clips, and get out my well-worn Bible on a few things.) I’m so thankful I have found LIGHT during these DARK days. I am not alone.

Vicki DiNitto

Testimony 2

I continue to enjoy your lessons every week. The more that I research your conclusions, the more I am convinced that the Holy Spirit has lead you to distill out the essence of human redemption. Thank you for your courageous stand for the truth.

S. G., TX, USA

 

Testimony 66

I am incredibly grateful for the transformative impact you’ve had on my life, and words cannot fully express my appreciation. Over the years, I have been an avid listener and follower of C&R and extend my heartfelt thanks for creating the C&R mobile app. It has allowed me to immerse myself in your lessons repeatedly, enabling me to grasp the profound significance about the Character of God, Design Law, the protocols for life, the reasons behind the current chaos, and Christ’s mission to restore everything. They have deeply touched me. Having studied with various churches, I came away with the perception that God is no different from the deities of ancient Greek or Roman mythology—demanding sacrifices and taking pleasure in bloodshed. Thanks to your transformative teachings, I have experienced a profound awakening to the true nature of God and the immense power of His love. It is truly a remarkable and liberating sensation to finally grasp the truth and embrace the empowering nature of God’s laws. My self-perception has become brighter and more infused with love. My journey of growth continues on a daily basis.

Chris P., Lake Mary, FL, USA

 

Testimony 50

After coming into contact with Come And Reason Ministries, I can finally say that many of my unanswered questions have fallen into place. I discovered that my view of God’s Law was “imposed laws and rules” with “imposed punishments” and that this was the major culprit of my many unanswered questions. Thanks be to God for using you and those around you to help us who have struggled with this “infection” of thought. I have now rejected the “imposed law” concept to fully embrace “Design Law”… to look thru “Design Law,” instead of “imposed law,” is a relief.

Viliami L., Australia

 

Testimony 46

Over the past couple of years God has been expanding my view of Himself and His character. Along my approximately 40-year journey, I have often had questions, but was hesitant to voice these and step outside the traditionally accepted thinking, for fear of admitting that I may in fact be eternally lost. In the recesses of my thinking has been the thought – if one blindly accepts (which is widely regarded as “real faith”) and does not question, is this really ‘truth?’ I often find it challenging to grapple with very theological ‘speak,’ but Dr. Jennings has a real gift of explaining spiritual concepts with clear practical examples. The weekly discussions are growing my Christian experience and slowly changing my view of how to live as a child of God in today’s complex world. Finally the whole Old Testament sanctuary teaching moved in my mind from fantasy to reality!

Beverly S., South Africa

 

Testimony 47

I can’t even begin to thank you and your ministry enough for introducing me to the Truth about a loving and merciful God! I have my daughter and her in-laws to thank for sharing with me “The God-Shaped Brain” as well as your website. I listen to the Bible study class lessons on my daily walk. May God continue to bless your thirst-quenching ministry!

Liz H., Port Angeles, WA, USA

 

 

Testimony 3

My husband is a pastor and I listen to your lesson almost every week. Thank you for helping me in my study life and to help me love the “real” God more.

C. F., NC, USA

 

Testimony 36

Thank you and may God continue to bless you as you share with others the intricacies of how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully made”. I must share that you have opened a whole new world to me, and I have found tremendous healing through what you have shared in two of your books, “Could It Be This Simple?” and “The God Shaped Brain.” I praise God for what you shared, what I have learned, and how I have grown and healed! My prayer is that My Precious Jesus will be seen by others in the way I live, act, talk, etc. and they may be encouraged to know He is truly a GREAT God of LOVE, desiring that no one should perish! God Bless you in your continued endeavors to present Him as He really is!

Joleen H. GA, USA

 

Testimony 17

The blessings of clarity and understanding you and your class inspire me to take from the word of God have impressed upon me so greatly the true, loving character of our Creator. I have found amazing freedom and joy through building a stronger, more intentional relationship with Him. What is new is that this is now a relationship built on love, reverence and respect rather than fear and obligation, and as such my eyes have been slammed OPEN as I am continually impressed by the manifestations of God’s true character in His provisions for fallen man.

T.E.H., Salt Lake City, UT, USA

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 30

God lead me to your book “The God-Shaped Brain” while I was searching for another book about the brain and then to your interview about your book on HeartWise Ministries [where] I found out about [Come And Reason Ministries]. I’m now devouring the webcasts of your Bible studies. I have been so greatly blessed and I thank God so much for your courage to speak the Truth in love no matter what. Listening to you contrast the two opposing systems (laws) and digging deep to unearth the hidden treasures in the Bible makes me so incredibly happy and I feel very blessed to be part of your Bible Study Group although I live far away. I am just so excited that there is a group of people that is spreading the Truth about the character of God and it saddens me how few realize what our Father in Heaven is really like.

Kessy B., Australia