Beyond the Veil…? A Biblical Response to Near-Death Experiences and Visions of the Afterlife
“I died, I went to heaven—and God showed me secrets no one else knows!”
This kind of claim floods Christian bookshelves, podcasts, YouTube testimonies, and even sermons today. Many believers, especially within charismatic circles and movements like the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), are captivated by these near-death experiences (NDEs), stories of “heavenly tourism,” and “visions of hell.”
But we must ask a hard question: Are these stories harmless personal testimonies, or do they subtly undermine the sufficiency and authority of Scripture? Should Christians ground their faith in such experiences—or is there a deeper danger lurking beneath the fascination?
The Fascination With the Afterlife
There’s no denying that the idea of glimpsing beyond death stirs powerful emotions. Popular books like Heaven Is For Real, 23 Minutes in Hell, or The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven promise vivid, first-hand accounts of what lies beyond the grave. YouTube teems with videos where individuals recount what they claim to have seen in heaven or hell, offering detailed descriptions of angels, Jesus, the throne room of God, or the torments of the damned.
Why do these stories have such pull?
First, they satisfy curiosity: people naturally wonder about what happens after death. Second, they comfort fears, reassuring believers that heaven is real and glorious. Third, they offer sensational appeal—a peek behind the cosmic curtain that feels exciting and exclusive. Finally, they elevate the storyteller’s authority, drawing attention, followers, and sometimes financial gain.
In movements like the NAR, such stories are celebrated not just as personal encouragements but as evidence of “open heaven” experiences, prophetic gifting, or fresh revelation for the church. But is this where Christians should fix their eyes?
The NAR’s Role in Promoting These Experiences
The NAR thrives on the idea that God is constantly revealing new things beyond what has already been revealed in Scripture. Apostles, prophets, and specially anointed individuals are often believed to receive divine visions, dreams, and messages intended to guide and awaken the modern church.
Within this framework, near-death experiences and afterlife visions become much more than private encouragement—they are seen as necessary supplements to Scripture. They are treated as prophetic tools to stir up revival or interest in the things of God, confirm the miraculous, or convey messages that Scripture supposedly has left incomplete.
But here’s the subtle danger: these stories shift authority away from the Bible and toward the storyteller. Instead of asking, “What has God said in His Word?”, people begin asking, “What did you see? What special message did God give you personally?” The risk is that subjective experiences begin to overshadow the objective truth of Scripture.
Biblical Warnings About Seeking the Unseen
The Bible is not silent about humanity’s curiosity regarding hidden things.
Deuteronomy 29:29 teaches:
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever.”
God has already revealed everything essential for us to know in His Word.
In Luke 16:27–31, Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man, tormented in Hades, begs Abraham to send someone back from the dead to warn his brothers. Abraham replies, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.” This shows that even a miraculous after-death testimony will not convince those who ignore God’s revealed Word.
Paul also warns in Colossians 2:18–19 against those who become vainly puffed up by their visions and mystical experiences, distracting from Christ. Even Paul himself, who was “caught up to the third heaven” (2 Corinthians 12:1–4), spoke of it with extreme restraint, refusing to make it central to his ministry. For Paul, the focus remained squarely on Christ and the Gospel—not on sensational experiences.
When Stories Contradict Scripture
Many near-death experience stories go beyond—or even contradict—biblical teaching. Some claim that all people eventually make it to heaven, suggesting a universalism the Bible clearly denies. Others introduce ideas like reincarnation, second chances after death, or hidden details about heaven, hell, and angels that Scripture never supports.
There are even accounts where Jesus appears or speaks in ways that distort His biblical character, presenting Him as merely a friendly figure or downplaying His holiness and justice.
The Bible has already given us the truth we need. Isaiah 8:20 says:
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.”
If a testimony does not align fully with Scripture, it should not be trusted.
Comparison Table: Bible Truth vs Common NDE Claims
| Topic | What the Bible Teaches | What Many NDE Claims Say |
|---|---|---|
| Who goes to heaven | Only those saved by grace through faith in Christ (John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8–9) | Many claim to see non-Christians or even people from other religions in heaven, implying universal salvation |
| Second chances after death | It is appointed for man to die once, then judgment (Hebrews 9:27) | Some testimonies suggest people can choose salvation after death or reincarnate |
| Jesus’ appearance | Glorified, majestic, consistent with biblical descriptions (Revelation 1:12–16) | Some describe Jesus casually, as merely “a friend” or in ways that distort His holiness and glory |
| The nature of hell | A place of eternal conscious punishment (Matthew 25:46; Luke 16:19–31) | Some NDEs describe hell as temporary, or claim God would never allow eternal punishment |
| Revelation of new truths | God’s revelation is complete in Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17; Revelation 22:18–19) | Many testimonies introduce new insights or “secrets” that supposedly supplement or go beyond the Bible |
| Purpose of visions | To glorify God, align with Scripture, and point to Christ (John 16:13–14) | Many stories center on personal experience, self-importance, or gaining followers and influence |
The Problem of Entertainment-Based Spirituality
It’s no secret that many Christians today are drawn toward what entertains rather than what edifies. Near-death testimonies, heavenly visions, and tales of afterlife journeys often serve as spiritual thrill rides. People who once delighted in Scripture now flock to stories and experiences, seeking emotional highs or fascinating details.
This shift is dangerous. When Scripture becomes boring and the spectacular becomes addictive, believers risk replacing true spiritual growth with shallow excitement. Even worse, storytellers can exploit this fascination for personal gain, growing their influence or making money—not necessarily to build up the church in truth.
Is God Forbidden from Using NDES? A Balanced Caution
We must be balanced and fair: God is sovereign, and He can use anything—including an NDE—to wake someone up or get their attention. There are testimonies where people claim they were shaken out of rebellion or atheism through such an experience.
But even genuine experiences must never add to, override, or stand on equal ground with Scripture. As 2 Timothy 3:16–17 reminds us, the Scriptures are sufficient to equip believers for every good work. No personal testimony should ever become the new foundation of faith.
Are Near-Death Experiences Necessary for Evangelism?
One common defense of sharing near-death experience stories is that they might help convince unbelievers that heaven, hell, and God are real. Many Christians circulate NDE videos and testimonies online, hoping these vivid, dramatic accounts will break through hardened hearts and awaken people to the truths of the afterlife.
But here’s the question we must wrestle with honestly: Are NDEs actually necessary to bring unbelievers to faith in Christ?
Scripture itself gives a resounding answer: NO!
The Bible teaches that the proclaimed truth of God’s Word is sufficient to bring people to salvation. Romans 10:17 declares:
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
It is the message of the Gospel—not sensational stories—that carries the divine power to save. Paul emphasizes in Romans 1:16 –
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.”
While NDE stories might momentarily grab someone’s attention or stir curiosity, they cannot accomplish what only the Spirit-empowered proclamation of the Gospel can do: convict the heart, open the spiritual eyes, and lead to genuine repentance and faith.
In fact, relying on NDE testimonies as a kind of “hidden agenda evangelism” risks sending the wrong message—that God’s revealed Word needs extra validation or emotional proof to be persuasive. But Jesus Himself made it clear, as seen in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:27–31), that even a visitor from the dead will not persuade those who reject Scripture. Abraham’s response in the parable still speaks today:
“If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”
This does not mean God cannot use all sorts of means, including testimonies, to nudge someone’s heart toward the truth. But it does mean we must be crystal clear: salvation comes through hearing the Gospel, not through chasing after spiritual shock value.
Our job as Christians is not to impress unbelievers with heavenly tourism stories but to faithfully present the message of Christ crucified and risen—the only message that can truly save!
“The craving for fresh revelation stems not from hunger for God, but from a dissatisfaction with the Gospel and Scripture.” – MICHAEL HORTON
What Should Guide the Christian Life?
In the end, what do Christians really need?
They need the Gospel, the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4. They need the sufficiency of Scripture, which thoroughly equips believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). They need the Holy Spirit, who works through the Word to sanctify and guide them, not through chasing mystical experiences.
We walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7), trusting that God has already given us everything necessary for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him (2 Peter 1:3).
IF THE BIBLE IS NOT ENOUGH…
If the Bible is not enough for us, no vision, no near-death testimony, no spectacular revelation ever will be…!
True faith doesn’t chase the sensational. True faith clings to the cross, to the empty tomb, and to the living Christ revealed in the pages of Scripture.
May we fix our eyes not on the stories that dazzle, but on the Savior who redeems.
