The Bible does teach us that out of the body experiences are possible. Sometimes when people are near death, or comatose, their spirit and soul may leave their bodies. When they are revived they would have to return to their bodies.
While they are gone, they can catch a glimpse of Heaven and even see and speak to the Lord. Others are also taken out of their bodies at special times to receive direction from the Lord. Let's examine one such account:
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago - whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows - such a one was caught up to the third heaven.Most Bible scholars will tell you that Paul is referring to himself in the first text we read. He was caught up while alive into the third heaven or Paradise.
And I know such a man - whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows - How he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
(2 Cor. 12:1-4 NKJ)
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread.
(1 Cor. 11:23 NKJ)
Our second text verifies this because Paul said he received instruction about the Lord's Supper from Jesus. Paul didn't know Jesus, nor follow Him until after His death, burial, and resurrection. Sometime during Paul's life he actually spoke with Jesus. I believe that this was during an out of the body experience. These types of experiences are possible, but they must line up with the Word of God.
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally, reaching over 30,000 people each month.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.
