Biblical explanation
God explicitly prohibited Israel from consulting mediums, spiritists, or those who claimed to communicate with the dead. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 lists "a consulter with familiar spirits" among practices God condemns. Isaiah 8:19 asks: "Should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?" The biblical alternative is to seek God and His revealed Word rather than attempting to obtain supernatural information from the dead. The story of Saul and the medium at Endor in 1 Samuel 28 is sometimes presented as proof that the dead communicate. However, the passage occurs in the context of Saul's rebellion and his previous rejection of God's commands against such practices (1 Samuel 28:3-7). The narrative should therefore not be used to overturn the many direct statements describing death as unconsciousness. The New Testament also warns that Satan can deceive through supernatural signs (2 Corinthians 11:14). Scripture clearly prohibits attempts to contact the dead. It does not instruct believers to investigate or test supposed messages from deceased relatives. The biblical instruction is to seek God and His Word.
Key takeaway
The great controversy reveals God's character as Christ ministers as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. The dead await the resurrection, Christ's return will be visible and personal, and prophecy calls believers to faithful mission rather than date-setting or fear.