What does the Bible say about near-death experiences?

Near-death experiences (NDEs) — accounts of tunnels of light, deceased relatives, encounters with beings of light, and sometimes reviews of one's life — have been reported by millions of people and have generated enormous interest, including in Christian circles. Books like "Heaven is for Real" and "90 Minutes in Heaven" have sold millions of copies. How should Christians evaluate them?

First, a pastoral note: people who have had these experiences are describing something real to them, and it should not be dismissed carelessly. Whatever neurological or spiritual processes are involved, these can be profound experiences that should be handled with respect.

Now the biblical evaluation.

The Bible does not endorse near-death experiences as a reliable source of revelation about the afterlife. Scripture is complete — 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says it equips us for "every good work," and Revelation 22:18 closes the canon with a severe warning against adding to it. If a near-death account contradicts or goes beyond Scripture, that is not additional revelation — it is a problem.

Paul had an experience of being "caught up to the third heaven" (2 Corinthians 12:2-4) and heard "things that cannot be told, which man may not utter." His response was not to write a bestselling book about what he saw. The content was not released as authoritative teaching.

Many NDEs contain elements that are difficult to square with Scripture — universalist messages ("everyone goes to heaven"), the idea that works determine eternal destiny, encounters that seem incompatible with the biblical picture of death. 2 Corinthians 11:14 warns that "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light." The fact that an experience feels beautiful and peaceful does not guarantee its divine origin.

The Christian does not need NDEs to know about heaven. We have the words of the one who came from there — Jesus Christ — and the authoritative account He has given us in Scripture. That is sufficient, and it is trustworthy.