“I saw it all! I floated up and saw my body upon the operating table. The machines and lights filled the room. The doctors huddled around me, and I saw the surgery. Then I came back down into my body.” Such stories as this are being heard from sincere and honest people (although it would be no surprise if some told such stories to merely gain attention). What about such claims? Does this actually happen? Without being a medical doctor, scientist nor psychologist, anyone can learn the truth of the matter–from the Bible.
To the one who has recognized that the Bible is the inspired Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21) and that God does not lie (Titus 1:2), he will approach the Bible realizing that no matter what may appear to be the case, if God has said such is not the case, then it is not the case. Or, as Romans 3:4 puts it: “let God be true, but every man a liar.” Yes, when there is a conflict between what God says and what man says, then we must believe God. The man is either mistaken or is deliberately lying.
So, what does the Bible say about “spirit floating?” It says it does not occur. Notice Hebrews 9:27, “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Thus, each human physically dies but one time, because after death comes judgment—not reincarnation into one’s own body.
“But,” someone objects, “Maybe the person wasn’t really dead, but his spirit simply left his body and floated around.” God, who is the one who really knows what happens, makes clear that such is not the case: “The body without the spirit is dead” (Jam. 2:26). And, if the body is dead [which, remember, happens only once (Heb. 9:27)], then the spirit will not re-enter the body—because after death comes the judgment.
So, does “spirit floating” actually occur? God answers this question which puzzles the wisest of men with but only two simple verses: “No.”
What, then, is to be said about those honest individuals who have related such experiences? It very well may be (and probably is) intensified dreams due to the anesthesia, drugs or trauma. My college room-mate woke up and related how he was dreaming about ordering pizza. All who were present realized that his vivid dream was triggered by another fellow who had just hung up the phone—from ordering pizza. Others dream about running from lightening, when sleeping during a storm; mowing the grass, as a neighbor mows his; shooting a dog, when a dog is barking. When such occurs in normal sleep, who knows what vivid dreams one might have while under drugs or trauma?!
What should you do if you experience “spirit floating”? If Possible, enjoy it – – as a dream.
Gary Henson