What does the Bible say about out-of-body experiences?

I. Definition and Scope of the Topic

Out-of-body experiences generally refer to instances in which individuals feel as though their consciousness has separated from their physical form. While the modern term “out-of-body experience” does not appear in Scripture, the Bible includes accounts and teachings that can help shape our understanding of the soul, the body, and the spiritual realm.

II. Key Biblical Passages Often Referenced

1. Paul’s Experience (2 Corinthians 12:2–3)

Paul writes that he knows “a man in Christ who…was caught up to the third heaven.” He states he is unsure if it was “in the body or out of it” (2 Corinthians 12:2–3). This language has led many to wonder whether he is describing an actual out-of-body journey, a vision, or some other supernatural experience. Regardless of the exact nature, Paul presents this event as genuinely spiritual and deeply profound.

2. John’s Revelation (Revelation 1:10)

John states he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s day” (Revelation 1:10) when he received the visions recorded in the Book of Revelation. Although not explicitly described as an out-of-body state, John indicates a spiritual condition that allowed him to perceive realities beyond normal sight.

3. Ezekiel’s Visions (Ezekiel 8:3)

Ezekiel writes of being lifted “by a lock of my hair, and the Spirit lifted me between earth and heaven” (Ezekiel 8:3). This suggests divinely granted encounter where he was taken to see events in Jerusalem from a vantage point he could not naturally reach.

III. The Nature of the Soul and Body in Scripture

Scripture portrays humans as composed of both material (body) and immaterial (spirit/soul) aspects. Passages such as 1 Thessalonians 5:23 (“may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless,”) highlight an integrated view of human nature. At death, the soul departs from the body (cf. Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59). This dual aspect makes the biblical worldview open to the possibility that the person’s immaterial part could, under God’s allowance, experience realms beyond everyday physical constraints.

IV. Differentiating Genuine Spiritual Events from Illusions

Biblical accounts of visions or spiritual experiences generally occur at God’s initiation—He reveals Himself, His truth, or future events. They are not sought through occult practices or altered states of consciousness pursued by human effort. Deuteronomy 18:10–12 strongly condemns “divination” and “sorcery,” warning against practices that seek spiritual realms outside of God’s guidance.

V. Warnings and Cautions

1. Necromancy and Mediums

Scripture explicitly condemns attempts to contact the dead or spirits (Deuteronomy 18:11). In 1 Samuel 28, Saul consults a medium to speak with Samuel’s spirit, which results in dire consequences for Saul. This passage suggests that while supernatural events can occur, God severely warns against seeking them outside of His will.

2. Testing the Spirits

1 John 4:1 advises believers to “test the spirits, to see whether they are from God”. Spiritual experiences—including any sense of separation from the body—must align with Scripture’s teachings and the character of God. Any phenomenon contradicting the Bible’s central message is suspect.

VI. Biblical Emphasis on the Resurrection

Although some biblical passages imply that God can enable a person to experience realities beyond the immediate physical state, the overarching biblical focus is on bodily resurrection. Christ’s resurrection is presented as the cornerstone of faith (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). The ultimate hope for believers is not an eternal disembodied state, but rather a resurrected body reunited with the soul in the new creation (Revelation 21:1–4).

VII. Examining Modern “Near-Death” or “Out-of-Body” Claims

In contemporary times, many describe near-death experiences involving sensations of leaving their bodies. While Scripture does not offer a direct commentary on modern clinical occurrences, its teachings on the soul’s existence apart from the body may provide a framework to understand them. Thorough medical and psychological evaluations often accompany such reports, but believers ultimately weigh these accounts in light of biblical truth, which emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the supremacy of Christ’s resurrection.

VIII. Pastoral and Practical Considerations

1. Focus on God’s Revelation

Believers are encouraged to derive core truths about the spiritual realm directly from God’s Word. Seeking personal sensational experiences can distract from Scripture and the gospel.

2. Reliance on God’s Power and Providence

Regardless of whether out-of-body experiences occur in biblical or modern contexts, Scripture calls believers to live in reliance on God’s power rather than on subjective spiritual events. Any unusual experience should draw individuals closer to worshiping and trusting the God revealed in the Bible.

3. Avoiding Speculation

Scripture provides the information we need for salvation, moral guidance, and hope in the resurrection. While acknowledging that some elements of spiritual existence remain mysterious, a believer’s confidence rests in what God has clearly spoken.

IX. Conclusion

The Bible recognizes the possibility of a person’s spirit or soul experiencing moments outside ordinary bodily bounds, particularly when God grants prophetic visions or revelations. However, these instances are not presented as normative or as something believers should seek through human efforts.

Scripture’s primary thrust remains fixed on Christ’s atoning death and bodily resurrection, the future hope for believers, and faithful obedience in daily life. While biblical teaching affirms the existence of the immaterial aspect of humanity, it does not endorse pursuing out-of-body states for their own sake. Ultimately, the transformed and resurrected body at the final culmination of God’s redemptive plan is the promised destiny for those who trust in Christ.