Near-Death Experiences - Answers
The account of Stephen vs. Komp's Claims
The account of Stephen’s vision and stoning is a bit different in nature than the stories that Dr. Komp describes. First of all, Stephen was not near death as a result of terminal illness; he may not have even known how near death he was as he was facing and answering the accusations and interrogation of the Jewish ruling religious leaders known as the Sanhedrin. Prior to this vision, Stephen was recounting for the Sanhedrin the history of the relationship between the people of Israel and their God. When they were directly accused of their sin, their anger against Stephen burned to the point that they suddenly seized him and began stoning him. But before they made a move to seize him, Stephen was granted this vision from God. The purpose of this vision is not explained in Scripture – it could have been a gift from God to reaffirm Stephen as he was about to face death by stoning, or it could have been a final attempt by the Holy Spirit to witness to the unbelieving Sanhedrin through Stephen. So, does this account support Komp’s statements? The answer is conditionally “yes.” Yes, it is possible that people who are about to face death see visions of heaven, but it is not necessarily because of facing death. The reason for such visions we leave to God. In the case of physical illness, it could be the result of chemical imbalances in the body (similar to drug-induced hallucinations). There are also plenty of examples in Scripture of people dying without any recorded vision, and no Scriptural promise that everyone facing death will see visions prior to dying. There are simply a few examples in varying death-related circumstances. Some Biblical visions are not surrounded by death at all (for examples see Acts 10, several visions in the book of Daniel, 1 Samuel 3, Genesis 15), so it is difficult to make absolute statements regarding “near-death” experiences. It is, however, possible for visions to occur near death. The fact that Stephen “fell asleep,” at the very least, is beautiful picture language secured in the hope of the resurrection. Because death is only temporary, it is like falling asleep for a time only to awake in the resurrection on Judgment Day (see 1 Thessalonians 4). A Christian view of death as sleep should bring peace, just as sleep is often characterized as peaceful.
Komp quotes Jesus on children
Komp seems to assert that in looking to children, we will discover God. Children can be excellent witnesses to the truths of God, but it is only in God’s Word that people will truly discover him. Jesus’ words in these accounts from Matthew and Luke encourage people to strive for the attributes that children demonstrate in their faiths – total and simple trust in God. But, it is important to remember Jesus' words in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” While children may point to God, they are not a means to come to or experience God.
The experience of Elisha's servant
Komp asserts that all the “near-death” experiences she has witnessed brought great peace to those experiencing them. In this account from 2 Kings, Elisha’s servant was distressed at the impending doom and probable death that the raiding party would bring upon them. Elisha prayed, asking God to allow his servant to see the spiritual armies of God that were present defending them. This vision certainly would have brought peace to the servant. A vision isn’t necessary to achieve peace – we have the promises of God recorded throughout the Scriptures (Psalm 85:8, Philippians 4:7, 2 John 1:3). We also have faith, which does not rely on visions (Hebrews 11:1).
Can unbelievers see heaven?
While it can’t be said with 100% certainty whether or not an UNbeliver is seeing heaven in a "near-death" experience (only God knows and controls such things), it is significantly unlikely. 2 Corinthians 11:14 reminds us of an important truth – the devil is able to masquerade as an “angel of light.” It is a possibility that the “vision” a non-Christian claims to have seen is a falsehood the devil produced. Additionally, in the parable of “The Rich Man and Lazarus” (Luke 16:19-31), God tells the rich man that, “If [your brothers] do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” By this it seems that God limits or refrains from the use of supernatural experiences with unbelievers, because his Word is sufficient to produce faith and spiritual peace. If his Word is rejected, no supernatural occurrences will produce faith. John 3:17-18 reiterates that those who do not believe are already condemned (separated from God). John 14:6 reminds us that it is only through Jesus that we can know God and salvation. Ultimately, it is up to God whether or not he allows an unbeliever to see heaven in a “near-death” experience, and only he knows for sure.