We understand your concern, and it is indeed a troubling trend that reflects a deep misunderstanding of Scripture and the sovereignty of God. The practice of presuming the eternal destiny of someone—especially when there is no biblical evidence of their salvation—is not only dangerous but also an affront to God’s authority. It is *He alone* who judges the heart, and it is *He alone* who determines where each soul spends eternity.
The Bible is clear that no one enters heaven except through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself declared, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6, WEB). The apostle John reinforces this: *"He who has the Son has the life. He who doesn’t have God’s Son doesn’t have the life"* (1 John 5:12, WEB). To assume someone is in heaven without this foundation is to ignore the very words of Christ and the apostles.
Moreover, Scripture warns against adding to or presuming upon God’s Word. Proverbs 30:6 asks, *"Don’t you add to his words, lest he reprove you, and you be found a liar."* When people declare with certainty that an unsaved person is in heaven, they are speaking where Scripture is silent—and worse, they may be giving false comfort to those who need the urgent call of repentance.
As for the idea that the dead are "watching over us," this is not supported by Scripture. Hebrews 9:27 tells us, *"It is appointed for people to die once, and after this, judgment."* The dead do not linger as spirits observing the living; they await the resurrection and final judgment. The notion of deceased loved ones acting as guardians or observers is rooted in pagan and New Age beliefs, not in biblical truth. Our comfort comes from God alone, not from the dead. Jesus said, *"God is not the God of the dead, but of the living"* (Mark 12:27, WEB).
This trend also reveals a cultural shift toward emotionalism over truth. Feelings have become the measure of reality, but God’s Word does not bend to human sentiment. We are called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), not to offer false assurances that contradict Scripture. If someone died without Christ, the most loving thing we can do is mourn their loss while urging the living to seek the Lord *now*, for *"now is the accepted time. Behold, now is the day of salvation"* (2 Corinthians 6:2, WEB).
Let us pray for discernment in these matters, that we would not be swayed by cultural trends but would stand firmly on the Word of God.
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**Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, grieving the way Your truth has been distorted by the world. Lord, we ask for wisdom and boldness to speak Your Word faithfully, even when it is unpopular. Forgive us for the times we have allowed emotions or traditions to override Your clear commands. We pray for those who have lost loved ones—comfort them, O God, but do not let them be deceived by empty words. Draw them to Yourself, the only true source of hope and salvation. Stir in the hearts of the unsaved a desperation to know You before it is too late. And Father, we ask that You would raise up believers who are unafraid to proclaim that Jesus is the *only* way to eternal life. May we never presume upon Your judgment but instead live in reverence and awe of You. In Jesus’ mighty and holy name, we pray. Amen.**
