Today we will talk about grave soaking. Many Christians do not know what this means. This practice, also known as ‘grave soaking’ or ‘grave sucking,’ is a modern concept that involves lying on the graves of deceased believers, with the intention of receiving spiritual impartation or blessings from the life of that person. It raises several questions among Christians regarding its biblical viability and relevance. We will explore what the scripture says about this practice, examine historical perspectives, and see how it aligns with our understanding of God’s word. Be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s Word.
Grave Soaking
What is Grave Soaking?
Grave soaking refers to the practice of laying on or near the graves of dead saints, with the intention of absorbing some spiritual essence or anointing that believers presume the deceased possessed during their lifetime. This concept is often associated with certain charismatic groups, who emphasize impartation and anointing through physical means. As we look into the origins and interpretations surrounding this practice, we can reflect on related terms in Hebrew and Greek.
In Hebrew, the term for grave is “k’vurah” (קְבוּרָה), which means a burial site. Similarly, in Greek, the word is “taphos” (τάφος), which simply refers to a tomb or grave. Notably, within biblical scripture, graves serve a very different purpose. They are mentioned as places of rest and a reminder of mortality. The Bible states in Ecclesiastes 3:20, “All go to one place; all are from the dust, and to dust all return.” Therefore, the overarching biblical goal is often to remember life after this life, focusing on the resurrection and eternal life rather than seeking spiritual power from past believers.
Historically, the practice of grave soaking gained popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly in some circles of the Charismatic and Pentecostal movements. It draws upon the idea that the anointing or spirit of a faithful believer persists even in death. Both historical and modern practices occasionally hint that the Holy Spirit can carry on the legacy of those who have exemplified faith and miracles in their lifetimes. However, this leads to questions about the scriptural foundation of such practices.
The Bible talks significantly about the anointing and the passing of spiritual gifts, but it generally emphasizes the importance of living in communion with the Holy Spirit rather than receiving from the dead. In John 14:26, Jesus says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” This indicates reliance on the living presence of the Holy Spirit instead of pursuits tied to physical locations associated with believers who have passed on.
Biblical Perspectives on Impartation and Anointing
The Bible addresses that God can impart spiritual gifts and blessings to His followers, but it predominantly emphasizes seeking these directly from Him rather than through objects or places. In Romans 11:29, we read, “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” This verse reminds us that God’s gifts are available to all believers, and it is essential that each person seeks them through prayer and relationship, as opposed to physical acts associated with the graves of saints.
When looking at passages relating to receiving spiritual gifts, we find areas where Apostle Paul discusses the importance of eagerly desiring spiritual gifts, such as in 1 Corinthians 14:1: “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” Here, the emphasis is on an active relationship with God and a desire for His gifts—not through seeking them in a graveyard or similar locations.
The implications of seeking anointing from graves reflects a misunderstanding of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” This clearly asserts that each person’s spiritual journey, growth, and reward take place while living, not in death or through contact with the deceased. Our relationship with God is alive and active, emphasizing a dynamic connection without needing objects of reverence from dead saints.
The Role of Faith in Spiritual Growth
Spiritual growth is rooted in faith and the active pursuit of one’s relationship with God rather than rituals or practices regarding the dead. Hebrews 11:6 informs us, “And without faith, it is impossible to please him,” illustrating that God desires a faithful community. A vital aspect of growing in faith includes seeking Him through prayer, studying His Word, and gathering with other believers, as highlighted in Hebrews 10:24-25. We are called to encourage one another while remaining steadfast in our personal relationships with God.
Looking back at the early church, we find accounts of the apostles, particularly in Acts 2, who established a strong community centered around prayer, preaching, and sharing life with each other as temples of the Holy Spirit. They did not seek impartation from the graves of saints who had gone before but instead drew on their vibrant relationship with God and each other. This points to an alignment in how spiritual gifts and blessings are cultivated through living faith practices that engage believers collectively and individually.
In Ephesians 2:19-22, we are encouraged that in Christ, we are all part of a household of God—a living body, distinguished from physical remains or locations. Our giftings are interconnected through the Holy Spirit, which fuels our spiritual journey while grounded in His love, not traditions or external objects. The focus remains on living a surrendered life to Jesus, where the impartation of gifts occurs in direct relationship to Him.
Historical Examples of Impartation in Christianity
A central theme in Christian history is the passing down of the gospel and the sharing of spiritual truths. While many Christian leaders have left behind significant teaching and works for the next generation, the focus has predominantly been on how their teachings continue to point believers back to knowledge and divine encounters with God. For instance, the writings of early church fathers like Augustine or Athanasius offer insight into living a faithful life, rather than emphasizing contact with their graves as a means of receiving blessing.
In the Reformation period, leaders such as Martin Luther stressed that faith and relationship with God were available to all, dispelling myths associated with seeking God or blessing through relics and physical tokens. Ishmael, Jacob’s son, illustrates a different notion of spiritual transfer when he expressed a blessing intended for Isaac; however, it focused on God’s promise instead of human transference through physical objects or places (Genesis 27).
On a personal level, the testimony of faithful believers showcases how growing in faith is modeled through living out the teachings of those saints, allowing them to inspire personal and communal devotion to God, rather than clinging solely to the past. In Philippians 4:9, Paul notes, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” This section captures the essence of impartation through an active living faith.
What the Bible Says About the Dead
The Scriptures frequently examine the state and role of the dead. While our emotions might lead us to think about the spiritual connection to believers who have passed, the Bible clarifies their relationship with us today. Ecclesiastes 9:5-6 states, “For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten.” This verse calls attention to the understanding that the deceased are beyond our physical reach and emphasizes the importance of engaging with the living God in daily life.
In Matthew 22:32, Jesus states, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” This emphasis demonstrates that our relationship with God is now and should center on engagement with those who are actively living in faith, encouraging believers to focus on their present walk with the Lord rather than seeking experiences in places associated with those who are dead.
Jesus highlighted in Luke 16:26 the great chasm between the living and the dead, which stands as a strong reminder that while there may be fond memories and teachings left behind, the practice of grave soaking fails to engage us in a relationship with the living God who empowers us. Our journey in faith is one that is firmly rooted in the relationship with Christ, within the realm of His love and guidance while living on earth.
Final Thoughts
Through our discussion on grave soaking, it becomes clear that our pursuit for spiritual anointing comes from an active relationship with God, rather than through the graves of deceased saints. We have seen numerous scriptures emphasizing the importance of seeking God directly and developing our faith through prayer, the study of His Word, and community with other believers.
Historic practices around grave soaking may arise from a longing for connection and empowerment, reflecting our desire to grow spiritually. Yet, the heart of our faith remains anchored in Jesus and the living presence of His Spirit within us. As we move forward, I encourage us all to remember that the true source of our strength lies in our relationship with the One who conquered death and empowers us to live vibrant lives today.
May we continue to focus on our journey with God, allowing His word and His presence to shape and guide our paths, reinforcing that while we can honor the memories and teachings of the faithful departed, we must actively engage with the living God who offers us His blessings today.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4
Bible Commentary, Blog
50 Important gods love bible verses (With Explanation)