There is no biblical text that says or implies that those who are dead have any activity or influence in the world. Whether they're laying in the ground waiting for resurrection, or in a temporary place waiting for the final consummation of all things (more likely), there is no indication that they are somehow still active in this world. They have moved on.

I ask this to understand: What does the Bible say about the status of people who are now dead? My wife believes that those who have died (friends, grandparents, etc.) can be involved in influencing current events. In other words, they are in another realm awaiting heaven, but are somehow still active in this world.

Does the Bible say this? I thought they simply laid in the ground until the end of times, etc. then went to heaven.

For clarity - I'm now atheist/agnostic and realize many of these things were never quite clear to me to begin with. During my Christian upbringing I never really questioned the matter.