Demonology
"O unbelieving and perverse generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me." Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed from that moment. (Matthew 17:17-18)
The existence of a supernatural realm is a clear teaching of Scripture. Within the supernatural realm there exists a variety of beings. Some humans have the desire and ability to influence other humans in such a way that they perform evil actions. It is not unreasonable to suggest that beings who inhabit the supernatural realm may have a similar desire, and an even greater ability. The Bible affirms that this is a reality, and not just a possibility: "When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain" (Mark 5:2).
Human beings have free will; we can choose to love God, or we can choose to reject God. A similar situation exists in the supernatural realm -- one third of the angelic beings rejected God and chose to follow Satan. These are the beings we call demons or evil spirits.
Humans have very limited access to the supernatural realm. Demons, on the other
hand, have a much greater access to the realm in which we function. Their desire, ultimately, is to hinder God's plan of redemption by coercing humans into rejecting the Savior. Demons have the ability to interact with humans, which includes the ability to take control of a person who willingly yields to them. This is known as demonic possession. Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit -- they cannot be demon possessed: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Christians can, however, be demon oppressed. When oppression comes, the Christian is to resist: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).
Many cults deny the existence of demons, though most affirm the existence of a
supernatural realm. To categorically deny the possibility of the former, and yet affirm the reality of the latter, is irrational. Historic Christianity affirms both. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:12-13).
The existence of a supernatural realm is a clear teaching of Scripture. Within the supernatural realm there exists a variety of beings. Some humans have the desire and ability to influence other humans in such a way that they perform evil actions. It is not unreasonable to suggest that beings who inhabit the supernatural realm may have a similar desire, and an even greater ability. The Bible affirms that this is a reality, and not just a possibility: "When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an evil spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain" (Mark 5:2).
Human beings have free will; we can choose to love God, or we can choose to reject God. A similar situation exists in the supernatural realm -- one third of the angelic beings rejected God and chose to follow Satan. These are the beings we call demons or evil spirits.
Humans have very limited access to the supernatural realm. Demons, on the other
hand, have a much greater access to the realm in which we function. Their desire, ultimately, is to hinder God's plan of redemption by coercing humans into rejecting the Savior. Demons have the ability to interact with humans, which includes the ability to take control of a person who willingly yields to them. This is known as demonic possession. Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit -- they cannot be demon possessed: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Christians can, however, be demon oppressed. When oppression comes, the Christian is to resist: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7).
Many cults deny the existence of demons, though most affirm the existence of a
supernatural realm. To categorically deny the possibility of the former, and yet affirm the reality of the latter, is irrational. Historic Christianity affirms both. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:12-13).
Do Demons Still Exist?
Both the Scriptures and practical experience indicate that demonic influence has not waned. There is no indication in the Word that their activity ever declined during the beginning of the Church.
Jesus taught that people will attempt use their powers of exorcism as an argument for their salvation on the Day of Judgment[1] which would seem to indicate that demons will both possess humans and be evicted from humans down to the very end.
Paul warned the Corinthians that though idols are only so much wood and stone, the demons that surround those idols are very real and should be taken into consideration.[2] Just because they cannot possess Christians does not mean that they are harmless. Besides, who would want to offend the Lord by participating in any ceremony that glorifies the enemy?
I am not an advocate of conspiracy theories. I don’t think the Illuminati are manipulating us. I do however believe that there are too many coincidences in the field of politicosocioeconomics for there to not be some coordination going on. Paul also gave us some insight into the vast spiritual cabal that orchestrates many of the worlds conspiracies. He said that the Devil is the ruler of the atmospheric domain and that He is the spirit that works in the disobedient.[3]
This atmospheric principle has something going on that I haven’t seen carefully examined in the theological tomes I have read. Satan roams the earth, and walks around on it.[4] However, when he tried to harm Job directly, without influencing the minds of humans,[5] he used lightning[6] and wind.[7] I think that it is significant that he used the same tactics on the Messiah.[8] At some point I want to take the time to carefully consider the ramifications of that idea.
Back to the question! The Devil has carefully considered tactics and Christians are to do battle with Lucifer’s spiritual horde. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil that are in the heavens.[9]
This is why we must be careful to wear spiritual armor composed of truth, righteousness, readiness to witness, faith and above all salvation. We must always pray and act under the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we don’t expose ourselves to the flaming arrows of the evil one. [10]
If we keep these passages in mind, it becomes clear that demons still exist and are an immanent threat. To think otherwise is foolish and very, very dangerous.
[1] Matthew 7:22
[2] 1 Corinthians 10:18-22
[3] Ephesians 2:1-2; 1 John 5:19
[4] Job 1:7
[5] Job 1:15
[6] Job 1:16
[7] Job 1:19
[8] Mark 4:36-41
[9] Ephesians 6:11-12
[10] Ephesians 6:13-18
Jesus taught that people will attempt use their powers of exorcism as an argument for their salvation on the Day of Judgment[1] which would seem to indicate that demons will both possess humans and be evicted from humans down to the very end.
Paul warned the Corinthians that though idols are only so much wood and stone, the demons that surround those idols are very real and should be taken into consideration.[2] Just because they cannot possess Christians does not mean that they are harmless. Besides, who would want to offend the Lord by participating in any ceremony that glorifies the enemy?
I am not an advocate of conspiracy theories. I don’t think the Illuminati are manipulating us. I do however believe that there are too many coincidences in the field of politicosocioeconomics for there to not be some coordination going on. Paul also gave us some insight into the vast spiritual cabal that orchestrates many of the worlds conspiracies. He said that the Devil is the ruler of the atmospheric domain and that He is the spirit that works in the disobedient.[3]
This atmospheric principle has something going on that I haven’t seen carefully examined in the theological tomes I have read. Satan roams the earth, and walks around on it.[4] However, when he tried to harm Job directly, without influencing the minds of humans,[5] he used lightning[6] and wind.[7] I think that it is significant that he used the same tactics on the Messiah.[8] At some point I want to take the time to carefully consider the ramifications of that idea.
Back to the question! The Devil has carefully considered tactics and Christians are to do battle with Lucifer’s spiritual horde. Our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil that are in the heavens.[9]
This is why we must be careful to wear spiritual armor composed of truth, righteousness, readiness to witness, faith and above all salvation. We must always pray and act under the guidance of the Holy Spirit so that we don’t expose ourselves to the flaming arrows of the evil one. [10]
If we keep these passages in mind, it becomes clear that demons still exist and are an immanent threat. To think otherwise is foolish and very, very dangerous.
[1] Matthew 7:22
[2] 1 Corinthians 10:18-22
[3] Ephesians 2:1-2; 1 John 5:19
[4] Job 1:7
[5] Job 1:15
[6] Job 1:16
[7] Job 1:19
[8] Mark 4:36-41
[9] Ephesians 6:11-12
[10] Ephesians 6:13-18
Who Can Exorcise Demons?
Not only the Twelve, [1] but all of Jesus’ disciples were given the power to drive out unclean spirits.[2] At first they were not universally successful because they didn’t realize how much prayer and fasting played a part in the matter.[3] Besides, they had not yet been granted the Holy Spirit.
After Pentecost, Peter was able to exorcise demons with complete success.[4] Paul was able to exorcise a young demon possessed girl without fanfare or ritual by simply commanding the demon in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.[5] The spiritual authority Paul commanded at the Master’s behest was so compelling that even facecloths or work aprons that had touched his skin could make evil spirits leave people.[6]
Lest we think that one had to be one of the twelve apostles or at least one of the Seventy to have this authority, let’s keep Philip the evangelist in mind. The crowds paid riveted attention to his messages, for unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed during his services.[7]
One does not have to be a Christian to be able to exorcise. Jesus said that some would exorcise and yet not make it into heaven.[8] He also stated that some of the Pharisees own sons were able to drive out demons.[9] Luke records that itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to simply use Jesus’ name as a new mantra to add to their demon fighting arsenal. However, seven of them (all brothers – sons of one named Sceva) discovered that there was great risk involved in this. Sceva’s sons, obviously unbelievers, made an unsuccessful attempt to exorcise using Jesus’ and Paul’s names and got seriously trounced for their hubris.[10]
The parable of the man repossessed demonstrates the need for submission to the Lordship of Christ. Once the Holy Spirit takes residence within us, demonic forces cannot reenter. If we simply try to reform ourselves, without placing ourselves under the jurisdiction of the Spirit, we will end up in a worse state than before.[11]
Jesus referred to exorcism as part of His great work.[12] He said, “I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.”[13] He then gave us the Holy Spirit to empower us and included exorcism in the Great Commission.[14]
Paul confirmed this aspect of our Christian walk and exhorted us to be careful to wear our spiritual armor in our clashes with rulers, authorities, powers of darkness and spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
[1] Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7
[2] Mark 9:38-40; Luke 10:17
[3] Mark 9:18, 28-29
[4] Acts 5:15-16
[5] Acts 16:18
[6] Acts 19:11-12
[7] Acts 8:5-7
[8] Matthew 7:22-23
[9] Matthew 12:24-27
[10] Acts 19:13-16
[11] Matthew 12:43-45
[12] Luke 13:32
[13] John 14:12
[14] Mark 16:15-17
After Pentecost, Peter was able to exorcise demons with complete success.[4] Paul was able to exorcise a young demon possessed girl without fanfare or ritual by simply commanding the demon in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.[5] The spiritual authority Paul commanded at the Master’s behest was so compelling that even facecloths or work aprons that had touched his skin could make evil spirits leave people.[6]
Lest we think that one had to be one of the twelve apostles or at least one of the Seventy to have this authority, let’s keep Philip the evangelist in mind. The crowds paid riveted attention to his messages, for unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed during his services.[7]
One does not have to be a Christian to be able to exorcise. Jesus said that some would exorcise and yet not make it into heaven.[8] He also stated that some of the Pharisees own sons were able to drive out demons.[9] Luke records that itinerant Jewish exorcists tried to simply use Jesus’ name as a new mantra to add to their demon fighting arsenal. However, seven of them (all brothers – sons of one named Sceva) discovered that there was great risk involved in this. Sceva’s sons, obviously unbelievers, made an unsuccessful attempt to exorcise using Jesus’ and Paul’s names and got seriously trounced for their hubris.[10]
The parable of the man repossessed demonstrates the need for submission to the Lordship of Christ. Once the Holy Spirit takes residence within us, demonic forces cannot reenter. If we simply try to reform ourselves, without placing ourselves under the jurisdiction of the Spirit, we will end up in a worse state than before.[11]
Jesus referred to exorcism as part of His great work.[12] He said, “I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.”[13] He then gave us the Holy Spirit to empower us and included exorcism in the Great Commission.[14]
Paul confirmed this aspect of our Christian walk and exhorted us to be careful to wear our spiritual armor in our clashes with rulers, authorities, powers of darkness and spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
[1] Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7
[2] Mark 9:38-40; Luke 10:17
[3] Mark 9:18, 28-29
[4] Acts 5:15-16
[5] Acts 16:18
[6] Acts 19:11-12
[7] Acts 8:5-7
[8] Matthew 7:22-23
[9] Matthew 12:24-27
[10] Acts 19:13-16
[11] Matthew 12:43-45
[12] Luke 13:32
[13] John 14:12
[14] Mark 16:15-17
Can a Believer Learn From a Demon?
With the rise of post-modern appreciation for syncretism (the misguided attempt to reconcile contrary beliefs) some professing Christians[1] are teaching that it is possible to “map out” spiritual domains by questioning demons (!) to determine the “lay of the land.”
However, the Scriptures are very adamant about the use of any type of occult practice.
Most of the people who seek to interview demons or to consult a shaman or palm reader are driven by their sick need to either understand “deep hidden spiritual truths” or to know their own future. But the Bible responds with:
God has told us everything we need to know about demons, strongholds and the future. To seek knowledge the Spirit has deliberately kept from us is hubris. Might I remind the reader of what happened when Adam and Eve sought knowledge of both good and evil? They already knew “good.” They were therefore determined to listen to the devil and consult “evil.” We know the rest of the story.
If we want to know something of a spiritual nature or to know something of the future so that we can better prepare for it, we should consult the Lord God.
In my personal experience, every time someone has consulted the “dark side” they have ended up demon possessed, insane or dead. It’s just not worth it folks.
[1] John Dawson in Taking Our Cities for God; the Sentinel website Mobilizing Global Prayer for Evangelism; George Otis; Murphy and Charles Kraft in Spiritual Power and Missions
However, the Scriptures are very adamant about the use of any type of occult practice.
- Deuteronomy 18:9-12 HCSB (9) "When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable customs of those nations. (10) No one among you is to make his son or daughter pass through the fire, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, (11) cast spells, consult a medium or a familiar spirit, or inquire of the dead. (12) Everyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you because of these detestable things.
Most of the people who seek to interview demons or to consult a shaman or palm reader are driven by their sick need to either understand “deep hidden spiritual truths” or to know their own future. But the Bible responds with:
- Deuteronomy 29:29 HCSB The hidden things belong to the LORD our God, but the revealed things belong to us and our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.
God has told us everything we need to know about demons, strongholds and the future. To seek knowledge the Spirit has deliberately kept from us is hubris. Might I remind the reader of what happened when Adam and Eve sought knowledge of both good and evil? They already knew “good.” They were therefore determined to listen to the devil and consult “evil.” We know the rest of the story.
If we want to know something of a spiritual nature or to know something of the future so that we can better prepare for it, we should consult the Lord God.
- Isaiah 8:19-22 HCSB When they say to you, "Consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who chirp and mutter," shouldn't a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? (20) To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, there will be no dawn for them. (21) They will wander through the land, dejected and hungry. When they are famished, they will become enraged, and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God. (22) They will look toward the earth and see only distress, darkness, and the gloom of affliction, and they will be driven into thick darkness.
In my personal experience, every time someone has consulted the “dark side” they have ended up demon possessed, insane or dead. It’s just not worth it folks.
[1] John Dawson in Taking Our Cities for God; the Sentinel website Mobilizing Global Prayer for Evangelism; George Otis; Murphy and Charles Kraft in Spiritual Power and Missions
