Evangelism and Missions – Spiritual Warfare – Deliverance and Exorcism
Table of Contents
Overview
Exorcism is traditionally defined as the act of driving out demonic entities from people that have become possessed. Deliverance in the Bible parallels this understanding, but is usually more broadly defined as the rescuing from bondage or danger. We find many examples in the ministries of Jesus Christ, His disciples and the believers in the Church in reference to the casting out of demons and deliverance.
This subject branches out into other areas or Biblical topics such a spiritual warfare, spiritual oppression and various aspects of Christian living. This article will also address some of the theological misunderstandings about this topic by looking at what the Bible teaches specifically on this issue and separating it from many presumptions and ideas that have developed since the first century.
Definitions & Etymology
Here we will look at some of the Hebrew and Greek words used to describe these accounts in the Bible and their definitions.
Possession
Daimonizomai (Possessed) – Greek G1139 – to be exercised by a daemon; have a (be vexed by or possessed with) devil(s). Occurs in KJV 13 times (Matt 4.24; 8.16, 28, 33; 9.32; 12.22; 15.22; Mark 1.32; 5.15, 16, 18; Luke 8.36; John 10.21).
Echo (Possessed) – Greek G2192 – to hold (used in various applications, fig or lit. such as possession, relation or condition). (Occurs 709 times in the KJV, in relation to demonic possession in Acts 8.7, 16.16).
Oppression
Ba’ath (Troubled or Tormented) – Hebrew H1204 – to fear, affright, be (make) afraid, terrify, trouble. (Occurs 16 times in the KJV, ex. 1 Sam 16.14)
Katadunasteuo (Oppressed) – Greek G2616 – conjunction of the words kata (down) and dunastes (authority). To exercise dominion against, that is oppress. (Occurs twice in KJV; Acts 7.24, 10.38)
Exorcism & Deliverance
Exorkistes (Exorcist) – Greek G1845 – (from G1844) one that binds by an oath (or spell), that is, (by implication) an exorcist. One that employs a formula of conjuration for expelling demons. Occurs in the KJV once (Acts 19.13).
Ekballo (Cast Out) – Greek G1544 – to eject (lit or fig) to bring forth, cast (forth or out), to dive, expel, leave, pluck (pull, take, thrust) out, put forth or send away (forth or out). (Occurs in the KJV 82 times; ex. In relation to exorcism: Matt 7.22; 8.16, 31; 9.33; 10.1; 12.24, 26-28; 17.19; Mark 1.34, 39; 3.15, 23; 6.13; 7.26, 9.18, 28; 16.9, 17; Luke 9.40; 11.18-20; 13.32; John 12.31; Rev 12.9).
Rhuomai (Deliver) – Greek G4506 – (through the idea of a water current) to rush or draw (for yourself), (that is to) rescue or deliver. (Occurs 18 times in the KJV, ex. Matt 6.13; Luke 11.4, Rom 7.24; 2 Corin 1.10; Col 1.13; 1 Thess 1.10; 2 Tim 4.18; 2 Peter 2.9)
Exaireo (Delivered) – Greek G1807 – to tear out; to select; figuratively to release, to pluck out, deliver, rescue. (Occurs 8 times in the KJV, ex. Gal 1.4)
Biblical Accounts of Casting out Demons & Deliverance
The following is a list of demonic encounters throughout the New Testament. These encounters teach us several various aspects concerning the casting out of demons.
Healing and deliverance was foretold by the Prophets concerning the coming Messiah. That He would be the one to take our sickness and bring an end to the oppression of spiritual darkness (Ps 107.16, Isa 45.2, Eph 4.8).
That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick. 17. This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses and bore our diseases (From Isa 53.4-5).” – Matthew 8.16-17
Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? – Matthew 12.22-23
We find numerous accounts of those who were spiritually possessed had accompanying supernatural manifestations that surrounded their possession. In fact, every demonic encounter recorded in the New Testament had accompanying supernatural manifestations of some type. These manifestations are seen as follows:
- Divination or hidden (occult) knowledge; many of the demons recognized Jesus for who He was, and Jesus commanded them not to speak or tell anyone.
- Supernatural Strength; Like the man in Matt 8.28, he broke chains of iron and fetters.
- Unnatural or supernatural movements, displacement (pushing), torment; like the boy in Matt 17.14, who was often thrown into water and fire by the demon.
- Unnatural illness – many of those whom had demons cast out had healing to some part of their body the demon was somehow manipulating. Since many received healed, sight or movement after the demon had left.
- Violent Removals – most of the removals of spirit resulted in convulsions, spasms, unconsciousness, foaming of the mouth, etc.
When he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. 29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” – Matt 8.28-29 [This account is also in Mark 5.1-21; Luke 8.26-40]
As they were going away, behold, a demon-oppressed man who was mute was brought to him. 33. And when the demon had been cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds marveled, saying, “Never was anything like this seen in Israel.” 34. But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons by the prince of demons.” – Matthew 9.32-33
Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. – Matthew 12.22
A Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” ….. 28. Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. – Matthew 15.21-28 [parallel in Mark 7.24-30]
[Immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard of him and came and fell down at his feet. … 30. And she went home and found the child lying in bed and the demon gone. – Mark 7.24-30]
Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly – Matthew 17.14-21 [parallel Mark 9.14-29, Luke 9.37-38]
Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, 24. “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” 25. but Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!”
26. and the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying out with a loud voice, came out of him. 27. and they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” – Mark 1.23-27 [Luke 4.33-37]
He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. And he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.. He went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons. . – Mark 1.34, 39
20. They brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. 21. and Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood.
22. and it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. 25. He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” 26. and after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” 27. But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
– Mark 9.20-27 [parallel in Matt 17.14-21, Luke 9.37-42]
Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. – Mark 16.9
Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39. And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him.- Luke 9.38-39 [parallel Matt 17.14-21, Mark 9.14-29]
He was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. – Luke 11.14
Behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. 12. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your disability.” 16. and ought not this woman, a daughter of Abraham whom Satan bound for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day? – Luke 13.11-16
He said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. – Luke 13.32
People who are demonically possessed are under the following conditions:
- They are enslaved or in are bondage (bondage meaning in prisoned or tied up/to) – Luke 13.6, Gal 4.3
- They are tormented or in contestant agony and suffering- Going back to the definition of Ba’ath which in Hebrew means tormented. Throughout multiple accounts of those possessed in the Bible the people where tormented (1 Sam 16.14, Mark 5.5, 9.18, Luke 6.18).
Possessed by Satan
Luke 22 records the event when Judas betrayed Jesus, and here we see that even Satan himself can and does enter people, just as he entered into Judas.
Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. – Luke 22.3
Jesus Instructs and Authorizes His Disciples to Cast out Demons
When the Lord Jesus begins His ministry, He commanded His disciples to go and proclaim the kingdom of Heaven, to heal the sick and cast out demons. At the end of Mark the Lord proclaims that all those who believe in His name will cast out demons.
We know that when the disciples were casting out demons during Jesus time on Earth, the Holy Spirit had not yet been poured out and made to indwelled within believers (John 7.39, Acts 2.33). The Holy Spirit came once Jesus sat at the right hand of the Father. However, the Holy Spirit did move, fill and assist the prophets and God’s people throughout the Old Testament.
(Jesus said) “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. – Matthew 10.5-8
He appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach 15. and have authority to cast out demons. – Mark 3.14-15
They went out and proclaimed that people should repent. 13. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them. – Mark 6.12-13
(Jesus said) These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; … they will lay their hands on the sick and they shall recover – Mark 16.17
He (Jesus) called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, 2. and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. – Luke 9.1 – 2
The Lord gave authority to the disciples. The term for authority is used as a legal type of terminology for jurisdiction or privilege. It is interesting when dealing with spiritual warfare and possession we encounter terms that are synonymous with types of legal authority, authorization, and ownership. We see this in Acts 7.24, 10.38 along with the powers and principalities in heaven places mentioned in Ephesians 6.
The word for authority in Luke 10.17 is Exousia (Greek G1849) which means privilege, force, capacity, authority, or jurisdiction.
The Lord teaches His disciples not to rejoice that demons are subject to them, but rather rejoice that their names are written in Heaven. This means the focus should never be on the enemy, but rather rejoicing in the things of God. Jesus taught His disciples not to rejoice in the casting out of demons and miraculous works because this is not a sign of your own salvation, or even that you belong to God.
Miracles are done, by God, because God is a gracious and compassionate God, to everyone, to the wicked and righteous (Matt 5.45). God loves mercy and He will be merciful to whom He desires to be merciful (Rom 9.15). God attests to his message as He chooses, by His will, with signs (Acts 2.22, 14.3).
There is power in the name of Jesus, so much that even those who practice iniquity can use His name and miracles happen. We know this because Jesus said there will be many that think they belong to God because they healed in His name or cast out demons, but Jesus will tell them He never knew them because they were workers of iniquity (Matt 7.21).
The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” 18. And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. 20. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” – Luke 10.17-18 [Matt 10.1]
The Church Casts out Demons
Once Jesus ascended into Heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit (Eph 4.7). The Holy Spirit empowers believers to do many works, including the casting out of demons, as we find throughout the book of Acts.
Many people went into Jerusalem from towns nearby. They took with them their sick people and all who were troubled with demons. All of them were healed. – Acts 5.16
There were many people who had demons in their bodies. The demons cried with loud voices when they went out of the people. Many of the people could not move their bodies or arms and legs. They were all healed – Acts 8.7
As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. … 18. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour. – Acts 16.16-18
Miracles with Objects
God worked many different signs and miracles through the apostles and in some cases even some of the objects they touched where able to heal and cast out demons.
God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. – Acts 19.11
Non-Christian Exorcists
Here in the book of Acts we have an account of non-Christian exorcists attempting to cast out demons by the name of Jesus Christ and Paul. However, since they were not believers, the demon was able to attack and overpower them. We know the demon was able to overpower them due to the fact they were unbelievers as evidence in verse 15.
13. Some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this.
15 But the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
– Acts 19.13-16
Does this conflict with the idea that those who practice iniquity and think they are believers are able to cast out demons as seen in Matt 7.21? It may be inferred here that this was an account of experiencing a more powerful being. As Jesus taught to His own disciples in Matt 17.21, that even believers will have trouble with certain encounters of more powerful, or different kinds of beings.
Disciples Could Not Cast Our Demons
There are a few accounts in the New Testament in which the disciples where not able to cast out evil spirits. Jesus explains that some are not able to come out except by prayer and fasting. [Matt 17.14-20; Mark 9.28; Luke 9.40]
Forbid not Others from Casting out Demons
Jesus teaches His disciples not to rebuke those who cast demons out or whom do any mighty work in His name, for ‘whoever is not against you is on your side.’ Jesus tells us that whoever does a mighty work in His name cannot speak ill of Jesus soon after.
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” 39. But Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. 40. For the one who is not against us is for us. – Mark 9.38-40 [Luke 9.49]
This may also be taken as a teaching or warning for false teachers, that when someone speaks falsely (ill) about Jesus or has a false teaching, it may be accompanied with false wonders (as described in 2 Thess 2.9). Jesus also alludes to this after rebuking the Pharisees concerning binding the strong man (the Devil), saying he that is not with Me is against Me, and he that gathers not, scatters abroad (Matt 12.30).
Jesus is Accused of Casting out Demons by the Devil
Jesus is accused of casting out devils by the prince of devils. [Matt 9.34, 12.24–30; Mark 3.23; Luke 11.14-20] Jesus explains very clearly in these verses that the devil does not attack his own kind, for no kingdom set against itself can stand. Only God truly casts out demons.
However due to our human limitations and without discernment from the Holy Spirit, we would not be able to tell the difference between the true and false miracles, false miracles that that would employ the tactics of false deliverance from demons. False miracles are described in 2 Thess 2.9 that accompany false teachers (2 Peter 1.19).
The Bible teaches us to test all spirits (1 John 4.1), and test everything (2 Thess 5.21-22). It is blasphemous to say Jesus had an evil spirit, or to talk about the Lord Jesus that way in a heart of rebellion (calling evil good and good evil – Isa 5.20). However to question or be cautious of any fallible man, is to be Biblically minded. Only those who arrogantly want you to believe them will not want you to challenge them. Only a man of pride will equate himself with Jesus, saying that if you question him you are acting like the Pharisees that questioned Jesus.
Does this idea violate Jesus statement that Satan does not cast out Satan? To question if a false deliverance has occurred? Absolutely not, for we know that the Devil tries to counterfeit everything God does. A false deliverance will only keep people in bondage, for they will be trapped in turmoil as long as they believe in a false gospel, which will never have the power to deliver them. They will forever be learning, never able to come to knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 3.7).
Exorcisms in Other World Religions
There are various accounts of different world religions performing exorcisms, various tribes throughout the world that practice folk magic has recorded exorcisms and the casting out of evil spirits. How do we explain non-Christian exorcisms? It is true that God is merciful to whom He desires to have mercy.
However if someone has to continually come back to a shaman for deliverance from an evil spirit, that person is no better off the when they first began, can you say they were truly delivered? Without the Spirit of God dwelling in their life, they will be subject to more wicked spirits returning to them at some point in their life (Matt 12.45).
These shamanistic rituals parallel practices we see in some so called Christian Deliverance Ministries or some Catholic exorcisms. Some people believe they need continual deliverance from some evil spirit, returning multiple times without any change in their life. Some people are taught they need to depend on the deliverance minister that teach a false gospel of deliverance; which depends on more the just the simple finished work in Christ. The warning against false gospels is the very thing Paul shares (2 Corin 11.4, Gal 3.3).
Some ministers employ tactics of hypnotism and mass manipulation to get their followers to perform or believe that they are possessed, some may actually be possessed. We are warned about following the doctrines of Demons that depend on human teachings (Col 2.8), with an appearance of godliness but denying its power. The power of the finished work of Christ in the gospel (2 Tim 3.5), for those who are set free by the Son are free indeed, and it is Jesus whom ‘possessed’ (holds) us (John 10.28).
It may be notated here that no example in the Bible had any individual seek out deliverance for themselves. Jesus and the disciples had to go to those who needed demons cast out, or their family members had to go to the disciples to request this act. This should go without saying that a demon would do everything possible to keep their host away from a place that would cause them to be cast out.
Even the demoniac ran from a distance to Jesus in fear that they where going to be punished before the time (Matt 8.29), however it was Jesus that was passing through that region. This should be another precaution when finding these churches that are filled with so called believers that are full of demons.
Bind the Strong Man
Jesus explains some spiritual principles about spiritual warfare in Matthew, Mark and Luke.
25. “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26. And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
28. But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 29. Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
– Matt 12.25-29
“How can Satan cast out Satan? 24. If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. 26. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but is coming to an end. 27. But no one can enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man. Then indeed he may plunder his house. – Mark 3.23-27
19. “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.
20. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22. but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil.
– Luke 11.19-22
Jesus shares this parable in conjunction with the accusation of being in league with the devil. He elaborates the point ‘or how can someone enter a strong man’s house,’ (Matt 12.29) pointing to the statement before this. This it is by the Spirit of God that He is casting out demons.
Therefore, Jesus is the one binding the strong man (Satan) and plunders his house (v.29). Jesus teaches that before you can take the strong man’s goods; he must first be bound up. Jesus binds the strong man, the devil. Jesus is the only whom can bind the Devil, who can do this, and He has done it already, this is how he set the captives free, by binding the strong man.
Jesus has already bound Satan (Luke 10.18, John 12.31), removing his authority (Ps 82.8, 1 John 5.4, 18) and rendering him powerless to believers. Jesus has plundered Satan’s house (Hell – 1 John 5.19, Eph 4.7-8), taking his defenses and armor, and freeing the captive’s held hostage by Satan (Luke 4.18, John 17.15, 2 Tim 2.23-26).
Demonic Possession & Oppression
There are many examples throughout the New Testament of people being demonically possessed. The question comes to mind, what causes a person to become demonically possessed? This answer is not specifically stated in the Bible, however certain inferences made be made. Some base their understanding of this question from modern day or historic writings on accounts.
However neither Jesus, nor any disciple ever asked the demons they encountered how or why they entered into a person. Neither is there any teaching in scripture on how demons enter people. We find it insinuated in scripture that demons enter people to torture and hurt them, like the woman that was oppressed for 18 years by Satan (Luke 13.16).
Even though the term ‘possession’ is used, the Bible teaches us that all people, that the entire world, is captive by the devil, taken prisoner to do his will (Eph 2.1-3, 2 Tim 2.26). That the devil possesses (owns or has authority) over the entire world and all the children of disobedience.
It could be interpreted that it is not specific people that get ‘possessed’ but rather all the children of disobedience are already either possessed or under the control of the devil (2 Corin 4.4), therefore are automatically subject to demonic entities, their power, influence or will. Jesus came into the world, and one of the things he did was set all people free from all the power and authority of the enemy (Luke 4.18).
Can Christians Become Possessed – Deliverance for Believers
One question many people ask is whether a Christian can be demonically possessed. However, this question automatically infers that all Christians are true believers and are followers of Christ in truth. Christianity has become a religion that many say they are a part of, unfortunately for many, without there being any truth behind their words. Many people claim to be Christians without ever having put their faith in Jesus Christ.
Free Indeed – Devil has No Authority
The Bible makes it clear that for those whom Jesus has truly set free, are free indeed. Those who are free are not bound to anything nor is anything bound to them. Believers have already been rescued, redeemed, and delivered, from the world to Christ.
(Jesus said) The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.
– Luke 4.18 – Our Lord reading His mission as prophesied by Isaiah
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
– John 8.31
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. – John 8.34-36
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. – 2 Corinthians 3.17
(God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1.13
You are from God and have overcome them (spirit of antichrist), for He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world – 1 John 4.4
We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. – 1 John 5.18
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us – Gal 3.13
For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence.
– Psalms 91.3
All of a Believer Belongs to God – Soul, Mind and Body
We also find that all aspect or parts of a believer, and their lives, belongs to God; their heart, mind, soul, and body all belong to God. The devil no longer has any authority over any part of their lives. In fact, believers are the holy temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells within your body with your spirit.
Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. – Romans 5.5
Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God … 14 For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. – Rom 6.13-14
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? – 1 Corinthians 3.16
We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. … 10. always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. 11 For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. – 2 Corinthians 4.7-12
… present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, …, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Phil 4.4-7
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. – Colossians 3.15
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. – 2 Timothy 1.14
Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. – James 4.8
Slaves to Whom We Obey
Sin was once the master of all men; now true believers are free to serve God. Whoever we obey, we are servants to that/them.
… you are slaves of the one you obey—… 17 But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. 18 You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. – Romans 6.16-18
Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness. – Rom 6.19
Spiritual Warfare – Spirit vs. Flesh Struggle
The Bible teaches us that believers will still deal or battle with the carnal nature within us. This is the part of our nature that is dying, however our new nature, the spiritual nature, is alive in us from the moment we believed and are spiritually born again.
Our spiritual nature and carnal nature are at war within us, attempting to take control of our own will, i.e. selfish vs selfless desires, fruit of the flesh vs fruit of the spirit.
This battle will take place within us until our physical bodies die. However, our spirits are already alive and will live forever with Christ (John 5.24). The Bible tells we will experience this spiritual war against our own flesh and the Devil, however as believers all we have to do is resist the Devil, and that we have already overcome the world by faith.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it – 1 Corinthains 10.13
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. – James 4.7
If Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness – Romans 8.10
Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. – James 1.14
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1.8-9
Believers are to Practice Self-Control
The Bible teaches us that we are to control ourselves at all times. That one of the fruits of spirit is self-control. Those who belong to God will practice self-control, and the lack thereof is evidence of carnal activities. This would contradict the notion that any other spirit besides the spirit of self-control (the Holy Spirit) would oversee your body.
Fruit of the Spirit is self-control; – Galatians 5.23
The spirits of prophets are subject to prophets – 1 Corinthians 14.32
Leaders must be … sober-minded, self-controlled … – 1 Timothy 3.2
Training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives – Titus 2.11
In the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be … without self-control – 2 Timothy 3.1-3
No Instruction in the New Testament
Besides the number of verses above that show that the Spirit of God dwells within believers, that the authority of God is now over a believer’s life instead of the Devils, and that believers are slaves to righteousness; we can see that the Bible infers that true believers cannot become demonically possessed. This does not negate the struggles every believer has with the enemy of their soul.
The New Testament never addresses Believers needing deliverance from demons, specifically that need to be cast out of them once they begin walking with God. In fact, it tells us those who are free are free indeed, to resist the devil and he will flee from you and that we are no longer under the devil’s authority. Jesus sets His people free from all sin and all the power of the devil and the world. We are given power to overcome carnality and the desires of the flesh.
There is no instruction given in the New Testament for exorcising demons from believers. However, there is continual instruction for dying to yourself (your carnal nature) and living a life worthy of your calling (Eph 4.1). This message of repentance, continual turning from sin and sanctification in Christ with a renewed mind (Rom 12.2) is what the devil tries to get Christians away from, attempting to get God’s people focused on various traps of deception (2 Corin 2.11).
Can Christians become Oppressed
Specifically, the word in the Greek (Katadunasteuo) translated for ‘oppressed’ means to exercise authority over, either by torment or legal authority. Believers have Christ’s authority over all evil spirits (Luke 10.20), and there is no authority that a demon has over the elect for the elect are only subject the God’s authority as they are in His kingdom (Eph 2.2-3, Col 1.13). Therefore, the enemy truly has no power or authority over the elect.
However, if the enemy is able to get a believer to believe his lies and get them to fall away from God or misdirect them, he is potentially able to get them to fall into a trap, through sin or false beliefs (2 Tim 2.26). We see this in Gal 3.1, when the Galatians where being fooled to follow a different gospel (Gal 1.6-12) they were bewitched and where in danger of falling away (Gal 5.4).
We find this type of situation again where the devil is fooling believer in those who are barely escaping the false teacher in 2 Peter 2.18. Even in the end times there will be such a great delusion all humanity will be led astray, almost effecting the very elect (Matt 24.24).
All believers will experience spiritual warfare (Eph 6) until they pass from this life. Facing trials and temptations (James 1.2-4), and all temptations are from the enemy for God does not tempt anyone with evil (James 1.13). However, God will always provide a way of escape for believers that are tempted (1 Corim 10.13). The enemy will try to do everything from deceit to threats against believers, however that is all the authority that a demon has; to tempt them to live carnally or to believe their lies.
Deliverance Ministry Theology (Modern)
There have been various teachings within ministries that focus on deliverance, teachings that need some clarification and examination. First of all it is very important to never go beyond the scriptures (1 Corinthians 4.6), and to carefully handle the word of truth (2 Tim 2.15) as the Bible warns us about doing.
We are to understand that the Bible is sufficient for every good work (2 Corinthians 9.8, 2 Tim 3.16), including the casting out of demons, this means that we do not need to learn any doctrine, teaching, prayer or tactic that exists outside of the Bible to cast out demons.
Learning about demons can become a trap for those who go into this kind of ministry, for the Devil is very crafty, and the desire to learn about demons can easily lead into occult teachings and doctrines, which are the deceptive doctrines of demons (1 Tim 4.1). Believers are to be simple concerning knowledge about evil and wise about the things that are good (Rom 16.19).
The Bible has equips all believers with everything they need to know about the casting out of demons and deliverance, and the primary key to deliverance is the gospel, for it is the gospel alone that sets people free. When you put your trust and faith in Jesus Christ and He sets you free, you are free indeed. You become a part of His kingdom and the kingdom of darkness has no dominion over you at all.
This is the simplicity of the gospel, that all you need is Jesus, to walk by faith in Him (2 Corinthians 11.3). The devil tries very hard to get people to believe that they need something more than the gospel, such as the continual need to go to a deliverance minister. Anytime we add anything to the gospel, we risk falling from grace (Gal 5.4) for we are saying to God that His grace and free gift is not sufficient enough (Gal 2.11-16). Faith in the gospel (the good news that Jesus died for our sins) is about putting our faith in Jesus alone and nothing else (Gal 3.1-9) is all we need (2 Corin 11.3).
There have been many books over the centuries that have been written; books on demonology, books on Roman Catholicism exorcisms written by Catholic priests, along with many events and testimonies by experienced exorcists. Writings on their experiences and information they have learned from these exorcisms or deliverances along with information gathered from the exorcised demons or possessed persons. Some information contradicts, some is very consistent, however why would anyone want to learn about anything that came from the father of lies?
Any information from the enemy will only lead to confusion and deception for that is their goal, and to ultimately lead people away from the truth of Christ and the simplicity of the gospel, trying to get people to accept another Jesus, another gospel or another spirit (2 Corinthians 11.4). Spiritual experience, like science, history or testimonies, may be useful, but should always be examined prayerfully, never taken as truth equal to scripture (1 Thess 5.21)!
Deliverance in the New Testament Church
There is no instruction in the New Testament Church for the exorcism of demons in believers. This can be explained by the fact that the Bible tells us that believers who are in Christ have been redeemed from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. (Col 1.13), those who are set free are free indeed (John 8.36), the wicked one can not touch the children of God (1 John 5.18) and believers resist the devil and he will flee from them (James 4.7). Knowing this we can conclude:
- Believers can not possesses (controlled against their free will) by demons, they have already been delivered by Jesus into His kingdom (Col 1.13) and do not need to be delivered again (John 13.10). A demon can not make any believer do anything, only tempt them and lie to them (James 1.13).
- Unbelievers are under constant control of the enemy (2 Tim 2.26) for they are in bondage to them and are children of disobedience (Eph 2.3) without the ability to do anything good (Rom 14.23), and belong to the kingdom of darkness ( Col 1.13-14).
Deliverance for Believers or Non Believers
Deliverance (Healing) is the Children’s Bread
One of the teachings of modern deliverance ministry is the idea that deliverance is only for and belongs to the children of God; specifically the casting out of demons is only for the children of God. That deliverance is not to be done for non believers.
This idea comes from Matthew 15.21-28:
Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” 23. But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.”
24. He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25. But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26. And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27. She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28. Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
– Matthew 15.21-28
Proponents of the ‘deliverance is for Christians,’ theology proposes the following argument from this verse:
At this time Jesus was sent only to the house of Israel. The woman (v.22) asked Jesus to deliver her daughter from the evil spirit. Jesus told her that it is not good to give the children’s bread to the dogs (v.24). Therefore the thing she was asking for (deliverance) is the bread that belongs to the children.
This understanding does not take the broader context of Jesus ministry, scripture or the parable of ‘the children’s bread,’ as defined by scripture into context. This understanding only takes the narrow view of exactly what Jesus said and attempts to match it up with what the woman was asking for.
A better interpretation of this verse is as follows:
Jesus gives a more meaningful definition of ‘true bread,’ or ‘the bread that belonged to the children of Israel’ later in the gospels. Jesus explains in John 6.32-38 that He is the true bread from heaven. The bread that God gives is Jesus, and when Jesus came He first belonged to the Israelites, that is why it was not right to give Him (his word, ministry, teachings, power, healings, etc.) to anyone but the Children of Israel first.
It is true that true deliverance is for God’s people, since only those who come to faith and live in Christ will truly experience true deliverance, as discussed earlier. However, to push the idea that this verse means that believers need to be delivered from demons on a regular basis is not Biblical.
Was Apostle Paul Demon Possessed?
There is a teaching that takes the verse in 2 Corinthians 12 as a statement that the Apostle Paul was demon possessed. The verse is:
(Paul) A thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. 8 Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. – 2 Corinthians 12. 7-10
However, we can see that this verse never says Paul was possessed, and we can only infer meaning out of this text.
The word thorn in the Greek is Skolops, which literally means prick or thorn. This would best be interpreted as some kind of irritation problem Paul had to deal with.
Some scholars believe this thorn was an opponent in his ministry, as Paul earlier refers to those men who oppose him, those who thought of themselves as ‘super apostles’ (2 Corin 11.5).
There may be a clue given in verse 9, as to what the thorn was, Paul mentions that he will boast in his infirmities in Greek the word is Astheneia; which means disease, sickness or weakness. This is why many scholars reference this verse to Galatians 4.13-15, when Paul again mentions his infirmity, which God used to bring them together for the first time.
He may have called it a messenger of Satan, but it was the irritation or infirmity that caused the issue for him, and it was for a purpose that God allowed it, to humble him.
Messiah Prophesies and Exorcism in the Old Testament
The Jewish people understood that the Messiah was a healer as portrayed in the Old Testament, however it seems that the people also understood the Messiah to be an exorcist of demons as well. This is not directly seen in Old Testament scripture but is a concept understood indirectly by the destruction of the false gods (demons) and their authority.
In the New Testament we find that when Jesus began to cast out demons, people understood this as a sign of the coming Messiah, as seen in Matt 12.23, when they recognized this to be a sign of the Son of David (another name for the Messiah).
The concept of the Messiah casting out demons is also seen throughout Second Temple Jewish literature [extra Biblical literature], as the son of David. The Dead Sea Scrolls 11Q5 column 27 contains a reference to a Psalms of David, a song to perform over the possessed. This is believed to be one of the Psalms referenced in 1 Kings 4.29-34. Column 19 line 15, David says do not let Satan rule over me neither let an evil spirit.
Psalm 91 in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Septuagint verse 5 tells us those who take refuge in the Almighty will not fear ‘the terror of the night,’ which is believed by many scholars to be a Jewish term for a demonic entity. In the Septuagint this verse is translated as the evil spirit at noonday or ‘mid-day demon or noonday demon.’
Now the sagacity and wisdom which God had bestowed on Solomon was so great, that he exceeded the ancients; insomuch that he was no way inferior to the Egyptians, who are said to have been beyond all men in understanding; … God also enabled him to learn that skill which expels demons – Josephus- Antiquities of the Jews 8.2.5
Early Church & Historic References to Casting out Demons
The following are some reference from various writings of early Church Fathers in regard to exorcisms and casting out demons.
Justin Martyr – 153 A.D.-“And they {demons), having been shut up in eternal fire, shall suffer their just punishment and penalty. For if they are even now overthrown by men through the Name of Jesus Christ, this is an intimation of the punishment in eternal fire which is to be inflicted on themselves and those who serve them.” – Justin Martyr, Second Apology, Ch. 8 to the Romans Senatel
Justin Martyr – 153 A.D – “And now yon (Roman Senate) can learn this from what is under your own observation. For numberless demoniacs throughout the whole world, and in your city, many of our Christian men exorcising them in the Name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, have healed and do heal, rendering helpless and driving the demons out of the men, though they could not be cured by all the other exorcists, and those who used incantations and drugs.” – – Justin Martyr, Second Apology, Ch. 8
Justin Martyr – 153 A.D – “For every demon, when exorcised in the Name of this very Son of God … is overcome and subdued. But though you exorcise any demon in the name of any of those who were amongst you — either kings, or righteous men, or prophets, or patriarchs — it will not be subject to you. Now assuredly your (Jewish) exorcists, I have said, make use of craft when they exorcise, even as the Gentiles do, and employ fumigations and incantations.” – Justin Martyr, Dialog with Trypho Ch. 85
Tatian – 160 A.D. – “Sometimes they themselves (demons) disturb the habit of the body by a tempest of folly, but, being smitten by the Word of God, they depart in terror, and the sick man is healed.” – Tatian, Address of Tatian to the Greeks, Ch. 16
Irenaens -190 A.D. -“For some (Christians) do certainly and truly drive out devils, so that those who have thus been cleansed from evil spirits frequently both believe and join themselves to the church.” Deliverance is also implied to be done by Christians in Book II, 31:2. – Irenaens Against Heresies, Book II, 32:4
Theophilus -160-180 A.D. – Theophilus is refuting the false teachings of Homer and Hesiod who were famous Greek poets. “… And this clearly appears from the fact, that even to this day the demonized are sometimes exorcised in the Name of the living and true God; and these spirits of error themselves confess that they are demons who also formerly inspired these writers (Homer and Hesiod).” – Theophilus to Autolycus, Book II, 8
Tertullion – 197 A.D.- “Let a person be brought before your tribunals, who is plainly under demonic possession. The wicked spirit, bidden to speak by a follower of Christ, will as readily make the truthful confession that he is a demon, as elsewhere he has falsely asserted that he is a god.” – Tertullion, Apology, Ch. 23
Tertullian – 194 A.D – “The clerk of one of the courts who was liable to be thrown upon the ground by an evil spirit, was set free from his affliction (by Christians); as was also the relative of another, and the little boy of a third. How many men of rank (to say nothing of common people) have been delivered from demons, and healed of diseases?” – Tertullian, To Scapula, Ch. 4
Minucius Felix – 210 A.D. – “A great many, even some of your own people, know all those things that the demons themselves confess concerning themselves, as often as they are driven by us (Christians) from bodies by the torments of our words and by the fires of our prayers,” The Octavious of Minucius Felix ; The Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. IV, p. 190
Origen – 230-254 A.D. – “And there are still preserved among Christians traces of that Holy Spirit which appeared in the form of a dove. The Christians expel evil spirits, and perform many cures, and foresee certain events, according to the will of the Logos.” – Origen, Against Celsus, Book I, 46
Origen – 230-254 A.D. – “And the Name of Jesus can still remove distractions from the minds of men, and expel demons, and also take away diseases and produce a complete change of character …. ” – Origen, Against Celsus, Book I, 67
Lactentius – 250-320 A.D. – The Divine Institutes, Book V, 22, “For these (demons), as long as there is peace among the people of God, flee from the righteous, and fear them; and when they seize upon the bodies of men, and house their souls, they are adjured by the Christians, and at the Name of the true God are put to flight.
For when the demons hear this name they tremble, cry out, and assert that they are branded and beaten; and being asked who they are, whence they are come, and how they have insinuated themselves into a man, confess it. Thus, being tortured and excruciated by the power of the divine name, they come out of the man.”
– Lactentius, The Divine lnstitutes, Book II, 16
Lactentius – 250-320 A.D. – “But of what great weight the cross is, and what power it has, is evident, since all the hosts of demons are expelled and put to flight by it. And as He Himself before His passion put to confusion demons by His word and command, so now, by the name and sign of the same passion, unclean spirits, having insinuated themselves into the bodies of men, are driven out, when racked and tormented, and confessing themselves to be demons, they yield themselves to God, who harasses them.
“What therefore can the Greeks expect from their superstitions and with their wisdom, when they see that their gods, whom they do not deny to be demons also, are subdued by men through the cross?”
– Lactantius , The Epitome of the Divine Institutes, Ch. 51
References
StreetWitnessing.Org – Spiritual Warfare
https://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Exorcisms.htm
https://archive.org/details/podcast_biblical-theology-spiri_st627-lesson-24_1000374605273
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.