Does demon possession exist today? | Westside Eagle Observer

"Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice, saying, 'Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are -- the Holy One of God!' But Jesus rebuked him, saying, 'Be quiet, and come out of him!' And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him." Luke 4:33-35

When we read of Jesus' encounters with demonic spirits and of their influence and control over people, the question often comes up: "Is there demon possession today?"

In answer to that question, we must remember that the battle for souls still rages on in this world, that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Eph. 6:12).

And the Bible solemnly warns us: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world" (1 Pet. 5:8-9).

We also know that all unbelievers, the whole world, "lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19), and that we were born into this world spiritually blind and dead to God and His Word and under the rule of Satan (Eph. 2:1ff.). But does it still happen that the devil and his fallen angels so possess a person that he or she could be called "demon possessed"? Cf. Luke 8:26ff.

The answer of the Bible certainly appears to be "Yes." Though our godless society would explain it away, God's Word does not. It can and may happen (though God sets limits) that a person's body and mind are taken under the control of Satan or his evil angels. Evidence of such possession would likely include the destructive and suicidal behavior described in the Bible and a knowledge and fear of Christ Jesus and His authority and power as judge (cf. Gen. 3:1ff.; Rev. 12:7ff.; 2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6).

This, of course, should be a warning to us not to take the temptations of the devil lightly or consider him a harmless foe. And it is all the more reason to cling to Christ and be clothed in the whole armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18.

And how can the devil and his demons be cast out? There is no rite or ceremony given in the Bible for this purpose, nor does God promise to be invoked to take action through any man-made rites or ceremonies. It would be foolish for any man, regardless of his post or stature in the visible churches of this world, to assume to be able to cast out Satan by his own words or faith. Rather, Jesus told His disciples to pray and have faith in the power of God (cf. Matt. 17:14-21).

Should we encounter a person under the influence and control of the devil, the best answer is to pray and apply God's Word. We pray in the name of Christ Jesus who defeated and crushed the head of Satan when He suffered and died upon the cross and made full atonement for the sins of the world (Gen. 3:15). We pray in the name of Christ Jesus, who rose again and descended into hell to proclaim His victory over sin, death and the devil (1 Pet. 3:18-20; Col. 2:8-15). And we minister to the afflicted one with the Word of God, pointing out sin and the just punishment of all who continue in the ways of Satan, but also speaking the good news of Christ's victory over Satan and proclaiming forgiveness of sins, deliverance from death and the devil, and life everlasting through faith in Jesus' name. Cf. Rom. 16:20; Rev. 12:11.

O gracious and merciful God, deliver us from the power and control of the devil by granting us faith and keeping us in faith in Christ Jesus and the salvation He won for all when He suffered and died upon the cross and rose again in victory. In the name of Jesus, Son of God and our Savior, we pray. Amen.

Editorial on 02/02/2016