SATAN AND DEMONISM
Before you begin your Bible study, as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, be
sure you have named your sins privately to God the Father.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and
to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [Known, Unknown and Forgotten sins]
(1Jn 1:9)
You will then be in fellowship with God, Filled with God the Holy Spirit and
ready to learn Truth from the Word of God.
God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth.
(John 4:24)
Prologue
BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN HISTORY Satan and his angels
instigated a conflict in the Spiritual realm that continues to this very moment.
The drama of this Spiritual warfare storms across the pages of the Bible from
Genesis to Revelation. Mankind was created to resolve this ancient conflict,
but Satan and the unseen demon hordes he commands will not suffer defeat
without an intense struggle. Satan employs very wide-ranging characteristics
of demon activity! Demonism has pervaded and plagued man since the fall of
Adam.
How do these invisible creatures influence mankind? In the subtlest ways!
Satan’s soldiers, the demons, are supernatural beings originally created by
God who possess immense power. Opposed to God, they have devised a
vast spectrum of misrepresentations (False thoughts) and counterfeit
activities which appeal to the inborn curiosity of mankind! The harmless
appearance of these countless enterprises camouflages their evil nature and
intent. To become entangled is to practice demonism. (1Sa 15:22-23;
(2Ti 2:4; (2Pe 2:20)
Human beings under the influence of demons are pawns in the unholy
cause of Satan. Disaster is the ultimate finale for human devotees! The Bible
emphatically warns believers against consorting with these sinister powers.
Nations that succumb to demonism cannot survive. There is a direct
correlation between the rise and fall of nations and their interest in the occult.
God must ultimately destroy the degenerate and spreading effects of demon
influence and demon possession. Every nation that allows demon activity to
gain a foothold flirts with disaster. Such was the Divine judgment on the
ancient Canaanites, whose complete abandonment to the evil practices of
demonism led to God’s Command that they be utterly destroyed!
(Deut 20:17) The fate of demon-influenced societies is recorded forever in
the Scriptures to deter those who would become involved with the powers of
darkness.
Satan And Demonism, published in 1971, warned of the dangers of
dabbling with satanic evil. Critical questions demanded answers! How
prevalent is demon possession or demon influence? Who can be demon-
possessed? Who can be demon-influenced? Is the practice of exorcism
valid? The Bible, the infallible Word of God, clearly resolves these significant
questions.
Prior to the 1970’s demonism and Satanism were terms seldom heard in
the United States of America outside a church or Theological classroom.
Then, two events focused public awareness on demonism. In 1969 Charles
Manson and his ‘family,’ a cult immersed in demonism, committed the
ritualistic Tate-LaBianca murders. Later, the release of the 1973 film The
Exorcist transfixed audiences with the bizarre antics of a young girl
possessed by a demon. A flood of chilling films and horror books began to
inundate a general public fascinated with the demonic.
Films of witchcraft, vampires, and ghosts, along with sensationalized
news accounts distort demonism by emphasizing overt Satanism and occult
rituals. But Satan is far from the proverbial hideous monster enticing people
to perform grotesque and shocking acts which represent the obvious forms of
demonism. Satan disguises his most devastating demonic attacks as
harmless or even beneficial to the individual! Satan cloaks his most successful
deceptions in the guise of religion, enticing the gullible who would never
suspect they are being deceived by demons!
The New Age movement is the most powerful wave of demonism today!
New Age ideas are ‘new’ only in that they are the modern-day combining of
Biblical and anti-Biblical practices and thoughts derived from ancient occult
and pagan religions, astrology, humanistic psychology and Eastern religions.
Old demonic practices are introduced in enticing new packages, in the name
of self-awareness, self-fulfillment, and self-love, occult techniques are taught
to an unsuspecting public through the world wide web, and through the many
giant books stores and even on the largest talk show in the world!
Illustration
Western mindsets are captivated by trans-channeling; Eastern mystical
meditation, and divination when craftily presented in Biblical, scientific and
psychological terminology. These-techniques have even infiltrated certain-
business and employee training seminars!
Numerous New Age concepts are derived from mystical experiences
which offer hope of a “greater” reality or direct union with a ‘higher being!’ But
mystic contact with higher beings is in fact contact with demons! Mysticism
has been nourished in this country by the-influx of Asian religions, especially
Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism.
Christianity is also filled with self-help and emotion, instead of Thinking
with the Word of Truth; these are the same “signs and wonders” of the New
Age movement. (Matt 24:24) A primary weapon in this confrontation is
exorcism, and false healings, which lures large crowds and lucrative offerings
in worship services! False teachers urge Christians to “bind” and “rebuke” the
devil to be victorious in the Christian life. The average believer in the pew is
being victimized by this focus on the spectacular.
Misconceptions, distortions, and false teaching about demonism abound.
A preoccupation with the demonic and offensive action against Satan distract
many believers from the goal; of Spiritual maturity through being consistently
filled with God the Holy Spirit and learning and Thinking with Truth!
(John 4:23-24)
So that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not
walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are
according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who
are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the
flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the
mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the
law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh
cannot please God. (Rom 8:4-8)
Only the infallible Word of God prepares and protects the believer so he
can “stand firm against the schemes [Thoughts] of the devil!” (Eph 6:11)
THE ORIGIN OF DEMONISM
SATAN THE PRINCE OF DARKNESS
BEFORE THE CREATION OF MANKIND, God created a vast angelic
host, unseen today but nevertheless real. (Col 1:16) The preeminent angel
was Lucifer, “star of the morning, son of the dawn” (Isa 14:12) the most
dazzling creature of light ever to come from the hand of God: his radiant
beauty breathtaking in its perfection; his voice resonant and melodious; his
wisdom beyond mortal comprehension; his clothing of iridescent light studded
with priceless jewels. God appointed this peerless angel to the exalted
position of honor guard to His throne.
Son of man, take up a lamentation over the king of Tyre and say to him,
Thus says the Lord GOD, You had the seal of perfection, Full of wisdom and
perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; Every precious
stone was your covering: The ruby, the topaz and the diamond; The beryl, the
onyx and the jasper; The lapis lazuli, the turquoise and the emerald; And the
gold, the workmanship of your settings and sockets, Was in you. On the day
that you were created They were prepared. You were the anointed cherub
who covers, And I placed you there. You were on the holy mountain of God;
You walked in the midst of the stones of fire. You were blameless in your
ways [Thoughts] From the day you were created Until unrighteousness was
found in you. By the abundance of your trade [False thinking] You were
internally filled with violence, And you sinned; Therefore I have cast you as
profane From the mountain of God. And I have destroyed you, O covering
cherub, From the midst of the stones of fire. Your heart was lifted up
because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom by reason of your
splendor. I cast you to the ground; I put you before kings, That they may see
you. (Eze 28:12-17)
Lucifer should have responded to this supreme honor and privilege with
utter devotion to his Creator. Instead, he became narcissistic, enamored with
his own importance: Such brilliance, such beauty should never be subservient
to anyone. His spark of arrogance ignited the flames of power lust as Lucifer
grew increasingly dissatisfied with the position God had sovereignly assigned
him. He craved to possess the very power and glory of God, to usurp the
throne for himself, to overthrow Divine authority. He desired to rule the
universe!
But you said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne
above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the
recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will
make myself like the Most High. (Isa 14:13-14)
Lucifer rebelled against God and persuaded one-third of all the angels to
join his revolution. (Rev 12:4) This heavenly mutiny divided the angelic
creation into two hostile forces: the elect angels who maintain their estate
and serve God, and the fallen angels, demons, who serve Satan. This revolt
between the angels of light and angels of darkness inaugurated a prehistoric
conflict which continues into the present; and will not conclude until the end of
human history. (Rev 20:10-15)
In eternity past God convened a trial to judge the defiant angels. God was
the judge and prosecution, Satan the defense attorney. After evaluating the
evidence against Satan and the fallen angels, God pronounced them guilty;
He condemned them to spend eternity in the lake of fire. (Matt 25:41;
Rev 20:10) Except for periodic angelic convocations, (Job 1:6; Job 2:1)
Satan is forbidden to enter the presence of God. (Eze 28:16) Since his
condemnation; Satan has sought to outmaneuver God, to prevent the
execution of his sentence.
Since Satan and his angels have already been condemned and
sentenced, why has this sentence not been executed (Job 1:7) God
graciously postponed the judgment in response to an appeal lodged by Satan
at the conclusion of his trial. Satan’s argument: Free will is not free unless we
can think and do whatever we want! And how could a loving God cast His
creatures into eternal fire?
To resolve Satan’s appeal God created the human race. Through mankind
God will display His perfect justice; and through Christ; bring many sons,
angelic and human to Himself; and that has always been God’s plan from the
beginning! (Heb 2:10) Like the angels, mankind has been endowed with
volition, the freedom to choose for or against God! Satan must now contend
with the volition of this new creature. Through the decisions of the human
race God will vindicate His judgment and refute Satan’s accusations against
His nature.
Confirmation of this appeal trial is revealed in Lucifer’s new title, Satan,
derived from the Hebrew, (Satan) meaning “adversary, accuser.” (Zec 3:1-2)
Satan was the adversary of God at his prehistoric trial and continues to act
as “the accuser of our brethren.” (Rev 12:10) He remains the irreconcilable
enemy of God.
Satan, not content to be merely a spectator to the unfolding events of
human history, rallies his demons. He goes on the offensive to influence and
to win the cooperation of mankind. In his first encounter Satan tempted Eve in
the Garden to commit the initial human sin of ignorance. Adam then chose to
join Eve and follow Satan’s lead. Adam’s arrogance and disobedience
condemned all mankind.
Therefore, just as through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and
death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned. (Rom
5:12)
Angelic creation started in the state of perfection; the human race, after
The Fall; started in corruption, this was to demonstrate that freewill is TRULY
FREE! But with freedom comes responsibility; what Satan and we chose to
think is what we will be judged for! (Isa 14:13-14; Rom 2:15-16)
God’s magnificent grace is available to all! The exalted manifestation of
His grace is the plan of Salvation for mankind. God the Father knew in
eternity past that Adam would sin and plunge the human race into
condemnation, so He planned a means of redemption. He sent Jesus Christ,
the Second Person of the Trinity, to become perfect humanity and to die on
the cross as a substitute for the sins of every person. Anyone can be saved
by faith alone in Christ alone.
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved. (Acts 16:31)
Human history demonstrates that volition determines a person’s eternal
destiny!
He who believes in Him [Jesus Christ] is not judged; he who does not
believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of
the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:18)
He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the
Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (John 3:36)
Satan lost his appeal trial when just One Person; Jesus Christ submitted
to God the father’s authority to the point of death! (Rom 5:19) And the faith of
millions magnifies the grace and sovereignty of God and continually vindicates
the perfect justice of His decision! Each believer becomes a testimony of God’
s grace and a witness for the prosecution against the accusation of Satan.
Few people realize that the world is in the agonies of this ceaseless,
invisible warfare — a fight to the finish. (Eph 6:10-17) Earth is the
battleground between believing humanity and the armies of Satan. In the
conflict, Satan, the “ruler of this world,” (John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11)
uses every trick, every ruse at his command, to neutralize or destroy the plan
of God for the human race.
In order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not
ignorant of his schemes. (2Co 2:11)
SATAN’S STRATEGY
Master Counterfeiter
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves
as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an
angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise
themselves as servants of righteousness; whose end shall be according to
their deeds. (2Co 11:13-15)
Although God defrocked Lucifer; this leader of the angels of darkness still
“disguises himself as an angel of light.” He is the master of deceit! Were he
visible today, millions would be captivated by his charming personality and
deny that he is evil. Why is the devil so intent on revealing himself in the best
possible light? To seduce as many followers away from Jesus Christ as
possible, ever seeking to avert his inevitable doom.
One of Satan’s greatest schemes has been the attempt to keep men in
ignorance of the real nature of his being and the fraudulent dimensions of his
artificialities!
Since Lucifer became obsessed with the desire to be “like the Most High,”
his only recourse is to try to outmaneuver God; and to counterfeit the Truth.
As the master counterfeiter Satan’s schemes are a sham. God is Truth, but
there is no Real Divine Spiritual Truth in Satan! (John 8:44)
How does Satan counterfeit the Truth? Since “God magnified His Word
[His Thinking] according to His name,” (Psa 138:2) Satan’s thinking fills the
world by means of the old sin nature and counterfeit teachers.
(2Co 11:13-15) The Lord bestowed the mature Spiritual life; and the gifts of
pastor-teacher and evangelist; Satan fights with his own counterfeit Truth and
false spirit. (1Ti 4:1) When the Lord instituted the Eucharist for the Church
Age, Satan developed his own communion table. When we live out of
fellowship with God, we are motivated by Satan’s spirit, and his false Biblical
and non-Biblical thinking; and eat and drink at his table!
No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to
demons, and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in
demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord [The filling of God the Holy
Spirit] and the cup of demons; [The false spirit] you cannot partake of the
table of the Lord [The Word of Truth] and the table of demons. [False Truth]
(1Co 10:20-21)
Since God’s policy for His relationship with man is based on grace, God
does all the work and man humbly receives the benefit of that work through
faith alone! Satan has contrived a counterfeit righteousness which appeals to
human arrogance. (Matt 19:16-30) People believe they can merit or earn God’
s approval through their own self-righteous efforts. We are proud of
ourselves, our thoughts and works! Or we learn to be proud of God and His
Thoughts and works!
Jesus Christ strongly condemned this counterfeit routine in the Pharisees
of His own day, (Matt 23:3; Luk 18:9-14) and Isaiah likened self-
righteousness to a “filthy garment.”
For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous
deeds are like a filthy garment... (Isa 64:6)
Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as
nothing in Your sight; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. [Useless
air] Selah. [Think about it] (Psa 39:5)
These ingenious counterfeit doctrines of Satan are extremely deceptive;
his false teachers neutralize faith with human works. They proclaim a
counterfeit gospel and spiritual life; (2Co 11:3-4) rather than the true Biblical
Concept of faith alone in CHRIST; and faith alone in HIS WORD! To pervert
personal faith in Christ, Satan strives to obscure the true Gospel of Salvation.
(2Co 4:4) Anticipating this attack the Apostle Paul warned:
But even though we, or an angel [Demon] from heaven, should preach to
you, a gospel [Teaching] contrary to that which we have preached to you, let
him be accursed. (Gal 1:8)
Since God designed a perfect plan for the believer’s Spiritual life based on
grace, Satan offers a counterfeit Spirituality based on human works and
morality. (Gal 3:1-3) To complement this pseudo spirituality Satan imitates
the power of God. (Matt 24:24) Many will be deceived by the counterfeit
power of signs, and wonders performed by the devil’s disciples. (2Th 2:8-10;
(2Th 2:3-4) Satan also adapts an array of counterfeit gods to appeal to the
degeneracy prevalent in any culture of the past, present, or future.
To discern error we must first know the Truth. The Bible Commands the
believer to “buy Truth, [By staying in fellowship] and do not sell it!”
Buy Truth, and do not sell it, Get Wisdom [Learn] and Instruction [Build]
and Understanding. [Complete the Spiritual life — REACH SPIRITUAL
MATURITY] (Prov 23:23)
Only when we know the Truth — the Word of Truth — can we recognize and
avoid Satan’s deceptions.
If anyone comes to you and does not bring this Teaching, do not receive
him into your house, and do not give him a greeting; for the one who gives
him a greeting participates in-his evil deeds. (2Jn 1:10-11)
The God of This Age
God created man to have dominion over the earth. (Gen 1:26-28) When
Adam disobeyed God in the Garden he surrendered rulership of the earth to
Satan. Today the devil is still the ruler of this world and holds the title “the
god of this world.” (2Co 4:4)
The Bible recognizes the prerogative of Satan to award the kingdoms of
the earth and their glory to any person of his choice. Satan’s offer of splendid
earthly domains to Jesus during the wilderness temptation was legitimate.
(Matt 4:8-9) Exercising his temporary authority in the future Tribulation, Satan
will establish the “man of sin,” the infamous half man half demon of the
Abyss. (2Th 2:3-9; Rev 9:11; Rev 11:7; Rev 17:8) Rev 19:20)
Despite his genius, the world remains in chaos. Satan cannot effectively
administer the world. He possesses enormous power, but he lacks the
character of God — the holiness, justice, love, grace, omnipotence, the
consistency to execute all that he has planned.
Satan’s consuming arrogance prevents him from ever being faithful to his
subjects. He manipulates them strictly for his own purposes, and then
dismisses them when they cease to be useful to his cause. Satan’s treatment
of Judas Iscariot exemplifies his faithlessness. After he used Judas to betray
Christ, (John 13:2; Matt 27:3-5) Satan deserted him!
Satan’s authority in the world is implemented through his follower demons.
As their supreme commander, he is known as “Beelzebub the ruler of the
demons.” (Matt 12:24) These highly organized and specialized demon forces
operate both actively and effectively under the command of demon generals.
During the Age of Israel, Satan attempted to destroy the Spiritual life of
Israel by alienating the Jews from the true God. Satan promoted elaborate
temples, populated with major and lesser gods who demanded offerings,
even human sacrifices. (Lev 18:21; Jer 32:35) These polytheistic religions
captivated the Israelites and perverted the worship of Yahweh.
So manipulating was the lure of demonism that when God ordered Israel
to annihilate the Canaanites for demonic practices, they ignored God’s
Command and spared them. As the debauched Canaanites continued to live
in their midst, the Israelites were enticed to assimilate their demonic religion,
even sacrificing their own children to appease the demons. (Deut 32:17)
Satan’s religious counterfeit temporarily prevailed.
They did not destroy the peoples, As the LORD Commanded them, But
they mingled with the nations And learned their practices, [False thoughts]
And served their idols, Which became a snare to them. They even sacrificed
their sons and their daughters to the demons, And shed innocent blood, The
blood of their sons and their daughters, Whom they sacrificed to the idols of
Canaan; And the land was polluted with the blood. (Psa 106:34-38)
In the Church Age Satan is far too elusive to tempt Christians with such
horrors as child sacrifice. Instead, he distracts the believer from the plan of
God by appealing to the “lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the boastful
pride of life.” (1Jn 2:16) Succumbing to these seductive lusts carries a high
price for the believer. The road to ruin is paved with misery, ultimately ending
in the sin unto death. (1Jn 5:16) Yet this need never happen
The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the
works of the devil! (1Jn 3:8-10)
We are born into the devil’s world. Our Spiritual death is proof of our
earthly citizenship. The only hope is faith in the Savior. Regeneration transfers
us from the family of Satan (John 8:44) to the royal family of God.
(Acts 26:18 ;(1Pe 2:9; Col 1:13; Rev 1:5-6)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become
children of God, even to those who believe in His name. (John 1:12)
As children of God we are indwelt by God the Holy Spirit and can never
be demon-possessed or indwelt by Satan. We have the options of the filling
of God the Holy Spirit and learning the Word of God as the only means to
repel satanic or demonic influence. Only through Truth resident in our soul can
we defend ourselves against Satan and his demons!
Submit therefore to God. [Learn and obey] Resist the devil [Demon
influenced thinking] and he will flee from you. Draw near to God [Stay in
fellowship with God] and He will draw near to you. [Have friendship with you!]
Cleanse your hands, you sinners; [Rebound; 1Jn 1:9) and purify your hearts,
[Think only with God’s Word!] you double-minded. (Jas 4:7-8)
SATAN’S SOLDIERS
Satan, the “prince of the power of the air,” commands innumerable ranks
of demons (Eph 2:2; cf., Eph 1:21; Eph 6:12) The Greek (Daimonion)
(Matt 9:33) and the Hebrew equivalent, (Shed) (Deut 32:17; Psa 106:36-37)
identify the fallen angels who chose Satan’s side during the prehistoric angelic
revolt. Another Hebrew term for demon, “sa’ir,” (Lev 17:7) means “hairy one
or he-goat,” a word applied to the satyrs of Greek mythology.’ (Named Pan;
for causing panic; and fear) Further references to demons in our English
Bibles are the words “mediums or spiritists” (Lev 19:31) and “demons”
(Deut 32:17) Regardless of the word used, one or more of Satan’s angels
are in view. To avoid confusion, “demon,” unless otherwise specified, will be
used when discussing these malevolent spirit beings.
Demons serve the cause of evil. They are avowed enemies of God and in
open rebellion against Christ. Since Satan lacks the attributes of Deity,
including omnipresence and omnipotence, he compensates for his
inadequacies by relying on his demons for reconnaissance and the execution
of his criminal schemes. By himself, Satan could accomplish little, for his field
of operations ranges far beyond his ability. His domain includes the earth and
its atmosphere. Further hindering Satan are the Divine restraints that prevent
him from operating at full capacity. One group of fallen angels not operating
today; will be a demon assault army which comes forth from the Abyss,
(Rev 9:1-11) during the Tribulation. Those demons await their release for a
future assault on humanity during the last great apocalyptic period of history.
Their objective is to assist Satan in his final attempt to gain control of the
world.
God has also incarcerated a vast company of Satan’s demons in Tartarus
to await their final punishment. (Jud 1:6; (1Pe 3:19-20) This segment of fallen
angels, called, (Bene ha’Elohim) translated “sons of God,” always refers to
angelic beings in the Old Testament. (Gen 6:4; Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Job 38:7)
These demons deliberately procreated with “the daughters of men.”
(Gen 6:2) The union produced half-human, half-angelic creatures, the
(Nephilim) in an attempt to contaminate the purity of the human race.
(Gen 6:18) Their insidious goal was to corrupt human genetics and thereby
foil the virgin birth of the Savior; who had to be true and pure humanity. This
genetic attack on the human race necessitated the worldwide judgment of the
Noahic flood, (Gen 6:12-13) to annihilate the mixed-breed, all unbelievers and
carnal believers. The demons involved were incarcerated in darkness,
chained to prevent further attempts to destroy the line of Christ (2Pe 2:4)
After the sexual invasion of Genesis 6, God removed the ability of all the
demons to appear as human beings. Since that time the demons still at large
must remain invisible. (Until the Tribulation) They can manifest themselves
through demon possession, and or demon influence entering the body of an
unbelieving man or woman. The power they are able to exert over the human
body is tremendous. Demons are capable of imparting supernatural strength,
(Luk 8:29) as well as inflicting physical abnormalities and deformities
(Luk 13:11-17) Demons can cause blindness (Matt 12:22) and inability to
speak. (Matt 9:32-33) They are able to induce mental disorders and suicidal
mania, (Luk 8:26-35) and are often responsible for personal injury to their
victims. (Mark 9:17-18) Once they have established control over a human
body. These evil spirits may come and go at will. (Luk 11:24-26) This
accounts for the apparent success of alleged exorcists and healers who
knowingly or unwittingly become the agents of the devil! One of the objectives
of the demons is to deceive the human race through their spurious demonic
thoughts and thereby thwart the plan of God.
DEMON INFLUENCE
DEMON INFLUENCE OCCURS when the soul of either an unbeliever or
believer is invaded by cosmic thinking. (Gen 6:5; Gen 8:21) This human
viewpoint reflects Satan’s strategy that opposes and obscures God’s plan!
Satan’s perpetual objective is to usurp the rightful place of God and to be
worshipped as God. A primary duty of every demon is to corrupt the thinking,
ideas, values, and actions of the human race! By so doing Satan believes that
he can obstruct the plan of God and prove his case in the appeal trial of the
angelic conflict.
After the fall of Adam; Satan became the ruler of the world. To gain and
maintain control of this realm, his counterfeit philosophies of life and religions,
are his strategies to deceive and confuse believers and unbelievers and these
thoughts are given to us at birth! (Gen 8:21) Satan uses contrasting systems;
such as legalism and licentiousness, morality and immorality, and all religious
activity to appeal to the trends of the old sin nature! All his strategies have
similar characteristics: arrogance and or preoccupation with self and
antagonism, hatred or hostility toward grace and Truth. The original Greek of
the New Testament gathers all satanic strategies into the Greek designation
“kosmos,” from which is derived the English “cosmic,” usually translated
“world.” Kosmos describes an orderly, cohesive system and organization with
a purpose, policy, and structure of authority designed to subvert the thinking
of the human race! (2Co 4:4; (2Co 11:2-3)
The cosmos is a vast order or system that Satan has promoted, which
conforms to his ideals, aims, and methods. It is civilization now functioning
apart from God a civilization in which none of its promoters really expect God
to share, who assign to God no consideration in respect to their projects; nor
do they ascribe any causativity to Him. This system embraces its godless
governments, conflicts, armaments, jealousies, its education, culture, religions
of morality, and pride. It is that sphere in which man lives. It is what he sees,
what he employs. To the uncounted multitude it is all they ever know so long
as they live on this earth. It is properly styled the satanic system, which
phrase is in many instances a justified interpretation of the so-meaningful
word, cosmos. It is literally a cosmos diabolicus! (World of Satan)
Illustration
A successful strategy in Satan’s collection, is to promote a superficial
understanding of cosmic thinking or worldliness among believers! Worldliness
is not doing so-called ‘worldly’ things or violating cultural taboos, such as
smoking, drinking, dancing, going to movies, or other activities that shock
legalistic Christians. The focus of worldliness is on human thinking which
leads to living apart from God: carnality. You are what you think! (Prov 23:7;
Rom 8:7-8)
The Bible strongly admonishes every believer to resist cosmic thinking
(Jas 4:4)
Do not love the world, nor the things [Thoughts] in the world. If anyone
loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is
not from the Father, but is from the world. [SATAN’S SYSTEM!] (1Jn 2:15-16)
Any believer who lives, thinks, and or operates his life according to the
world’s standards is not only enslaved to Satan’s authority, but unwittingly
executes Satan’s policy and fulfills his purpose!
Everyone born into Satan’s world domain is bombarded with Satan’s
propaganda until the day he dies. The unbeliever’s only protection against the
more extreme forms of demon influence is through the application of the
Laws of Divine establishment as exemplified by the Ten Commandments.
God’s fundamentals of Virtue and humility intended for the freedom of all
mankind, and are the exact opposite of Satan’s scheme.
After Salvation, the believer’s sole protection against demon influence is
learning and Thinking with the Divine Thoughts the God has provided for us in
His Word: Truth! (Prov 4:20-23; (1Co 2:16)
And do not be conformed to this world, [Cosmic systems of thinking] but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the
will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (Rom 12:2)
The Doctrine of Truth guards against human thinking; the false wisdom of
the cosmos, (Job 5:12-13; Jer 8:9; Psa 33:10; Luk 1:51; (1Co 1:19-20) and
frees the believer from enslavement to Satan’s policy! (John 8:32) The tragic
victims of demon influence are believers distracted from God’s plan for their
life!
Whenever a believer sins, whether knowingly or unknowingly, his sin
nature assumes control and he enters the cosmic system. Residing in this
system through rejection of Truth creates a vacuum in the soul. Demon
thoughts substitute the Word of Spirit and Truth!
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the
faith, [Spiritual life: Spirit and Truth](John 4:24) paying attention to deceitful
spirits and doctrines [Thoughts] of demons. (1Ti 4:1)
As Spiritual decline continues, the believer descends into reversionism.
This is the state of Spiritual decline or degeneracy resulting from rejection
and or neglect of Truth!
The longer the believer resides in cosmic thinking, without using rebound,
(1Jn 1:9) the more susceptible he is to increased demon influence!
(Remember we all start out in life as unbelievers: as unbelievers, with an old
sin nature — Satan’s; (John 8:44) filled with satanically provided human
thinking! We have to believe in Christ first; and then learn Truth, before we
cannot use it and or forget it!) Eventually it becomes impossible to distinguish
between the unbeliever and the believer saturated with cosmic thinking. Like
King Saul, the reversionistic believer faces the risk of increased Divine
discipline. Saul was definitely a believer. (1Sa 10:6; (1Sa 28:19) His life
reveals the depths of carnality to which any believer can sink! (1Sa 16:14;
(1Sa 28:7) Though every believer is saved at the moment of faith in Christ, he
still possesses a sin nature. Any sin he could commit before Salvation he can
commit after Salvation because of the depravity of the sin nature. When the
reversionist is dominated by the lust patterns of the old sin nature;
unrestrained by Truth; his life will imitate the unbeliever! Saul’s rejection of
Truth was manifested by intense bouts of depression, neuroses, and
psychoses. Believers today can manifest these same traits. The solution is
confession of sin and accompanying recovery of the filling of God the Holy
Spirit, restoration of fellowship with God, and resumption of the Spiritual life
which includes daily perception and application of Truth!
Although the totality of Satan’s policy in the cosmic system is evil, his
scheme incorporates good works and morality. One of Satan’s most effective
tools against Spiritual growth in the believer’s life is the distraction of activism,
any zealous crusade for a moral cause. Thousands of believers fall prey to
campaigns that culminate in furthering Satan’s agenda. The only sure way to
accomplish God’s plan is not by whitewashing the devil’s world, but by
utilizing the assets God has provided for every believer; to reach Spiritual
maturity! (1Co 14:20)
DEMON INFLUENCE VS. DEMON POSSESSION
Does the Bible distinguish between demon influence and demon
possession? Absolutely! New Testament Greek unequivocally designates
demon possession with the words, [Daimonizomai] “to be possessed by a
demon,” and, [Echo daimonion] “to have a demon.” These terms are
synonyms in Luke’s account of the Gerasene demoniac.
And when He [Jesus] had come out onto the land. He was met by a
certain man from the city who was possessed with demons, [Echo
daimonion] and who had not put on any clothing for a long time, and was not
living in a house, but in the tombs. (Luk 8:27)
And those who had seen it reported to them how the man who was
demon-possessed [Daimonizomai] had been made well. (Luk 8:36)
When these particular words appear in any Biblical context they indicate
demon possession.
Further evidence that daimonizomai indicates internal possession by a
demon comes from the description of the demon entering the madman.
And Jesus asked him, What is your name? And he [The Gerasene
demoniac] said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered [Eiserchomai] him.
(Luk 8:30)
Eiserchomai, meaning “to enter into, to go in,” emphasizes the internal
residence of a demon within the body of the Gerasene demoniac, etc.
(Mark 5:12; Mark 9:25) Not only is the demon said to be “in” the person, but
immediate healing was accomplished when Jesus “cast out” [Ekballo] the
invading demon.
And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out
[Ekballo] many demons. (Mark 1:34; Matt 9:33; Matt 10:1; Mark 1:39;
Mark 3:15; Luk 11:14)
Jesus often used the imperative mood of (Exerchornai) to command the
demon to; “come out” the indicative mood of this word describes the demon’s
departure.
And when Jesus saw that a crowd was rapidly gathering, He rebuked the
unclean spirit, saying to it, “You deaf and dumb spirit, I Command you, come
out [Imperative of exerchomai] of him and do not enter [Eiserchornai] him
again.” And after crying out and throwing him into terrible convulsions, it came
out. [Indicative of exerchomai] (Mark 9:25-26; cf., Matt 17:18; Mark 1:25-26;
Mark 5:8-13; Mark 7:29; Luk 4:35; Luk 8:2)
A demon could not be cast out or come out if it had not first entered and
afterwards resided in the person afflicted.
From the analysis of key words in these passages it is incontestable that
daimonizomai and its synonyms always mean the invasion and control of a
person’s body by one or more demons. Daimonizornai should never be
transliterated ‘demonized’ because this obscures the distinction between
demon possession and demon influence. Demon possession must never be
confused with or construed as demon influence.
King Saul and Demon Influence
One of the most prominent examples of demon influence is found in the
Old Testament narrative about King Saul. Some expositors use this as an
instance of a demon-possessed believer, but there is no hint of demonic
indwelling in the Biblical account.
After Saul was rejected by God because of his prolonged disobedience
and reversionism, he came under personal demonic attack. In 1Sa 16:14-23;
(1Sa 18:10; (1Sa 19:9) the Hebrew prepositions indicate that Saul was never
indwelt by a demon. In each account the demon “came upon,” (Al) or “came
to,” (El) Saul and terrorized him. These prepositions are in contrast to the
Hebrew preposition (Be) which means “into” or “within.” However, (Be) is not
present in any of the above passages. Furthermore, the demon was never
portrayed as being “cast out” of Saul.
While believers can come under demon influence, they cannot be demon-
possessed. If Old Testament believers like Saul who were not permanently
indwelt with God the Holy Spirit could not be demon-possessed, how much
more impossible for a Church Age believer permanently indwelt by God the
Holy Spirit to be demon-possessed. (1Co 6:19-20) No demon can indwell the
believer’s body since God the Holy Spirit has made it a temple for the
indwelling of Christ!
AVENUES TO DEMONISM
HOW DOES SOMEONE BECOME SUSCEPTIBLE to demon influence?
(Just be born in Satan’s world system!) The origin of this vulnerability lies in
the volition and the sin nature. The motivator of the sin nature resides in the
lust patterns: power lust, materialism lust, pleasure lust, sexual lust,
approbation lust, chemical lust, criminal lust, social lust, crusader lust,
revenge lust! A person may choose any path of temptation to satiate his
lusts. Therein lies the road to ruin: Frustration from unfulfilled lusts produces
bitterness which ripens into hatred and, in turn, hardens into relentless
vindictiveness, and violence. For example, hatred and vindictiveness are the
driving forces underlying the demonic practices of voodooism, a primitive
religion combining aspects of idolatry, mysticism, and drug-enhanced sorcery.
Some people may engage a fortuneteller to gain information and guidance
or seek security through knowledge of future events. Others may seek a
medium to receive solace in bereavement by attempting to contact a
departed loved one. These seemingly innocent pursuits in Reality provide a
facade for demonism. Some justify their involvement as-merely “amusing
entertainment,” others-earnestly search for answers to disturbing questions.
Deluded by satanic strategies these people succumb to the influence of
demons.
Among the most prevalent avenues to demon influence are all on line, and
at the local book store; similar to Paul’s day; (Acts 19:19) but now we are
having a national and world attack! (The Secret, The Power of Now, New
Earth, etc. That tell unbelievers and believers that they are God! This is the
largest demonic attack in history!) Idolatry, divination, necromancy, drug
addiction, the phallic cult, mysticism, self-help books and astrology. Each of
these avenues is embodied in the false thinking of demons. Demon influence-
becomes the staging area for demon possession of the unbeliever. The
believer who engages in these practices becomes increasingly demon
influenced as the false doctrines of demons infiltrate his thinking and control
his decisions!
IDOLATRY
Idolatry, the worship of anything other than God, (We are proud of God
and His Thoughts; or we are proud of ourselves and our own thoughts:
Idolatry!) and this wears countless faces from seemingly harmless symbols
and icons to trees, animals, and representations of the natural world. Idolatry
deifies the forces of nature and gives reverence to the sin nature and man-
made objects.
Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the
incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and
four-footed animals and crawling creatures. Therefore God gave them over in
the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored
among them. For they exchanged the Truth of God for a lie, and worshipped
and served the creature [Ourselves and Satan] rather than the Creator, who
is blessed forever. Amen. (Rom 1:22-25)
Scripture records many instances of idolatry among the nations
surrounding Israel: the Canaanite worship of Baal and the Asherah,
(Deut 29:17; Jdg 2:11-13; Jdg 3:7) and the Philistine worship of Dagon, the
fish god. (Jdg 16:23; (1Sa 5:1-7) Today, Asiatic religions offer a plethora of
animate and inanimate idols, representing their various temples.
The enticing snares of idolatry include the worship of icons, ancestor and
hero worship, the licentious rites of the phallic cult, (Pornography) as well as
more intangible forms of idolatry such as the worship of self, status, power,
and money! (Col 3:5) In every generation idolatry lures faithful followers from
every walk of life, inviting demonism which adversely affects body and soul.
Idolatry is Spiritual adultery, unfaithfulness to the Lord, and contributes to
Divine judgment when enough people in a nation succumb to its deception.
And I [The Lord] saw that for all the adulteries of faithless Israel, I had
sent her away and given her a writ of divorce, yet her treacherous sister
Judah did not fear; but she went and was a harlot also. And it came about
because of the lightness of her harlotry, that she polluted the land and
committed adultery with stones and trees. [Idolatry] (Jer 3:8-9)
So your altars will become desolate, and your incense altars will be
smashed; and I [The Lord] shall make your slain fall in front of your idols. I
shall also lay the dead bodies of the sons of Israel in front of their idols; and I
shall scatter your bones around your altars. In all your dwellings, cities will
become waste and the high places will be desolate, that your altars may
become waste and desolate, your idols may be broken and brought to an
end, your incense altars may be cut down, and your works may be blotted
out. (Eze 6:4-6)
Idolatry is the foundation for demonism and the environment for contacting
demons. Demonic involvement subtly entangles the lives of many who are
unaware demons use idolatry to seduce willing subjects. The first two of the
Ten Commandments prohibit corrupting the worship of the true God. “You
shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol,
or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the
water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the
Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the
children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me.”
(Exo 20:3-5)
Overt expression of idolatrous worship is always preceded by a mental
attitude of idolatry that blasphemously substitutes some aspect of nature,
some ideal, or some person as god. (Rom 1:25)
Idolatry is not restricted to primitive cultures or to unbelievers. All
believers start as self-worshipers, we have to learn Truth; in order not to
continue in this condition; and not to become further embroiled in this evil! In
the Exodus generation many believers succumbed to the worship of the
golden calf. The Israelites wallowed in idolatry while Moses was absent from
their encampment receiving Instructions from God on Mount Sinai
(Exo 32:1-29)
After forty days on the mountain, Moses had not returned. The people
became frightened and impatient, questioning whether he would ever come
back. Moses left his brother Aaron in charge but without his personal
leadership, authority broke down. The rebellious Israelites belligerently
demanded of Aaron: “Come, make us a god, who will go before us.”
(Exo 32:1) Shortly before that fateful day they had solemnly agreed to obey
the Law of God. (Exo 19:8) Yet now, with the apparent demise of Moses, all
faithfulness was quickly forgotten. They turned to the idolatry of Egypt for
comfort.
Aaron eagerly indulged their blasphemous demand. The people
enthusiastically donated their gold jewelry so he could fashion a golden calf.
(Exo 32:2-5; Exo 32:24) With the idol completed, the people rose up
shouting, “This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of
Egypt.” (Exo 32:4)
Seeing their zeal, Aaron constructed an altar to the calf and proclaimed a
religious feast which culminated in a frenzied, blasphemous orgy. God
threatened to destroy all the people for their idolatry. Only the fervent
intercession of Moses preserved the Israelites from the wrath of God and
instant annihilation. (Exo 32:9-14) Even so, three thousand died the sin unto
death for their idolatry. (Exo 32:28)
Israel’s pattern of failure, represented by the golden calf debacle began
with negative volition toward the Word of God; as it was then revealed. This
pattern is duplicated in the lives of carnal believers today. Reversionism and
Spiritual decadence caused by neglect and or rejection of Truth. God
designed the soul to be controlled by metabolized Truth under the filling of
God the Holy Spirit! (John 4:24) The reversionist makes emotion rather than
Truth his criterion, (Motivation) for life. This emotional revolt makes a god of
emotion. (Php 3:18-19) Satan seizes this opportunity to penetrate the vacuum
in the soul created by negative volition with false Truth and evil ideas! The
invasion of the soul by twisted Biblical doctrines of demons from Satan’s
domain of darkness, (Eph 5:8; Col 1:13) produces blackout of the soul,
blinding the mind to the Word of Truth! Continued rejection of Truth hardens
the soul with scar tissue; and the last traces of Truth disappear. With the
Truth blacked out in the soul, the reversionistic believer plummets into the
final stage of reversionism — reverse process reversionism.
In reverse process reversionism, a complete reversal or loss of a
Doctrinal scale of values completes the cycle to degeneracy. Affections and
loyalties become so distorted that the reversionist deserts the true objects of
love in favor of all that is evil and destructive. Finally, he turns his back on his
love for God. In this state of apostasy he succumbs to idolatry, a classic
manifestation of demon influence among believers!
After World War II, some military personnel stationed throughout Asia
returned to the United States enamored with Eastern mystic religion and
culture. With this broadened mystical consciousness, a new tolerance for
idolatry gradually emerged. Idolatrous concepts soon began to infiltrate
Christian thought, worship and practice. Ideas from Eastern religions, such as
‘all religions are pathways to God’ became common!
Asian religions which had enslaved and impoverished adherents in their
own lands increased in popularity throughout the United States. Certain
Americans exchanged their Christian heritage — the only source of freedom,
prosperity, and hope — for the slavery, poverty and despair of Eastern
religions! At one time our country was at the forefront in sending missionaries
to spread Christianity into foreign lands. Now Westerners by the droves make
pilgrimages to the Mecca’s of idolatry to study Eastern mysticism. Gurus tour
the United States disseminating false doctrines of demons while God’s Truth
remains ignored and or rejected.
The Scriptures warn of the ever-present, insidious danger of idolatry,
mandating believers to separate themselves from all forms of this evil.
Though idols may be nothing more than wood or stone, they represent
demons. Idolatrous religions promote demonic doctrines. Unbelievers
enmeshed in idolatry unwittingly worship demons and risk demon possession.
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry... [In context: using the Word to
make money] What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is
anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I say that the things which the
Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; and I do not
want you to become sharers in demons. [Through idolatry] You cannot drink
the cup of the Lord [Fellowship with God the Holy Spirit] and the cup of
demons; [Fellowship with Satan’s false spirit] you cannot partake of the table
of the Lord [The Mind of Christ: Truth] and the table of demons. [False
Doctrine] (1Co 10:14; (1Co 10:19-21)
Or what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the
temple-of the living God; just as God said, I will dwell in them and walk
among them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore,
come out from their midst and be separate, says the Lord. And do not touch
what is unclean; [In context: unbelievers and or believers who do not stay in
fellowship and Think with Truth!] And I will welcome you. (2Co 6:16-17)
DIVINATION
You shall not eat anything with the blood, nor practice divination or
soothsaying. [Palm reading] (Lev 19:26)
There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his
daughter pass through the fire, [Human sacrifice] one who uses divination,
[Demon fortunetelling] one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets
omens, or a sorcerer. (Deut 18:10)
Divination is the attempt to foresee or foretell future events or discover
hidden knowledge usually by means of interpreting omens or by the aid of
supernatural powers. Clairvoyance, palmistry, dowsing, and psychometrics
are the media of the Diviner. God expressly forbids participation in such
practices.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination, [Demonism] And insubordination is
as iniquity and idolatry. [Sin and false worship] Because you have rejected
the Word of the LORD, He has also rejected you from being king. [No reward
minimum] (1Sa 15:23)
The fascination with fortune-telling and occultists confirms the success of
divination as a satanic scheme to distract people from the plan of God.
Interest may begin as innocent curiosity: reading a horoscope in the daily
newspaper, calling a psychic hotline, playing with a Ouija board or tarot
cards. The popularity of Eastern religions and ideas has made divination
more acceptable. These and other long-suppressed demon pursuits surface
periodically like scum on a pond to spawn a plethora of evil practices
condemned in Scripture.
Do not turn to mediums or spiritists; [Partners with Demons] do not seek
them out to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. (Lev 19:31)
Now a man or a woman who is a medium or a spiritist shall surely be put
to death. They shall be stoned with stones, their bloodguiltiness is upon them.
(Lev 20:27)
God has revealed through Biblical Prophecy many future events, but in His
wisdom He has withheld certain information from mankind. (Deut 29:29)
Though the Bible provides only a broad sketch of the future, God has
supplied all the knowledge we need to enter into a personal and permanent
relationship with Him. The Bible defines every guideline, every Principle
required for living the Christian life. Yet, despite these perfect provisions,
attempts to foresee the future by means other than those revealed by God;
continue to entice mankind. The future is best left in the Lord’s hands!
BABYLONIAN WIZARDRY
After the Battle of Carchemish, while pursuing the fleeing remnant of the
Egyptian army, Nebuchadnezzar came suddenly upon the spectacular city of
Jerusalem. (Dan 1:1) He hesitated: Should he continue the chase or besiege
Jerusalem?
For the king of Babylon stands at the parting of the way, at the head of
the two ways, to use divination; he shakes the arrows, he consults the
household idols, [Teraphim] he looks at the liver. (Eze 21:21)
To help make his decision Nebuchadnezzar used to three types of
divination: belomancy, consultation of the teraphim, and hepatoscopy. He was
convinced one or the other would surely point the way. Each method involved
demon activity.
In the practice of belomancy, new bright and shining arrows, one marked
in a special way, were tossed into the air. The marked arrow dropped to the
ground, pointing toward Jerusalem. Still Nebuchadnezzar hesitated. He
sought additional confirmation from the small, portable idols, teraphim; that
represented his household gods. When these idols were consulted, the
demons assured him by a designated omen to advance on Jerusalem.
Even this failed to convince Nebuchadnezzar. For final assurance he
turned to hepatoscopy, using the liver of an animal to determine the future. A
ritual dance was performed around a chicken or some other animal. In the
case of a chicken, its neck was then wrung and its body pulled apart so the
liver would fall to the ground. The Diviner then dropped to his hands and
knees and stirred the organ with his finger. He examined the construction and
position of the liver, awaiting guidance from their pagan god. This final
directive convinced Nebuchadnezzar to break off pursuit of the Egyptians and
besiege Jerusalem. This decision was based on demon activity through
divination.
Prophetical Predictions
In the sixth century B.C. a king named Croesus was the last and most
renowned ruler of Lydia. Located in present Turkey, Lydia expanded from a
small kingdom to a mighty empire after the fall of the Hittites. Sardis, the
capital city, was acclaimed for its splendor and legendary wealth. Croesus,
rich beyond imagination, is credited with originating coined money as a
medium of exchange.
When the victories of Cyrus the Great of Persia began to threaten Lydian
supremacy, Croesus grew uneasy. He hastily allied himself with Amasis II of
Egypt and Nabonidus of Babylonia. But these alliances failed to provide him
with a sense of security. He sought advice from supernatural sources to
assist him in making decisions.
Croesus’ first act was to determine which sources of divination were valid.
He sent emissaries to various heathen temples throughout the land. His
carefully conceived plan called for synchronized action on the part of his
messengers. One hundred days after they received their order, each of the
couriers was to enter a specific temple and inquire, “What is Croesus, King of
Lydia, doing today?”
At the appointed hour, Croesus would be at the seashore. He would
meticulously dismember a tortoise and a lamb and then boil them in a brass
cauldron fitted with a brass cover. Whichever temple most accurately
described this bizarre royal behavior would be considered the most reliable of
the seers.
As the king expected, the temples competed with each other for royal
patronage. The appeal to the demon involved complicated ritual and
mysterious jargon. Only the oracle of Delphi described exactly the king’s
whereabouts even before the courier asked the crucial question. Pythia, the
demon-possessed priestess, pronounced:
I can count the sands, and I can measure the ocean; I have ears for the
silent, and know what the dumb man meant; Lo! On my sense there strikes
the smell of a shell-covered tortoise boiling now on a fire, with the flesh of a
lamb, in a cauldron, brass is the vessel below, and brass the cover above it.
Elated, the courier hastened back to deliver his message to the king.
Upon hearing the pronouncement, Croesus immediately knew the right oracle
had been found. Once again, he dispatched envoys to Delphi. They arrived
laden with priceless gifts intended as a magnificent sacrifice to the Delphian
deity. Ancient historians report an offering of three thousand oxen,
resplendent robes and royal tunics, immense vessels of silver and gold,
ingots of precious metals — opulent gifts that amazed even Herodotus, who
saw them a century later at Delphi.
These treasures, Croesus thought, would be consigned to the flames atop
an enormous sacrificial pyre in exchange for an answer to this critical
question: Should Lydia attack the Persians? The reply came back from
Delphi: If Croesus crosses the Halys River, he will overturn a mighty empire.
Croesus misconstrued this ambiguous advice to be a promise of success.
The armies of Croesus marched across the border. Indeed, the demon was
accurate in his prediction: Croesus’ attack on Cyrus did overturn a mighty
empire his own. A similar case is related about the Roman Emperor Trajan.
The Emperor Trajan made a like demand of the oracle of Heliopolis by
sending a sealed letter to which he required an answer. The oracle replied by
sending to the emperor a bit of blank paper nicely folded and sealed. Trajan
was amazed to find the answer in perfect harmony with the letter sent, which
contained nothing but a blank paper.
These illustrations of divination from ancient history have modern
counterparts. When anyone, however innocently, visits a fortune-teller,
whether it involves reading palms, tarot cards, or tea leaves, contact with
demons is possible. When divination accurately foretells the future, demons
are operating! Certainly not all fortune-telling indicates demon possession;
much of this frivolous dabbling may be nothing more than clumsy deception or
clever fakery. Yet those who participate in divination are flirting with possible
demon involvement.
When people resort to divination before making decisions, they are
susceptible to demon influence or demon possession. Divination is merely an
extension of witchcraft and idolatry. Sponsored by demons, these are strictly
forbidden by God.
Before the completion of the canon of Scripture, God revealed His will
through dreams, visions, and Prophecy. Today God communicates only
through His written Word. Divine guidance comes from Truth in the soul. The
Bible is, “the Mind of Christ” (1Co 2:16) and Divine Thinking is our ONLY
protection against the false thoughts of demon influence!
NECROMANCY
Necromancy originates from two Greek words: (Nekros) meaning “dead”
and “manteia” meaning “divination.” Necromancy is foretelling the future by
alleged contact with the dead. Practitioners of necromancy are mediums
through whom demons communicate, go-betweens who contact the spirit
world for others.
One of the most ancient of religions is spiritism, often called spiritualism
by adherents who wish to give it a semblance of religious respectability. The
origin of modern spiritism can be traced to 1847 when Kate and Margaret
Fox, two teenage daughters of a Methodist minister, devised a system of
raps and knocks to communicate with a spirit allegedly inhabiting their house
in western New York State. As word of their encounter spread, the curious
and gullible came to witness this alleged contact with the spirit of the dead.
Two years later, P. T. Barnum hired the sisters who subsequently gained
world-wide notoriety. In 1888 the Fox sisters finally admitted the hoax, but
their followers remained unconvinced.
Interest in the spirit world and the paranormal spawns societies and
associations dedicated to the study of psychic phenomena. The National
Spiritualist Association of the United States reported a membership of
126,000 in 1863 which increased to 228,000 spiritists in 1945. In post-World
War II America several major universities, including Duke and Stanford, have
established departments to investigate psychic and paranormal events hoping
to establish their legitimacy. However, others have definitively exposed its
false claims.
Much of contemporary spiritism has been exposed by competent
professionals as fraudulent. The classic exhibit was by Houdini and Dunninger.
Magic and Mystery, New York: Weathervane Books, 1967) Other
unmaskings include, a former “psychic” M. Lamar Keene (The Psychic Mafia,
New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1976) and a joint investigation by a Christian
physician, Paul Meier, and a Christian magician, Danny Korem (The Fakers,
Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1980).
However, not all psychic or spiritistic phenomena can be exposed as
fraudulent. There is a Spiritual dimension which cannot be ignored. Authentic
spiritists draw their power from the one the Bible calls “a roaring lion, seeking
someone to devour.” (1Pe 5:8) who is Satan.
Today, the New Age movement has popularized necromancy under the
term channeling. Traditional forms of necromancy were usually private
séances where the medium attempted to contact and communicate with the
dead. In contrast, channeling involves a medium or trans-channeler who
permits the spirit to possess his or her body and speak directly to an
audience. Often these activities take place before large groups of people
who pay vast sums of money for the advice they receive.
Some channelers have received inordinate attention in our culture. Their
predictions and counsel are sought by politicians, sports celebrities,
entertainers, and business leaders. The appeal of contacting the dead is a
deception used by Satan and his demons to cultivate followers in this world!
The practice of necromancy has become one of the major thrusts of
demonism in our generation. Ethereal beings contacted by mediums do not
always claim to be spirits of the dead. Some present themselves as
extraterrestrials, angels, gods from ancient religions, or ‘ascended masters.’
Are those who hold séances and channel spirits actually contacting the dead?
Definitely not! In fact, so-called mediums are either frauds or they actually do
contact demons but never the dead. When anyone follows the advice of
demons, those whom they influence are indirectly and unwittingly affected
and guided by the false doctrines of demons.
People overcome with grief sometimes possess a strong desire to
communicate and fellowship with their departed loved ones and discover;
where they are. Only the Word of God provides the answer. Those who have
died without accepting Christ as Savior are in a place of eternal
condemnation. (Luk 16:22-23; John 3:18) Believers who have died “in the
Lord” (Rev 14:13) are in His presence, a place of perfect happiness.
And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no
longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain;
the first things have passed away. (Rev 21:4)
They are absent from the body, and at home [Face-to-Face] with the
Lord. (2Co 5:8)
Some believe the dead watch the living. We indeed are being watched,
but not by the dead. We are being observed by both elect and fallen angels,
as well as by living believers and unbelievers. (1Co 4:9) Loved ones who
have died can no more see or communicate with us than we can see or
contact them. Because of our relationship with Christ, we are assured of
eternal reunion with those loved ones who are believers in Christ
(1Th 4:16-18)
We retain fragrant memories of them, but we cannot reach across the
divide. We can neither contact the dead in heaven nor in Hades.
Since communication with the dead is impossible. Scripture forbids all
participation in necromancy. (Lev 19:31; Lev 20:6-8; Lev 20:26-27;
Deut 18:9-13; (2Ki 23:24) These Commands protect the believer from the
demon influence of necromancy. Contact with the dead cannot be
accomplished so demons often impersonate the dead. These demons are
called in the Greek “engastrimuthos.” (Isa 8:19; in the Septuagint)
The Engastrimuthos Demon
When they [False prophets] say to you, Consult the mediums and the
spiritists who whisper and mutter, should not a people consult their God?
Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living? (Isa 8:19)
The word “medium” is a translation of the Hebrew, (Ov) the equivalent of
the Greek engastrimuthos which means “ventriloquist.” A ventriloquist demon
sometimes produces within the medium a strange cacophony of whispers
(High sounds) and mutters. (Low sounds) At other times he projects his voice
out from the ground, up from the table, or down from the ceiling. Frequently
the demon controls the vocal cords of the medium in a clever impersonation
of the dead. The engastrimuthos demons must possess and control the
mediums through whom they speak.
For example, a demon who indwelt someone in India a thousand years
ago may presently indwell someone in Los Angeles. Through this person the
engastrimuthos demon impersonates any number of people from India who
lived during that ancient time. Since no language barriers exist for demons,
the demon is able to make it seem as though personages from different eras
of history are projected into our century.
Isaiah describes another assignment of the engastrimuthos demon:
Then you shall be brought low; From the earth you shall speak, And from
the dust where you are prostrate, Your words shall come, Your voice shall
also be like that of a spirit from the ground, And your speech shall whisper
from the dust. (Isa 29:4)
In this form of necromancy the medium places his ear near the ground,
seemingly to hear the voice of the dead. Yet the voice the medium hears is
actually an impersonation by the engastrimuthos demon.
The Witch of Endor
Rudyard Kipling, the English poet and winner of the Nobel Prize for literature,
was familiar with the Biblical account in (1Sa 28:3-19) when he penned these
lines from “En-dor”:
Oh, the road to En-dor is the oldest road
And the craziest road of all! Straight it runs to the Witch’s abode, As it did in
the days of Saul, And nothing has changed of the sorrow in store For such as
go down on the road to En-dor!
In these terse words Kipling vividly recounts the tragic consequences of
consorting with demons. Saul’s journey down the road to En-dor epitomizes
the degradation and depravity to which the nation Israel had sunk during his
reign.
Following the death of Moses’ successor Joshua; God appointed judges
to rule over Israel. The last of these political and Spiritual leaders was
Samuel, who served also as prophet to the nation. Samuel’s advanced age
and approaching death raised the question of selecting his successor. The
only apparent heirs were his worthless sons.
These rebellious young men refused to walk in the Thoughts of the Lord.
Their corruption and cruelty were well-known to the people. (1Sa 8:3-5)
Therefore, the elders of Israel petitioned Samuel to appoint a king to succeed
him to office. Samuel warned the people that their request was contrary to
God’s plan. God had established Israel as a Theocracy: God was their king!
But the people, blinded by their obsession to be “like all the nations,”
(1Sa 8:5) stubbornly demanded a king they could see and touch! In grace
God permitted Saul to be anointed king over Israel.
Saul possessed every quality of a popular leader: a winsome personality,
physical attractiveness, and true humility. (1Sa 9:1-2) In his younger years
Saul was a grace-oriented believer with Truth resident in his soul. He obeyed
the Commandments’ of the Lord.
Later in life, however, Saul began to look at life from the carnal viewpoint.
(Rom 8:7-8) His persistent negative volition led him into prolonged periods of
carnality. The longer Saul remained in reversionism, the more casually he
treated God’s Instructions! (1Sa 15:1-35) Consequently, the Lord rejected
Saul and dispatched Samuel to anoint young David as the future king of Israel.
(1Sa 16:12-13) Though God had rejected Saul, He graciously permitted him
to continue to reign.
Samuel continued as the Spiritual leader of the land while Saul was the
officially recognized ruler of Israel. Following David’s spectacular victory over
Goliath, the young shepherd-warrior became a national hero. His tremendous
popularity infuriated Saul. (1Sa 18:6-8) Driven by insane jealousy and hatred
for David, King Saul had but one ambition to kill David, God’s choice as the
next monarch. (1Sa 18:9-29) To achieve his evil goal, Saul employed the
nation’s military might in a personal vendetta against the man he regarded as
his rival.
Saul’s carnal insecurity and reversionistic paranoia led him to foolishly
blame David for his own troubles. Yet David was blameless; he never sought
to take advantage of Saul’s failures as an excuse to seize the throne of
Israel. (1Sa 24:10) Even when David had opportunities to assassinate “the
Lord’s anointed,” he chose to leave Saul in the Lord’s hands. (1Sa 24:6;
(1Sa 26:9)
David faithfully waited upon the Lord to remove Saul from the throne.
Though David was forced to become a fugitive from Saul’s wrath, he utilized
the time wisely. Establishing his headquarters in the cave of Adullam, he
began to organize and train other outcasts, desperate men also persecuted
by Saul who sought refuge from him. (1Sa 22:1-2)
Under David’s Spiritually brilliant leadership, some of these men were
forged into a well-disciplined, Spiritually mature, highly efficient fighting force.
(1Sa 21:4-6) Eventually they became David’s general officers and formed the
nucleus of Israel’s highest ranking military chiefs. They would lead the army
of Israel to victory after years of civil war set up by Saul’s selfishness. This is
the background for the incident at En-dor.
Now it came about in those days that the Philistines gathered their armed
camps for war, to fight against Israel. And Achish said to David, Know
assuredly that you will go out with me in the camp, you and your men. And
David said to Achish, Very well, you shall know what your servant can do. So
Achish said to David, Very well, I will make you my bodyguard for life.”
(1Sa 28:1-2)
The clouds of disaster gathered on Israel’s horizon. An ancient foe was
mobilizing its forces and threatening the survival of the nation. The powerful
alliance of the five city-states of Philistia was poised to strike. The ragtag
remnants of Saul’s army, dissipated by lack of leadership and poor discipline,
were scarcely a match for this mighty array of military force. Saul would
discover too late that his unchecked reversionism had rendered him useless
to the Lord, vulnerable to attack by the Philistines, and susceptible to demon
influence.
In the meantime, David was in the midst of a dilemma. King Achish, of
Gath, (Goliath’s hometown) granted David asylum in Philistia from Saul’s
persecution. Achish hired David and his warriors as mercenaries. Greatly
impressed by David’s valor and loyalty, Achish rewarded the young warrior
by appointing him as the royal bodyguard “for life.” This custom of retaining
foreign troops as personal guards was not unusual, either in ancient or more
recent times. A monarch of Persia once employed Greek mercenaries, and
Louis XVI hired the famous Swiss Regiment as his palace guard. However,
David’s promotion to mercenary bodyguard was not part of God’s plan for his
life. Although Achish expected David and his men to join the expedition
against Israel, God graciously delivered David from his dilemma.
(1Sa 29:1-11)
Jesus Christ controls history! The Philistine commanders viewed David
and his men with suspicion. Not surprisingly, they voiced their distrust to
Achish: How could they be confident of David’s allegiance? Might he not “in
the battle . . . become an adversary” to them? (1Sa 29:4) Finally, a reluctant
Achish agreed to the demands of his commanders. David and his men were
ordered to return to Ziklag. (1Sa 30:1) Thus the Lord spared David from
warring against his own people.
THE CRISIS
Now Samuel was dead and all Israel had lamented him and buried him in
Ramah his own city. And Saul had removed from the land those who were
mediums and spiritists. (1Sa 28:3)
During this crucial time in their history, Israel lacked leadership. Samuel,
the nation’s Spiritual leader, was dead. Saul’s Spiritual weakness and
irrational obsession with David had corrupted his leadership. The nation was
in confusion. Taking advantage of Israel’s military paralysis the Philistines
prepared to attack.
So the Philistines gathered together and came and camped in Shunem;
and Saul gathered all Israel together and they camped in Gilboa. When Saul
saw the camp of the Philistines, he was afraid and his heart trembled greatly.
(1Sa 28:4-5)
The battle lines were drawn between the Israelites and the Philistines.
Achish and his army encamped on the slopes of Mount Moreh, overlooking
the narrow end of the Valley of Jezreel, also known as the Plain of
Esdraelon. On the opposite side of the valley, four miles away at the foot of
Mount Gilboa, lay the encampment of the Israelites. The sight of the massed
might of his enemy terrified Saul. Because of reversionism, his courage
degenerated to cowardice and subsequent psychosis. As fear gripped his
soul, what was left of his Divine Thinking, norms and Standards deteriorated,
destroying his capacity to make wise decisions.
Fear is a devastating mental attitude sin. The more you surrender to fear,
the more you fear! (The more you surrender to any sin, the more you will
think about it; until you are always thinking about it!) The extent to which you
surrender to fear, the greater your capacity for fear. The greater your
capacity for fear, the more you increase its power in your life. You avoid sin
by concentrating on, learning, Thinking and applying Truth; to the everyday
normal things of life; and of course to the problems you face, rather than
concentrating on sin and or the problems! (Matt 6:33-34)
For God has not given us a spirit [Spiritual life] of timidity, [Cowardice] but
of power [Over the sin nature: Spiritual life of God the Father] and love
[Virtue: of God the Holy Spirit] and discipline. [The Mind of Christ] (2Ti 1:7)
Cowardice brought on by fear paralyzes both mind and body! People who
live by fear become intimidated by life. The ability to think under pressure
evaporates. Rather than seeking permanent solutions from God, the person
controlled by fear frantically seeks help from any source. When Saul
surrendered to fear, his cowardice led him to solve his problem with
necromancy.
Because they hated Knowledge [Truth] And did not choose the fear of
the LORD. [To stay in fellowship with GOD the Holy Spirit] (Prov 1:29)
THE CRY FOR HELP
When Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, either by
dreams or by Urim or by prophets. (1Sa 28:6)
Saul repeatedly sought Divine guidance, but received no answer from the
Lord. Years earlier when Saul brutally murdered the priests at Nob only the
high priest escaped to join David, taking with him the Urim and Thummim, the
priestly instruments of Divine guidance. Without priestly guidance and the
Urim and Thummim Saul desperately sought direction.
When adversity strikes; certain believers who have been consistently
negative toward Truth frantically seek a miraculous deliverance. Panic
negates the Lord’s true provision for crisis situations. God Commands that
we learn, Think, and apply the Word of Truth consistently under normal
circumstances; so when the crisis hits we are equipped for the storm!
(Luk 6:48)
During the last fifteen years of his life Saul both neglected and rejected
Truth. Now his pathetic cry for God’s help was in vain. Any believer who
remains out of fellowship with God cannot expect an answer to prayer:
Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one
paid attention; And you neglected all my Counsel And did not want my
reproof; I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread
comes, When your dread comes like a storm And your calamity comes like a
whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call on
me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find
me, Because they hated knowledge [Divine Thoughts] And did not choose the
fear of the LORD. [To stay in fellowship] (Prov 1:24-29)
If I regard wickedness in my heart, the Lord will not hear” (Psa 66:18)
Then Saul said to his servants, Seek for me a woman who is a medium,
that I may go to her and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold,
there is a woman who is a medium [Psychic] at En-dor. (1Sa 28:7)
Denied Divine guidance, Saul deliberately turned away from the Lord. Self-
justification and self-deception are commonplace for reversionistic believers
who refuse rebound. Saul was no exception. Believing God had failed him; he
placed his hope in a medium and appealed to the powers of darkness.
What a contrast! At the beginning of his reign, Saul condemned witchcraft,
recognizing that the presence of demon-possessed people destroys the
society in which they are tolerated. (1Sa 28:9) Saul ordered the ban or
execution of all who practiced witchcraft or were known to be mediums. He
now violated his own decree. He dispatched reconnaissance teams and
ordered them to locate a female necromancer. The mission was successful.
Ironically, a medium was found fifteen miles behind enemy lines in the town of
En-dor.
Reversionism held Saul in the grip of strong delusion and self-absorption.
He could no longer Think logically or function effectively as the leader of his
army. Paralyzed by fear he was absorbed with his own desperate situation.
The safety of his men never crossed his mind.
http://dictionaryofdoctrine.com/files/Cogs of Carnality.jpg
Then Saul disguised himself by putting on other clothes, and went, he and
two men with him, and they came to the woman by night. and he said,
Conjure up for me, please, and bring up for me whom I shall name to you.
(1Sa 28:8)
Whatever his disguise, Saul had become a soldier out of uniform. He
jeopardized the lives of his companions as well. His destiny in life to serve the
Lord, rule Israel, and to command the army was lost forever; and was
diverted into the dark recesses of demonism.
Crossing the four miles that separated the opposing camps, Saul and the
two soldiers stealthily made their way to En-dor. Saul was traveling down the
road to his death. Twelve hours later, he would fall in battle, miserably and
painfully dying the sin unto death.
Portraying himself as an ordinary citizen, Saul approached the woman and
requested a séance.
...And he said, Conjure up for me, please, and bring up for me whom I
shall name to you. But the woman said to him, Behold, you know what Saul
has done, how he has cut off those who are mediums and spiritists from the
land. Why are you then laying a snare for my life to bring about my death?
(1Sa 28:8-9)
Although she did not recognize Saul as King, God used her to reminded
him of the royal decree against all witchcraft and necromancy. Saul knew
only too well the Mosaic Law specifically demanded the death penalty for
necromancers. (Lev 20:27; Deut 18:10-12) Instead of rebounding, (1Jn 1:9)
Saul reassured the woman to elicit her cooperation.
And Saul vowed to her by the Lord, saying, As the Lord lives, there shall
no punishment come upon you for this thing. (1Sa 28:10)
For years Saul rejected every provision and warning from God. Yet now
he took a solemn oath in the Lord’s name. Typically, reversionistic believers
use anyone or anything to achieve their purposes! Saul had disgracefully used
his army in repeated attempts on David’s life. He selfishly used his staff to
accompany him on this dangerous personal mission of no military
significance. Now in his frenzied quest for guidance, he defied the Divinely
ordained Laws of the land by seeking to use an occultist. And finally, to
convince the medium her life was not in danger, he even called on God for a
witness. What blasphemy!
THE SEANCE THAT WENT WRONG
Then the woman said, Whom shall I bring up for you? And he said, Bring
up Samuel for me. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud
voice; and the woman spoke to Saul, saying, Why have you deceived me?
For you are Saul. And the king said to her, Do not be afraid; but what do you
see? And the woman said to Saul, I see a Divine being coming up out of the
earth. (1Sa 28:11-13)
Her fears relieved, the medium fell into a trance and the séance began. If
the customary procedure were followed, the engastrimuthos demon would
control the session from beginning to end. But the unexpected happened:
God controlled the session! By Divine permission Samuel actually appeared.
Astounded, the startled woman’s terrified scream pierced the silence. She
knew instantly this was no illusion, but the prophet truly returned from the
dead.
The witch of En-dor had anticipated the usual demon hoax. She expected
to hear only voices, instead Samuel stood before her. The shock of Samuel’s
appearance caused her to recognize her nocturnal visitor as the king of
Israel. The combination of these sudden revelations further terrified her.
Unaware of the maelstrom of events swirling around him, Saul tried
calming her fears. Under strong psychotic delusion, the apostate king was so
certain Samuel would be contacted that he was not at all surprised by the
prophet’s appearance. He eagerly provided the woman with questions. And
he said to her, “What is his form?” And she said, “An old man is coming up,
and he is wrapped with a robe.”
...And Saul knew that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the
ground and did homage. (1Sa 28:14)
The medium’s description convinced Saul that Samuel had truly returned
“up out of the earth” from Paradise. Awed by Samuel’s appearance-he
prostrated himself before the prophet.
Then Samuel said to Saul, Why have you disturbed me by bringing me
up? And Saul answered, I am greatly distressed; for the Philistines are
waging war against me, and God has departed from me and answers me no
more, either through prophets or by dreams; therefore I have called you, that
you may make known to me what I should do. And Samuel said, Why then do
you ask me, since the Lord has departed from you and has become your
adversary? (1Sa 28:15-16)
Samuel was indignant. Saul had rejected Doctrinal teaching during the
prophet’s lifetime. Now, under adversity, he clamored for private tutoring from
the very authority he had rejected. No wonder the prophet reproached the
foolish king. Believers who have crossed the golden bridge of dying grace
and reached the wonders of their eternal destination have no desire to return
to this earth. But Saul was far too arrogant and self-absorbed to notice.
Saul refused Truth and became the “adversary” of God. His contact with
the forces of evil compounded his problems and intensified his discipline. As
God’s enemy, (1Sa 28:16; cf., Jas 4:4) through his own negative volition, he
had passed the point of no return. The prophet could only warn him of his
imminent defeat and death.
As you did not obey the Lord and did not execute His fierce wrath on
Amalek, so the Lord has done this thing to you this day. Moreover the Lord
will also give over Israel along with you into the hands of the Philistines;
therefore tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. [A statement of Saul’s
eternal life] Indeed the Lord will give over the army of Israel into the hands of
the Philistines! (1Sa 28:18-19)
Saul’s life ended disgracefully in a death unworthy of one whom the Lord
had anointed ruler over Israel. The man who had once shown noble promise
plunged a sword into his own chest on the heights of Mount Gilboa. His three
sons and many brave soldiers fell in vain at his side. Israel was routed by the
conquering Philistines. (1Sa 31:3-4; cf., 2Sa 1:19-21)
Today, similar attempts to contact the dead are made. Such ventures are
not confined to unbelievers with a preference for the demonic. Just like Saul,
believers who should know better also try to contact the dead. But the
Spiritual consequences can be just as deadly as they were to Saul!
WITCHCRAFT
A witch (Kashaph) or sorceress, (Exo 22:18; Deut 18:10) is a demon-
possessed female medium; a wizard (Yid’oni) is the male counterpart.
(Lev 19:31) Witchcraft is associated in the Old Testament with demonism.
(Deut 18:10; (2Ch 33:6; Nah 3:4) Those who practice witchcraft rely on
demons for information and guidance. In turn, demons use witches to
communicate their message. This was the procedure attempted at the
séance at Endor.
The New Testament contains one reference to witchcraft. (Gal 5:20) The
Greek word “pharmakeia,” “sorcery,” describes a dimension of witchcraft, the
use of drugs in sorcery. Hallucinogenic drugs are employed in many religious
rituals to achieve ecstatic states in which spirits may be contacted.
MISUSE OF THE MOSAIC LAW. The Biblical Command “You shall not
allow a sorceress [Witch] to live” (Exo 22:18) was a part of the Mosaic Law
specifically written for the nation of Israel. This Command is no longer
mandatory during the Church Age. Failure to understand this distinction has
led to the execution of hundreds of thousands of people accused of sorcery
over the centuries. Horrible abuses of (Exo 22:18) occurred throughout
Europe and Colonial North America in the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth
centuries. The Roman Catholic Church burned at the stake more than five
hundred condemned as witches in Geneva, Switzerland in 1515; then, 975 in
Como, Italy in 1524; and over one hundred thousand in Germany during the
same period. No records were kept of the vast number of immolations in
France and Spain.
Roman Catholics were not alone in this hysteria. During the
Commonwealth period in England (1649-1660) over thirty thousand so-called
witches were executed by the Puritan-controlled Anglican Church. Witch-
hunts also occurred in Puritan America, but compared to Europe, this hysteria
was mild and short-lived.
SALEM WITCH TRIALS
During the long winter of 1692 the two bored and mischievous daughters
of the pastor of the First Church in Salem, Massachusetts, encouraged a
household slave from the West Indies to recite tales from her childhood.
Enthralled by her stories of voodoo and hypnotism, the girls were soon
learning these practices, along with palmistry and spiritism. They invited their
parents and other friends to the meetings. Their strange barkings, groanings
and trances intensely concerned their parents. The authorities soon
investigated.
Frightened, but also thrilled with their new-found fame, the girls began to
make accusations of witchcraft against anyone with whom they held a
grudge. Others vindictively joined in. The authorities convened a special court
to try the accused — the infamous Salem witch trials. Before the hysteria
ended over four hundred had been arrested, nineteen people and two dogs
hanged; and one man crushed to death when his interrogators applied
weights to torture a confession from him. This miscarriage of justice causing
innocent people to be executed was a direct result of the wicked fabrications
of bored and devious girls.
As deplorable as witch-hunts are, even more lamentable are the lives
destroyed through demonism. The previous historical examples of witchcraft,
necromancy, and divination illustrate the tragic consequences of demonic
pursuits. Demons are deceptive; their objectives promote Satan’s evil
agenda. Scripture warns that involvement in demonic pursuits can result in
demon possession of the unbeliever and demon influence of the believer.
DRUG ADDICTION
One blatant manifestation of reversionism is drug addiction. The abuse of
hallucinogenic drugs, such as lysergic acid diethylamide, (LSD) and narcotics,
such as heroin, cocaine, and their derivatives, destroys the mentality of the
soul, corrupting norms and Standards in the conscience. Volition is
neutralized. Demon influence fills the vacuum created in the reversionistic
soul. Once influenced by demons, how easily the unbeliever surrenders to
demon possession. Anyone who samples or indulges in drugs out of curiosity,
peer pressure, or to escape the adversities of life becomes a prime target for
demons.
Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity,
sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, {Pharmakeia, drugs] enmities, strife, jealousy,
outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness,
carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have
forewarned you that those who practice such things shall not inherit the
kingdom of God. (Gal 5:19-21)
The passage catalogues a partial list of, a believer living by the lust of the
flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, including the sin of “drug
addiction,” a more accurate translation of the Greek word pharmakeia.
Originally the word described the use of drugs to induce a religious trance for
contacting the spirit world and eventually came to mean addiction to drugs.
THE PHALLIC CULT
The phallic cult permeated ancient religions and cultures. The phallus
(Male genital organ) was symbolic of fertility, a vital economic concern in
agricultural societies. Fertility worship, a feature of ancient Sumerian
mythology, incorporated mystical orgiastic rites, ritual prostitution, human
sacrifice, and other bloody rituals. The phallic cult was adapted to a variety of
polytheistic (Many god) religions from Sumerian to Greek civilizations.
When Israel invaded Canaan ca. 1406 B.C., the phallic cult was
entrenched in the religious practices of the worship of Baal. To protect Israel
from this debauchery, God Commanded the annihilation of the Canaanites to
eradicate their demonic culture. Israel failed to execute God’s Command to
the letter. Although Israel vanquished the Canaanites on the battlefield, the
Canaanites nearly defeated the Israelites by ensnaring them in the cult of
Baal.
So they [Israel] forsook the Lord and served Baal [The lord of the dead,
etc.] and the Ashtaroth. And the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and
He gave them into the hands of plunderers who plundered them; and He sold
them into the hands of their enemies around them, so that they could no
longer stand before their enemies. (Jdg 2:13-14)
The phallic cult was an ingenious satanic attempt to replace Israel’s
worship of Yahweh with the licentious rites of polytheistic worship. Baal
worship mixed heathen deities with erotic rituals and demonic doctrines
rendering the participant vulnerable to demon possession. The supreme deity
of the Canaanite pantheon was El, a satanic counterfeit of God the Father.
Like the Greek god Zeus, or his Roman counterpart Jupiter, El seduced both
goddesses and mortal women. His wife, Asherah, comparable to the Greek
Hera, Roman Juno, or Babylonian Ishtar, presented El with a son Baal,
comparable to the Greek Dionysus or Roman Bacchus.
In this demonic mythology Satan offered a counterfeit resurrection theme,
a grotesque affront and preemption of the person and work of Christ. Baal
eventually superseded El as the central deity of the cult. Baal’s enemy was
Mot, the god of death, another Canaanite deity. The epic literature from
ancient Ugaritic relates that Baal was slain by Mot but later restored to life in
an imitation of the resurrection.
The Canaanite pantheon included other deities, among them Astarte and
Anath, Baal’s sister-wife with whom he had an incestuous relationship. Three
goddesses, Asherah, Astarte, and Anath, were the protectors of fertility,
sensual pleasure, warfare and murder.
The Canaanite phallic cult revolved around worship of these deities,
arousing and catering to every base impulse and lust pattern of the sin
nature, specialized demons promoted sexual perversion: promiscuity,
autoeroticism, homosexuality, lesbianism, orgies, masochism, and sadism.
These degenerate practices appeared in every subsequent ancient
civilization. A description of the appalling effect of the cult of Dionysus is
provided by W. K. C. Guthrie:
Madness (Mania) is of course the word for the ecstasy which actually did
take possession of women in their worship, and gave them their name of
mainades; and the tearing to pieces of a victim was the regular culmination of
their rites.
The Bible graphically describes details of the phallic cult: immorality,
(Eze 16:36) human sacrifice, (Lev 20:1-5; Deut 12:31) demonism, (Lev 20:6)
rejection of authority, (Lev 20:9) degeneracy and incest. (Lev 20:10-23) In
the hills and groves of Canaan were sculpted stone phalluses (Penises)
representing Baal, a wooden pole (Tree with a hole in it) for the fertility
goddess, and an altar for sacrifice. By intensifying already frenzied passions,
demon possession induced horrific rituals. In times of extreme catastrophe
desperate worshipers immolated their own children. Onto the altar’s arms,
these Baal worshipers, “mothers” laid their living children; while the din of the
sex orgies drowned their screams.
No wonder the Lord Commanded the Israelites to “completely destroy”
the Canaanites. (Exo 23:23) God’s Command was just — directed toward
the destruction of a society that had reached the extreme low point of
degeneracy! Apart from the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah, the
Canaanites were the most depraved of Israel’s neighbors. They were so
demonic that the abominations of the Canaanites threatened to engulf Israel.
(Deut 18:9)
To assure the survival of the fledgling nation Israel, the Canaanites were
to be completely eliminated. Only in this way could Israel disentangle herself
from such a pervasive and contagious evil! Far from becoming the Divinely
appointed executioners of this evil and vicious people, the Israelites ignored
God’s warning, disobeyed His Order, and spared the Canaanites.
(Psa 106:34-37)
Idolatry and the phallic cult lured Israel away from Yahweh. Disobedience
to God’s Command and assimilation of Canaanite religion swept Israel to
their destruction. The Lord’s Prophetic warning, made near Gilgal at Bochim,
came true.
Now the angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim. And he said, I
brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land which I have sworn to
your fathers; and I said, I will never break My covenant with you, and as for
you, you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall
tear down their altars. But you have not obeyed Me; what is this you have
done? Therefore I also said, 1 will not drive them out before you; but they
shall become as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.
(Jdg 2:1-3)
This avenue of exposure to demonism led to the eventual defeat and
destruction of the Southern Kingdom of Judah in 586 B.C.. (cf. Lev 26:30)
Thus says the Lord God, Because your [Judah] lewdness was poured out
and your nakedness uncovered through your harlotries with your lovers and
with all your detestable idols, and because of the blood of your sons which
you gave to idols. (Eze 16:36)
I shall also give you into the hands of your lovers, and they will tear down
your shrines, demolish your high places, strip you of your clothing, take away
your jewels, and will leave you naked and bare. They will incite a crowd
against you, and they will stone you and cut you to pieces with their swords.
And they will burn your houses with fire and execute judgments on you in the
sight of many women. Then I shall stop you from playing the harlot, and you
will also no longer pay your lovers. (Eze 16:39-41)
The deviant practices of the phallic cult, (Pornography) continue to lure
unbelievers and believers! The Apostle Paul reminds Church Age believers of
Israel’s failure and warns against following their immoral example.
Now these things happened as examples for us, that we should not crave
evil things, [Thinking about the wrong food] as they also craved. And do not
be idolaters, [False worship, pride] as some of them were; as it is written,
THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO
PLAY. Nor let us act immorally, [Lust of the flesh, sex] as some of them did,
and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. (1Co 10:6-8)
This is what Satan and the demons, men and women, believers and
unbelievers are; without God and His Thinking and Nature! And why anyone
and everyone must be removed who continually exists apart from God!
(Heb 10:28-31)
MYSTICISM
Mysticism entices the undiscerning with empty promises of a deeper,
more meaningful Spirituality. Mystics, under the delusion of achieving a closer
union or personal encounter with God, often claim that God speaks directly to
them, or that God, angels or Divine beings have appeared to them. The false
Spirituality that mysticism promotes hinges on a mental experience that
cannot be objectively verified. The emotions generated by that experience
become the standards of measurement the mystic uses to evaluate his own
Spirituality. But this mystical excursion, derived apart from Scripture, is filled
with danger. Instead of hearing the voice of God, the mystic is hearing either
the voices of demons and or is deluding himself! Since the close of the canon
of Scripture, God speaks to mankind only through His written Word made
perceptible to us through the teaching ministry of God the Holy Spirit.
True Spirituality is an absolute status of fellowship between the believer
and God the Father, maintained through the filling of God the Holy Spirit.
(Eph 5:18) This ministry of God the Holy Spirit is interrupted when the
believer sins. (Eph 4:30; (1Th 5:19) Spirituality is recovered through objective
self-examination and naming or acknowledging personal sins privately to God
the Father. (1Co 11:29-31; (1Jn 1:9) Objectivity, (God’s Reality) not
subjectivity, (Human realities) counts in the Christian life. Personal feelings
are never the basis for Spirituality!
Mysticism permeates Eastern religions; Hinduism, Taoism, Shintoism and
Buddhism cultivate mysticism as the pathway to God. Eastern religions
influenced the Theosophical Society founded in 1875 by Madam Helena
Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel. The New Age movement is a
direct descendant of Theosophy.
The beginnings of Islam and Mormonism both derive from a mystical
apparition: the appearance of an angel [Demon] who claimed to provide new
Divine revelation. (Gal 1:8) Medieval Judaism also developed a mystic strain
based on the puzzling speculations of the Cabala. People who adhere to
these empty religious forms, (2Ti 3:5) imagine that they worship the only true
God, while in their unbelief they actually give tribute to Satan!
Christianity has not been immune from the infection of mysticism. In the
early Church mysticism influenced the rise of the monastic movement with its
self-righteous emphasis on asceticism. Monks would isolate themselves in the
desert of North Africa, fast for weeks, eat only grass, or sit for years atop
pillars in the wilderness awaiting the voice of God. From their hallucinatory
revelations derive many of the heresies that compromised much of medieval
Christianity with the doctrines of demons. The writings of these ‘Christian’
mystics are experiencing a revival today threatening a return to the demonic
Dark Ages of mysticism and subjectivity!
ASTROLOGY
Consulting the stars through astrology and horoscopes to predict future
events carries an increasing aura of respectability. Celebrities, actors,
businessmen, and heads of state have embraced the occult to determine the
future. Infatuation with astrology, like divination and the occult, escalates
during times of confusion and uncertainty when Divinely ordained laws of
establishment break down. Astrologers and sorcerers busied themselves
during the decline of the Roman Empire and were prevalent when deadly
plagues ravaged seventeenth century Europe. Today stargazing is once again
a lucrative enterprise. Newspapers and magazines feature daily and monthly
forecasts. More personal astrological consultations are as close as a
telephone. These prognostications dictate the personal and business
decisions for numerous people.
Astrology thrives in a permissive culture. When establishment Principles
and Doctrinal teaching are absent, absolute norms and Standards of right and
wrong are replaced by relative values! Relativism then replaces the absolutes
of Truth! Desperate for solutions to problems, meaning for life, and hope for
the future, Spiritually destitute people rely on the occult for answers. Lacking
absolutes, they grasp at any straw which offers hope. But astrology offers
only a false hope. Astrology is strictly forbidden by God. (Lev 19:26;
Deut 18:10; Isa 47:10-13) Using the stars for planning your life or decision-
making is contrary to and distracts from the perfect plan of God.
DEVICES OF THE DEVIL
Idolatry, divination, necromancy, drug addiction, the phallic cult,
mysticism, and astrology are avenues for communicating the evil false
doctrines of demons to the human race! Those influenced by such thoughts
serve the cause of Satan. (Matt 6:23; Luk 11:35) Unbelievers influenced by
these are vulnerable to demon possession. However, do not attribute every
sin or base behavior to demon influence or demon possession. More often
than not, the evil that men do is simply the result of succumbing to the area of
weakness in their own sin nature!
For from within, out of the heart of men, [The Sin nature] proceed the evil
thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, deeds of coveting and
wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and
foolishness. All these evil things [Thoughts] proceed from within and defile the
man. (Mark 7:21-23)
The warning that Satan actively searches for disciples for his twisted
Biblical thoughts should alert every believer to the subtle devices of the devil!
For this reason Paul wrote:
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the
full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm [Hold your ground]
against the schemes of the devil. (Eph 6:10-11)
God made ample and perfect provision for every occurrence in the life of
the believer. (Matt 6:31-34) We are in the devil’s world, but we are not to
think with its false realities. (John 15:19) We are surrounded by Spiritual
darkness, yet we walk in the light of the Lord, (Spiritual life) and His Word!
We are in the angelic conflict, but on the side of victory. We do not have
power to defeat Satan, but we do have God’s power to resist “the schemes
of the devil.” All we need in our defense against Satan is Truth resident in our
soul. The issue is our volition. We alone make the decision to learn and to
apply Truth which enables us to grow and mature in the Christian life thereby
presenting a Divine defense against our enemy!
DEMON POSSESSION
CAN BELIEVERS FALL PREY to demon possession? Absolutely not!
Only unbelievers are vulnerable. In every case of demon possession in the
Bible, the possessed are unbelievers. Christians need never fear being
possessed or controlled by a malicious spirit. The Scripture is explicit:
Demons can possess only unbelievers. No Biblical example or statement
exists to suggest or warn that believers can be demon-possessed.
At the moment of faith in Christ God the Holy Spirit indwells the body of every
believer.
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in
you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? (1Co 6:19)
The indwelling God the Holy Spirit simultaneously creates a temple in the
body of the believer for the indwelling Christ as the Shekinah Glory. The
presence of this Divine temple guarantees that no demon can invade, indwell,
or possess the believer’s body.
Demon possession is distinct from demon influence. In demon influence;
which can affect both believers and unbelievers, a person surrenders his soul
to false concepts of satanically inspired human reality, a system of thinking
called “doctrines of demons!” (1Ti 4:1) For the unbeliever demon influence
can lead to demon possession.
MANIFESTATIONS OF DEMON POSSESSION
Demon-Induced Mental Illness
During His earthly ministry Jesus Christ demonstrated His Deity and
sovereignty by healing people from demon-induced insanity and illness. The
healing of the Gerasene demoniac was a dramatic demonstration. And they
[Jesus and His disciples] came to the other side of the sea, into the country
of the Gerasenes. And when He [Jesus] had come out of the boat,
immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, and he had
his dwelling among the tombs... (Mark 5:1-3)
The Lord Jesus Christ deliberately brought His disciples to this scene at
Gerasa. (Matt 8:28-34; Luk 8:26-37) He knew only too well the drama about
to unfold. It was a perfect setting for the eerie events because the numerous
caves which tunneled through the cliffs along the shores were used as tombs.
No sooner had they set foot on shore than a man emerged from these
subterranean burial grounds and confronted our Lord. The man presented a
strange and terrifying sight: His hair was matted, his body naked and filthy;
self-mutilation had left deep scars and open wounds on his flesh.
To the inhabitants of Gerasa, the madman was a familiar and
exasperating sight. Attempts to restrain him with chains had failed miserably.
And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; because he
had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn
apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong
enough to subdue him. And constantly night and day, among the tombs and in
the mountains, he was crying out and gashing himself with stones.
(Mark 5:3-5)
The Gerasenes considered him a hopeless case. But as long as he hurt
only himself and kept away from the mainstream of life, he was left alone —
especially since the cause of this man’s madness was demon possession.
According to this passage demon possession includes extraordinary
strength and bizarre behavior. However, not all bizarre behavior is demon-
induced. Yet, clearly this unbelieving man was under the control of demons.
He willingly made his home among corpses, slashed himself with jagged
rocks, discarded his clothing, and lived like an animal. Demon possession left
him mentally deranged.
Remember no believer can ever be indwelt by demons. The indwelling
presence of God the Holy Spirit bars any possibility of demon entry.
However, if believers persistently reject Truth, they can be influenced by
demons and their actions resemble those of unbelievers. When thoughts of
demons enter the vacuum of the soul created by negative volition, psychotic
behavior may eventually develop. Christians may become so demon-
influenced that they believe themselves to be demon-possessed. Actually,
they are said to be “bewitched,” (Gal 3:1) because of scar tissue,
reversionism, and the influence of Satan’s thinking.
Any society may harbor demon-possessed people. No system of psychiatry
and medical science can solve this problem. There are only three bona fide
means for removal of demons:
1. Satan’s personal intervention; (Matt 12:24)
2. Direct Divine intervention; (Mark 5:8)
3. When a person believes the Gospel message and is indwelt by God the
Holy Spirit (1Co 3:16; (1Co 6:19)
Exorcism is never a valid alternative!
Divine intervention would heal the madman of Gerasa. What appeared to
be a chance encounter was intended by Jesus. The episode would be a
testimony of His Messiahship to the people of Gerasa. When Jesus
approached, the demons indwelling the man were compelled by protocol to
bow before the King of Kings. The man was not seeking deliverance, rather
the demons indwelling him wished to plead with Jesus not to be tormented.
The words the madman’s mouth uttered were not his own, but those of the
demon spokesman. The man had no control over his vocal cords while
indwelt by the engastrimuthos demon.
And seeing Jesus from a distance, he ran up and bowed down before
Him; and crying out with a loud voice, he said, What do I have to do with You,
Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore you by God, do not torment me!
For He [Jesus] had been saying to him, Come out of the man, you unclean
spirit! (Mark 5:6-8)
The Bible does not record any instance of a demon-possessed person
coming to Jesus for deliverance from a demon. Most were brought to Him by
others; persons under the control of demons usually gave our Lord a lot of
room. Unable to avoid the encounter with Jesus, the demons possessing this
man were terrified and begged Jesus not to cast them out and consign them
to the holding cell. (Luk 8:31) Although Jesus had not touched them, His very
presence implied a confrontation.
Demons know God exists (Jas 2:19) and fully recognize Jesus Christ as
undiminished Deity and true humanity. (Mark 5:7; cf.; Mark 1:24-27;
Mark 3:11; Luk 4:41) However, since they rejected God’s offer of Salvation
to them in eternity past; and followed Satan, they are not saved. They know
their destiny is the lake of fire. (Matt 25:41) Unbelievers can also know
certain non Spiritual thoughts. They can quote Scripture and from all outward
appearance resemble believers. But like demons, they too have rejected God’
s gracious offer of eternal Salvation.
In response to the Lord’s Command to “come out,” the demon spokesman
protested, “I implore You by God, do not torment me!” Terrified of going into
darkness, these demons resisted eviction. Our Lord’s response was again,
“Come out,” which caused the demon to howl in protest. At this outburst,
Jesus ordered the demon to identify himself.
And He was asking him, What is your name? And he said to Him, My
name is Legion; for we are many. And he began to entreat Him earnestly not
to send them out of the country. (Mark 5:9-10)
This episode is not to be taken as an example for casting out demons, nor
does it suggest that believers are to take offensive action against demons as
did our Lord. Offensive action was a Divine prerogative delegated to only a
few during the time of the apostles. Today, believers are Commanded to take
only defensive action against Satan by putting on the full armor of God.
(Eph 6:10-17) The New Testament Epistles, written to instruct Church Age
believers on every aspect of the Christian life, contain no Commands,
instructions, or suggestions for casting out demons. Silence on this subject
speaks volumes.
Some confused Christians today assume that being able to identify the
name of the indwelling demon conveys power over the demon. How absurd!
This method has been borrowed from ancient pagan practices of
exorcism, not derived from the Bible. This passage does not suggest that
Jesus used the name of the demon as a means of power to remove the
demon. Our Lord’s Divine authority was all that was necessary.
The name “Legion” refers to an echelon of the Roman army which usually
included six to twelve thousand men. “Legion” was not the demons’ name, but
an indication that a multitude of demons indwelt the man. The engastrimuthos
demon was the spokesman for this demon formation. Satisfied with their
present assignment, the demons pleaded with Jesus not to send them away.
Now there was a big herd of swine feeding there on the mountain. And the
demons entreated Him, saying, Send us into the swine so that we may enter
them. And He gave them permission. And coming out, the unclean spirits
entered the swine: and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea,
about two thousand of them; and they were drowned in the sea.
(Mark 5:11-13)
The moment the demons were transferred, the placidly feeding pigs were
transformed by the violence of the frustrated demons into a stampeding herd
that plunged headlong into the sea and drowned. As spirit-beings, the
demons could not be destroyed. They would desperately seek other victims
to indwell.
One cause of mental illness is demon possession or demon influence.
Remember, however, there are myriads of other causes for mental
disorders. Demon possession is only a possible explanation to why normally
tranquil unbelievers suddenly turn violent and injure themselves or others. But
believers sometimes exhibit similar uncontrollable emotional swings or
physical violence. Why does this happen? When a believer persistently
rejects or neglects the teaching of the Bible; a vacuum develops in his soul
which inhales false thinking! (Eph 4:17) Having rejected his Spiritual life, the
believer becomes vulnerable to drug addiction, promiscuity, idolatry, religion
and every manner of debauchery! These believers are so influenced by
demon thoughts they become psychotic and resemble demon-possessed
people.
In a psychotic state the believer’s soul is fragmented. James described
this condition as “dipsuchos,” (Jas 1:8) which literally means “two-souled.”
Unchecked, this fragmentation of the soul may develop into multiple
personalities, a condition that may be mistaken for demon possession. The
only solution for the believer is rebound through acknowledging personal sin
and recovery from reversionism through consistently learning and applying
Divine Thinking.
News travels fast, even in Biblical times. The herdsmen had watched the
miraculous event with speechless wonder. Here was a spectacle they could
not explain; they were terrified and amazed.
And their herdsmen ran away and reported it in the city and out in the
country. And the people came to see what it was that had happened. And
they came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed
sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the
“legion”; and they became frightened. And those [The herdsmen] who had
seen it described to them how it had happened to the demon-possessed
man, and all about the swine. And they began to entreat Him to depart from
their region. (Mark 5:14-17)
The herdsmen lost no time running into town to spread the news. They were
outraged at the loss of their swine. The sole concern of these merchants was
their material possessions rather than Spiritual life. No one thanked Jesus for
curing the unfortunate man; no one heaved a sigh of relief that the madman
was no longer a menace to society: no one rejoiced in the man’s Salvation.
Fearing further financial setbacks, the ‘good’ citizens at Gerasa begged
Jesus to leave the area.
The miracle at Gerasa emphasized Jesus’ Messiahship. (Mark 5:18-19)
The cured demoniac became a sensational testimony. Jesus instructed him to
return home and inform his family and friends of the phenomenal things He
had done for him!
Demon-Induced Physical Illness
The synoptic Gospels, the record of Christ’s personal ministry on earth,
contain numerous examples and manifestations of demon possession. During
the Incarnation Satan concentrated his forces of evil to impede the saving
work of Jesus Christ. Many of the possessed people encountered by the
Lord showed the harmful effects of demonism through their physical condition.
Whatever the symptoms of demon-induced illness, no case was hopeless
to Jesus Christ. When He sovereignly decreed that the demon depart, the
person was fully and dramatically restored to health. Healing was one of His
many Messianic credentials; His miracles proved He was indeed the One He
claimed to be — “the Son of God with power.” (Rom 1:4) Because Christ is
God, the omnipotent Creator of the universe, (John 1:3; Col 1:16-17;
Heb 1:1-2) there was healing in His voice and in His touch. Jeremiah
prophesied of Christ:
Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them; and I will
reveal to them an abundance of peace [Spiritual capacity; prosperity] and
Truth. (Jer 33:6)
The touch of His hand brought instantaneous health to many, including
Peter’s mother-in-law, bedridden with a lingering physical disease.
(Matt 8:14-15) So remarkable were these cures that a joyful celebration
began. Crowds of the ill and curiosity seekers gathered at the door of Peter’s
house. Among the throng were also those brought to be delivered from
demon-induced illnesses: the blind, the mute, the crippled, and the insane.
And when evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-
possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were
ill. [Literally; all having evil] (Matt 8:16)
A similar scene unfolds in Matthew 9.
And as they were going out, behold, a dumb [Mute] man, demon-
possessed, was brought to Him. And after the demon was cast out, the dumb
man spoke; and the crowds were amazed, and were saying, Nothing like this
has ever been seen in Israel. (Matt 9:32-33)
In every case cited, when the indwelling demon was cast out, the demon
induced illness immediately disappeared. These unique results were in
marked contrast to the drawn out, ineffective efforts of Jewish exorcists.
What does the Scriptures reveal about the methods used by Jesus Christ and
His-disciples who legitimately cast out demons?
CASTING OUT DEMONS
Unique to the dispensation of the hypostatic union of Jesus Christ and to
the Apostolic Age, the casting out of demons must not be confused with
ancient or modern attempts at exorcism. The authority and power Jesus
Christ exercised over the demons were also delegated to His disciples to
identify them as His messengers and to authenticate their message. Once
their mission was accomplished the power to directly command demons to
depart was removed. (Php 2:27; (2Ti 4:20) The ability to cast out demons
was never available to every believer and terminated in the first century.
Today, God has given the believer more than in any other age: the
completed canon of Scripture and all of the blessings, assets and privileges
defined in the teaching of the Epistles. Nowhere do the Epistles contain
Commands or examples for casting out demons. The only solution for the
demon-possessed is faith in Christ. At the moment of Salvation he is instantly
freed from any possessing demon, united with Christ, and indwelt by all three
members of the Trinity. Understanding the Scriptural Teaching about casting
out demons enables the believer to avoid the illegitimate and sensational
practices which distract from pursuing the Christian way of life.
By Jesus Christ
The coming of Messiah into the world had been Prophesied since the
dawn of human history, (Gen 3:15) along with the miracles that would attend
His earthly ministry and His ongoing conflict with Satan and his demons. The
performance of miracles was to give credence to His message and testify to
the identity and power of His person.
Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, And the ears of the deaf will be
unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb
[Mute] will shout for joy. For waters will break forth in the wilderness And
streams in the Arabah. (Isa 35:5-6)
This Scripture was fulfilled right before the eyes of witnesses. What more
irrefutable proof could Jesus Christ provide than to display His sovereignty
over nature, life, the supernatural (Demons) and even death? What He
Commanded demons; they were compelled to do. If angelic creatures
obeyed Him, how much more should human beings!
People are easily impressed with the spectacular: miracles draw
tremendous crowds. But Jesus Christ was not a mere miracle worker or
healer. If this were His sole purpose during His sojourn on the earth, then He
failed in His mission. He did not alleviate all the suffering in the world.
Sustained by the indwelling presence and power of God the Holy Spirit
His ministry was fourfold:
1. He preached or announced the Gospel to unbelievers;
2. He taught Truth to believers;
3. He Prophesied concerning the future Spiritual life of the Church Age;
4. He presented His Messianic credentials by healing the sick and casting out
demons.
These miracles testified to the uniqueness of His person and the Truth of
His message. His main objective, however, was to accomplish His Father’s
will and so fulfill the Divine plan; to reach Spiritual maturity and — our
Salvation. These He did completely! (John 17:4)
Among the beneficiaries of the Lord’s miracles, there was little doubt the
Messiah had come at last. They responded with awe and reverence. Some
who watched the miracles also believed in Christ. Others wondered and
speculated about who Jesus was. And the multitudes marveled, saying,
“Nothing like this was ever seen in Israel.” (Matt 9:33)
But there were also those who reacted and were clearly alarmed and
threatened by His actions. These dissenters were mostly comprised of
Jewish religious leaders. Envious of the drawing power of Jesus Christ, the
priests and the Pharisees began their vicious opposition to Christ’s ministry.
The Pharisees knew only too well that the crowds were easily swayed
and they made the most of it. Since the validity of the miracles could not be
denied, these wondrous events were criticized, explained away. Just a hint
here and an innuendo there raised doubts about the source of Jesus’ power
to heal: “He [Jesus Christ] casts out the demons by the ruler of the demons.
[Satan]” (Matt 9:34) Thus the Pharisees ascribed the miracles Jesus
performed in the power of the Spirit to the devil himself. This blasphemy
against God the Holy Spirit is equivalent to rejection of Christ, the
unpardonable sin!
Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but
blasphemy against the Spirit shall not be forgiven. And whoever shall speak a
word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him; but whoever shall
speak against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this age, or
in the age to come. (Matt 12:31-32)
Despite the malicious attempts to discredit His work and person, our Lord
continued His ministry of grace. Jesus Christ recognized the capricious
approbation of the people who would welcome Him as their King one day and
stone Him the next! The defamation of His character and holy person was
known by the omniscience of Jesus Christ long before the slander was voiced
or even conceived by His enemies. He could not let it go unchallenged but
countered the slur with inescapable logic, which proved such maligning to be
ludicrous. At the same time He clarified the issue of casting out demons.
And knowing their thoughts He said to them, Any kingdom divided against
itself is laid waste, and any city or house divided against itself shall not stand.
(Matt 12:25)
He always knows and has always known what we are thinking; and if we
are divided against ourselves; we will not reach Spiritual maturity! Christ
refuted the Pharisees’ theory with the “divided kingdom” metaphor: If Christ
indeed performed miracles in Satan’s power as the Pharisees asserted then
Satan would defeat his own purpose. His kingdom would be working against
itself and would topple. To prove the fallacy of the pharisaical position, Jesus
pursued their assumption with the skill of a consummate debater.
And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then shall
his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do your
sons cast them out? Consequently they shall be your judges. (Matt 12:26-27)
Jesus posed two rhetorical questions using a debater’s first class
condition. Assuming the veracity of their premise; He demonstrated it to be
illogical and false. This accurate and irrefutable reasoning put the Lord’s
critics on the spot. To condemn Jesus would be equivalent to condemning the
disciples as working for Satan. For once the Pharisees were at a loss for
words. Jesus stressed the logical conclusion:
But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God
has come upon you. (Matt 12:28)
The third use of the word “if” is a true use of a first class conditional
clause: “If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, and I do!” The authority
Jesus had over the demons proved His Deity. Jesus depended entirely upon
the power of God the Holy Spirit for performing many of His miracles. Had
the people recognized this fact they would have identified Jesus as the
Messiah Promised by God in the Davidic Covenant. His power over the
demons validated His offer of the kingdom, “the kingdom of God has come
upon you.” To further illustrate this Truth Jesus used a parable to emphasize
His authority over Satan and his fallen angels.
Or how can anyone enter the strong man’s [Satan’s] house [The world]
and carry off his property, [The human race] unless He first binds the strong
man? And then he will plunder his house. (Matt 12:29)
Jesus used a familiar scene of larceny to explain His power over Satan.
Before a thief can rob a house, the owner must first be overpowered. The
strong man is analogous to Satan; the house is analogous to the world which
Satan rules. In the fullness of time Jesus entered the world (Gal 4:4) and
overpowered Satan to accomplish His mission at the cross. Those who
believe in Christ; former slaves to sin in Satan’s world, are the “property”
Christ redeems from the slave market of sin.
Since Jesus Christ cast out Satan’s minions, clearly He had power
superior to Satan. These legalistic Pharisees through religious activity had
become agents of Satan, even as the demons are his angelic agents. Both
groups vehemently opposed Jesus Christ and displayed their enmity. (Matt
12:30) Jesus turned the Pharisee’s argument against them by showing that it
would be impossible for Him to cast out demons in the power of Satan, for
Satan would not cast himself out.
By the Disciples
When Jesus commissioned-the Twelve, including Judas Iscariot, He
instructed them in Divine Principles and invested them with the authority and
ability to perform miracles similar to His own.
And having summoned His twelve disciples. He gave them authority over
unclean spirits, [Demons] to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease-
and every kind of sickness. (Matt 10:1)
The Twelve thus went forth as Messianic heralds to the house of Israel.
Jesus warned them to expect political and religious opposition and
persecution even as He had. (Matt 10:17-25) But He encouraged them to
persevere regardless of adversity! (Matt 10:26-31)
Subsequently, seventy others were appointed and sent “two and two
ahead of Him to every city and place where He Himself was going to come.”
(Luk 10:1) The seventy heralds returned animated and elated. Their
expedition was immensely successful. In triumph they announced, “Lord, even
the demons are subject to us in Your name.” (Luk 10:17)
The newly acquired power and heady victory could easily have distorted
their proper perspective. Miracles were a temporary gift, designed to gain a
hearing for the message of grace and to validate the messengers. Jesus
brought the jubilant disciples back to Reality by focusing attention on their
mission — to announce the Gospel. The Lord warned them not to become
distracted by the miracles they performed.
Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but
rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven. (Luk 10:20)
Why were the disciples told to rejoice in the security of their eternal life
rather than in their power over the demons? Salvation liberates the believer
from the condemnation of the lake of fire; and the authority of Satan, demons
and the old sin nature! Every believer has the means of overcoming the
wicked one: the indwelling and filling of God the Holy Spirit, (1Jn 4:4;
Eph 5:18) and the Word of Truth. (John 8:32) But Truth that remains on the
pages of the Bible is of little value to the believer! God the Holy Spirit works
only with Truth resident in the soul to accomplish God’s plan in the believer’s
life. Until the believer is filled with God the Holy Spirit and advancing in his
Understanding and application of Truth, he will lack correct motivation,
stability, and power. The believer can love and serve his Lord only to the
extent that he metabolizes God’s Word! (Jer 15:16)
The failures of the disciples were all related to a lack of Truth in their
souls. (Matt 17:15-20) One day even their God-given authority over the
demons short-circuited. They failed dismally in their attempt to rid a “lunatic”
of his demon-induced psychosis. Jesus Christ Himself had to cast out the evil
spirit. (Matt 17:18)
The disciples were utterly dumbfounded. What had happened to the
power they had been given? They asked Jesus in private, “Why could we not
drive it out?” (Matt 17:19) The answer was a reproof of their ignorance and
unbelief.
And He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith; [Application
of Truth] for truly I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall
say to this mountain, [Demon influence] Move from here to there, and it shall
move; and nothing shall be impossible to you.” (Matt 17:20)
The power of God had not failed; the disciples failed. They failed to utilize
the power available to them. They doubted the omnipotence of the Lord.
Each believer has the potential of turning the world upside down! How?
Casting out demons? Certainly not! Real victories over the enemy are won
not through signs, wonders, and miracles but through the power of the Word
of Truth in the soul!
By the Apostles
During the closing days of the Age of Israel the Lord’s disciples ministered
almost exclusively to the unbelievers of Israel. Then, on the Day of Pentecost,
the coming of the Holy Spirit inaugurated a new dispensation — the Church
Age. Since that day Spiritual gifts have been sovereignly bestowed by God
the Holy Spirit to members of the royal family of God. (1Co 12:4-11) Some of
these gifts were temporary (1Co 12:8-10) others were permanent.
(Eph 4:8; Eph 4:11) One of the temporary gifts in this new dispensation was
that of apostle which included the ability to perform miracles. (Eph 4:11)
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all
perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles. (2Co 12:12)
The apostolic era was punctuated by the performance of miracles. But the
apostles’ unique immunity to the bites of venomous insects and serpents
eventually ceased. (Luk 10:19) While the spectacular gifts were still in use,
they were never performed as an end in themselves, but rather as a means
toward an end — validating the Gospel message in the era before the written
canon of Scripture was completed. “Signs and wonders and miracles” were
the official Divine stamp of approval for apostles representing the absent King
of kings. Miracles erected a platform for the proclamation of the Gospel and
demonstrated the grace of God even before it was declared. These miracles
terminated with the completion of the canon of Scripture ca. A. D. 96 and the
death of the last apostle; John.
The blessings of Salvation overshadow the temporary alleviation of
suffering in time. Salvation insures eternal well-being; healing conveys merely
temporary well-being. The time spent on earth is but a drop in the bucket
compared to eternity!
He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the
Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (John 3:36)
The apostles were pursued by the inquisitive and sometimes exploitative
public seeking to be healed. No one was turned away.
And at the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking
place among the people; . . . to such an extent that they even carried the sick
out into the streets, . . . bringing people who were sick or afflicted with
unclean spirits; and they were all being healed. (Acts 5:12-16)
Day after day the ill, the lame, the blind, the psychotic, and the demon-
possessed were fully restored to health of body and sanity of mind. None of
these wonders came about because all these people deserved to be healed
or because they possessed an overwhelming faith in the power of the
apostles. These miracles were manifestations of God’s grace, power, and
love. As a result, many accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, (Acts 5:14)
much to the alarm of the apostate priestly hierarchy. (Acts 5:17) What a
paradox that such genuine benevolence did not evoke universal praise for
God and respect for the apostles, especially from the religious leaders in the
nation of Israel, Instead, these healings aroused jealousy and enmity,
primarily from the self-righteous Sadducees. To them, demons, miracles,
heaven, and hell were mere superstitions to be shrugged off or ridiculed. Yet
here was something they could not refute; the apostles were not charlatans
or magicians. The authority of the apostles was too obvious to be denied.
Consequently the Sadducees “were filled with jealousy.” (Acts 5:17)
Corrupted by the mental attitude sin of jealousy, these sophisticated
rationalists became irrational. In their opposition to the early Church they
seized, abused, and jailed the apostles unjustly. (Acts 5:18) They ignored the
Mosaic Law they so revered. There is nothing as malicious as self-righteous
legalism, blinded to the Truth. There is nothing as illogical as reason distorted
by envy or hatred! Legalism always attacks grace; but grace always
triumphs! The apostles were delivered by an angel that very night,
(Acts 5:19) and continued to disseminate Truth in Jerusalem. (Acts 5:28)
As the apostolic era advanced, God appointed Paul as apostle to the
Gentiles. (Rom 11:13; Gal 2:8-9) On Paul’s second missionary journey, he
and his companion Silas, (Acts 15:37-40) found the doors of Europe open to
the Gospel. The first two converts in Macedonia were women: one named
Lydia, an enterprising businesswoman who sold costly crimson and purple
dyes; (Acts 16:14-15) and another, a Greek slave girl who was demon-
possessed.
And it happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain
slave-girl having [Echo] a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her
masters much profit by fortune-telling. [Manteuomai] Following after Paul and
us, she kept crying out, saying, These men are bond-servants of the Most
High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of Salvation. And she
continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and
turned and said to the spirit, I Command you in the name of Jesus Christ to
come out of her! And it came out at that very moment. (Acts 16:16-18)
The Greek grammar indicates the elapse of time between the conversion
of Lydia and the encounter with the Greek slave girl. Paul and his entourage
were walking through Philippi to attend a Jewish prayer service, apparently
on a Sabbath day. Since there were no synagogues in Philippi, the prayer
meeting was being held by the Gaggitas River, approximately a mile beyond
the city.
The strange encounter occurred somewhere between the place of prayer
and the large arched gateway in the western part of Philippi. The incident is
recounted in the phrase, “a certain slave-girl having {Echo} a spirit of
divination met us.” The present active participle of the verb echo may be
rendered “possessed” but literally means “to have and to hold.” This young
female medium kept on having and holding a (Pneuma puthonos) a “spirit of
divination.”
Who is this pneuma puthonos? Equivalent to the engastrimuthos demon,
he is a ventriloquist. Originally the word puthon, better known to us as
“python,” referred to the mythological snake that once guarded the oracle at
Delphi. When the god Apollo killed Python, the oracle became the preeminent
shrine of Apollo. Here the prophetess Pythia, named after the indwelling
demon who controlled her vocal cords, prophesied in an ecstatic trance
common to pagan prophets.
When the false prophet speaks he is not himself. He is wrought upon and
changed in a manner sometimes terrifying to behold and exhausting to
himself. He is possessed by the god (Demon) and becomes for the time;
being only a mouthpiece for the utterance of the Divine voice. (Demon) The
Pythian prophetess of Apollo was of this sort. She was a true mantic, giving
voice in a state of possession.
The same pythian-type demon possessed the Greek slave girl enabling
her to predict the future with some accuracy. A gangster syndicate in Philippi
owned the girl who earned a profitable income for her masters. However,
their lucrative racket of soothsaying was about to end.
The Greek verb manteuomai means “to utter oracles, to divine.” This word
describes the trance-like state of the slave girl through whom the demons
uttered their message. Her oracles concerning Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke
were accurate. The four were indeed communicating the way of Salvation.
What seemed strange was her daily announcement in such close proximity to
the apostles. Why would the demon advertise the apostolic presence and the
saving of souls?
Satan and his demons were practicing the Principle: If you can’t beat ‘em,
join ‘em! Satan could not stop the advance of the Gospel, but he could
neutralize its messengers. He would offer Paul a compromising partnership.
His demons would sponsor Paul in Philippi. The demon controlling the girl
hoped to set up an alliance with Paul by appearing to support his Evangelism.
Were Paul to accept Satan’s endorsement and aid, he would deny that
“the Gospel . . . is the power of God for Salvation.” (Rom 1:16) To Paul such
an alliance was intolerable. “Annoyed,” Paul ended the charade by
Commanding the demon to leave the girl. With this Command Paul
demonstrated God’s infinite omnipotence especially in contrast to limited
demonic power.
There can be no coexistence with the devil. Jesus Christ Himself silenced
the demons who testified to His identity! (Mark 3:11-12) The plan of God
neither calls for nor solicits cooperation from the adversary, Satan. Paul
followed the precedent which the Lord set, and so must every believer. One
of the devil’s most subtle attacks in the angelic conflict is his patronage. This
we must refuse. A Pinciple emerges from this passage of Scripture: Never
accept an endorsement for the Gospel from the enemies of the Cross.
Paul’s mission was not to deliver people from demon possession, but to
proclaim the Gospel. Likewise, the believer’s mission today is not to deliver
people from demon possession. If casting out demons had been a priority,
Paul would not have allowed this woman to remain possessed for “many
days.” Too many Christians today are obsessed with finding demon-
possessed people and exorcising demons. They become distracted from the
Biblical Mandate for Spiritual growth and from the responsibility of
Evangelism. No Biblical Mandate exists for exorcism or casting out demons.
Powerless against the Command Paul issued in the Lord’s name, the
demon departed and the girl was immediately freed from the indwelling
presence. And this elicited frustration among Satan’s forces and fury among
the racketeers whose profitable scheme was wrecked
Though the satanic thrust to keep Paul out of Europe had been neutralized
the devil never capitulates. He quickly switched from a policy of alliance to a
policy of antagonism. Satan went underground to employ guerrilla warfare
Since Paul chose to spurn Satan’s offer of compromise, he would now
experience violent opposition from the state. (Acts 16:19-24) Satan utilizes
the judicial system of a Roman colony, Philippi, to pervert justice.
The vengeful owners of the girl brought charges of disturbing the peace
against Paul and Silas. Unaware they were Roman citizens, the chief
magistrates of Philippi violated Roman law by having them severely flogged
and thrown into prison.
God uses man’s difficulties to glorify Himself. That night God miraculously
caused such an intense earthquake that the foundation of the prison was
shaken, all the prison doors flew open and everyone’s chains fell off. Thinking
that the prisoners had escaped and knowing he was responsible for them the
jailer decided to commit suicide. Paul’s timely intervention provided the
opportunity to present the Gospel to the jailer and his family who were saved
that night. (Acts 16:25-40) The Divine deliverance of Paul and Silas, the
conversion of the Philippian jailer and his family, and the subsequent
discovery that the magistrates had illegally brutalized Roman citizens proved
that: “greater is He that is in you than he who is in the world.” (1Jn 4:4)
THE FALLACY OF EXORCISM
As God, Jesus Christ cast out demons by Divine power. In the case of the
disciples and apostles Jesus bestowed this Divine power only during the
formative years of the Church Age for the purpose of authenticating the
Gospel message. Their unique ability to cast out demons was in marked
contrast to the practice common among exorcists of that day and today.
And when evening had come [After the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law],
they brought to Him [Jesus] many who were demon-possessed; and He cast
out [Ekballo] the spirits with a word, and healed [By the removal of the
demon who caused the illness] all who were ill. (Matt 8:16)
Contrary to what might be expected, the Greek verb for “cast out” is
ekballo, not exorkizo, from which derives the English noun “exorcist.” The
verb exorkizo is never used in the New Testament to describe the removal of
a demon. However, the noun exorkistes, “exorcist,” and its cognate verb
horkizo, “to charge under oath, adjure, implore,” are used of religious
practitioners who attempted to expel demons by uttering mysterious
incantations. (Acts 19:13) Exorcism, therefore, is pagan ritual devised to evict
demons by means of religious oaths. Ekballo is used throughout the New
Testament when Jesus or the disciples cast out demons. Jesus cast out
demons; He never exorcised a demon.
“To Cast Out” Demons
“To Exorcise” Demons
Gift delegated by God; authorized only during the Incarnation and the
apostolic era of the Church Age
Pagan religious practice; never authorized by God in any dispensation
Performed only by Jesus Christ and disciples
An illegitimate practice performed by both believers and religious unbelievers
An immediate departure of the demons upon Command
A process which includes ritual
Biblical
Non-biblical
And God was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so
that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and
the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. (Acts 19:11-12)
The special miracles performed by Paul at Ephesus caught the attention
of an itinerant band of unbelieving Jewish exorcists, (Acts 19:13-16)
Impressed by Paul’s miracles, they studied his methods carefully, but failed
to understand that it was God “performing extraordinary miracles by the
hands of Paul.” Being well-versed in the practice of magic and trickery, they
could find no fakery or sleight of hand in the miracles they observed. What
secret formula did Paul apply to achieve the impossible so consistently? Was
power resident in his handkerchiefs and aprons that healed the sick and
removed demons? (Acts 19:11-12) Both infirmities and demons seemed to
flee from contact with these garments.
When at last these fakers believed they had discovered Paul’s ‘secret,’
they added a special incantation,
But also some of the Jewish exorcists {Exorkistes] who went from place
to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of
the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure [Horkizo] you by Jesus whom Paul
preaches.” (Acts 19:13)
These would-be exorcists assumed that success in casting out demons
depended upon a clever chant rather than Divine power vested in the
apostles. Assuming the name “Jesus” contained magical power, they imitated
Paul and invoked the name of the Lord in whom they had not believed.
And seven sons of one Sceva, a [Very religious but unsaved] Jewish chief
priest, were doing this. (Acts 19:14)
Persistent rejection of the Gospel in Sceva’s household caused the
infiltration of demonism. Sceva’s seven sons became professional sorcerers
and journeyed to Ephesus, infamous for demonism. (Acts 19:18-19) By the
addition of this latest magic formula to their collection, they hoped to win
fame, fortune, and gain respectability. God has a marvelous sense of humor;
under the direction of God the Holy Spirit, Luke records what happened when
these exorcists imitated Paul’s casting out of demons. They were astonished
by a sarcastic reply from the “evil spirit,” followed by a physical attack from
the very demon they attempted to remove from his victim.
And the evil spirit answered and said to them, I recognize Jesus, and I
know about Paul, but who are you? (Acts 19:15)
The pronoun “you” is in the emphatic position and should be translated,
“You, who are you?” This question from the demon must have shocked the
seven professional sorcerers. They became a laughingstock before all their
spectators. Then injury was added to insult:
And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all
of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and
wounded. (Acts 19:16)
Suddenly, the demon-possessed man crouched and with supernatural
strength sprang upon the seven brothers. He shredded their clothing and
clawed their flesh with the ferocity of a cornered tiger. Wounded and
humiliated, the sons of Sceva rapidly retreated from Ephesus having learned
never to exploit the name of Jesus Christ. Power over demons resides not in
magic incantations or articles of clothing, but in the omnipotence of God.
In the future every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord; then His name will truly be universally worshipped.
(Php 2:9-11) In the meantime, the invoking of His holy name for the purpose
of demon expulsion was limited to only those believers who had the God-
given authority — namely, the disciples and apostles in first century
Christendom.
News of the traumatic humiliation of these seven charlatans traveled like
lightning through Ephesus. Unbelievers were saved and superstitious
believers under the spell of assorted mediums, sorcerers, magicians, and
necromancers awoke to the Truth: All the believer needs after Salvation is the
Bible’s disclosed Truth! This dramatic episode brought the realization that
Spirituality was produced exclusively by God the Holy Spirit. They
immediately began to name their sins, (1Jn 1:9) to recover the filling of God
the Holy Spirit. Charms, amulets, and other objects of the magic arts, along
with books containing mystical formulas and incantations were incinerated in
a gigantic bonfire. A true Spiritual revival began in Ephesus which resulted in
the building one of the most influential churches of the first century. The Truth
of the Bible liberated this city from the insidious influence of demon-inspired
fortune-tellers.
And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in
Ephesus; and fear [Respect] fell upon them all and the name of the Lord
Jesus was being magnified. Many also of those who had believed kept
coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. And many of those who
practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the
sight of all; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand
pieces of silver. (Acts 19:17-19)
The illegitimate practice of exorcism by both believers and religious
unbelievers still continues. Believers caught in this trap are pawns of demon
influence. Religious unbelievers will use exorcism as a false sign of Divine
favor. However, Jesus Christ Prophesied that exorcists and“miracle workers”
have no part with Him.
Many will say to Me on that day, [The Great White Throne judgment]
Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out
demons, and in Your name perform many miracles? And then I will declare to
them, I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.
(Matt 7:22-23)
Judas Iscariot performed miracles and cast out demons (Matt 10:2-8) and
died an unbeliever! (John 13:2; John 13:10-11) No one has ever been saved
by works (Rev 20:12; cf., Tit 3:5) Grace excludes all human effort.
(Eph 2:8-9) Mankind must have Gospel information upon which to make a
decision for or against Jesus Christ. (Matt 7:24) To be eternally saved, one
need only believe in the Savior. (Acts 16:31) Exorcism is never an indication
of Salvation or a sign of God’s approval.
Since the completion of the canon of Scripture, the power of Truth
correctly interpreted and freely distributed, (Heb 4:12) keeps demon activity
to a minimum! Truth fortifies the believer’s soul from within; to withstand
demon pressure on the inside from the sin nature; and demon and human
influence from without!
Moreover, believing the Gospel of Jesus Christ liberates the unbeliever from
any demon who possesses him. All who are “possessed of God” are
eternally secure in Christ. (John 10:28-29) Therefore, exorcism and
deliverance ministries are out of line with God’s plan! The apparent success
of those who engage in exorcism can be attributed either to the cooperation
of Satan, to demon involvement, or to a colossal hoax. Do not be deceived by
such misrepresentation! Instead, make the Knowledge and application of
Truth your highest priority! God has magnified His Word above His name!
(Psa 138:2) His Word provides the answer to every problem you will ever
encounter, including demonism!
DEFENSE AGAINST DEMONS
EVERY BELIEVER IS COMMANDED to remain on the defense against
Satan and his demons.
Put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm [Defend]
against the schemes [False thoughts] of the devil. (Eph 6:11)
In the realm of Spiritual warfare, as in military conflict, orders cannot be
disregarded. The tragic military disaster of the Fetterman massacre on the
American frontier in 1866 illustrates what can happen to the believer who
disobeys God’s Command and goes on the offense against Satan.
In the summer of that year the Second Battalion of the Eighteenth Infantry
(2/18th) was ordered to establish a line of forts to defend pioneers traveling
along the Bozeman Trail in Montana. Fort Phil Keamey was established by
Colonel Henry B. Carrington on the forks of the Piney Creek. Simultaneously,
the renowned Sioux war chief Red Cloud had secretly forged an alliance of
some Fifteen hundred to two thousand Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho
warriors to eject the army from the Powder River country. Since the Colonel’s
mission was defensive, he was not allocated the equipment or the manpower
to mount an offensive campaign against the Sioux.
The Indians had no intention of assaulting the well-constructed and well-
defended fort. Their only chance of victory was to lure the troops away from
their defenses and into a fight in open country.
On the morning of 21 December, a decoy party under the command of
the young Crazy Horse attacked a logging party working across the ridge
from the fort. Colonel Carrington then yielded to the demands of Captain
William J. Fetterrnan to rescue the work detail. The Colonel ordered
Fetterman to relieve and defend the column, but not to pursue the Indians.
However, Fetterman was in arrogant opposition to Carrington’s defensive
strategy and was openly hostile to his authority. As soon as he left the fort,
he disobeyed the colonel’s orders by maneuvering to attack the enemy,
unaware he was outnumbered at least eighteen to one. Instead of defending
the woodcutting party, Fetterman charged into an ambush. His entire
command was annihilated.
Like Fetterman, believers face a superior enemy, crafty in strategy and
shrouded in mystery. Like Fetterman, believers are given the mission to
defend against Satan, not to attack him or his demons. Unfortunately, many
believers fall into the same trap as Fetterman: ignorantly and or arrogantly
rejecting the Biblical Commands to avoid offensive action against Satan.
(Eph 6:13; Jas 4:7) They charge headlong into disaster. Only by remaining on
the defense can the believer be a victor in Spiritual warfare.
As believers we face three determined enemies in the angelic conflict: the
sin nature, the world; cosmic system, and Satan. We take the offense
against the first two antagonists by growing in grace (The Spiritual life) and
Knowledge (The Thinking) of Jesus Christ! (2Pe 3:18) and we are
Commanded to “long for the pure milk of the Word, that by it you may grow in
respect to Salvation.” (1Pe 2:2)
That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self,
which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, [Satanically
inspired human realities] and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind.
(Eph 4:22-23)
The scourge of carnality and cosmic thinking: is defeated by aggressively
learning Truth! The filling of God the Holy Spirit supplies the driving force for
gaining and maintaining the offense! The resulting Divine Viewpoint builds a
bulwark against cosmic thinking!
Military Doctrine states that the offensive is the only action by which
victory is achieved; defensive action avoids defeat. By analogy, offensive
action towards Truth is the only way to win Spiritual victories; defensive
action is the only way to prevent defeat by Satan! The mission given to a
soldier determines whether he defends or attacks. The Christian warrior is
ordered only to defend against the assaults of the devil.
By attacking the sin nature and cosmic thinking with Truth in our soul, we
resist temptation, reject human viewpoint, and solve problems. With Truth in
our soul, we can defend ourselves when Satan or his demons attack. Thus,
we are able to stand our ground and “resist the devil!”
But He gives a greater grace. [More grace] Therefore it says, God is
opposed to the proud, [Makes war against the arrogant] but gives grace to
the humble. Submit therefore to God. Resist [Anthistemi] the devil and he will
flee from you. (Jas 4:6-7)
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you
sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (Jas 4:8)
“The arrogant” includes unbelievers, as well as all believers who attempt
to engage in offensive action against Satan. Our only legitimate offensive
action is to “submit” to God by applying our Knowledge of Truth. Under attack
this Divine Thinking becomes our fortress against the devil. A “humble”
believer sets up a FLOT line in his soul, (Forward Line Of Troops) when he
grows in the Thinking of the Savior!
Submitting to God is offensive action. Resisting the devil, our third
antagonist, always implies defensive action — the believer is to “stand firm.”
The Greek verb anthistemi, translated “resist,” means “to stand your ground
against.” In a military context anthistemi connotes a strongly fortified position.
God promises that Satan will flee from the believer who utilizes Divine
fortifications! This defensive posture of the believer toward Satan is
reiterated by the Apostle Peter.
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls about
like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, {Anthistemi;
hold your ground] firm in your faith. [Spiritual life] (1Pe 5:8-9)
Satan is perpetually on the offensive searching for victims to assault. Only
by the daily study, Understanding, and application of Truth are believers
prepared to stand their ground against the devil and his troops! In
(Eph 6:10-17) Paul uses the metaphor of armor for the Divine defense
system.
DEFENSIVE ARMOR
Paul proclaimed the “unfathomable riches of Christ!” (Eph 3:8) When the
eagle standards, plumed casques, and gleaming spears of the Roman legion
dominated the landscape. His contact with the Roman military was inevitable
since he lived under the shadow of the world’s greatest martial empire. From
the Mark Anthony barracks in Jerusalem through his first imprisonment in
Rome Paul was continually in the company of the warriors of Rome. The
combat equipment and weapons of the Roman soldier inspired the military
metaphor of, (Eph 6:10-17). Believers are Commanded to put on the full
armor of God like a soldier equipping himself for battle. Just as body armor
protects the soldier against the slashes and thrusts of enemy weapons,
Divine armor protects the believer against demonic attack.
Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on
[Enduo] the full armor of God. That you may be able to stand firm, [Histemi]
against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and
blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of
this darkness, against the Spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly
places. (Eph 6:10-12)
The battleground for the Spiritual life is IN the soul. When the armor of
God is in place, the soul is protected from the assaults of Satan. Where the
defensive wall crumbles, the soul is left exposed to Satan’s onslaught. The
armor which God designed for the protection of the believer in the angelic
conflict is issued to every member of His royal legion. The aorist middle
imperative of the verb, enduo “to put on, to clothe,” is used of a soldier in the
ancient world who straps on his equipment for battle. The middle voice, “to
clothe oneself, to wear something,” describes the Christian soldier as the
agent who voluntarily yields himself to the result of the action in his own
interest. He clothes himself with the armor in obedience to the order he has
received.
In verse 11 the Christian warrior is ordered to defend, “to stand fast,”
histemi. Christians resist the devil by girding for combat, not attacking but
standing fast. The Divinely provided Spiritual equipment furnishes protection
for the vulnerable soul. Satan’s schemes cannot penetrate the FLOT line of
the soul!
(Eph 6:12) faces believers against hostile angelic beings under the
command of Satan! His army of fallen angels is desperate, fighting to win but
losing every step of the way. Nevertheless, we must never underestimate this
well-organized, well-disciplined opponent. This Divinely inspired warning
discloses a brilliant military organization composed of evil spirit beings; so
that we might know our enemy and his capabilities.
Although Satan constantly undermines the Principle of Divinely established
authority in the human realm, he enforces authority in his own organization
with an iron hand. Authority and discipline are vital to the efficiency of any
group. Believers who fail to discipline themselves distort their liberty to serve
God into a license to do as they please. No Christian is a law unto himself! It
was for freedom that Christ set us free! The Command, “therefore keep
standing firm, and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery!” (The control
of the old nature)
(Gal 5:1) must never be construed to be a permit for either Spiritual
lethargy or Spiritual anarchy. Unfortunately, too many believers are Spiritual
draft dodgers in the angelic conflict. Like their counterparts in the world, they
enjoy the benefits of freedom while rejecting the discipline and responsibilities
freedom demands! By ignoring the Divine Commands of Scripture they play
right into Satan’s hands and lose the chance to be: The “friend of God!”
Satan’s organization is effective because of the authority he wields and
the discipline he enforces. How much more effective is the Royal Combat
Legion when its members submit themselves to the proper authorities: the
Lord Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church our supreme Commander; the
pastor-teacher as the communicator of Truth; our drill instructor who
inculcates us with the Bible and the routine of the Spiritual life. When we hold
our ground, the nobility of our soul will match the nobility of our title. We are
the Lord’s representatives on earth and as His ambassadors we are not
authorized to attack Satan’s forces.
Therefore, take up [Analambano] the full armor [Panoplia] of God, that
you may be able to resist [Anthistemi] in the evil day, and having done
everything, to stand firm. [Histemi] Stand firm [Histemi] therefore, having
girded your loins with Truth, and having put on the breastplate of
righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel
of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be
able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet
of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
(Eph 6:13-17)
The imperative “take up” mandates the believer to pick up and put on his
equipment. The panoplia of the Roman soldier consisted of the helmet,
breastplate, belt, caligae, shield, sword, javelins, and sixty pounds of
campaign equipment. It would have been unthinkable for any legionnaire to
disregard his standing orders. Likewise, it is unthinkable for the believer to
disregard the direct Orders of our Commander-in-Chief. Putting on the full
armor of God is equivalent to the attainment of Spiritual maturity. Defending
himself with this panoply of armor the Christian soldier is able to stand
victorious!
The threefold repetition of histemi and its derivative anthistemi, “to resist,”
(v. 11, 13, 14) reinforces the Command to remain on the defensive. Until
death; “the evil day” of satanic attacks will continue without cease-fire; there
can be no holiday, no removal of the armor; if the believer intends to maintain
his Spiritual position!
Following the Mandate to stand firm is the description of the equipment
which the Divine Quartermaster has supplied for the conflict the belt of Truth,
the breastplate of righteousness, the Gospel boots, the shield of faith, the
helmet of Salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Here the sword of the Spirit,
the Word of God, is a defensive weapon. The Bible defends the believer from
the influence of satanic doctrines.
The Principle of taking the defensive against Satan cannot be
understated. Offensive maneuvers are never part of the believer’s mission.
No Biblical warrant exists for binding or rebuking the devil. Such teaching
distorts the Truth and represents false thinking. Disobedience to the Divine
defensive Command, transfers-the believer from fellowship with God to an
enemy of God. (Jas 4:4)
THE ANTIDOTE FOR DEMONISM
The Word of God adamantly condemns all forms of demonism and human
involvement in demonic schemes. In scathing rebuke the Scriptures warned
the Israelites:
For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord; and because of
these detestable things the Lord your God will drive them [The Canaanites]
out before you. (Deut 18:12)
God’s Instructions are intensely practical because each prohibition is
strengthened with a positive Command. Thus, while contact with demons was
sternly forbidden, (Deut 18:9-11) the attitude and the conduct God expected
of believers were specifically articulated.
You shall be blameless [Spiritually Mature] before the Lord your God. For
those nations which you shall dispossess, listen to those-who practice
witchcraft and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed
you to do so. (Deut 18:13-14)
The antidote for demonism in any dispensation is the Word of Truth. Truth
residing in the soul is the bit and bridle which guide the believer’s life. So also,
the dynamic influence of the Truth of the Word of God in the lives of believers
preserves the nation and restrains demon activity!
The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among
you, from your countrymen, you shall listen to Him. . . I will put My Words in
His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I Command Him.
(Deut 18:15-18)
In God’s perfect time, Jesus Christ came to execute the Father’s will. To
our Lord, love and obedience were synonymous terms; (John 14:23) one was
the inevitable result of the other. Yet both depended upon a thorough
Understanding of God and Divine Directives! Our Lord conveyed this profound
Truth to His disciples. Step by step, He inducted them into the Father’s plan
as it related to His own earthly ministry. He defined Principles for their
Spiritual life; He taught them according to their limited capacity for Spiritual
perception “as they were able to hear it.” (Mark 4:33)
As the end of Christ’s ministry on the earth neared, much needed to be
impressed upon His disciples who would represent Him after His ascension.
Jesus answered and said to him, if anyone loves Me, he will keep My
Word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him, and make Our
abode with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My Words; and the
Word which you hear is not Mine, but the Father’s who sent Me. . . . the Holy
Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name. He will teach you all things,
[The Divine Thoughts] and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.
(John 14:23-26)
I have many more things [God’s Thoughts] to say to you . . . But when He,
the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the Truth...
(John 16:12-13)
God Thoughts: Truth preexisted the human race! (Prov 8:1-36) By the
inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, (2Ti 3:16) God’s Instructions to mankind
were gradually reduced to writing. While the Bible is “the Mind of Christ,”
(1Co 2:16) the Content must be transferred from the written page to the
believer’s soul! Every believer has the responsibility to avail himself of the
teaching of Truth and to reach his Divinely ordered objective: to grow to
Spiritual maturity and glorify God. (Mark 8:34-38) Truth is your personal
fortification against the unseen forces of demonism. Through Truth, you can
have tremendous impact on your generation! You can exploit the victory
which Satan and his demons seek to deny.
Epilogue
CAN THERE BE ANY DOUBT of Satan’s resourcefulness in undermining
the plan of God? Demonic action is cleverly adapted to any era and culture
as Satan strives to bring down mankind. Whether demonism assumes a
detestable or appealing form, our only protection comes from two sources:
the indwelling and filling of God the Holy Spirit, and maintaining our Spiritual
life through the daily intake and application of the Word of God! (John 4:23)
God and His Thoughts is our ONLY HOPE, AND PROTECTION!
Satan is not just a embodiment of evil, he is a real person. He skillfully
commands a determined army of demons. Although Satan is not omnipotent,
he is the most powerful creature in the universe. Although Satan is not
omnipresent, the unceasing worldwide operations of his angelic lackeys
create an illusion of the archfiend’s omnipresence. Although Satan is not
omniscient and cannot read our “Divine thoughts,” his knowledge is
continuously magnified through the intelligence network of his legions. The
demonic data base stores information that covers the thousands of years of
human history.
Satan blinds mankind to the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as Savior,
(2Co 4:3-4) and neutralizes the impact of Christians in the devil’s world.
(1Pe 5:8) If he can prevent you from reaching Spiritual maturity, he can
deprive you of the blessings God has designed; for both time and eternity,
and the blessing by association you offer to family members, to other
individuals in your area, and to your nation!
Satan cannot win. Although the Church Age is the dispensation of the
intensified stage of the angelic conflict, demonic doom is absolutely certain.
As soon as the Tribulation occurs, Satan will roam the world for seven years
masterminding the greatest demonic offensive of history. At the Second
Advent of Jesus Christ, Satan and the demons will be incarcerated for one
thousand years. Then, as in Gotterdammerung, “twilight of the gods,” Satan
and his fallen angels will pass over the golden bridge to the flames of Valhalla
to spend eternity in the lake of fire.
Illustration
Legend says that the great Reformer, Martin Luther, once threw an
inkwell at the devil. The truth of that report cannot be confirmed. However,
Luther condensed a considerable amount of Truth concerning the destiny of
Satan in the third stanza of his famous hymn. The title — “A Mighty Fortress
is Our God” — speaks of our sure defense, the bulwark of our safety and
ultimate triumph in Christ.
And tho’ this world, with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us; We will not
fear, for God hath willed His Truth to triumph through us. The prince of
darkness grim We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! his
doom is sure, One little Word shall fell him.
END
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