Is there activity of demonic spirits in the world today?
The Bible has much to say about the existence and activity of demons and evil spirits. Here is an overview of key biblical teachings on this topic:
The Origin of Demons
The Bible indicates that demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God along with Satan (Revelation 12:7-9). Jude 1:6 refers to angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling. These angels now reside in darkness and are kept in eternal chains.
Demons are evil, unclean spirits under the command of Satan, the ruler of the demons (Matthew 12:24). They manifest supernatural knowledge and power but seek to promote evil and rebellion against God.
Examples of Demonic Activity in the Bible
Scripture contains many examples of demonic activity and encounters between Jesus, the apostles, and demons:
– Jesus was tempted by the devil (demon) in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).
– Jesus gave his disciples authority over demons to cast them out (Matthew 10:1). The disciples were successful, testifying that “even the demons submit to us in your name” (Luke 10:17).
– Jesus frequently drove out demons during his ministry, demonstrating his authority over the spirit realm (Mark 1:39).
– The demons within a man at Capernaum knew exactly who Jesus was and that he had authority over them (Mark 1:23-27).
– A boy who was mute and epileptic was healed by Jesus rebuking an unclean spirit that came out of him (Mark 9:14-29).
– A wild man was possessed by a whole mob of demons (Legion) until Jesus sent them into a herd of pigs (Mark 5:1-20).
– A fortune-telling slave girl possessed by a demon constantly harassed Paul until he commanded it to leave her (Acts 16:16-18).
– The seven sons of Sceva tried to imitate Paul but were viciously attacked by the evil spirit they were trying to expel (Acts 19:13-16).
– Peter healed multitudes afflicted by unclean spirits (Acts 5:16). Philip also cast out evil spirits (Acts 8:7).
– Paul teaches that Satan disguises himself as an angel of light and that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). This indicates possession.
– 1 Timothy 4:1 warns that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits.
Demons are real and active spiritual forces of evil. But Christ’s victory on the cross dealt a decisive blow to Satan and his demons (Colossians 2:15). Believers have authority through Jesus to confront and overcome demonic spirits.
The Work and Activity of Demons Today
While overt demonic activity and possession was common during the ministry of Jesus and the apostles, some believe demonic possession is less common today. However, Scripture indicates that demonic influence and temptation continues in the present age:
– 1 Peter 5:8 describes the devil as a roaring lion seeking someone to devour through temptation and deceit.
– Ephesians 6:11-12 depicts the spiritual battle going on against demonic forces that scheme against God’s people.
– Demons can invade, oppress, and afflict people today. Acts 10:38 speaks of those “oppressed by the devil.”
– Satan blinds unbelievers from seeing the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4).
– False teaching and deception in the church are associated with demons (1 Timothy 4:1).
– Satan can tempt believers and lead them into sin (Acts 5:3). Demons can also tempt believers (1 Corinthians 7:5).
– Those who continue in unrepentant sin open themselves up to the Devil (Ephesians 4:26-27).
– Demonic forces are behind many of the occult, New Age, and Eastern mystical practices that have invaded Western culture (1 Corinthians 10:20).
So while wholesale demonic possession appears less common today, demonic influence, temptation, deception, and spiritual attack are still very present threats. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
The Protection and Authority of Believers
While demons are powerful and not to be trifled with, believers have protection and authority in Christ:
– Jesus gives his followers authority to drive out evil spirits (Matthew 10:1).
– The Holy Spirit in believers is greater than the spirit of the world (demonic powers) (1 John 4:4).
– When tempted, believers can resist the devil through submitting to God and drawing near to Him (James 4:7-8).
– Believers can overcome Satan’s attacks through the word of their testimony and the blood of Christ (Revelation 12:11).
– The full armor of God enables Christians to stand against the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:10-18).
– Faith in Christ guards believers from the evil one (1 John 5:18).
Jesus’ power and authority over demons is available to his followers today. Through prayer, the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit, believers have everything needed to stand against demonic powers and temptation. The protection of God is available to those who call upon Jesus’ name.
Conclusion
The Bible acknowledges the very real presence and activity of demons in the world. From tempting Christ to possessing individuals, stories throughout Scripture depict demons interfering with God’s plans and people. And evidence throughout the New Testament epistles indicates that demonic forces continue to be active today.
But the Bible also makes clear that Jesus dealt the death blow to Satan and his forces through his victory over sin and death on the cross (Hebrews 2:14). Greater is He who is in believers than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
By putting on the full armor of God, resisting the devil, drawing near to Christ, and exercising the authority given to them in Jesus believers can overcome demonic temptation and stand firm against these evil powers. Jesus has definitively conquered and disarmed these forces (Colossians 2:15), so Christians have nothing to fear.
The key is recognizing that demonic activity exists while also prayerfully depending on the Lord’s protection and believing in His supreme authority over every power in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
