The Bible has a lot to say about demons, also known as evil spirits or unclean spirits. Here is an overview of the biblical teaching on demons:
The Origin of Demons
The Bible indicates that demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven. Revelation 12:9 states, “The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” These “angels” are identified elsewhere as demons (Matthew 25:41).
2 Peter 2:4 speaks of the angels who sinned and were cast into hell to be held until the final judgment. Jude 1:6 also refers to angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling. So the Bible teaches that demons are fallen and evil celestial beings who rebelled against God and now serve the devil.
Demons Have Great Power
Demons possess intelligence (Mark 1:24), emotions (Luke 8:28), and will (Luke 11:24). They have supernatural strength (Acts 19:16; Mark 5:3). They can render people mute (Mark 9:17), blind (Matthew 12:22), and epileptic (Matthew 17:15). Demons can possess people and animals and cause mental disorders and self-injury (Mark 5:1-13). They can influence people’s minds and inspire evil actions (John 13:2, 27). The Bible warns believers not to give demons a foothold by indulging in sin (Ephesians 4:27).
However, demons are not all-powerful. Their power is limited by God and they can only act within the boundaries He sets (Job 1:12; Luke 22:3). Jesus Christ demonstrated His absolute authority over demons when He cast them out with just a word (Mark 1:25-27). Believers who have the Spirit residing in them are more powerful than any demon (1 John 4:4).
Demons Work Against God’s Kingdom
Demons seek to thwart God’s plans and work against His kingdom. They spread lies and false doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1). They incite idolatry and other forms of immorality to lure people into sin (1 Corinthians 10:20-21). They possess people and cause physical and mental afflictions (Luke 11:14). They wage war against believers and try to hinder ministry work (Daniel 10:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:18).
The Bible tells us their schemes are ultimately futile: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8). Jesus Christ triumphed over the powers of darkness through His death and resurrection (Colossians 2:15). One day all demonic powers will be destroyed when Christ returns (Revelation 20:10).
Demons Can Possess People
There are several accounts in the gospels of demons possessing people. Demon possession involved a demon residing in a person and exerting direct control over that person at times. The demon-possessed exhibited bizarre behavior such as shrieking, convulsions, supernatural strength, trance states, clairvoyance, and self-injury (Mark 5:1-20; 9:14-29).
Possession was often accompanied by physical afflictions like blindness, muteness, and epileptic seizures (Matthew 12:22). In the most severe cases, a person’s entire personality was subsumed by the demon (Mark 5:1-9). Jesus and the apostles cast demons out of people to free them from oppression, illness, and bondage (Matthew 10:8, Acts 8:7).
Demons Will Be Judged
On judgment day, demons will be consigned to eternal punishment in the lake of fire along with Satan (Matthew 25:41). Revelation 20:10 says the devil “will be tormented day and night forever and ever” in the lake of fire. The punishment of the demonic realm will be a triumph of God’s justice after centuries of them afflicting humanity.
Until then, believers can stand against demonic forces by living holy lives (1 Peter 5:8-9), putting on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), praying and fasting (Mark 9:29), and proclaiming the gospel which liberates captives (Luke 10:17-19). We need not fear demons, for Christ has triumphed over them!
Examples of Demonic Activity in the Bible
The “Legion” of Demons in Mark 5:1-20
This account describes a Gerasene man possessed by a legion of demons. The demons caused the man to shriek violently, behave erratically, injure himself, be isolated from society, and display superhuman strength by breaking his chains. Jesus cast them out into a herd of pigs who rushed into the sea to drown. This shows demons’ destructive powers and Jesus’ ability to liberate captives.
The Mute Man in Matthew 9:32-34
Jesus healed a demon-oppressed man who was mute. When the demon was cast out, the man began speaking, showing his muteness was caused by the demon. This account demonstrates how demons afflict people physically and mentally.
The Blind and Mute Man in Matthew 12:22
Jesus healed a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and the man’s faculties were restored. This shows how demons can inflict illness and disability. Jesus displayed His superiority over satanic forces by delivering people from demons’ effects.
The Girl with a Spirit of Divination in Acts 16:16-18
A slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination followed Paul around Philippi, saying he proclaimed the way of salvation. Paul cast out the spirit, not wanting a demon to authenticate his message. This highlights how demons try to influence ministry work and health.
The Seven Sons of Sceva in Acts 19:13-16
Some Jewish exorcists tried to cast out demons by invoking Jesus’ name. But the evil spirit said it didn’t recognize them and overpowered them. This shows using Jesus’ name casually, without faith or authority, is ineffective against demons.
Biblical Responses to Demons
How should Christians respond to demons? The Bible gives several principles:
- Have faith in Christ’s supreme authority – Mark 9:14-29
- Put on the full armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-18
- Resist the devil by living holy lives – James 4:7
- Expose demons’ lies with God’s truth – Acts 16:16-18
- Cast out demons in Christ’s name to set people free – Acts 16:18
- Pray and fast for deliverance from strongholds – Mark 9:29
- Preach the gospel to defeat satanic forces – Luke 10:17-19
- Test spirits against biblical truth – 1 John 4:1-3
- Rely on Christ’s power, not magical formulas – Acts 19:13-16
- Put aside sin that gives the devil a foothold – Ephesians 4:27
The victory has already been won by Christ. Believers can stand against demons when they humbly rely on God’s power and authority in Christ.
Key Passages About Demons
Ephesians 6:10-18
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
This passage describes the spiritual battle against demonic forces and instructs believers to put on the full armor of God for protection and victory.
Luke 10:17-19
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
Jesus affirms His disciples’ authority over demons and says He has given them power to overcome satanic forces through His name.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
We can resist demonic influence by submitting to God, living in obedience, and resisting temptation.
1 Peter 5:8-9
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”
A call to be vigilant against the devil’s schemes, resist him through faith in Christ, and remember the global church is fighting the same battle.
Conclusion
The Bible has much to say about the origin and works of demons. They are evil, supernatural beings who wage war against God’s kingdom and afflict people. But Christ has triumphed over them through His death and resurrection. Believers have no need to fear demons because we have the power and authority to resist them and cast them out through faith in Jesus’ name. Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the devil, and His victory is guaranteed.
