“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” (Eph. 6:12).
“Haunted
houses, ghosts, demons—our Western culture can’t seem to get enough of the
spirit world. The latest Gallup poll indicates that 42% of Americans believe in
demon possession, 37% believe in haunted houses, and 32% believe in ghosts (“Demons
on a Leash” by Fred Dickason; available from https://answersingenesis.org).
Though interest
in the paranormal is widespread, many question the existence of demons,
especially here in our modernized society. So how can we know for a fact that
demons actually exist?
There are two
primary ways to know for a fact that demons exist. First, all one needs to do
in order to verify their existence is to simply travel throughout various
second and third world countries like Haiti, much of the continents of Africa
and Asia to undoubtedly confirm this reality. Second, the historical validity
of the Bible likewise confirms their existence.
Before we go
any further into the matters of the dark side, let’s begin with a basic
definition. What are demons? “Demons are evil angels who sinned against God and
who now continually work evil in the world” (Grudem, Systematic Theology,
p. 412). They were created as morally good beings at the same time as the rest
of the angels (Job 38:4-7). However, prior to the fall of Adam and Eve in the
Garden of Eden, these angels along with Satan chose by their own freewill to
rebel against God (John 8:44).
What activities
do demons engage in? Demons are a strong, yet restricted force in the spiritual
battle between God and Satan (2 Peter 2:4). Thus, they seek to hinder the work
of spreading the message of forgiveness and grace through Jesus Christ (1
Thess. 2:18).
However, their
primary strategy for hindering the Gospel involves the spreading of false
teaching (1 Tim. 4:1). Satan and his demons do not want people to accept what
the Bible teaches, even empowering individuals to work false miracles in order
to lead people astray (Matt. 7:21-23; Rev. 16:14). For that reason, (and
others), the Bible often associates them with idolatry (Deut. 32:17; Psa.
106:37; 1 Cor. 10:19-21). Therefore, it is vital for us to know what the Bible
teaches. Yet overall, the work of Christ will be victorious (Matt. 16:18; Rev.
20:10). And in the end, demons will be thrown into the Lake of Fire along with
all who are not faithful follows of Jesus (Matt. 25:41).
This brings up
the question: do you know for sure that you are a follower Jesus as Scripture
teaches, or are you being led astray? Therefore, I encourage you to examine
what you believe, are being taught, and practice in light of God’s Word (1 John
4:1).
Demons likewise
are a contributing factor to the wickedness in our world today. Based upon John
13:2, Jack Cottrell states that demons “may influence our thoughts by bringing
certain ideas and images into our consciousness. They stroke the fires of our
sinful desires and exploit our spiritual weaknesses. They also work indirectly
upon our wills through other people” (The Faith Once for All, p. 175).
Sometimes they do this by oppressing or attacking individuals’ bodies, causing
diseases, sicknesses, and by influencing people to follow the demon’s leadings
(Mark 5:1-20).
However,
Scripture promises that greater is He that is in us as believers (the Holy
Spirit) is greater than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). Thus, God can
give us the strength to overcome the Devil and his demons as we rely upon Him
(Rev. 12:11). Therefore, there is no need to fear the matters of the dark
side.
In His service,
Matt
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