Demons

When Jesus was on earth He frequently encountered people who were demon possessed. Sometimes their presence revealed itself in physical ways, such as inflicting blindness, prohibiting speech, or inciting erratic behaviour. For example, Luke 9.38-39 tells us, “A man in the crowd called out, ‘Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams, it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth.’” Jesus healed many people of such demonic influence. 

So, what are demons and are they real? The Bible presents demons as real spirit beings, not simply superstitious explanations for certain physical ailments. When God created the universe He created a class of spirit beings called angels. Some of those angels, under the leadership of Satan, rebelled against God and became the demons we read about in the Gospels. Revelation 12.7 tells us, “And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.” God’s holy angels stand in opposition to Satan and the fallen angels, or demons. 

Because demons are spirit beings they have unusual powers. They can inflict diseases, reveal hidden secrets, and even possess individuals who open themselves to demonic activity. On one of his missionary journeys Paul encountered a girl who was possessed by a demon. Acts 16.16 says, “Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future.” Paul cast the demon out of the girl in the name of Jesus. Because demons have such unusual powers, people are sometimes attracted to demonic influences. But the Bible forbids involving ourselves in such practices. Deuteronomy 18.10-11 says, “Let no one be found among you who  . . . practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.” Demons are real and they’re powerful. Christians should avoid any connection with demonic activity. 

Although demons are powerful enemies of God’s people, they’re limited in what they can do and they face a certain doom. Jesus demonstrated His authority by casting out demons by His spoken word. In the future God will judge Satan and the demons, sending them to hell. Jesus, in Matthew 25.41, warned about future judgment, saying, “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” When we receive Jesus as our Saviour we enter into His protective power. Christians need never fear demonic powers because Jesus’ power is greater. Doesn’t it make sense to follow Jesus?