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The Reality of Evil, Satan, Demons, and the Devil Not only does the Bible teach the reality of God, Jesus the Christ (Y’shua Messiah), and the Holy Spirit, but it teaches the reality of enemies to both God and people such as Satan and demon spirits of all kinds. The truth of this area of our situation is that we are dealing with someone, not something. That someone is Satan, who has a rival kingdom in the heavens. Our enemies are persons without bodies; we can’t see them, but we are instructed to know about them and their schemes. How does the
Bible throw light on this problem of evil? The biblical answer is connected
to Satan and his disciples and his role in the fall of the head of all
humankind, Adam. The sin-cursed world system, led by
Satan, is diametrically opposed to the kingdom and rule of God. Satan’s
kingdom (government system) is by nature deceptive,
often masquerading as a place of light, happiness, success, health, and
healing. 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 informs us that, “…Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform
themselves into ministers of righteousness…” Their basic plan is to ensure
that people, especially their primary enemy—the body of Christ—does not
believe their existence, their aptitude, or their capability to influence a
Christian; to make the things of Satan not appear as what they really are.
Deception. Jesus, recorded at Mark 16:17,
states, “And these signs will follow those who
believe: In My name they will cast out demons…” Why would Jesus state that? Be strongly encouraged to
consider the following Scripture passages: “For we [followers of Jesus] do
not wrestle against flesh and blood [ourselves; peoples], but … against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the
heavenly places [unseen evil spirit forces].” (Ephesians 6:12) Revelations 12:9-10 graciously
informs us about who all the Devil and his disciples have been deceiving,
their primary method of deception, how often, and about their future: “And
the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,
who deceives the whole world…And I heard a
loud voice saying in heaven, ‘Now is come salvation, and strength, and the
kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren
[includes
sisters] is cast down, who accused them [our brethren] before
our God day and night.” Notice above who our enemy
accuses and how often. And note that he accuses us in three ways: he accuses us
to ourselves (so that we tend to blame ourself rather than the Devil and his
disciples), he accuses others to us (so that we tend to blame others
rather than the Devil), he accuses God to us (so that we tend to blame God
rather than the Devil) (Gen. 3:1, 4, 5, 10-13). Second
Timothy 2:24-26 states: “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be
gentle unto all, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those who
oppose themselves [their new self in Christ]; if God perhaps will give them
repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover
themselves out of the snare of the devil,
who are taken captive by him [the devil] at his will.” “Therefore…let
us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh
and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
(2 Corinthians 7:1) Why
would we be instructed to cleanse our spirits? Demons are real and need to be
taken seriously, even if many claims about evil spirits are fabricated or
exaggerated. And unless we have a biblical view of God, humankind, and the
spirit world, we will not have the perspective to understand the evil that
plagues our personal lives and our world. Satan and
demons have not faded from the scene. They continue their evil activity. The
Bible warns that their activity will reach new heights in the future (Mark
13:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; 1 Timothy 4:1). 1. Know Satan's
devices (2 Cor. 2:11). 2. Give him no
place (Ephes. 4:27). 3. Resist him
(James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). 4. Be sober and
vigilant lest he devour them (1 Peter 5:8-9). 5. Put on the
whole armor of God (Ephes. 6:11-18). 6. Overcome him by
the Word (Matthew 4:1-11; 1 John 2:14). 7. Overcome him
by the blood of Christ and testimony (Rev. 12:11). 8. Overcome him
by Christ and His name (Ephes. 1:19-22; 2:6; 2 Cor. 2:15). 9. Overcome him
by birth of the Spirit and faith (1 John 2:29; 1 John 3:9; 1 John 5:1-4,18). 10. Overcome
him by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-13; Galatians 5:15-26). And
ultimately after Jesus’ return and millennial rule, Satan and his disciples
will be defeated; God will throw Satan and his angels into the lake of fire
(Revelation 20:7–10; Matthew 25:41). Now note that denial is the
primary characteristic of demonic outworking—sin—shortcoming
continued (Gen. 3:12-13; 2 Cor. 11:14,15; Rom. 1:18-22; 2:1, 21-23;
7:11; Heb. 3:13; 1 Jn. 1:8; Mt. 23:24-28; Mk. 6:4-5; Lk. 6:41-42; 19:42; Jn.
9:41; 11:47-53; Jas. 3:14; Tit. 1:16; Rev. 3:1,17). And the Pharisees are pictured in the
New Testament as religious people who saw themselves as respectable and
righteous. And yet Jesus pointed repeatedly to their denied sins and the
danger of not facing themselves (Lk. 11:39-40). ‘DELIVER
US FROM EVIL’ Thank God, we may recognize (Heb. 5:14) and then recover ourselves from of the trap of the devil, when he ensnares us (2 Tim. 2:26). Our Enemy’s Hostility
Structure and Its Working Components Thank
God, we don’t have to guess about our enemy because his hostility structure
and its working components have not changed. For we read in the book of
Ephesians thirty-plus-years after the Lord Jesus ascended to the Father, His
Holy Spirit recorded at 6:10-18. He informs us and commands us regarding
Satan and his hierarchy of demon spirits: “Finally my brethren, be strong [acquire strength] in the Lord
and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the
whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the
devil [false
accuser, slanderer; Satan or his spirit rebels].” (Having laid before you your high calling and the great doctrines of the gospel, I will now show you the enemies that oppose you and how you can overcome them.) (Eph. 6:11-18) “Amor;” original Greek word: panoplia, full armor of a heavily armed soldier, described in Eph. 6:13-17; Lk. 11:22. “Wiles;” original Greek word: methodeias, methods — the different means, plans, and schemes used to deceive, entrap, enslave, and ruin the souls of people. 12 “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [human beings; ourselves], 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.” “Struggle;” original Greek word: pale, refers to warfare in general between us followers of Jesus and spirit rebels who are against God. It literally means wrestling “to displace.” At the time of apostle Paul’s writing, the winner of a wrestling match in the Greek sport of wrestling did not “pin” his opponent as in our contemporary sport of wrestling. Rather, the winner actually “displaced” his opponent. Thus, we are to victoriously displace Satan’s disciples. 1. Original Greek word: archas, chief rulers or beings of the highest rank and order in Satan's kingdom (Eph. 6:12; 1:21; Col. 2:10) 2. Original Greek word: exousias, authorities, those who derive their power from and execute the will of the chief rulers (Eph. 6:12; 1:21; Col. 2:10) 3. Original Greek word: kosmokratoras, world-powers of the dark world, the spirit world-powers; territorial (Dan. 10:13-21; Eph. 1:21; 6:12; Col. 1:16-18) 4. Original Greek words: pneumatika, tes, ponerias, spiritual wicked forces; those of the numerous nearby, familiar, personalized lower-ranking wicked spirits of Satan in the heavenlies—the higher ranges of spiritual things (Eph. 6:12; 1:21; Col. 1:16-18; see also Leviticus 19:31; 20:6; Deut. 18:11; 1 Samuel 28; 2 Kings 21:6; 23:24; 1 Chron. 10:13; 2 Chron. 33:6; Isaiah 8:19; 19:3; 29:4) 13 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God that you
may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Considering the fact that you have such enemies (Eph. 6:12), be clothed with armor of God. It will make you invulnerable and victorious (Eph. 6:13-18)). “Having done all, to stand” is a military phrase; we stand, ready to do battle again.) 14 Stand therefore having your loins [girdle] girt about with Truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness (in defense; protective) (Compare with Isa. 11:5; 59:17); 15 “And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” Protective; being prepared; readiness. It is the gospel of making peace with God and of readiness to meet Him. 16 “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked [protective; in defense].” Original Greek word belos, dart, or any missile thrown, as the javelin, spear, arrow, or stone from a sling. As applied to Christian warfare they refer to evil thoughts, lusts, passions, and temptations of various kinds (1Cor. 10:13-14; 2Cor. 10:4-6; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 6:12; 1Jn. 2:15-17). Not all of our thoughts are our own. Consider the New Testament lesson that exposes “the flesh” in what modern neuroscience calls the mind-body connection. 17 “And take the helmet of salvation [in defense; protecting our thinking], and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God [offensive for conquest],” Original Greek word: machaira, sword, to destroy our enemy and bring his surrender. Besides the sword other weapons of offense were used — the spear, lance, battle-axe, club, bow and arrows, and sling. 18 “Praying always with all prayer and petition in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and petition for all followers of Jesus.” Obviously, “our weapons are not carnal” (2 Cor. 10:4). There are demon spirits or groups of demon spirits behind the health issues, unholy traits, and doctrinal errors known among humankind. This can be proved abundantly but we will give passages here to prove to your satisfaction that such beings exist. Note the following Scriptures proving their existence: Demons or Unclean Spirits 1.
Definition and usage of the terms devil and demon (1) Two Hebrew words are
translated "devil": shed
(original Hebrew word), "a spoiler"; "destroyer"; "a
malignant, evil spirit" (Deut. 32:17; Psalm 106:37); and satiyr (original Hebrew word),
"shaggy, hairy one"; "kid"; "goat";
"satyr"; "devil" (Leviticus
17:7; 2 Chron. 11:15). Devils are the "familiar spirits"
of the O.T. (Leviticus 19:31; 20:6; Deut. 18:11; 1
Samuel 28:3,9; 2 Kings 21:6; 23:24; Isaiah 8:19; 19:3), and the supernatural
spirits behind witchcraft, or sorcery. (2) The word
"demon" is not found in the King James Version of Scripture, but
the Greek verb daimonizomai (original
Greek word) (to be possessed by an evil spirit; be demonized) and the nouns daimon (original Greek word) and daimonion (original Greek word) refer
to evil spirits, demons, or devils below. (3) The word
"devil" is also used of Satan, the prince of demons (Matthew 9:34; 12:24). He is the chief
devil and the original source of evil in the universe. There are
many demons, but only one prince of demons. The Greek word for
devil used in connection with Satan is diabolos
(original Greek word), meaning adversary, false accuser, slanderer,
devil. It is used of people and translated false accuser and
slanderer in 1 Tim. 3:11; 2 Tim. 3:3; Titus 2:3. It
is translated "devil" once as applying to Judas when he became an
adversary of Christ
(John
6:70). In 34 other places it is translated "devil" and
used of Satan as the chief adversary of God. Satan has an angelic
body and cannot physically enter anyone (Luke 22:3), and demons are
spirits without bodies capable of possessing the bodies of both animals and
people. 2. The
nature of demons (1) They
are evil (Judges (2) They are intelligent and
wise (1 Kings 22:22-24; Acts 16:16). (3) They
are powerful (Mark 5:1-18). (4) They are without bodies
capable of forcefully influencing the bodies of both animals and people (Rev.
16:13-16). (5) They
are not angels (Acts 23:8-9). (6) They
are not human, for they affect people and can be cast out (Matthew
10:8; Mark 16:17). (7) They
are individuals (Mark 16:9). (8) They have knowledge (Matthew
8:29; Luke 4:41; Acts 19:15). (9) They
have faith (James 2:19). (10) They
have feelings (Matthew 8:29; Mark 5:7). (11) They
have fellowship (1 Cor. 10:20-21). (12) They
have doctrines (1 Tim. 4:1-3). (13) They
have wills (Matthew 12:43-45). (14) They
have miraculous powers (Rev. 16:13-16). (15) They
have emotions (Acts 8:7). (16) They have desires (Matthew
8:28-31). (17) They more or less have names (Mark
5:9; Luke 8:30; Luke 10:18) (18) They can influence a Christian (Rev. 12:10b; 1 Tim. 3:6,7; 4:1; 2 Tim.
1:7; 2:26; 4:1-3; Ephes. 6:12; Mt. 16:16 – 23; Mk. 8:33; Lk. 22:3; 2 Cor.
7:1) (19) They trouble you (Hebrews 12:15) (20) They defile others (Hebrews
12:15) (21) They
have other soul and spirit faculties. 3. The work of demons (1) Affect people and cause
denial (2 Corinthians 11:14,15; Romans 1:18-22; 2:1, 21-23; 7:11; Hebrews
3:13; 1 Jn. 1:8; Matthew 23:24-28; Mark. 6:4-5; Luke 6:41-42; 19:42; John
9:41; 11:47-53; James. 3:14; Titus 1:16; Revelation 3:1, 17; 12:10b) (2) Dumbness and deafness
(Matthew 9:32-33; Mark 9:25) (3) Blindness (Matthew
12:22) (4) Grievous vexation
(Matthew 15:22) (5) Lunacy and mania
(Matthew 4:23-24; Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 5:1-18) (6) Uncleanness (they are called
unclean spirits 20 times; Luke 4:36) (7) Supernatural strength
(Mark 5:1-18) (8) Suicide (Matthew 17:16;
John 10:10) (9) Hypocrisy, pretending
(Matt. 23:28; 7:5; Mark 7:6; Luke 12:1) (10) Convulsions (Mark 9:20) (11) Lusts (John 8:44;
Ephes. 2:1-3; 1 John 2:15-17) (12) Counterfeit worship
(Leviticus 17:7; Deut. 32:17; 2 Chron. 11:15; Psalm 106:37; 1 Cor. 10:20;
Rev. 9:20) (13) Error (1 John 4:1-6; 1
Tim. 4:1) (14) Health issues and diseases
(Matt. 4:23-24; 8:16-17; Acts 10:38) (15) Torments (Matt.
4:23-24; 15:22) (16) Deceptions (1 Tim.
4:1-2; 1 John 4:1-6) (17) Lying (1 Kings
22:21-24) (18) Enchantments and
witchcraft (2 Chron. 33:6) (19) Heresies (1 Tim. 4:1) (20) Wickedness (Luke 11:26) (21) Fear (2 Tim. 1:7) (22) Love of the world (1
John 2:15-17; 1 Cor. 2:12) (23) Bondage (Romans 8:15) (24) Discord (1 Kings
22:21-24; Matthew 13:36-43) (25) Violence (Matt. 17:15) (26) Betrayals (John
13:2; 1 Kings 22:21-23) (27) Oppression (Acts 10:38) (28) Sin (John 8:44; 1 John 3:8) (29)
Persecution (1 Peter 5:8; Rev. 2:10) (29) Jealousy (1 Samuel
16:14; 18:8-10) (30) False prophecy (1 Sam. 18:8-10; 1 Kings
22:21-24) (31) Bitterness (Hebrews 12:15). Bitterness
includes these progressive steps: (32)
Every
other evil they possibly can, to work against people and God. 4. The abilities of demons (1) They affect Christian
individuals
and groups (Rev. 12:10b; 1 Tim. 3:6,7; 4:1-3; 2 Tim.
1:7; 2:26; 4:1; Ephes. 6:12; Mk. 7:21-23; 8:33; Mt. 16:16 – 23; Lk. 22:3; 2
Cor. 7:1;) (2) They teach (1 Tim. 4:1). (3) They steal (Matt. 13:19;
Luke 8:12). (4) They can fight (Ephes.
4:27; Ephes. 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8). (5) They can become fierce
and wrathful (Matt. 8:28; Rev. 12:12). (6) They can tell fortunes
(Leviticus 20:27; Acts 16:16). (7) They can be friendly
(they are called familiar spirits 16 times; Leviticus 20:6,27). (8) They go out and come
back into people as they will, unless cast out and rejected (Matt. 12:43-45). (9) They travel (1 Kings
22:21-24; Mark 5:7,12). (10) They speak (Mark 1:34;
Mark 5:12; Acts 8:7). (11)
They
imitate the departed dead (2 Samuel 28:3-9; 1 Chron. 10:13; Isaiah 8:19;
Deut. 18:11). (12)
Satan,
who causes sicknesses by demon
oppression, can take off what he puts on without opposing himself or
casting himself out. When he can damn a soul by getting a person to deny the
essentials of the Bible that will save the soul, then it is to his advantage
to deceive by taking away the sickness. Many accept false religions that
promise healing and other benefits. Satan cooperates with these religions,
which he himself has founded to deceive men. He heals people without their
faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross. Such people naturally think
that they are in the true religion. They reject Christ and see no need of
getting saved from sin or following Christianity. They will be damned for
doing so, Satan having won their souls. Demons can go out and come back into
a person of their own accord (Matthew 12:26; 43-45). Satan in the last days
will thus deceive men by giving them power (Matt. 24:24; 2Thess. 2:8-12; Rev.
13:2; 16:13-16; 19:20). (13) They can do many other things when
influencing bodies. 5. They are called (1) Devils (Mark (2) Familiar spirits
(Leviticus 20:6) (3) Unclean spirits (Mark
1:27) (4) Evil spirits (Luke 7:21) (5) Seducing spirits (1
Tim. 4:1). 6. General facts about
demons (1) They are subject to Christ and made subject to true believers’
exercised authority by the
atonement, the name of Jesus, and the
Holy Spirit (Matt.
8:16-17; 12:28; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 19:15). (2) Thousands of them can affect
one person at the same time
(Mark 5:9). (3) They must be discerned,
tested, resisted, and rejected by believers (1 John 4:1-6; 1 Cor. 12:10;
Ephes. 4:27; Ephes. 6:10-18; 1 Peter 5:8-9). (4) They have more than ordinary
intelligence (Matt. 8:29). (5) Their rightful place is in the
abyss (Luke 8:31; Rev. 9:1-21). (6) They have personality (Luke
8:26-33). (7) They are without
physical bodies (Matt. 12:43-45). (8) They are Satan's
emissaries (Matt. 12:26-29). (9) They are numerous (Mark
5:9). (10) They can enter into and
affect both people and animals
(Mark 5:1-18), and
they seek embodiment (Matt. 12:43-45; Luke 8:32). (11) Demon possession and
demon influence are different (cp. Matt. 4:23-24 with Matt. 16:21-23). (12) Demons know their fate (Matt. 8:31-32) and recognize those who have power
over them (Acts 19:13-17). (13) They fear God (James
2:19). (14) They inflict bodily maladies (Matt. 8:16-17; 12:22; 17:15-18). (15) They wage war on
believers (Ephes. 6:10-18; 2 Tim. 2:26). (16) They influence people
(1 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:10-12). (17) All unbelievers are
more or less in league with them (Ephes. 2:1-3). (18) The only resources
against them are prayer and the whole armor of God (Matt. 17:21; Ephes. 6:10-18). (19) There are demon spirits or groups of demon spirits behind the health issues, unholy traits, and doctrinal errors known among humankind (Gen.
3; Mt. 16:16 – 23; Mk. 8:33; Lk. 4; 22:3; 2 Cor. 4:4; 7:1; Ephes. 2:2; 6:12; 1 Tim. 3:6,7; 4:1; 2 Tim. 1:7; 2:26;
4:1-3; 1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:9-12; 20:10). …Disease germs, which
are closely allied with unclean spirits, are really living forms of
corruption which come into the bodies of people bringing us to
death. Just as refuse breeds maggots, so mankind in his fallen
state of corruption breeds germs through unclean living and through contact
with corruptions in the fallen world. Germs are agents of Satan,
corrupting the bodies of his victims through unclean spirits that work
invisibly in people. (20) They must be cast out or
resisted in order to experience relief from them. 7. Traffic with demon spirits
is forbidden in both testaments (Leviticus
19:31; Leviticus 20:6; Deut. 18:10; 1 Chron. 10:13-14; Isaiah 8:19; Luke
4:41; Acts 16:16; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-6). 1. SATAN (the
Adversary) Understand Satan and his
Doctrine God's Purpose in Allowing Satan to Continue 1. To use him in
afflicting people to bring them to repentance (1 Cor. 5:1-6; 2 Cor. 2:5-11;
Job 33:14-30) 2. To
demonstrate the power of God over the power of Satan (Mark 3. To develop
character and faith in the believer (James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:7-13; 5:8-9; 2
Peter 1:4-9; Jude 1:20-24) 4. To keep the
believer humble (2 Cor. 12:7) 5. To provide a
conflict for saints that they may be rewarded through overcoming (1 John 6. To
purge man of all possibility of failing in the eternal future (Rev. 21) Matt. 25:41: “Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.’” Eph. 1:21: “Far above all principality, and power, and might,
and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also
in that which is to come.” Eph. 3:10: “To the intent that now unto the principalities and
powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of
God.” Eph. 6:11-17: “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able
to stand against the wiles of the devil.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [human beings;
ourselves], 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.” Above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Rev. 12:7-12 (See above) Matt. 4:23-24: “And Y’shua
(Jesus) went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching
the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of health issue and
dis-ease among the people. And his
fame went throughout all Matt. 10:1-7: “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of health issue and dis-ease... 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matt. 12:22-29: “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, ‘Is not this the son of David?’ But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘This fellow does not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils.’ And Y’shua
(Jesus) knew their thoughts, and said unto them, ‘Every kingdom divided
against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided
against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided
against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast
out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be
your judges. But if I cast out devils
by the Spirit of God, then the Mark 5:6-13: “...But when he saw Y’shua (Jesus) afar off, he ran and worshipped him, and cried with a loud voice, and said, ‘What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the most high God? I adjure you by God, that you not torment me. For Jesus commanded him, ‘Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit.’ And Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he answered, saying, ‘My name is Legion: for we are many.’ ... 12 And all the devils begged him, saying, ‘Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.’ And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea...” 1 Tim. 4:1: “Now the Holy Spirit spoke expressly, that in latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils...” 1 John 4:1-6: “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Y’shua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that does not confess that Y’shua the Messiah (Jesus the Christ) is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and it is already in the world even now. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God: he that knows God hears us; he that is not of God does not hear us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.” There are demon spirits or groups of
demon spirits behind the health issues, unholy traits, and doctrinal errors known among humankind,
including believers. They must be cast out or resisted in order to
get relief from them. Introduction to Reversing
Satan’s Rule Be strongly encouraged to review this excellent
introduction to reversing Satan’s rule by Pastor Tony Evans. Satanist-Turned-Evangelist,
John Ramiraz, Gives You an Inside Look into Satan’s Hidden Kingdom
Many people, including Christians, deny or minimize the devil’s power. John Ramiraz, as a third-ranked high priest of a satanic cult New York City, didn’t have that luxury. Satanist-turned-evangelist, John Ramiraz, gives you an inside look into Satan’s hidden kingdom. Enjoy his 14-minute video testimony here. And enjoy his 37-minute video testimony here. John is also now the author of several important books. Enjoy! Demons on a Leash Further Biblical
Perspective on Satan’s Role
How does the Bible
throw light on this problem? The biblical answer is connected to the fall of
Satan and his angels and his role in the fall of the head of all mankind,
Adam. How could a good and
powerful God allow evil spirits to trouble us since the very beginning? First, let’s recall
several truths about the nature of God, the limitations on fallen angels, and
God’s final judgment. The God Factor. The
same Bible that presents the inception and continuation of sin and evil also
presents God as One who is holy, righteous, and perfect in all His ways and
who hates evil (Deuteronomy 32:3–4). He is sovereign, omnipotent, and in
control. He has no potential successful rival (Isaiah 41:4, 43:13; Revelation
4:11). Evil did not rise up apart from His control; otherwise, He would not
be God. It seems best to say
that God, for good reasons, allowed evil to come into being. Believers
confess that God is the Author of a plan, a perfect plan, that included
allowing His creatures to choose to sin (Isaiah 45:7; Acts 14:16). His
ultimate good purpose must be best served by such a plan. Perhaps He allowed
angels to sin so that He might give a concrete example of the wretchedness
and degradation of sin. Perhaps He used the test to gain a group of angels to
serve Him from choice and love while others fell. By this means He could show
in specific form His hatred and judgment of sin, as in Pharaoh’s case (Rom.
9:17–18). We would never know the magnitude of God’s grace in preserving most
of the angels and in the costly redemption of unworthy, sinful man. The price
of our redemption is the death of the eternal Son of God, who became our
God-man Redeemer. Moreover, Scripture
reveals that God is sovereign over these evil spirits and has always limited
the expression of their sin and its devastating effects. He allows it for
only a finite time until His coming judgment. Further, He controls the
magnitude of Satan’s evil even within that time frame (Psalm 11:4–7, 96:1–13;
Romans 2:1–16). The Judgment Factor.
God in His righteousness has condemned sin in the fullest sense. He has
judged it throughout human history. He also judged it in awesome dimensions
in the sacrifice of His eternal Son, a sacrificial punishment more than all
creatures combined could ever suffer. Ultimately, God will forever punish
Satan, his demonic hordes, and all other evildoers in the lake of fire, and
He will banish sin forever from the universe when He makes all things new in
the new heavens and earth (Revelation 20:10–15, 21:4–5). So
scripture guarantees that God is in full control of His creation; He will
judge all evil. Demons
Through the Ages Demons have always
opposed God, His purposes, and His people. In the Old Testament days, demons
brought attacks against God’s nation, Israel. Demons also oppose the Church,
Christ’s body. They promote false
doctrine and divisions, they produce false teachers and followers, and they
incite persecution. No other religion of the world receives such opposition
and deadly persecution. Satan and demons hate the Messiah—the Creator who
became the Savior—and anyone who follows Him. Satan and demons have
not faded from the scene. They continue their evil activity. Their activity
is more blatant in some places than others, but their presence is still
experienced worldwide. The Bible warns that their activity will reach new
heights in the future. The pinnacle of satanic activity will be embodied in
Antichrist and his program (2 Thessalonians 2:9). However, Satan and his
minions will ultimately be defeated, and God will throw Satan and his angels
into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7–10; Matthew 25:41). God
will create new heavens and a new earth in which believers will enjoy His
presence and provisions forever. Throughout eternal ages, righteousness will
permanently rule on earth (2 Peter 3:13); and Satan, demons, and human
evildoers will be forever punished. By God’s goodness and grace, those who
place their trust in Christ will enjoy a wonderful world where there are no
more fears, tears, pains, or deaths. There will be no recycling of evil. Evil
will be forever banished (Revelation 21–22). Demonic
Activity in Our Lives and Our World According to the
Bible, demons are real spiritual and personal beings, not just forces or
phenomena in the physical and psychological realm. Various Bible passages
(above) reveal that they have intellect, emotions, and will. They think,
hate, and choose plans of action against God, Christ, and mankind. They
especially hate believers in Christ because believers belong to Christ and
are foes of Satan. The Scriptures provide
many details about demons. They are spirit beings created by God and
responsible to God (Colossians 1:16). They are creatures limited in space,
time, and powers. They have become morally perverted and are called “unclean
spirits” (Matthew 10:1) or “evil spirits” (Luke 7:21). They promote immoral
and sensuous lifestyles (2 Peter 2:1–18). They cause false teachers of
depraved minds to oppose the truth and appeal to carnal and selfish impulses
(2 Timothy 3:6). They sow false followers of Christ in the world (Matthew
13:37–42). They blind the minds of unbelievers to keep them from seeing God’s
salvation through faith in His Son (2 Corinthians 4:3–4). Demons promote
primitive religions, magic, superstition, and worship of evil spirits. They
are the dynamic behind idolatry and their devotees, whether worshipers of the
gods Marduk, Asher, Zeus, Jupiter, Apollo, Ra, Diana, Aphrodite, or a host of
lesser manmade deities. Witchcraft, sorcery (including human health remedies)
and astrology are among the earliest false religions that they have inspired
in the minds of men. Satanism stands out among their more recent promotions. The
Bible reveals that demons may invade and seek to control humans (Luke
22:3–4). The Greek word for “demon possession” denotes “demon-caused
passivity.” It is used of an internal control
manifest in either physical
or psychological problems. Demonic Opposition to Believers
Demons—those
rebellious angels who followed Satan—especially target true believers who are
a threat to them. At least sixteen passages in the New Testament address
demonic opposition to Christians. Perhaps their greatest deceptive device is
that of counterfeiting (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). Satan imitates some of God’s
powers (as did the magicians in Pharaoh’s court) and distorts God’s message. Christians must beware
of any changes to the gospel of God’s saving grace in Christ. Satan promotes
legalism, as well as license (Galatians 5:1–4, 13–14). So Christians must
guard their lives by following God’s truth and depending upon the Holy
Spirit, lest they let their sinful desires overrule God’s will. Demons
tempt and seek to lead true believers astray from following Christ (2
Corinthians 11:13–15). They promote rebellion and posit slander against God
and men (Genesis 3:1–6; Revelation 12:9). They abhor the grace of God and
attack the character of God by causing people to think of Him as dominating,
restricting, and vengeful. They attack a Christian’s confidence and
commitment to Christ, and in their place they insert accusing thoughts.1
They tempt people to lie, to commit sexual sins, to be preoccupied with this
world’s values, to rely on human wisdom, to be proud in spiritual matters.
They bring discouragement and division, both doctrinal and relational. They
incite persecution, prevent service, and infiltrate the church. In each case,
we have a choice to make—to give in or stand firm in Christ. Satan is
the Evil One Satan is “the evil
one” (1 John 3:12), and his power is perverse. Satan and demons align
themselves against God and mankind, spreading evil throughout the whole world
like an aggressive cancer. Some people have
proposed that there was an earlier creation before Genesis 1:1, when Satan
sinned and occasioned judgment from God, thus causing the disorder described
in verse 2. Rather than “the earth was formless and void,” they translate it
“the earth became formless and void.” However, careful analysis of the Hebrew
shows that this interpretation is untenable, and no prominent English
translation follows it.* Genesis 1:2 is a
parenthetical statement in the flow of the narrative, describing the initial
condition of the earth, when God first made it. The first three days
of Creation Week do not describe a renovation of a ruined, chaotic earth but
the establishment of environments that God would fill with stars, animals,
and humans on the last three days of Creation Week. Satan’s introduction of
demonic activity into the world apparently came after the creation described
in Genesis 1 and 2. * The
most thorough refutation of the
gap interpretation, with careful attention to the Hebrew, is Weston
Field’s Unformed and Unfilled (Burgener Enterprises,
1997). God’s Provision in Our Battle
Every believer is
engaged, either knowingly or unknowingly, in direct conflict with Satan and
his demons. This is the point of Paul’s warning in Ephesians 6:10–18. If we
Christians submit to God, we can depend upon His strengthening for this
conflict. We must avail ourselves to God’s provision of spiritual armor. We should consider
ourselves already equipped with the first three pieces of armor, which we
received as a result of our position in Christ. We have the belt of truth
because we are in Christ, who is the truth of God, and we need not seek truth
within any other religion or philosophy. We have the breastplate of Christ’s
righteousness through justification by faith. Our feet are covered by the
non-slip shoes of peace with God, which we received through the blood of
Christ. When we run into opposition, we must remember that God is not against
us. He is for us! In
everyday life, we must consciously take up the next three pieces of armor.
The shield of faith is confidence in God, His character, and His Word that
wards off demonic lies. We must put on the helmet of the hope (certainty) of
deliverance in the battle, for we are on the winning side. We are never to
give up. Wielding the sword of the Spirit means living by and applying the
appropriate sayings of scripture when we face the enemy, just as the Lord
Jesus did when He was tested (Matthew 4:1–11). God is Sovereignly In-Charge
In facing Satan and
demons, we believers can rest in the reality that our Father is graciously
and powerfully in-charge. We know He has placed limits on our enemies. He did
so in the case of Job, one of God’s children. In the first attack, the
Creator allowed Satan only to touch Job’s possessions, not Job himself (Job
1:12). In the second attack, God allowed Satan to touch only Job’s body, not
take his life (Job 2:6). After all of his trials, Job recognized the goodness
and power of God (Job 42:1–6). So
God limits the demonic attacks in our world today. Satan is on a leash, and
we are under God’s protection (Psalm121:5–8). That does not mean we will
never face difficulties or trials, for those are part of this fallen world
(and sometimes result from the direct attacks of spiritual beings, Ephesians
6:12; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10). But it does mean we can trust God with whatever
comes at us in the battle. We belong inseparably to the Lord (Romans
8:31–39). He guards us and keeps us as we trust in Him (1 Peter 5:6–7). We
are to submit to God and resist the devil; then he will flee from us (James
4:7). Our Authority in the
Battle
Demons are alive and active
today, not to be dismissed or played with. If you suspect demonic activity in
your own life or the life of someone you know, the Bible has the answers. As a result of our
trust in Christ, we enjoy the privileged position of co-crucifixion (Romans
6:3–4), co-resurrection, and exaltation (Romans 6:5; Ephesians 1:19–2:3).
This means we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies, far above all angelic
opponents. We can have victory over them. To face successfully
the evil in this world, no matter what form it takes, we must recognize the
reality and schemes of Satan and his minions, take our stand in the strength
and authority of Christ, submit our lives to God, put on the full armor of
God, and boldly stand on the truths of God in the face of challenges and
temptations by our leashed spiritual enemies. Footnotes
1. Revelations 12:10b; see also C.
F. Dickason, Angels: Elect and Evil (Moody Publishers, 1995),
pp. 155–159. The Ministry of
Deliverance Prayer
If one would read the Bible book of the Acts, one would have to notice the stark difference between the power of the first century Church and today’s Church. The owner of this website has been profoundly blessed to be involved with four legitimate, sound, effective “deliverance” ministries. And I have also benefited greatly by participating in formal training by two of the four ministries. And although I have not witnessed any firsthand, I have heard of a couple ineffective and strange deliverance ministries around the USA. All this to simply recommend a superb introductory overview of the ministry of deliverance prayer: a book entitled When Pigs Move In: How to Sweep Clean the Demonic Influences Impacting Your Life and the Lives of Others by longtime deliverance prayer minister, Don Dickerman. Any and all of Don Dickerman’s books are excellent and sound. Lastly, be strongly encouraged to consider receiving ministry from Mr. Dickerman’s ministry, located less than a half hour drive from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The ministry’s contact information is in any of his books. Audio Study and Teaching by Bible Teacher Derek Prince Enjoy these excellent audio studies and
teachings about our conflict with evil. Accomplished Bible teacher and author
Derek Prince reveals the
truth of our situation—that we are dealing with someone, not something. That
someone is Satan, who has a
rival kingdom in the heavens. Our enemies are persons without bodies; we
can’t see them, but we need to know how
to deal with them. Note that Derek's audio teachings are presented in convenient “bite-size” 10-minute segments. And Derek is also well-known as a pioneer in the important ministry recognized as “deliverance” prayer. The Owner of this Website: • In the past, did not believe in “such
things” – was more or less in a league with them (Ephesians 2:1-3) • Then, was in agreement with a ‘fear of evil’ spirit when there was disbelief that such things could
have a Christian (1 Tim. 1:7; 1 Tim. 4:1-2; 1 John 4:1-6) • Is currently in the process of
cleansing self “from the filthiness of the spirit” (2 Cor. 7:1; 10:5; Ephes. 6:11-12; 2 Cor. 3:18)
as “God has [graciously] granted me repentance so that I may know the truth
and come to my senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken
captive to do his [the devil’s] work” (2 Tim. 2:24-26) • And God has provided me with the
privilege of highly effective “hand-to-hand combat” (or “face-to-face”)
deliverance prayer ministry experience since 2004. • So be encouraged … such things are
subject to Christ and made subject to believers’ exercised authority by the atonement,
the name of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 8:16-17; Matthew
12:28; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17; Acts 19:15)! God wants you free indeed! (Jn. 8:32) “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness…” (2 Cor. 11:14-15) Understand evil and the occult
Thank you also Finis Jennings
Dake, Dake
Publishing, and their book entitled God’s Plan for Man
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