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Are Demons Real?
Posted
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arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries
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“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors and hail a materialist or a magician with the same delight.” - C.S. Lewis, from the Screwtape Letters
Is there really such a thing as a demon?
Demons are fallen angels who have turned from God and no longer follow His will. They are absolutely real, as we can see from the New Testament. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus cures those who are possessed by demons and later, His apostles do the same. Matthew 8:28-32 recounts how Jesus cured two demon-possessed men in the region of Gadarenes and forced the evil spirits into a herd of pigs.
Today as in Jesus’ day, some illness and wickedness are caused by demons, though it would be a mistake to attribute all sin and disease to their work. Though Christians may be deceived, tormented and influenced by demons, it is not possible for a believer in Christ to be completely possessed or taken over by a demon.
The Christian Response to Demons
Following Christ’s example, our best defense against demonic activity is prayer. Sometimes demons can only be overcome by fasting and prayer together. (See Mark 9:29). It would be a mistake to ignore demonic activity, for sometimes those Christians with special discernment will identify the work of a demon and we need to come together in strong, fervent prayer. If we ignore the problem and pretend that demons are mere myth, we give them even more power.
We should be careful not to engage in any kind of activity with respect to demons other than rebuking them and praying for protection against their influence. We should refrain from slandering or insulting them. Jude verse 9 tells us, “But even the archangel Michael, when he has disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you!’ Yet these people speak abusively against whatever they do not understand; and what things they do understand by instinct, like unreasoning animals – these are the very things that destroy them.”
Most importantly of all, we should be wary of an unhealthy fascination with demons. We should not study them or otherwise demonstrate any interest in them at all, for it is a very fine line between being a student of the occult and falling prey to it. Be wary of giving demons a foothold. Best to rebuke them, pray for protection and then move on.
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Comments
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i believe in the power of jesus and am praying that he will keep the demons away from me and my family
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6/8/2008 10:48:32 PM
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anonymous
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I find it amazing how so many people have little problem believing in Satan and demons..but shun the existence of God.
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8/20/2008 10:14:35 AM
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greg visten, Member of Delve into Jesus since 8/20/2008
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I heard that in the Bible there is scripture saying a demon was in a child, is this true and where is it located?
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9/14/2008 7:53:28 PM
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anonymous
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9/14/2008 8:02:50 PM
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arsindelve, Executive Director, Delve Christian Ministries
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oh jesus look over me and my famliy, god be with us.
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9/21/2008 8:16:51 PM
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anonymous
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Anyone who sees this...please prey for an anonymous person. I know you do do not know her...but she is falling away from god, and doesn't believe in demons, yet she believes in ghosts....Please.
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9/23/2008 5:43:47 PM
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anonymous
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