{"id":92,"date":"2017-10-28T15:43:47","date_gmt":"2017-10-28T13:43:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/?p=92"},"modified":"2017-10-28T15:43:47","modified_gmt":"2017-10-28T13:43:47","slug":"the-darkness-of-demonism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/2017\/10\/28\/the-darkness-of-demonism\/","title":{"rendered":"The Darkness of Demonism"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, agains<\/em><\/span>t the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ephesians 6:11\u201312<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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I. The Origin of Demons<\/p>\n

In speaking of demons, it must be kept in mind that there are two kinds of demons. First, there are demons who are presently free and serve as Satan\u2019s agents in the world, intervening in the affairs of men. On the other hand, there are also confined demons who have been confined for specific reasons. Some have been confined permanently, awaiting their judgment at the Great White Throne; and others have been confined temporarily, to be loosed for a specific purpose in the course of God\u2019s program. For this reason, the origin of free demons and confined demons must be studied separately.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

A. Free Demons<\/p>\n

The understanding of the origin of free demons rests on the foundation that demons and fallen angels are the same thing. When a being fell, sometimes he was given another name that was <\/span>not true before his fall. For example, let us talk about Satan. Remember, Satan was not always called Satan. Before his fall, he was: day-star, son of the morning<\/em> (Is. 14:12<\/a>); he was: the anointed che<\/em><\/span>rub that covers<\/em> (Ezek. 28:14<\/a>). He was not called Satan, which means \u201cadversary,\u201d he became Satan only as a result of his fall. By the same token, when certain angels fell, at the same time of their fa<\/span>ll, they became demons. This is clearly seen from several passages.<\/p>\n

Matthew 12:24<\/a> states: But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This man does not cast out demons, but by Beelzebub the prince of <\/em><\/span>the demons.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this passage Satan, a cherub, is called: the prince of the demons, indicating that those who followed him, the demons, are also angels.<\/p>\n

Another passage is found in Ephesians 6:11\u201312<\/a>: Pu<\/em><\/span>t on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our <\/em>wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against <\/em><\/span>the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this passage, we learn that Satan has a well-organized order of ranks of angels, and it is certa<\/span>inly more than reasonable to suppose that these fallen ranks of angels are demons.<\/p>\n

Another passage that deals with their origin as well as identifying demons and fallen angels as being the same thing <\/span>is found in Revelation 12:7\u20139<\/a>: And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels going forth to war with the dragon; and the dragon warred and his angels; and they prevailed not, neither was their p<\/em><\/span>lace found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Again, we see the reference to the fallen angels as being his<\/em>, Satan\u2019s, angels<\/em>. So there is the clear indication that fallen angels are the same as demons. When the Bible sp<\/span>eaks of these fallen creatures, they are either referred to as fallen angels or demons but you do not see one passage of Scripture that mentions these two as separate and distinct groups; fallen angels and demons are one and the same.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, they became demons at Satan\u2019s fall because they believed what Satan claimed when he said in Isaiah 14:13a\u201314<\/a>: I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my thron<\/em><\/span>e above the stars of God; \u2026 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.<\/em><\/p>\n

So, at the time of the fall of Satan, a great number of angels followed him; and when <\/span>Satan fell, the angels who followed him also fell. These angels who fell with Satan then became demons. They believed Satan would be able to overthrow the authority of God. And because they believed in Satan\u2019s authority to overthrow God, they joined him in the rebellion against God. Wh<\/span>en Satan fell, these angels fell with him; when Satan was cast out of his position, these angels were also cast out of their positions. At that point, the <\/span>anointed cherub<\/em> became Satan and, of course, these other angels became demons. The vast majority of these demons are \u201con the loose\u201d and doing the bidding of Sa<\/span>tan today.<\/p>\n

Whether we speak of loose demons or confined demons, all demons originate with the fall of Satan, for they joined Satan in his rebellion against God Almighty. Most of the angels that fell w<\/span>ith him are free. However, there are some that became confined. Some are confined temporarily and others permanently.<\/p>\n

B. Temporarily Confined Demons<\/p>\n

In Revelation 9<\/a>, we read of some temporarily confined demons who will be released during some specific judgments and, in particular, the judgments of the Great Tribulati<\/span>on. The reason why some of these demons have been confined temporarily is either because they were guilty of certain specific sins or because they were cast, out of various people and were sent down t<\/span>o the abyss, the place of temporary confinement for these fallen angels.<\/p>\n

During the Tribulation, there will be two demonic invasions. The first of these demonic invasions is recorded in Revelation 9:1<\/span>\u201311<\/a>. These demons are released out of the abyss for a period of five months<\/em>, and they are given specific commission to kill no one nor to destroy any vegetation. Their whole commission for five months<\/em><\/span> will be to torment men to suicidal degrees but not to go beyond that.<\/p>\n

As recorded in Revelation 9:13\u201321<\/a>, a second group of temporarily confined demons will be released shortly after the first invasio<\/span>n. These will be composed of two hundred million. Their purpose will be not to torment men but to destroy one-third of the world\u2019s population.<\/p>\n

C. Permanently Confined Demons<\/p>\n

The origin of the confined demons, especially those who are permanently confined awaiting judgment day, is to be found in Genesis 6:1\u20134<\/a>: And it came to pass, when men be<\/em><\/span>gan to multiply on the face of the ground, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all that they chose. And Jehovah said, My spirit shall not <\/em><\/span>strive with man for ever, for that he also is flesh: yet shall his days be a hundred and twenty years. The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of God came unto the daughters of men, and they bore children to them: the same were the mighty men that were of old, the men of renown.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

It is a well-accepted belief that angels are se<\/span>xless and cannot marry or unite with human women. As Yeshua (Jesus) said, when speaking of the Resurrection: For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as angels in<\/em><\/span> heaven<\/em> (Mat. 22:30<\/a>). We must not miss one possibility here concerning the point that He was making: while in heaven<\/em>, the good angels do not marry nor are given in marriage<\/em>. But we are not dealing wit<\/span>h a situation in heaven<\/em> or with holy angels; but on earth, with fallen angels. Apparently, according to the passage in Genesis, while they were on earth and fallen, they were able to intermarry.<\/p>\n

Anoth<\/span>er question that may be raised is: \u201cWhy bother? What did Satan hope to gain by having some of his angels intermarry with human women?\u201d<\/p>\n

The answer lies in Genesis 3:15<\/a>: and I will put enmity between yo<\/em><\/span>u and the woman, and between your seed and her seed: he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.<\/em><\/p>\n

According to this very first messianic prophecy, when the Messiah comes His lineage will <\/span>be directly traceable to the seed<\/em> of the woman, for He will have no earthly father. The intermarriage of Genesis 6<\/a> is Satan\u2019s first attempt to thwart the purpose of God by trying to corrupt the seed<\/em> o<\/span>f the woman. If he could successfully corrupt the seed<\/em> of the woman that would forever thwart God\u2019s purpose and program in bringing about messianic redemption. It is for this reason that Satan allowed<\/span> some of his fallen angels to intermarry with human women for the purpose of corrupting the seed<\/em> of the woman so that the prophecy of Genesis 3:15<\/a> could never be fulfilled.<\/p>\n

Verse 3<\/a> of Genesis 6<\/a> announ<\/span>ces the judgment of God for this unholy marital union; the Holy Spirit of God will not<\/em> continue to strive<\/em> with this kind of evil, for within 120 years all mankind that has been corrupted by this unhol<\/span>y marital union will be destroyed.<\/p>\n

It is in verse 4<\/a> that we see the results of this unholy union between fallen angels and human women. What came into being were not normal children but a new order of<\/span> beings known as the nephilim<\/span>, which, in Hebrew, means \u201cthe fallen ones.\u201d They apparently had human-like characteristics but were also superhuman. The Bible says these were the ones who where the migh<\/em><\/span>ty men of old, the men of renown<\/em>, and indeed they were mighty<\/em> and men of renown<\/em>, because they were the product of the union of angels and women. Many of the ancient legends from mythology, especially <\/span>Greek and Roman mythology that speak of gods intermarrying with human women and producing half-men and half-gods, probably have their origin in this true account. In other words, in Genesis 6<\/a>, we have<\/span> the inspired, actual account of what happened; while in Greek and Roman mythology, we have the corrupted version.<\/p>\n

But this unholy union was allowed to continue for a period of only 120 years, and the<\/span>n the product of the union was wiped out by the Flood, and so these angels now became confined, awaiting the judgment day.<\/p>\n

Perhaps the best single evidence is the expression the sons of God<\/em>. As far as<\/span> the Old Testament text is concerned, whenever that Hebrew expression, b\u02benei elohim<\/span>, appears, it is always a reference to angels, either fallen or unfallen. If the expression b\u02benei elohim<\/span>, the sons of<\/span> God, everywhere else in the Hebrew text refers to angels, there is no reason to make Genesis 6<\/a> the one exception. On this point, everyone agrees.<\/p>\n

If we have a clear understanding of what Matthew 22:3<\/span>0<\/a> is really about, that Yeshua is speaking of what is really true in Heaven and not on earth, then you will see that the angels are not sexless, and they can appear as young men whether fallen or unfa<\/span>llen. The fallen, unholy angels can, and have, at one time, intermarried with human women for the purpose of trying to undo the prophecy of Genesis 3:15<\/a>; that Messiah would come after the seed of the <\/span>woman.<\/p>\n

The place of confinement is recorded in 2 Peter 2:4\u20135<\/a>: For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto jud<\/em><\/span>gment; and spared not the ancient world, <\/em>but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly.<\/em><\/p>\n

It should be noted that in this passa<\/span>ge the angels<\/em> who sinned<\/em> were cast \u2026 down<\/em> to what is now translated in our Bible as hell<\/em>. In the Greek, the place is actually called Tartarus<\/span>, which is a special place of confinement for those fallen <\/span>angels who intermarried with human women. Furthermore, we are told in verse 4<\/a> that they are confined there and they will be left there, awaiting the Great White Throne Judgment. So these angels are no<\/span> longer on the loose like other demons but are permanently confined in Tartarus, awaiting their judgment<\/em> at the Great White Throne.<\/p>\n

Verse 5<\/a> clearly associates the confining of these fallen angels alon<\/span>g with the timing of the Flood. The purpose of the Flood was to destroy the results of the union between human women and fallen angels. So, at the time that God destroyed the earth with the Flood, sparing only Noah and his family, since that family was not corr<\/span>upted by this intermarriage, He confined in Tartarus<\/span> the angels<\/em> who did intermarry, and there they remain.<\/p>\n

Another passage that speaks of t<\/span>he fact of their confinement is to be found in Jude 6\u20137<\/a>: And angels that kept not their own principality, but left their proper habitation, he has kept in everlasting bonds under darkness unto the jud<\/em><\/span>gment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, having in like manner with these given themselves over to fornication and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Verse 6<\/a> tells us certain things concerning these particular angels<\/em>. First, they kept not their own principality<\/em>; they did not remain in their position<\/span> and place of rank within the satanic sphere of power and authority. Secondly, we are told that they left their proper habitation.<\/em> This means they left the demonic-angelic sphere and entered into the <\/span>human sphere through intermarriage. Thirdly, this passage states that they are now kept in everlasting bonds under darkness<\/em> as a result of the above two sins. And fourthly, they are being kept there a<\/span>nd reserved until the judgment of the great day<\/em>, which is the Great White Throne Judgment.<\/p>\n

It is verse 7<\/a> that relates the exact nature of their sin. The example given here is that of Sodom and Gomorra<\/em><\/span>h<\/em>. The key sin of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah<\/em> was that of going after strange flesh<\/em>. In other words, they gave themselves over to sexual activity, which was contrary to normal sexual activit<\/span>y. Specifically, this was homosexuality. Both Sodom and Gomorrah<\/em> were noted for homosexuality and lesbianism; this is what is meant by going after strange flesh.<\/em><\/p>\n

The key phrase in the Jude passage is:<\/span> in like manner<\/em>. Those of Sodom and Gomorrah in like manner<\/em> as the angels of verse 6<\/a> went after strange flesh.<\/em> The difference is this: the strange flesh of Sodom and Gomorrah was homosexuality and les<\/span>bianism; while the strange flesh<\/em> of the angels<\/em> of Jude 6<\/a> is leaving the angelic principality<\/em> and proper habitation<\/em> and going after human flesh by intermarrying with human women. As a result, these ang<\/span>els are now confined, awaiting the Great White Throne Judgment.<\/p>\n

So from these passages, the origin of confined demons can be deduced. They doomed themselves to confinement when they intermarried with <\/span>human women in Genesis 6<\/a> for the purpose of corrupting the seed<\/em> of the woman.<\/p>\n

Altogether then, the Scriptures speak of three groups of demons. First, there are the free or loosed demons who are at thi<\/span>s time agents of Satan\u2019s will, power, plan and program. Secondly, there are the permanently confined demons, the ones who intermarried with human women and are now awaiting the Great White Throne Judgment. Thirdly, there are the temporarily confined demons who are going to be loosed to carry out specific judgments agains<\/span>t humanity during the Great Tribulation. We are not specifically told the origin of the third order of demons. However, throughout His ministry, Jesus cast numerous demons out of people, and many of these may have been sent into the pit.<\/p>\n

II. The Number of Demons<\/p>\n

The exact number of demons is unknown as is the exact number of angels. We are told only that innumerable \u2026 angels<\/em> were created, and no specific number is given. However, what<\/span>ever the exact number of angels was at the time of their creation, one-third of all created angels followed Satan according to Revelation 12:3\u20134<\/a>: And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold,<\/em><\/span> a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his heads seven diadems. And his tail draws the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stands before the woman that is about to be delivered, that <\/em><\/span>when she is delivered he may devour her child.<\/em><\/p>\n

I have said this previously, and I will say it many times again, \u201cOn one hand, it is true that the <\/span>Bible uses many symbols; on the other hand, the Bible is consistent in its usage of symbols. A specific symbol will mean the same thing throughout the Old and New Testaments in about 95 percent of the cases. We never need to resort to guesswork as to what a symbol means. All we need to do is search<\/span> the Scriptures to see where else these symbols are found. Somewhere in Scripture these symbols will be explained or identified.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Whenever the word \u201cstars\u201d is used symbolically, it is always a symbol of angels. In this passage, the dragon<\/em>, who is Satan, drew one-third of the stars with him. This mean<\/span>s that one-third of the entire angelic host fell with Satan when he fell. Since the exact number of the original creation of angels is unknown, it is impossible to determine the exact number of demons. It is clear from <\/span>Revelation 9<\/a> that there are at least two hundred million temporarily confined demons in the second demonic wave. But it is not recorded how many demons there are in the first demoni<\/span>c invasion, nor how many permanently confined demons there are. The only thing that can be known from Scripture is that the entire number of demons comprise one-third the entire number of angels that <\/span>were created.<\/p>\n

III. The Characteristics of Demons<\/p>\n

The Bible reveals quite a number of things concerning the characteristics of demons. Demons are personalities. According to psychology, personality is composed of in<\/span>tellect, emotion and will.<\/p>\n

Demons certainly have all three of these elements of personality. In the area of intellect, they have the ability to know, to plan and to understand. In the area of emotion,<\/span> demons are often found filled with rage and anger as well as showing the emotion of fear. As to will, the Scriptures often show demons to make choices as they exercise their will, such as leaving a person of their own volition while looking for a new place to abide, only to return to the original abode. The purpose of this section of our study will be to look at these e<\/span>lements more closely.<\/p>\n

A. Their Nature<\/p>\n

As to their nature, demons are spirit beings. Like angels, demons are spirit beings but are classed as unclean spirits, and this becomes evident when we compare the various Gospel acco<\/span>unts. For instance, Matthew 17:18<\/a> states: And Jesus rebuked him; and the demon went out of him: and the boy was cured from that hour.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this passage, the being possessing the epileptic boy is clearly<\/span> called a demon.<\/p>\n

But the parallel passage of Mark 9:25<\/a> reads: And when Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying unto him, You dumb and deaf spirit, I com<\/em><\/span>mand you, come out of him, and enter no more into him.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this parallel account dealing with the very same experience in a different Gospel, the demon is referred to as an unclean spirit.<\/em> Therefore, d<\/span>emons and unclean spirits are the same thing. This states something about the nature of demons; namely, that they are spirit beings, but they are unclean<\/em> spirit beings.<\/p>\n

Another passage that describes <\/span>the nature of demons as spirit beings is found in Ephesians 6:12<\/a>: For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this<\/em><\/span> darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.<\/em><\/p>\n

Several things should be noted from this verse. When dealing with the demonic world, it is not a problem of dealing with fl<\/em><\/span>esh and blood.<\/em> The opposite of flesh and blood<\/em> is spirit. So our warfare is not against flesh and blood<\/em> but against spirit beings. Regardless of the rank or order of demons, be it principalities, powe<\/em><\/span>rs<\/em> or world-rulers<\/em>, they are all classed as the spiritual hosts of wickedness.<\/em> The whole emphasis, then, is: demons are spirit beings. They operate in the spiritual realm, although they obviously have<\/span> active influence in the physical realm. But as to their nature, they are not physical beings like human beings; they are spiritual beings that can affect, to a varying degree, things in the physical <\/span>realm.<\/p>\n

B. Their Morality<\/p>\n

Another characteristic of demons, which should be looked into, is the fact of their morality. According to Mark 9:25<\/a>, the demons are called unclean spirits, so their morality is char<\/span>acterized by uncleanness.<\/p>\n

As can be seen in 1 Timothy 4:1\u20133<\/a>, demons have a counterfeit system of doctrine. But it should be further noted in this passage that the demonic system of doctrine always lea<\/span>ds to immoral conduct. The results of the demonic system of doctrine include: apostatizing from the faith; giving in to seduction; living a life of hypocrisy, characterized by a lying tongue; a loss of any conscience and, finally, giving way to a denial of the liberty of believers in the area of marriage and eating. The obvious point is th<\/span>at the doctrine of demons leads to immoral conduct, all pointing to the fact that demons are characterized by immorality, and those whom they are able to influence to their way of thinking will also be characterized by immorality.<\/p>\n

C. Their Intellect<\/p>\n

Demons are not mere robots of Satan; they have an intellect all their own, as various passages clearly indicate. For instance, in Mark 1:24<\/a>, they have a knowledge of Yeshua as to wh<\/span>o He is: saying, What have we to do with you, Jesus you Nazarene? are you come to destroy us? I know you who you are, the Holy One of God.<\/em><\/p>\n

The fact that these demons were unclean spirits and knew who <\/span>Yeshua was, that He is the Holy One of God<\/em>, shows that demons do have intellect to understand and comprehend the personality of Yeshua the Messiah as well as His divinity. This is the obvious use of t<\/span>he intellect of demons.<\/p>\n

In another passage, Matthew 8:28\u201329<\/a>, demons know their own doom: And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, there met him two possessed with demo<\/em><\/span>ns, coming forth out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man could pass by that way. And behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with you, you Son of God? are you come hither to torment us before the time?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

According to this passage, the demons have a knowledge of eschatology. They know their ultimate end to be in the Lake of Fire, and they also seem to know the prophetic program <\/span>of when this will come about. In this passage, they express a real fear that the Messiah has come to cast them into the Lake of Fire before<\/em> the proper time<\/em> in God\u2019s prophetic program. But the fact tha<\/span>t they knew God\u2019s prophetic program and they knew their ultimate doom, both demonstrates and illustrates the use of demonic intellect.<\/p>\n

Not only did demons show a knowledge of who Jesus was, but also t<\/span>hrough their intellect they are able to know His followers, for in Acts 19:15<\/a>, they have the knowledge of both Jesus and the Apostle Paul: And the evil spirit answered and said unto them, Jesus I know<\/em><\/span>, and Paul I know; but who are ye?<\/em><\/p>\n

All of these things obviously point to their use of intellect.<\/p>\n

Another proof of intellect is that they have a counterfeit system of doctrine. Just as the Scriptures <\/span>contain a system of doctrine in various spheres of theology, demons have a counterfeit system of doctrine as brought out in 1 Timothy 4:1\u20133<\/a>: But the Spirit said expressly, that in later times some sha<\/em><\/span>ll fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God create<\/em><\/span>d to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth.<\/em><\/p>\n

Just as the development of biblical doctrine requires the use of <\/span>the intellect, the demonic counterfeit system of doctrine also requires the use of the intellect. The very existence of a counterfeit system of doctrine shows that demons indeed have intellect.<\/p>\n

D. Their Will<\/p>\n

A second element of personality in addition to intellect is the matter of will, and we see demons exercising their will in Matthew 8:31<\/a>: And the demons besought him, saying, If you cast <\/em><\/span>us out, send us away into the herd of swine.<\/em><\/p>\n

The very fact that the demons were able to request that they be given permission to enter into the pigs shows an exercise of will. Had no will been possibl<\/span>e, no such request could have been voiced. The very fact that they were able to voice a request shows the exercise of will, and hence, we see that demons do have a second element of personality.<\/p>\n

E. Their Emotion<\/p>\n

The third facet of personality is that of emotion. The emotional aspect can be seen in passages already quoted under the area of intellect. In Matthew 8:28<\/a>, the fact that the demons a<\/span>re characterized by fierceness and anger, while in verse 29<\/a>, they exhibit a fear of premature doom, shows the element of emotion, which is a third facet of their personality.<\/p>\n

IV. The Activities of Demons<\/p>\n

Whatever can be said about demons, they cannot be accused of idleness. They are very active, always doing the bidding of Satan and trying to outdo the holy angels of God. <\/span>In studying the activities of demons, they must be dealt with in three specific areas: general activities, particular activities and activities related to the occult. These categories will be studied one by one.<\/p>\n

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A. General Activities of Demons<\/p>\n

Concerning the general activities of demons, there are three key things that should be noted.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1. To Thwart the Purpose of God<\/p>\n

First, demons are always out to thwart the purpose of God. There are numerous passages that can be used to show this in action, but space will allow for just two such passages.<\/p>\n

The first passage is Daniel 10:10\u201314<\/a>: And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. And he said unto me, O Daniel, you man greatly beloved, unders<\/em>tand the words that I speak unto you, and stand upright; for unto you am I now sent: and when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard: and I am come for your words\u2019 sake. Bu<\/em>t the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia. Now I am come to make you understand what shall befall your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this passage, a leading demon was able to hold an angel of God captive for the duration of three weeks before the angel was finally rescued by Michael, the Archangel. Here is a demonic attempt to thwart a specific purpose of God, which was to reveal to Daniel future things. Since demons do not want believers to know God\u2019s plan and program, they will often attempt to thwart knowledge of that program from coming to believers.<\/p>\n

Another passage that demonstrates the demonic attempt to thwart the purpose of God is found in Revelation 16:12\u201316<\/a>: And the sixth poured out his bowl upon the great river, the river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way might by made ready for the kings that come from the sunrising. And I <\/em>saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, as it were frogs: for they are spirits of demons, working signs; which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them together unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. (Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watches, and k<\/em>eeps his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.) And they gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-magedon.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Jews are God\u2019s chosen people and God\u2019s plan and program will also ultimately be worked out through the people of Israel. But in this passage, we see a demonic attempt to thwart the purpose of God again as demons are used to gather all the nations for the Campaign of Armageddon, the purpose of which is the final destruction of the Jews. These two passages, then, show us one general area of activity of demons: attempting to thwart the purpose of God.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

2. To Extend Satan\u2019s Authority<\/p>\n

A second general activity of demons is recorded in Ephesians 6:11\u201312<\/a>: Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our<\/em><\/span> wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

This passage describes a second general activity of demons, which involves the extension of Satan\u2019s authority by doing his bidding. Satan is neither omnipresent nor omnipotent, but since all falle<\/span>n angels or demons are under satanic authority, he is nevertheless able to exercise worldwide influence and control. Because of the innumerable demons, he has working under him; he is able to extend his authority, for they follow his commands.<\/p>\n

3. To Carry Out God\u2019s Purpose<\/p>\n

A third general activity of demons is that they may be used by God for the carrying out of His own purpose. It must be remembered that every activity of Satan and his dem<\/span>ons is done only by God\u2019s permissive will, and at times, God will use demons to carry out His own purposes in the world.<\/p>\n

This is seen on several occasions. One example is found in 1 Samuel 16:14<\/a>: Now <\/em><\/span>the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this verse, God commands an evil spirit<\/em> to come to King Saul in order to torment him as a punishment for his <\/span>active and deliberate disobedience against God.<\/p>\n

A second example is found in 1 Kings 22:19\u201323<\/a>. In this passage, God uses a lying demon to move Ahab into a war that will cost him his life. It should be<\/span> noted that, in the context, Ahab had already decided to enter into war against Syria, and all he was really asking for was support for the decision he had already made. As King Ahab had four-hundred false prophets on staff, God used a demon to prophesy lies to Ahab in order that God\u2019s purpose might be car<\/span>ried out and Ahab might be killed in accordance with the prophecy of Elijah the Prophet.<\/p>\n

In t<\/span>he above two examples, God used demons for His own purposes against evil men. But sometimes God, through His permissive will, uses a demon to bring proper knowledge and humility to a believer, such as in <\/span>2 Corinthians 12:7<\/a>: And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet m<\/em><\/span>e, that I should not be exalted overmuch.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this passage, Paul speaks of a messenger from Satan<\/em>, which would be a demon, who was sent for the purpose of buffeting Paul. Apparently, this demonic activ<\/span>ity resulted in some physical malady and, although Paul prayed that it might be removed, it was not God\u2019s will to do so. Because of the abundance of special revelations given to the Apostle Paul, there was always the danger that Paul might be filled with pride. In order that Paul might be kept humble, G<\/span>od sent this messenger of <\/em>Satan<\/em>, a demon, to buffet<\/em> Paul by causing some physical infirmity. So <\/span>at times, God will use demons in the lives of believers for the purpose of conforming the believer to the image of His Son.<\/p>\n

B. Particular Activities<\/p>\n

In addition to some general activities of demons, the Bible reveals six specific activities of demons that must be noted in particular order to understand the darkness of demo<\/span>nism.<\/p>\n

First, demons are related to the control of nations. It has been shown earlier in Daniel 10:10\u201314<\/a> that a chief demon, known as the prince<\/em> of the kingdom of Persia<\/em>, was able to hold a good angel <\/span>captive. But the fact that this demon was known as the prince<\/em> of the kingdom of Persia<\/em> shows that demons are related to the control of nations.<\/p>\n

Later, in Daniel 10:20\u201321<\/a>, the prophet states: Then said<\/em><\/span> he, Know you wherefore I am come unto you? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come. But I will tell you that which is inscribed in th<\/em><\/span>e writing of truth: and there is none that holds with me against these, but Michael your prince.<\/em><\/p>\n

Again, there is the mention of the prince of Persia<\/em> with the addition of the prince of Greece<\/em>,<\/span> both of whom are key demons related to the control of nations. So, as one looks through history, he should not be surprised at how evil some nations can be in light of the fact of the teaching of the <\/span>Scriptures that demons are related to the control of nations.<\/p>\n

Secondly, demons can inflict physical maladies. In Matthew 9:32\u201333<\/a>, a demon caused dumbness: And as they went forth, behold, there was br<\/em><\/span>ought to him a dumb man possessed with a demon. And when the demon was cast out, the dumb man spoke: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.<\/em><\/p>\n

In Mark 9:25<\/a>, a demon caused <\/span>deafness as well as dumbness. In Luke 13:11<\/a> and 16<\/a>, a demonic spirit caused an infirmity<\/em> so that the person was bowed down and could not stand straight.<\/p>\n

Thirdly, demons can possess animals, as found i<\/span>n Mark 5:12\u201313<\/a>, where we read how demons indwelt or possessed some two thousand pigs causing the pigs to commit a mass suicide by drowning themselves in the Sea of Galilee.<\/p>\n

Fourthly, demons can oppose<\/span> the spiritual growth of believers as in Ephesians 6:12<\/a>. Here, Paul emphasizes that: our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world<\/em><\/span>-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.<\/em><\/p>\n

Clearly, demons are involved in thwarting the spiritual growth of believers, so that we have to wrestle agai<\/span>nst demons to grow spiritually.<\/p>\n

Fifth, demons are responsible for the spreading of false doctrine, in 1 Timothy 4:1<\/a>: But the Spirit says expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the fa<\/em><\/span>ith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons.<\/em><\/p>\n

Sixth, demons can also control men. But this will be discussed in detail later in this study.<\/p>\n

C. Activities Related to the Occult<\/p>\n

One of the greatest areas of demonic exertion of power is to be seen in the involvement of various practices of the occult. For this reason, God commanded Israel to<\/span> totally stay away from any occult activity because, behind all occult activity, is the presence and control of demons.<\/p>\n

We find the command along with the various facets of the occult spelled out in D<\/span>euteronomy 18:9\u201314<\/a>: When you are come into the land which Jehovah your God gives you, you shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found with you any one that <\/em><\/span>makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, one that uses divination, one that practises augury, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whosoever does these things is an abomination unto Jehovah: and because of these abominations Jehovah your God does drive them out from before you. You<\/em><\/span> shall be perfect with Jehovah your God. For these nations, that you shall dispossess, hearken unto them that practise augury, and unto diviners; but as for you, Jehovah your God has not suffered you so to do.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The variou<\/span>s facets of the occult power are spelled out, especially in verses 10\u201311<\/a>, and they can be listed as follows: Divination, fortune telling; Augury, soothsaying; Enchanter, magician; Sorcerer, witch; Cha<\/span>rmer, hypnotist; Consulter with a familiar spirit, a medium controlled by a demon; Wizard, clairvoyant or psychic person; Necromancer, a medium who consults the dead.<\/p>\n

All of these are various facets o<\/span>f the occult, and behind each one of them is the power of demons.<\/p>\n

The very word \u201coccult\u201d refers to things which are \u201ccovered over,\u201d things which are \u201cmysterious, concealed or hidden.\u201d Involvement in t<\/span>he occult, then, involves an attempt to go beyond the five senses to gain knowledge and understanding. It is an attempt to gain something that is beyond human understanding.<\/p>\n

God strictly forbids belie<\/span>vers to have any type of involvement with the occult. There is no form of fortune-telling, astrology or any of these things for believers. The Bible strictly forbids any type of involvement.<\/p>\n

1. Specific Characteristics<\/p>\n

There are six important, specific characteristics concerning the occult.<\/p>\n

First, in every occult practice there is some contact with the demonic world. In spite of claims by<\/span> mediums, they are not really speaking to the spirits of departed dead ones, but rather, they are speaking to demons who are impersonating the dead. Demons are able to impersonate loved ones and, in s<\/span>\u00e9ances, this is often what is taking place.<\/p>\n

A second characteristic is that all occult practices involve the uncovering of hidden knowledge of the past or the future. As was stated earlier, involvemen<\/span>t in the occult is an attempt to gain knowledge and understanding that goes beyond the five senses and to discover knowledge that is hidden or concealed. It is especially this aspect of gaining hidden knowledge to which people are all too often attracted in the area of the occult.<\/span><\/p>\n

A third characteristic is that most occult practices promise to give the experience of extra power. In many magazines <\/span>today, one sees advertisements from occult groups, and in most of these cases, they offer some hidden power. The offer of hidden power is a valid one, but it is not of God, for it is a demonic power. Yet this aspect will attract people since they have a desire to be able to control others, either by controlling the m<\/span>ind or by the casting of spells. The promise of power is something that strongly attracts people into the occult. However, once they have gained this power, they become prisoners of the demon who gives them this power and are only opening themselves to total subjection to the darkness of demonism. Many of the so-called \u201cmiracles of healings\u201d are really occult power that comes through the means of demons.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A fourth characteristic is that all occult practices may be passed on to t<\/span>he third and fourth generations in a family. Any attempt to seek out the demonic, occult world for knowledge or power is to set the true God aside and to replace Him with the worship of another god. Because this involves the worship of another god; namely, a demon, this kin<\/span>d of involvement creates punishment that can be passed down into the third and fourth generations as stated in Exodus 20:3\u20135<\/a>. <\/span>Many people suffering today through demon oppression and control are suffering not because of their own involvement in the occult, but because of their parents\u2019 or grandparents\u2019 or even their great-gran<\/span>dparents\u2019 involvement in the occult. For this very reason, any believer who knows that someone in his family, even in previous generations, was involved in the practice of the occult, should pray a prayer of renunciation to make sure that there is no continuing demonic control being passed down from generation to generation.<\/span><\/p>\n

A fifth characteristic is that all occult practices require a meditativ<\/span>e or passive state before the demonic world can operate or take control. A demon simply cannot take control of a man, but a man somehow must allow it to happen when he submits himself to demonic control or somehow empties himself in such a way as to let go of his will an<\/span>d neutralize his mind. Hypnotism is an example of this. No one can be hypnotized against his will; he must let go of his will in <\/span>order to be hypnotized. But having let go of his will, he has opened himself up to control not only by the hypnotist, but by the demonic world as well. Eastern meditation also requires a state of passivity and the neutralizing of the mind. Involvement in drug<\/span>s can create the same kind of thing in the mind, and opens up this person to demonic activity in his life. Any kind of activity that neutralizes the mind and lets go of the will only allows the will to be thrown up for grabs into the demonic spirit world.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another characteristic is that many occult practices create a strange magnetism that <\/span>draws and, at the same time, scares the participant. Many people crave the power and knowledge that involvement in the occult gives. But once they are entangled in the occult, there develops an underlying fear of the very source of that power and knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n

These are the six characteristics of the occult world that tend to entrap the practitioner in demonic activity.<\/p>\n

2. Multiple Facets and Specifics<\/p>\n

Involvement in the occult has multiple facets and specifics. The demonic world has set so many traps for men that there are literally many, many ways that people get i<\/span>nvolved with the occult world and so entrap themselves in the darkness of demonism. The following are just a few of the many ways this entrapment works.<\/p>\n

To begin with, there is the custom of wearing c<\/span>ertain kinds of amulets. Sometimes these are merely harmless \u201cgood luck\u201d charms like the rabbit\u2019s foot. But other elements have a definite attachment to the occult world such as the signs of the zodiac, and the goat\u2019s head; they should be avoided <\/span>at all costs!<\/p>\n

Astrology has become one of the most common means of attachment to the occult. All manner of different kinds of fortune-telling entail some<\/span> involvement with the occult world, but astrology is very prevalent and is found in the majority of the newspapers all over the world. Believers should have no involvement with astrology; they ought not worry about which \u201csign\u201d they were born under or read or meditate upon what astrology holds for them on any particular day.<\/span><\/p>\n

The practice of magic can also be another type of occult involvement. By <\/span>magic, we do not mean to refer to professional magicians who are merely trained to create illusions and whose profession is based upon tricks and sleight-of-hand feats. But there is another kind of magic, which has a source of real demonic power. In this realm, people ofte<\/span>n make distinctions between black and white magic: black magic being produced by evil forces while white magic is from the good<\/span> forces. But this kind of distinction is nothing but a demonic delusion, for both black and white magic have their sources in demonism. Any kind of magic involving such elements as the healing or causing of disease and the making or breaking of spells is simply a part of the world of demonic activi<\/span>ty.<\/p>\n

Another widespread use of fortune telling is the use of card-laying and there are various forms, <\/span>which tend to be used. While some of these areas are merely fraudulent and moneymaking ventures, there is a type of card-laying practice based upon occult power, which has its source in demonism. For this very reason, all practice of card-laying as a basis for fortune telling should be avoided by<\/span> God\u2019s people.<\/p>\n

Clairvoyance has become especially popular today because of some well-known figures whos<\/span>e paperback books have been on the best-seller list for a long time. Though clairvoyants often have a high degree of accuracy in their prophetic announcements, and though they claim to have their power from God and are often faithful in some kind of \u201cchurchianity,\u201d the true source of the<\/span>ir power is the demonic world. Believers must not be entrapped by them.<\/p>\n

Although less popular than it used to be<\/span>, hypnosis is still another major area of occult involvement by which many believers have been entrapped by demonism. No person can be hypnotized against his will, for hypnosis requires the giving up of the will and putting the mind \u201cinto n<\/span>eutral\u201d before hypnotic trance is possible. While many try to justify hypnosis on medical grounds for diagnosis, it is still a very important area that must be refrained from by believers. Letting go of one\u2019s will and putting the mind into neutral only opens the believer to influences beyond merely the human hypnotist. At the point when the mind is neutralized and the will is let go, the mind could be taken over by any force, and is oft<\/span>en taken over by demonic forces.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another form of fortune telling often practiced in side-shows and circuses are that of <\/span>palmistry, better known as palm reading. At times, this is merely a game people play, but for others it is a real contact with demonic power, and believers should certainly refrain from allowing a person to read his palm.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is sometimes considered an innocent child\u2019s game, the ouija board, is one of Satan\u2019s many traps involving people in the occult realm. Time and time again, it has been shown <\/span>that the power behind the ouija board, which produces accurate answers, is not merely human energy protruding from the fingers, but actual demonic power. Fooling around with ouija boards can also entrap believers into the realm of demonism.<\/span><\/p>\n

A common practice in the American countryside is that of water witching, sometimes known as \u201cdowsing,\u201d in which a stick is used for the purpose of finding unde<\/span>rground water. Practitioners of this cult admit that for it to work, it requires believing that it can work. That claim immediately puts water witching or dowsing out of the realm of purely physical s<\/span>ciences and into the realm of the occult. Practicing water witching or dowsing is again delving into the realm of occult power.<\/p>\n

The modern worldwide movement of spiritism is still another form of occu<\/span>lt activity. There are all kinds of spiritist activities, which include fortune-telling, visions, table lifting, glass-moving, automatic writing, speaking in a trance, telekinesis, levitation and, that, which has become most famous, mediums consulting with the dead. The v<\/span>ictim assumes that he is actually speaking with a departed loved one because the voice that comes forth is similar to the dead person\u2019s voice, and the many secret memories that only the dead person would know are laid bare. But it is really a demonic spirit impersonating the dead. Because demons were around during the lifetime of the dead person, these secret, intimate things would be known to the demonic world. Spiritism has a strong pull for people because they wish<\/span> to know where their loved ones have gone and wish to communicate with them; but for this very reason, there is a special warning in Scripture against spiritistic involvement of this nature, found in <\/span><\/span>Isaiah 8:19<\/a>: And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto<\/em><\/span> them that have familiar spirits and unto the wizards, that chirp and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? on behalf of the living should they seek unto the dead?<\/em><\/p>\n

While this may seem <\/span>to be a long list, the surface has barely been touched. The various traps which the demonic world has set for people in the occult world are legion. There are many others that come and go with popularity such as witchcra<\/span>ft, Eastern meditation, yoga, and a whole host of areas labeled merely as \u201csuperstition.\u201d But in all these areas there is demonic activity disguised in various forms for the purpose of entrapping both believers and unbelievers into the realm of the darkness of demonism.<\/p>\n

V. Demonic Control<\/p>\n

The whole area of demon possession has become a very confused issue because terms have not always been used carefully. The very word \u201cpossession\u201d in relationship to demons is someth<\/span>ing that should never have been used, for it is never used in the original Greek New Testament. In other words, the Greek word for \u201cpossession\u201d is never used in relationship to a demon exercising control over a person. In the Greek, the person is always said to be \u201cdemonized\u201d rather than \u201cpossessed.\u201d Rather than speaking of demon possession, we should speak of demonic control, a<\/span>nd this may alleviate some of the emotional problems that come up when the question is raised, \u201cCan a believer be possessed by demons?\u201d For if by possession one means, \u201cCan a believer be owned by a demon?\u201d the answer is definitely, \u201cNo!\u201d The believer is owned or possessed by God according to <\/span><\/span>1 Corinthians 6:20<\/a>. But, if a person means by the word possession the literal Greek meaning of control, then the answer is, \u201cY<\/span>es.\u201d Believers can be controlled by demons, as will be proved by a close examination of Scripture.<\/p>\n

By way of definition, demonic control involves a demon residing in a person and exercising direct con<\/span>trol and influence over that person with a certain degree of derangement of the mind or physical upset of the body.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

A. Other Demonic Activity<\/p>\n

Demonic control, then, must be distinguished from two other kinds of demonic activity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

1. Demonic Harassment<\/p>\n

First is the area of harassment. By means of harassment, the demon attempts to hinder the efforts of believers by throwing various obstacles in their paths. We find an example of demonic harassment in 1 Thessalonians 2:18<\/a> where we read that Paul would have come to a certain group of people but he said Satan hindered him. This is satanic harassment. Another example is found inRomans 15:22<\/a>: Wherefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

2. Demonic Influence<\/p>\n

The second area that demonic control should be distinguished from is that of demonic influence. This is different from demonic harassment and it is also stronger than demonic hara<\/span>ssment, for it usually means that the demon has been given a place in the believer\u2019s life. Here, demonic influence is so strong that the believer is actually playing into the demon\u2019s hands and being used to block God\u2019s purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

A good example of this area of influence is found in the case of Peter, in Matthew 16:21\u201323<\/a>. Here, Peter told Yeshua that He would never go to the cross. Yeshua turned aro<\/span>und and said to Peter: Get you behind me, Satan.<\/em> In this passage, Peter is obviously displaying the mind of Satan rather than the mind of the Messiah, and so is being influenced by Satan, creating a s<\/span>tumbling block. Trying to keep the Messiah from the cross was Satan\u2019s strategy. Believers may fall into the area of demonic influence.<\/p>\n

3. Direct Demonic Control<\/p>\n

But demonic control is the strongest of demonic attacks and different from mere harassment or influence. In this case, a demon actually resides within the person and exercise<\/span>s direct control over that person.<\/p>\n

No one questions that unbelievers can be controlled by demons, but there has been some question as to whether or not believers can be controlled by demons. The answe<\/span>r is a definite \u201cYes\u201d and there is a clear example of it in Acts 5:1\u20134<\/a>. Here, we have the story of Ananias and Sapphira. From the closing segment of verse 4<\/a>, it is clear that both Ananias and Sapphira<\/span> are classed with the believers. Yet Peter asks Ananias: Why has Satan filled your heart?<\/em> The Greek word for filled<\/em> in this passage is the same as that found in Ephesians 5:18<\/a> that speak of the fillin<\/span>g of the Holy Spirit. The Greek word for \u201cfilling\u201d simply means \u201cto control.\u201d In Ephesians 5:18<\/a>, Paul commands believers to be filled with the Spirit<\/em>, which means, \u201cto be controlled by the Spirit.\u201d Th<\/span>e very same word is being used in Acts 5:3<\/a> where Peter asks Ananias: Why has Satan filled<\/em> [or controlled] your heart?<\/em> Ananias, a believer, has allowed himself, through sin, to become controlled by Sat<\/span>an. So it is obvious from this passage that believers can be controlled by demons.<\/p>\n

Another passage is Ephesians 4:27<\/a>: neither give place to the devil.<\/em> In this passage, the Greek word for give place<\/em> me<\/span>ans \u201cgive a beachhead.\u201d It is a military term for gaining an area of control from which a full-scale military attack can be launched. In this letter, Paul is speaking to believers when he says that they <\/span>are not to give [this] place<\/em> [of control] to the devil<\/em>. It is also in the context of unconfessed sin, indicating that one of the means of giving the devil a place of control is by means of unconfes<\/span>sed sin.<\/p>\n

So, the issue is not can believers be controlled by demons, for the Scriptures indicate that they can. The difference between believers and unbelievers is the extent of demonic control. The u<\/span>nbeliever can be totally controlled by a demon, but the believer can never be totally controlled because of the permanent indwelling of the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n

As to how it is possible for the Holy Spirit to<\/span> indwell the same body with a demon, the question can be answered by another question, \u201cHow can the Holy Spirit reside in the same body as the sin-nature?\u201d The point is that the believer has both a sin-nature and a \u201cnew\u201d nature. When the Holy Spir<\/span>it indwells the believer, He does not indwell him in the old nature; but indwells him in the new nature. When a demon exercises control over the believer and indwells him, he does not indwell him in the new nature; but he indwells the believer in the old nature. So the co-residing of the Holy Spirit and a demonic spirit in the same person ought not be such a problem because both the old and the new nature, the old and the new man, reside in th<\/span>e same person.<\/p>\n

B. The Symptoms of Demonic Control<\/p>\n

Demonic activity takes place in the spiritual part of man. In the unbeliever, the spirit of man is dead toward God; but in the believer, the spirit of man has been r<\/span>egenerated and is alive toward God. But in either case, the demonic activity takes place in the spiritual part of man. If this activity extends to areas of control, the effects could result in spiritual problems, physical problems and mental or psychological problems. On one hand, not all spiritual, physical, mental or psychological problems are necessarily due t<\/span>o demonic activity; we must refrain from going to the extreme of blaming demons for everything. On the other hand, there are other causes for spiritual, <\/span>mental or physical problems other than demons; but demonic activity will result in<\/span> problems in these three spheres. Often these problems are interlocked with each other; at other times, they are separated. But if the cause is demonic, there is no use in treating the mental, physical or spiritual problem until the demonic element has been removed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Again, one must caution against the two extremes. One extreme says that there is no demonic activity at all, while the other extreme <\/span>blames everything on demonic activity. It is certain that demons cause many spiritual, physical and mental problems, but not all of them. People do have genuine physical, mental and spiritual problems, which are totally unrelated to demons. Therefore, careful balance must be set and we must look for a combination of symptoms, which<\/span> may indicate demonic activity.<\/p>\n

As we begin to list these symptoms <\/span>of demonic activity, it should be noted that any one of these symptoms by, in and of itself does not point to any demonic activity. Nor does the fact that a person may have several of these symptoms mean there is demonic activity. But <\/span>these symptoms may indicate demonic control in one\u2019s life, and they should always be looked upon together.<\/p>\n

In Matthew 9:22\u201323<\/a>, demons do cause physical disease. Howe<\/span>ver, physical disease and demonic control are clearly distinguished in Acts 5:16<\/a>: And there also came together the multitudes from the cities round about Jerusalem, bringing sick folk, and them that w<\/em><\/span>ere vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.<\/em><\/p>\n

There were two groups brought to the apostle for healing. Some were physically sick and others were under demonic control. Physical dise<\/span>ase and demonic control are distinguished.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, there are times when mental derangement is due to demonic control, as in Matthew 17:15<\/a>. Not all mental derangements are due to demonic activity,<\/span> for there is the case of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:1\u201337<\/a>) who became mentally deranged, but there was no demonic activity involved in his case.<\/p>\n

Another common element in demonic activity is that of deep <\/span>depression. This is perhaps the most common single symptom of demonic attack. There are other causes of deep depression, and these things can often be caused by physical and spiritual problems rather than demonic ones. A person may be depressed simply because<\/span> he has received bad news or he is overworked. Some women tend to fall into depression during their menstrual cycle. So there are many depressions which are unrelated to demonic activity. However, when demonic activity does exist, the most common symptom is a sense of deep depression. Perhaps a better way of describing it is that there tends to be a sense of \u201ca dark cloud of depression.\u201d In instances where this author has been involved with demonic cases,<\/span> as he entered the <\/span>room, there was a sudden sense of depression and darkness, whic<\/span>h characterized the whole atmosphere. This was a symptom of demonic presence in the room. A person suffering this kind of depression often wishes to sit in total darkness and tends to be afraid of the light. Also, he tends to be fearful and anxious, giving vent t<\/span>o irrational anger.<\/p>\n

As demons do the work of accusing and bringing into the mind past sins, another common symptom of demonic activity in<\/span> a person is that of self-reproach. There is a very poor self-image expressed both verbally and in their attitude.<\/p>\n

Another symptom is suicidal tendencies. Both in mental fantasies and in actual physic<\/span>al attempts, some outside force seems to be driving the person to self-destruction.<\/p>\n

Still another symptom is passivity. A person who is constantly living in a passive state never really seeming to be <\/span>in the real world may be that way because of demonic activity in his life.<\/p>\n

Demons are unclean spirits, so, immorality is another great aspect of demonic activity. There tends to be an abnormal desire <\/span>for sex, which often drives one either into adultery or homosexuality. Many breakdowns in the marriages of believers today as a result of adultery can be ascribed to demonic activity. In fact, when demonic control enters in, the marriage relationship is one of the first things to be attacked. In light of so many believers\u2019 <\/span>marriages breaking down in the modern world, there is little doubt in this author\u2019s mind that much of it is due to demonic activity, especially in the element of control.<\/span><\/p>\n

A deep sense of bitterness, especially a bitterness toward people who have been most helpful and kind, i<\/span>s another symptom of demonic control. Next to the area of depression, this is probably the second most common symptom of demonic control in a person\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

People who play around with drugs open them<\/span>selves to demonic activity, and often-uncontrolled drug abuse is another symptom of demonic activity.<\/p>\n

Psychic power and unusual knowledge is another symptom. One of the case-histories that this author<\/span> had the experience of dealing with concerned a person who always seemed to know in advance when the doorbell was going to ring and who would be at the door. This extrasensory knowledge was a major symptom in this person\u2019s case.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another symptom is that of animal-like tendencies. The same person described above could devour a whole chicken with his bare hands in a matter of minutes, leaving nothing<\/span> but the bones. The food was gobbled down as quickly and ferociously as though by a hungry animal.<\/p>\n

Any kind of irritation or restlessness during Bible-reading, prayer or preaching, especially in those<\/span> areas which involve the blood of Yeshua the Messiah, brings up another symptom of possible demonic control.<\/p>\n

Finally, a very common symptom that is found in the New Testament is that of multiple perso<\/span>nalities. The personalities within the person are quite distinct, and every personality has its own pattern of behavior. As one demon takes control from another, the personalities can radically change with a whole new set of patterns and behavior. Many cases of split personality or multiple<\/span> personality are direct results of demonic control.<\/p>\n

Again, all of these things have merely been indicators, a<\/span>nd any one of these symptoms in and by itself does not show that demonic activity is present. Not one of these symptoms can be taken in isolation as proof of demonic control. Generally, if there is true and actual demonic control, wide varieties of these sy<\/span>mptoms are present. One must rely on and pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance before labeling anyone as being under demonic control.<\/p>\n

C. Testing the Spirits<\/p>\n

Only after all other attempts toward solving a specific problem have failed should one begin to move toward the possibility of demonic control. But in order to know for sure whe<\/span>ther demonic control is present, there must be a testing of the spirits.<\/p>\n

For this reason, believers are commanded to test the spirits, in 1 John 4:1<\/a>: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the s<\/em><\/span>pirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world.<\/em><\/p>\n

False teachers, especially in the realm of spiritual things, are the spokesmen of demons. When demons propagat<\/span>e their counterfeit system of doctrine, they use false prophets<\/em> or teachers, disguised as ministers of the Messiah, to carry out this work of deception. For this reason, outward manifestations must no<\/span>t be relied upon as evidence for godliness or anti-godliness, but the spirits must be tested.<\/p>\n

One test is found in 1 John 4:2<\/a>: Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus <\/em><\/span>Christ is come in the flesh is of God.<\/em><\/p>\n

A demon will not be willing to admit that Jesus Christ<\/em> has come in the flesh<\/em> and is from God. In other words, there is a tendency to deny the Incarnation wheneve<\/span>r the demon is in control.<\/p>\n

The second test is found in 1 Corinthians 12:3<\/a>: Wherefore I make known unto you, that no man speaking in the Spirit of God says, Jesus is anathema; and no man can say, Jesus<\/em><\/span> is Lord, but in the Holy Spirit.<\/em><\/p>\n

While the first test denies the Incarnation, the second test denies the Lordship of the Messiah. Demons will speak about Jesus, and they can be seen speaking of Him i<\/span>n the New Testament; but never do they acknowledge Him as Lord, for Satan is their lord. So, the second test is that of acknowledgement of the Lordship of the Messiah.<\/p>\n

The third test involves the bloo<\/span>d of the Messiah, in 1 John 5:6\u20137<\/a>: This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, <\/em><\/span>because the Spirit is the truth.<\/em><\/p>\n

People who are demonically controlled tend to react whenever the blood of the Messiah is mentioned. Often such reactions are very wild, ferocious and violent. If such <\/span>a reaction is apparent, then this indicates that there is demonic control.<\/p>\n

All these three tests can work only if they are applied to the demon when he is in control. Take the case of a believer under<\/span> demonic control. If these questions are applied to the believer, he will, of course, affirm the Incarnation, the Lordship of the Messiah, and acknowledge the cleansing effect of the blood of the Messiah. If these tests are applied directly to the person, they will not prove demonic activity or disprove it. These tests must<\/span> be applied to the spirit itself when the spirit is controlling the person. So whenever there are combinations of the symptoms, spoken of earlier in this study, present it is at that point that these tests should be applied. Then if there is a denial of the Incarnation, the Lordship of the Messiah or a violent reaction to the blood of the Messiah, then that is positive proof that a demon is indeed present.<\/p>\n

D. The Solution to Demonic Control<\/p>\n

As mentioned earlier, both believers and unbelievers can be controlled by demons, and the difference is the extent of control. But there is also a difference in the <\/span>way the demon is forced out.<\/p>\n

In the case of the unbeliever, he himself has no authority whatsoever to force the demon out. A believer, rightly related to God, should, in the name of Yeshua the Messiah<\/span>, force and order the demon out of the unbeliever, and then work with that person to bring him to a saving knowledge of Yeshua the Messiah. If he refuses to accept the Messiah, he opens himself up to worse demonic control later in life (<\/span>Mat. 12:43\u201345<\/a>).<\/p>\n

However, in the case of a believer, simply ordering the demon out, while it is possible, it is not the wisest way. In the Epistles, one is never to<\/span>ld to cast out demons, but rather, to resist the devil.<\/em> The word resist<\/em> becomes the key as seen in three passages: James 4:7<\/a>; 1 Peter 5:8\u20139<\/a> and Ephesians 6:10\u201318<\/a>. Once the believer is aware that he is<\/span> under demonic control, he is to resist<\/em> the demon by the exercise of his will.<\/p>\n

The means of resisting the demon and exercising the will is found in the three passages mentioned earlier, the main one b<\/span>eing Ephesians 6:10\u201318<\/a>. In the Ephesians passage, the emphasis is: putting on the whole armor of God<\/em> and becoming strong in the Lord.<\/em> To become strong in the <\/em>Lord<\/em>, first of all, involves a knowledge o<\/span>f positional truth. When one accepts Jesus the Messiah as Savior, he is baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of the Messiah and placed in a brand-new position. This position carries with it a great amount of power and authority that <\/span>the believer can exercise. So, if a believer will study the Scriptures to learn all about his position in Christ<\/em> and all the power and authority that comes with t<\/span>hat particular position, this is the means by which he will grow strong in the Lord.<\/p>\n

Secondly, growing strong in the Lord<\/em> involves putting on the armor of God<\/em>. The Ephesians passage makes it clear tha<\/span>t the armor of God<\/em> is essentially the Word of God. So the means of resisting Satan is by means of the Scriptures. A clear example of this is found in the Messiah\u2019s resistance to the temptations of Sat<\/span>an in Matthew 4<\/a>; each time Satan tempted Yeshua to commit sin, He resisted Satan by quoting Scripture.<\/p>\n

In the case of a believer under demonic control, the believer must first be made aware of his pro<\/span>blem; he needs to face the issue; and he must then admit it to be true. It is important that he be taken to the Scriptures and shown his position in Christ<\/em> with all the power and authority that it car<\/span>ries. By the exercise of his will, then he can force the demon out by renouncing any demonic control in his life and turning his will over to the control of the Holy Spirit. He must continue to study the Scriptures and continue to resist Satan i<\/span>n any further attempts that the demonic world may make to re-control his life.<\/p>\n

So, just as there is a difference in the degree of control between the unbel<\/span>iever and the believer, there is also a difference in the way the problem of demonic control is to be solved. In the case of the unbeliever, there is no other choice but merely to exorcise the demon in the name of Yeshua the Messiah. But in the case of the believer, he is to <\/span>force the demon out himself by the exercise of his will through the knowledge of the position and authority of being in Chri<\/em><\/span>st<\/em> and by the use of the Scriptures.<\/p>\n

VI. The Doom of Demons<\/p>\n

Ultimately, all demonic activity will cease but there will be two basic stages to this cessation of demonic activity moving toward the doom of demons.<\/p>\n

A. The Abyss<\/p>\n

The first stage will occur during the Messianic Kingdom. During the 1,000-year reign of the Messiah, there will be no demonic activity in the world. Satan himself will be confined in the <\/span>abyss<\/em> (Rev. 20:1\u20133<\/a>) while the demons who are presently free will be confined in the continual, burning waste of the city of Babylon according to Revelation 18:2<\/a>: And he cried with a mighty voice, sayi<\/em><\/span>ng, Fallen, fallen is <\/em>Babylon the great, and is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird.<\/em><\/p>\n

The same truth is to be found in Isaiah<\/span> 13:21<\/a>: But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there; and their houses shall be full of doleful creatures; and ostriches shall dwell there, and wild goats shall dance there.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Hebrew word translate<\/span>d in the passage as wild goats actually means \u201cdemons.\u201d It is no coincidence that the symbol of the Church of Satan is the goat\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

The first stage of the doom of demons, then, will come during th<\/span>e Messianic Kingdom when they will be confined to the burning wasteland of the ancient city of Babylon.<\/p>\n

B. The Lake of Fire<\/p>\n

But ultimately, the final doom of demons is going to be the Lake of Fire as taught by the Messiah, in Matthew 25:41<\/a>: Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from <\/em><\/span>me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this manner, then, the Lake of Fire becomes the eternal abode of all unsaved beings, be they angels or men.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11\u201312 I. … <\/p>\n

\u201eThe Darkness of Demonism\u201c <\/span>weiterlesen<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-92","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-allgemein"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=92"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":93,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/92\/revisions\/93"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=92"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=92"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=92"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}