Project Description

2014/09

Demonism

Demonism is a subject which often arouses intense interest. The danger is that such interest can lead into an unhealthy, unbiblical infatuation with sensational stories of alleged demonic activity. That in turn can prompt gullibility and needless fears.

Scripture affirms the reality and activity of demons. But does that mean these demons possess people, believers included, on a large scale? Can a believer unknowingly open himself to being ‘demonised’? Could his problem with prevailing sin or depression actually be the result of an unknown ‘generational curse’ passed down through his family? This is what ‘deliverance teachers’ tell their followers! Some even claim that those who signed the Ulster Covenant in 1912 brought a demonic curse upon our province, ultimately leading to the bloodshed of recent times! One popular writer – whose book is the textbook for many deliverance ministries – asserts that 85% of believers are demonised!  And while repentance and confession of sin may bring forgiveness, they will not break this demonic power. Christians must therefore, in addition, audibly address the demon – since he cannot read their minds – and in the name of Jesus expel that demon publicly.

The Word of God does not teach these things. Neither can they be found in the works of Reformers, Puritans or in the historic mainstream of Evangelical Protestantism. Such notions are based on misinterpretations of a few isolated texts of scripture, and on highly subjective experiences. All of this is dangerous. It undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s atoning sacrifice and His work of salvation. It draws the focus of believers away from where it ought to be – upon Christ.  It leads into bondage. Some now liberated from involvement in these things have testified to previous dependance on their ‘deliverance minister’ as the solution to their problems. There had been paranoia rather than peace and security. And these ‘ministries’ engender pride. Proponents  claim to have special knowledge, gifts and power in this area that ordinary Christians do not possess and that most churches fail to acknowledge. Some regale their followers with sensational accounts of experiences of demonic attacks upon themselves.

THE AUTHORITY OF THE SAVIOUR
In the Old Testament period, Satan was like ‘a strong man armed’, with vast areas of the world in his keeping. The devil’s goods were in peace, so the nations stayed in spiritual darkness, and any demons which occupied people remained unmolested. Christ’s coming was the finger of God casting out demons – an authenticating sign that He was the true Messiah and the Gospel age had begun (Luke 11:20-22). The forces of darkness attacked Him, but He routed them! Referring to Calvary, Christ stated, “Now shall the prince of this world be cast out” (John 12:31). By His atoning work, Christ cast out Satan, and His enemies were scattered (John 12:31; Psalm 68:1). There is a severe curtailment of Satan’s power.
As Mediator, Christ received all power (authority) in heaven and in earth  (Matthew 28:18). That surely includes demons! Addressing his congregation, C H Spurgeon assured every believer present that though 10,000 demons were in the building trying to harm them, they need not fear: Christ possessed all power.

THE ACTIVITIES OF SATAN
We are commanded not to be ignorant of Satan’s devices (2 Corinthians 2:11) and the New Testament clearly reveals what the Devil is doing in this gospel age. Demons spread their false doctrines through deluded teachers (1 Timothy 4:1). Satan has his servants, ministers of righteousness who preach good works but omit the necessity of Christ’s atoning work (2 Corinthians 11:15). Demons are also busy attacking congregations by stirring up discord among church members (James 3:14, 15).

But the Epistles do not tell believers to be concerned about demon possession, levitation or other sensational activities. The craze to locate and cast out imaginary demons from Christians blinds believers to the real demonic agenda – hurting and polluting Christ’s church by  promoting false teaching and fostering division.

It is not without significance that some deliverance preachers commence independent ministries. A few even boast that they are not subject to men, but take their orders directly from God! Yet the Holy Spirit commands us to obey those who have the rule over us, Hebrews 13:17. Every believer is to be subject to Church authority. Those who disregard a clear, reiterated command of Scripture, claiming to have truth denied to Biblical churches, draw young believers after themselves, and so harm local congregations. The believer who is confused about scriptural teaching in regard to demons and the occult should take the Biblical approach and consult his Pastor and church leaders. Without considered and careful reflection, many are being led astray, and the church is suffering unnecessary loss.

THE ABSENCE OF SCRIPTURAL MANDATE
Christ cast out demons to authenticate His Messiahship. The apostles cast out demons signifying their apostleship, Mark 16:17.  There are no apostles today. No one can replicate the signs of an apostle. The apostolic ability to cast out demons was never intended to be a continuing feature of Christian service. Hence, the last time we read of it happening was in Acts 16, by Paul. In the pastoral epistles, 1&2 Timothy and Titus, which give instruction on church order, there is no mention of binding demons, casting out demons or talking to demons. Neither is there any such command in ANY of the other epistles! It is altogether absent. Surely if demonic invasion of believers were to prevail,would there not be clear indication of how to deal with it?

Scripture does show how to exercise a faithful, Biblical, deliverance ministry. There is teaching about spiritual warfare – a term deliverance teachers often use, wrongly interpreting Ephesians 6:10-18. True spiritual warfare is waged by prayer and gospel preaching, not by speaking directly to demons! Christians are to bring to light the truth of the gospel, confronting and exposing false teachings – doctrines of demons – Satan’s tools to keep men from the truth (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).

The path to Christian maturity and victory over sin is found in a deeper awareness of the merit of Christ’s atoning work and of the believer’s union with his Saviour. It is by recognising the Scriptural command to serve in a local church under the authority of godly leaders. It is by endeavouring to preach ‘Christ and Him crucified’. Thus we urge people to go to Christ and find deliverance in Him. Christ’s work on the cross was sufficient to translate His redeemed people from the kingdom of Satan into His own Kingdom. Any other deliverance is both unnecessary and potentially harmful. To teach otherwise implies that Christ’s work is incomplete.

Rev Ron Johnstone.