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Demonic Possession (Spiritual Warfare)
Meaning
The Bible, especially the Gospels and New Testament epistles have a lot to say about demonic possession and spiritual warfare. The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesian church. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world and against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The terms here for “principalities”, “powers”, “rulers of the darkness” and “wickedness in high places.” Are all words which refer to demons. The different names and phrases denote different ranks and hierarchy of demons. Moreover, demonic possession were among maladies Jesus and His disciples healed. While demons are not behind every illness or disease they can cause physical harm. In the Biblical accounts we see people inflicted with blindness, muteness, seizures, bizarre behavior and what we today would call mental illness. And equally in these cases it was Jesus Himself who because of His divinity could tell the difference between physical illness and demon possession.
And because of this we should note that the majority of discussions regarding Satan and demons centers around spiritual warfare. Spiritual warfare plays a primary role in this world as well as chaos in the lives of Christians and non-Christians alike. So much so that the Apostle Paul calls Satan the, “prince of the power of the air.” Paul used this term because of the influence Satan and those demons who follow him have on this fallen world. We have to remember Satan is the primary influence behind a lot of the world’s ideologies, philosophies and social movements. In addition, it’s important to understand that all those who place the faith in Jesus alone for salvation and accept Him as their Lord and Savior are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. And therefore cannot be possessed by demons. However, Christians can be greatly harassed by spiritual warfare. Especially those who are active in their faith and the spreading of the Gospel.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Book of Ephesians 6:11-13)
“Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitudes followed Him-from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan.” (Gospel of Matthew 24:24-25)
“Then they sailed to the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. And when He stepped out on the land, there met Him a certain man from the city who had demons for a long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me’ For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had often seized him, and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles; and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. Jesus asked him, saying, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Legion,’ because many demons had entered him.” (Gospel of Matthew 24:24-25)