What Is Demon Possession?

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How does the Bible define demon possession? It occurs when one or more evil spirits enter into a living entity (e.g. human) and control, in varying degrees, their mental and physical faculties. These unwanted intruders always have an adverse effect on those they use as mere vessels for their mischief.

The most well known possession by a demon took place when Satan the devil was allowed to influence and control Judas Iscariot. God permitted this act in order to insure Jesus would be betrayed to and arrested by those who hated him (Matthew 26:3 - 4, 14 - 16, Luke 22:3, John 13:2, 27).

More than one demon, according to Scripture, can take possession of and bring torment to an individual.

For example, Jesus spoke of an unclean spirit finding seven other fallen angels in order to increase the suffering of a person.

But when the unclean spirit has departed from a man, it goes through dry places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, 'I will return to my house, from which I came out.' And after coming, it finds it unoccupied, swept and set in order.

Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they enter in and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Likewise shall it also be with this wicked generation. (Matthew 12:43 - 45, HBFV).

Mary Magdalene had seven devils cast out of her (Luke 8:2). The Lord, in one of his most famous miracles, cast out not one demon but several thousand (a legion) from a Gadarenes' man (Luke 8:26 - 30).

A demon, if it chooses, is capable of possessing animals. Satan, in the Garden of Eden, personally took over a creature with the ability to speak and stand up in order to tempt Eve (Genesis 3). Several thousand demons preferred entering pigs rather than having nothing to torment (Luke 8:31 - 33).

Those who are the victim of demon possession sometimes are endowed with unusual abilities such as superhuman strength (Luke 8:29, Acts 19:14 - 15). Other times, they are deceivingly led to believe that the disobedient spirit within them can contact the dead or foretell the future (see our article on the witch of Endor). Usually, however, a demon's primary task is to afflict their host.

In the gospels, demon possession is frequently mentioned in relation to Jesus' earthly ministry. Many of his miraculous healings involved freeing a person from such unwanted spiritual guests (Matthew 4:23 - 24, 8:16, Mark 3:11, Luke 6:12 - 18). The recording of such evil activities underscored the Lord's goal of destroying the efforts of Satan's kingdom (1John 3:8, Hebrews 2:14).

The Bible warns us not to take any demonic activity lightly (1Peter 5:8). God's adversaries have dedicated themselves to undermining, in any way possible, the advancement of his kingdom. In fact, according to Christ, their unity against God is such that they have agreed not to fight amongst themselves or hinder each other's evil schemes (see Matthew 12:25 - 26)!

Jesus had great compassion toward those suffering due to demon possession. He initially gave his twelve disciples (Matthew 10:1, 8), then later seventy believers (Luke 10:1, 17), the authority to cast them out of people. He gave future Christians, as part of his great commission (final instructions) to his church before his ascension, the authority to cast out a demon (Mark 16:15 - 18).

List of All Terms in
Dictionary of Biblical Words

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