2 Questions on Demonic Possession

[Open7]

Hi everyone,

1. How can you tell that someone is demonically possessed?

2. If a demon is cast out, where do they go? I know in the gospels they went in pigs, but then the pigs died, where do they go after that? Are we stuck with them until Jesus returns?

 

Thanks

[Bob Carabbio]

1 hour ago, Open7 said:

1. How can you tell that someone is demonically possessed?

"Possessed"  (implying ownership) is inaccurate. the Biblical word is Daemonizimai - to be oppressed by, or influenced by a demonic entity.  Thus, the claim that a Christian can't be "Demon Possesed" goes out the window. A Christian can "Give place" to the enemy, and become progressively more and more influenced by the demonic, until a "Deliverance" ministry may be needed to get them free of it.  A Person operating in the gift of "Discernation of Spirits" (1 cor 12) would be aware of a demonic presence, OR the actions / speech of the person in question would be a clue.

2. If a demon is cast out, where do they go? I know in the gospels they went in pigs, but then the pigs died, where do they go after that? Are we stuck with them until Jesus returns?

The Spiritual realm is populated by all sorts of beings, both angelic, and demonic. So the answer is that they don't "go" anywhere, but it/they do cease to torment the one they've been torturing.  The demonic will continue to exist until the final judgement when they join satan, and lost humanity in the lake of fire.

 

Thanks

 

[Billiards Ball]

2 hours ago, Open7 said:

Hi everyone,

1. How can you tell that someone is demonically possessed?

2. If a demon is cast out, where do they go? I know in the gospels they went in pigs, but then the pigs died, where do they go after that? Are we stuck with them until Jesus returns?

 

Thanks

Can the person say "Jesus is Lord! Jesus is God in human flesh!" - one set of key biblical tests.

Some demons are held in the pit awaiting judgment, others roam the Earth, seeking to possess, tempt and destroy people.

If you've trusted Jesus for salvation, you have power over demons and the Spirit to indwell and protect you.

[Coliseum]

2 hours ago, Open7 said:

Hi everyone,

1. How can you tell that someone is demonically possessed?

2. If a demon is cast out, where do they go? I know in the gospels they went in pigs, but then the pigs died, where do they go after that? Are we stuck with them until Jesus returns?

 

Thanks

Jesus talks about it:

"When an unclean spirit comes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to the house I left.' On its return, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and dwell there."

The key then is to replace what has been swept clean with good things---not too many at a time lest they overwhelm you---so that what the demons will return to is a house no longer able to be occupied.

If a man is a Christian, both Christ and Satan cannot occupy the same place. "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

[Who me]

3 hours ago, Open7 said:

How can you tell that someone is demonically possessed

Why do you want to know?  If you suspect someone is demon possessed Do Not Try to deal with it.

Luke Skywalker went up against Darth Vader as a novice and barely escaped. You are nether Luke Skywalker nor are you Indiana Jones, Batman or any other hero.

You go and get help.

 

[missmuffet]

Question: "Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons?"

Answer: Exorcism (commanding demons to leave other people) was practiced by various people in the Gospels and the Book of Acts—the disciples as part of Christ’s instructions (Matthew 10); others using Christ’s name (Mark 9:38); the children of the Pharisees (Luke 11:18-19); Paul (Acts 16); and certain exorcists (Acts 19:11-16).

It appears that the purpose of Jesus’ disciples performing exorcisms was to show Christ’s dominion over the demons (Luke 10:17) and to verify that the disciples were acting in His name and by His authority. It also revealed their faith or lack of faith (Matthew 17:14-21). It was obvious that this act of casting out demons was important to the ministry of the disciples. However, it is unclear what part casting out demons actually played in the discipleship process.

Interestingly, there seems to be a shift in the latter part of the New Testament regarding demonic warfare. The teaching portions of the New Testament (Romans through Jude) refer to demonic activity, yet do not discuss the actions of casting them out, nor are believers exhorted to do so. We are told to put on the armor to stand against them (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are told to resist the devil (James 4:7), be careful of him (1 Peter 5:8), and not give him room in our lives (Ephesians 4:27). However, we are not told how to cast him or his demons out of others, or that we should even consider doing so.

The book of Ephesians gives clear instructions on how we are to have victory in our lives in the battle against the forces of evil. The first step is placing our faith in Christ (2:8-9), which breaks the rule of “the prince of the power of the air” (2:2). We are then to choose, again by God’s grace, to put off ungodly habits and to put on godly habits (4:17-24). This does not involve casting out demons, but rather renewing our minds (4:23). After several practical instructions on how to obey God as His children, we are reminded that there is a spiritual battle. It is fought with certain armor that allows us to stand against—not cast out—the trickery of the demonic world (6:10). We stand with truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer (6:10-18).

It appears that as the Word of God was completed, the Christians had more weapons with which to battle the spirit world than the early Christians did. The role of casting out demons was replaced, for the most part, with evangelism and discipleship through the Word of God. Since the methods of spiritual warfare in the New Testament do not involve casting out demons, it is difficult to determine instructions on how to do such a thing. If necessary at all, it seems that it is through exposing the individual to the truth of the Word of God and the name of Jesus Christ.

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-exorcism.html

Edited September 16, 2020 by missmuffet

[Open7]

1 hour ago, Who me said:

Why do you want to know?  If you suspect someone is demon possessed Do Not Try to deal with it.

Luke Skywalker went up against Darth Vader as a novice and barely escaped. You are nether Luke Skywalker nor are you Indiana Jones, Batman or any other hero.

You go and get help.

 

Yea I do have a suspicion hence why I am wondering about all this now. I’m not saying they are possessed but I think they is great influence at least. But yea! I wouldn’t go up to them and try deal with it, I’m praying about all from a distance

[Open7]

43 minutes ago, missmuffet said:

Question: "Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons?"

Answer: Exorcism (commanding demons to leave other people) was practiced by various people in the Gospels and the Book of Acts—the disciples as part of Christ’s instructions (Matthew 10); others using Christ’s name (Mark 9:38); the children of the Pharisees (Luke 11:18-19); Paul (Acts 16); and certain exorcists (Acts 19:11-16).

It appears that the purpose of Jesus’ disciples performing exorcisms was to show Christ’s dominion over the demons (Luke 10:17) and to verify that the disciples were acting in His name and by His authority. It also revealed their faith or lack of faith (Matthew 17:14-21). It was obvious that this act of casting out demons was important to the ministry of the disciples. However, it is unclear what part casting out demons actually played in the discipleship process.

Interestingly, there seems to be a shift in the latter part of the New Testament regarding demonic warfare. The teaching portions of the New Testament (Romans through Jude) refer to demonic activity, yet do not discuss the actions of casting them out, nor are believers exhorted to do so. We are told to put on the armor to stand against them (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are told to resist the devil (James 4:7), be careful of him (1 Peter 5:8), and not give him room in our lives (Ephesians 4:27). However, we are not told how to cast him or his demons out of others, or that we should even consider doing so.

The book of Ephesians gives clear instructions on how we are to have victory in our lives in the battle against the forces of evil. The first step is placing our faith in Christ (2:8-9), which breaks the rule of “the prince of the power of the air” (2:2). We are then to choose, again by God’s grace, to put off ungodly habits and to put on godly habits (4:17-24). This does not involve casting out demons, but rather renewing our minds (4:23). After several practical instructions on how to obey God as His children, we are reminded that there is a spiritual battle. It is fought with certain armor that allows us to stand against—not cast out—the trickery of the demonic world (6:10). We stand with truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer (6:10-18).

It appears that as the Word of God was completed, the Christians had more weapons with which to battle the spirit world than the early Christians did. The role of casting out demons was replaced, for the most part, with evangelism and discipleship through the Word of God. Since the methods of spiritual warfare in the New Testament do not involve casting out demons, it is difficult to determine instructions on how to do such a thing. If necessary at all, it seems that it is through exposing the individual to the truth of the Word of God and the name of Jesus Christ.

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-exorcism.html

If we are not to cast out demons, then what about the people that do it in the name of God? There’s a guy on called Isaiah Saldivar I have been watching on YouTube recently who is Christian and talks a lot about this

[missmuffet]

1 hour ago, Open7 said:

If we are not to cast out demons, then what about the people that do it in the name of God? There’s a guy on called Isaiah Saldivar I have been watching on YouTube recently who is Christian and talks a lot about this

We put these people in the hands of God. Let Him handle it. 

[David1701]

3 hours ago, missmuffet said:

Question: "Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? What does the Bible say about casting out demons?"

Answer: Exorcism (commanding demons to leave other people) was practiced by various people in the Gospels and the Book of Acts—the disciples as part of Christ’s instructions (Matthew 10); others using Christ’s name (Mark 9:38); the children of the Pharisees (Luke 11:18-19); Paul (Acts 16); and certain exorcists (Acts 19:11-16).

It appears that the purpose of Jesus’ disciples performing exorcisms was to show Christ’s dominion over the demons (Luke 10:17) and to verify that the disciples were acting in His name and by His authority. It also revealed their faith or lack of faith (Matthew 17:14-21). It was obvious that this act of casting out demons was important to the ministry of the disciples. However, it is unclear what part casting out demons actually played in the discipleship process.

Interestingly, there seems to be a shift in the latter part of the New Testament regarding demonic warfare. The teaching portions of the New Testament (Romans through Jude) refer to demonic activity, yet do not discuss the actions of casting them out, nor are believers exhorted to do so. We are told to put on the armor to stand against them (Ephesians 6:10-18). We are told to resist the devil (James 4:7), be careful of him (1 Peter 5:8), and not give him room in our lives (Ephesians 4:27). However, we are not told how to cast him or his demons out of others, or that we should even consider doing so.

The book of Ephesians gives clear instructions on how we are to have victory in our lives in the battle against the forces of evil. The first step is placing our faith in Christ (2:8-9), which breaks the rule of “the prince of the power of the air” (2:2). We are then to choose, again by God’s grace, to put off ungodly habits and to put on godly habits (4:17-24). This does not involve casting out demons, but rather renewing our minds (4:23). After several practical instructions on how to obey God as His children, we are reminded that there is a spiritual battle. It is fought with certain armor that allows us to stand against—not cast out—the trickery of the demonic world (6:10). We stand with truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer (6:10-18).

It appears that as the Word of God was completed, the Christians had more weapons with which to battle the spirit world than the early Christians did. The role of casting out demons was replaced, for the most part, with evangelism and discipleship through the Word of God. Since the methods of spiritual warfare in the New Testament do not involve casting out demons, it is difficult to determine instructions on how to do such a thing. If necessary at all, it seems that it is through exposing the individual to the truth of the Word of God and the name of Jesus Christ.

https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-exorcism.html

Ugh!  That is Cessationism.

In contrast, here is the Great Commission.

Mark 16:14-20 (VW)

14 Later He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table; and He rebuked their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had been raised.
15 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He who believes and is immersed will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues;
18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will be well.
19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was taken up into Heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the Word through the signs following. Amen.