Demons Are Real

One of the controversies in religious circles today is about the existence of demons. When we read the Gospels, we can’t deny the reality of the demonic world. Theologian Donald Bloesch says, “Let us cease arguing about the existence of demons and concern ourselves with what the demons are actually doing.” Who are these demons? What do demons do on earth? What should be our response? Read Mark 3:1-12.

The demons Jesus encountered were evil spirits who occupy another world beyond the world in which we live. They impact our world, however, in powerful and destructive ways.

These evil spirits oppose God and His plan. They are committed in doing evil. Their opposition manifests itself by promoting false religion (1 Corinthians 10:14-19). They seek to stop the specific purpose of God for your life and your family’s life. They do this by being involved in the lives of individuals. Demons blind people to the truth of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). They oppress people (2 Corinthians 12:7). They can possess people who have not committed their lives to Jesus (Mark 5:1-15).

So, what should be our response to the reality of demons and the demon world? According to Ephesians 6:10-18, we need to use God’s power in our lives. We must stand in God’s protection by putting on the whole armor of God. This armor protects us from Satan’s most potent schemes and deceptions.

We must resist these demons through earnest prayer. Prayer keeps us dependent on God and not on our own power and intelligence. The strongest demons tremble to see the weakness Christians on their knees. – Marvin Williams