Bible Question:

I have a question concerning spirits. Is it possible for the Holy Spirit or an evil spirit to be present with us here on earth? Could you also direct me to some scriptures that are related to this as well? Much thanks.

Bible Answer:

The answer to your question, are evil spirits present with us here on earth, is “Yes”. The good news is that the Holy Spirit is also present here on earth.

Evil Spirits

The New Testament contains many examples of demon activity both during the time that Jesus was here and during the times of the apostles. Demons were also present in the Old Testament. Here are a few passages that tell us that demons were present during the time that Jesus was here.

And He went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out the demons. (NASB) Mark 1:39

And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many sick people and healing them. (NASB) Mark 6:13

And demons also were coming out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Son of God!” And rebuking them, He would not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ. (NASB) Luke 4:41

And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” (NASB) Acts 19:15

Demons were present then and they are present with us today. Demonic activity has been more observable in countries where Christianity has not been present. But that is changing as the church is declining in its testimony and vigor.

Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit has always been present with us since the universe was created (Gen. 1:2). He was present during the time of King David (Ps. 51:11) and when Jesus was here.

. . . when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment; concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold Me; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. (NASB) John 16:8-11

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance. (NASB) Acts 2:4

Today, the Holy Spirit helps non-Christians see that they are sinners. He helps Christians become more like Jesus in conduct, faith, and attitude. The Holy Spirit has always been here on earth; but only since Jesus Christ’s ascension back to heaven has He lived inside Christians permanently.

Conclusion:

Evil spirits and the Holy Spirit have always been present on the earth. In fact, Jesus refers to both of them at one point in His ministry when He says.

But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. (NASB) Matt. 12:28

There is a war between God and Satan’s demons. The evil spirits will eventually lose when Jesus Christ returns some day. We will discover this truth in a future study in Revelation. You may be interested in two studies entitled “Angels – Good and Evil” and “The Holy Spirit.” The first one talks about evil spirits or evil angels and the second one is about the Holy Spirit. We live in an evil world, and it is only the Holy Spirit who can protect us. If you are not a Christian, you can discover why Jesus died for you on the page “Searching for God“. He did this for you and me.