Bible Question:
How can I escape demon possession according to the Bible?
Bible Answer:
Demon-possession was a problem before Jesus Christ was born and it continues to be a problem in our time. Another article provides signs or the symptoms of demon-possession. This article answers the question, “What are the signs of demon-possession according to the Bible?” The question answered here is “How can I escape demon possession according to the Bible?”
How To Cast Out Demons If You Are A Christian
The study “Blessed Are Those Who Hear and Obey” provides a list of exorcisms that Jesus performed and other important facts about demons. A review of the various instances where Jesus cast out demons reveals that Jesus never used incantations, potions or some form of magic. He always used normal words. He just commanded the demons to leave the person. The disciples did the same!
On one occasion Christ’s disciples could not cast out a demon. The event is described in Mark 9:14-29. After Jesus cast out the demon, the disciples wanted to know why they could not cast out the demon.
When He came into the house, His disciples began questioning Him privately, “Why could we not drive it out?” And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.” Mark 9:28-29 (NASB)
Notice that Jesus said certain demons can only be cast out by prayer. The point of Jesus’ message was that even His own disciples could not cast out all demons. That is, the most powerful way to cast out a demon was by prayer. This means that Christians can ask God to expel a demon. We have discovered that the most powerful way for a Christian to cast out a demon is by prayer.
A Warning To Non-Christians
Now we need to give a warning to non-Christians or non-believers who may try to cast out demons by prayer or by speaking to a demon in order to cast it out. Acts 19:11-17 reports that some non-Christians tried to cast out a demon. The non-Christians were seven sons of Sceva. Sceva was a Jewish chief priest. These sons thought they were exorcists according to verse 13. It becomes obvious that they were not very successful because Acts 19:11-17 states that they tried using the name of Jesus to cast out demons. Notice what happened to them.
But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Acts 19:13-16 (NASB)
This reveals that non-Christians who try to cast out demons may find themselves in serious trouble. Their attempt to help someone else may result in their being demon-possessed themselves. The casting out of demons should be tried only by Christians.
How Non-Christians Can Expel Demons From Themselves
The Bible teaches us that Christians are indwelt by God the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 1:14).
However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. Romans 8:9 (NASB)
This means that the Holy Spirit dwells within every Christian. Since the Holy Spirit does not dwell in non-Christians, 1 John 5:19 tells us they are under the control of Satan who is also called the evil one. Notice in 1 John 5:19, we are told that the entire world is controlled by the evil one.
We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19 (NASB)
However, Christians are not part of this world. That is the message of the preceding verse.
We know that no one who is born of God sins; but He who was born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. 1 John 5:18 (NASB)
Here we are told that Christians cannot be touched by the evil one. This includes the demons. 1 John 4:4 makes the same point by telling us that the Holy Spirit within a Christian is greater than Satan.
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (NASB)
Why was this discussion important? It is important because a Christian is protected from demon-possession. If you are not a Christian, we urge you to become a Christian. If you are demon-possessed when you become a Christian, the demon(s) will leave you.
Therefore, anyone who believes they are demon possessed is urged to become a Christian. How does a person become a Christian? Romans 10:9-11 tells us a person must believe that Jesus Christ, Who is God, died and returned to life. No works are required. Purgatory is not required.
. . . that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “ WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.” Romans 10:9-11 (NASB)
A person is saved, from the punishment they deserve because they have sinned, by believing that Jesus Christ did everything that is required to forgive our sins. Believing in Christ includes believing everything that the Bible says about Jesus. For more information about how to become a Christian, we encourage you to read:
– Must a person repent in order to go to heaven?
– How do you receive Christ? What does John 1:12 mean?
– Must we confess Jesus as Lord with our mouth to be saved?
– Does John 3:16 promise assurance of salvation to every Christian?
Conclusion:
We revealed how non-Christians can exorcise a demon from himself or herself by deciding to follow Christ and how a Christian can exorcise demons from others. The Bible does not recommend incantations or some magical technique. The Bible reveals a plain sense but powerful approach to casting out demons.
Suggested Links:
Can the devil cause people to be sick and die?Expel Some Only By Prayer
If Judas was not a believer how could he cast out demons?
Blessed Are Those Who Hear and Obey
Is it bad for Christians to be interested or involved in the occult?
How do you receive Christ? What does John 1:12 mean?
Must a person repent in order to go to heaven?
Must we confess Jesus as Lord with our mouth to be saved?
What are the signs of demon-possession according to the Bible?
Searching for God