Anonymous (via GotQuestions)
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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
Demons are fallen angels, as Revelation 12:9 indicates: "The great dragon was hurled down-that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the ear...
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Andrew Osakue
Supporter
There are three instances of encounters between our lord Jesus Christ and demons in scripture. It will be well to note that some versions call demons unclean spirits, dumb and deaf spirit, evil spirit. They mean the same thing as demon. The first one is Luke 8:26-39. This was an instance where our lord JESUS encountered a man who called himself legion because there were many demons that possessed him. This was at a village called Gerasenes opposite Galilee. The man lives among the tombs and had power enough to break chains and shackles used in restraining him. The encounter ended with Jesus casting the demons into swines. The second encounter was Luke 9:37-43. This was a boy with a spirit that convulses him and throws him down. JESUS ended up casting out the demon as well. The third narrative is in Mark 9:16-29. This narrative by Mark seems to be the same as the second encounter above, but the difference being that the disciples of Jesus were unable to cast out the demon before our Lord Jesus came and did the job. JESUS explained to the disciples that this type of mute and deaf spirit can only be cast out with prayer and fasting. Like I earlier said most of the versions call them evil spirits, but tha E.S.V (ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION) calls them demons. It will be well to read through these three scripturepassages for a fuller understanding.
Darrell Thatcher
Supporter
I was taught in church that, as a Christian, I couldn't be possessed by a demon, but I could be oppressed. Nothing was ever said about what oppression looked like, or how to deal with it. Can you show me where in scripture it teaches that "Demonic possession occurs when a person's body is completely controlled by a demon."? I can't find that teaching. The word translated "possessed" is "daimonizomai", which means "under the power of a demon" or "demonized", which could also mean inhabited by, or oppressed. Kind of like an infection. Though a demon cannot inhabit our spirit, nothing in scripture says that a demon can't inhabit/oppress our flesh. That is what makes them dangerous. They can hide in a small part of our flesh and only do damage when it is in their own interest. A truly born again individual has nothing to fear when demonized. Once we identify the infection and determine to repent and forsake the behavior that enticed the demon in the first place, it must leave by the authority of the Name of Jesus.
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