Demon possession is a mysterious topic, but the Bible addresses it clearly. Today, we’ll explore what scripture says about spiritual battles and God’s power over darkness. Through His Word, we learn that God is greater than any evil we may face.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Hopelessness
What Does The Bible Say About Demon Possession
Mark 5:1-20
“They went across the lake to the region of the Gerasenes. When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him. He shouted at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name don’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you impure spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. A large herd of pigs was feeding on the nearby hillside. The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand in number, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. Those tending the pigs ran off and reported this in the town and countryside, and the people went out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.”
This passage recounts the story of a man possessed by many demons. It reveals the extent of the demonic possession as the man lived among the tombs, was uncontrollable, and inflicted harm upon himself. When Jesus arrives, the demons recognize Him as the Son of God and are fearful of His authority. Jesus commands the impure spirits to leave the man and they enter into a herd of pigs before drowning in the lake. This event demonstrates the power and authority of Jesus over demons, as well as the freedom and transformation that can occur when one encounters Christ.
The story highlights the reality of demonic possession and affirms Jesus as the ultimate deliverer from such bondage. It also serves as a reminder that no matter how severe the torment or destruction may be, Jesus has the power to set individuals free and restore them to their right mind. This passage encourages believers to trust in the authority and power of Jesus to overcome any spiritual oppression or possession that they may encounter.
Matthew 17:14-18
“When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.
In this narrative, a distressed father brings his demon-possessed son to the disciples of Jesus for healing, but they were unsuccessful. Jesus expresses His frustration with the lack of faith and rebukes the demon, delivering the boy from his affliction. This account illustrates the authority and supremacy of Jesus over demonic forces.
It is a reminder that faith in Jesus is crucial when dealing with demonic possession or any spiritual battle. Jesus showcased the importance of complete trust in Him and the necessity of depending on His power to triumph over evil. This passage encourages believers to continue seeking Jesus’s deliverance when faced with spiritual darkness and to have unwavering faith in His ability to overcome any affliction.
Acts 19:11-12
“God did extraordinary miracles through Paul, so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured, and the evil spirits left them.”
In this passage, it is witnessed that God performed extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul. People brought items that had touched Paul, such as handkerchiefs and aprons, to the sick, and they were miraculously healed and freed from evil spirits. This account emphasizes the power of God to work through individuals to bring about healing and deliverance.
It highlights that God’s power is not limited to any specific method or object but is ultimately unleashed through His Spirit. This passage encourages believers to have faith in God’s ability to work miracles and to understand that even seemingly ordinary items can become instruments of His divine healing and liberation.
Luke 9:37-42
“The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met him. A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him, and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.”
A desperate father brings his only son to Jesus to be healed from a destructive spirit that causes him to convulse, foam at the mouth, and suffer greatly. The disciples, previously given authority by Jesus to cast out demons, were unable to deliver the boy. Jesus expresses disappointment with the lack of faith and heals the boy, astonishing all who witnessed the miracle.
This story reminds believers of the significance of having a vibrant and steadfast faith in Jesus. It emphasizes that spiritual battles may require a deeper level of trust and reliance on Jesus’ authority. Furthermore, it demonstrates that even when others fail to deliver, Jesus is always reliable and able to bring freedom and healing to those in need.
1 Peter 5:8
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
First Peter reminds believers to be vigilant and alert because the devil constantly seeks to devour individuals. This verse implies that demonic activity and spiritual assault are ever-present realities in the world.
It serves as a warning to believers that they must not be complacent or naive concerning the enemy’s schemes. Instead, they must be spiritually prepared and equipped, actively resisting the devil’s tactics through prayer, reliance on God’s Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit. This passage encourages believers to approach spiritual warfare with a sober and discerning mind, always aware of the spiritual battle that surrounds them.
James 4:7
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
James instructs believers to submit themselves to God and resist the devil. By submitting to God, believers align themselves with His authority and invite His power into their lives.
When they actively resist the devil and his temptations, relying on God’s strength, the devil is forced to flee. This verse emphasizes that believers have the ability to resist and overcome the influence of the devil through their submission to God and dependence on Him. It encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that they have the power and victory in Christ to overcome any demonic attack or temptation they may face.
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
In Ephesians, believers are urged to put on the full armor of God to effectively stand against the schemes of the devil. This verse emphasizes the necessity of being spiritually prepared and equipped to combat spiritual attacks.
The armor includes components such as the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. By putting on this armor, believers are able to withstand the devil’s schemes and remain firm in their faith. This passage highlights the importance of being rooted in the truth of God’s Word and utilizing the full provision and protection available through God’s spiritual armor.
1 John 4:4
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
First John reassures believers that they are from God and have overcome the forces of darkness because the Holy Spirit, who resides within them, is greater than the evil present in the world.
This verse instills confidence in believers, reminding them that they possess a divine power within them that is greater than any demonic force. It encourages believers to have courage and trust in God, knowing that they have the Spirit of God dwelling within them, enabling them to overcome and triumph over the enemy.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
In this passage, Paul teaches believers that their warfare is not physical but spiritual. The weapons used by believers are not of this world, but divinely empowered to tear down strongholds and dismantle arguments that oppose the knowledge of God.
This verse encourages believers to take captive every thought and bring it into submission to Christ. It affirms the authority and transformative power of God’s Word in combating spiritual strongholds and destructive thought patterns. This passage reminds believers that they have been equipped with spiritual weapons and encourages them to engage in spiritual battle with confidence and faith.
1 John 3:8
“The one who does what is sinful is of the devil because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
First John states that those who engage in sinful actions align themselves with the devil, who has been sinning from the beginning. However, the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation was to destroy the works of the devil.
This verse affirms that Jesus came to abolish the grip of sin and the power of the devil over humanity. It emphasizes the victory that believers have in Christ, as His work on the cross has rendered the devil’s power defeated. This passage encourages believers to live in accordance with the purpose of Christ’s coming and to resist the influence of the devil by choosing righteousness and holiness.
Luke 10:17-20
“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”
In this passage, the seventy-two disciples return to Jesus, amazed that even the demons submitted to them in His name. Jesus affirms their authority over the enemy and declares that He witnessed Satan’s fall from heaven.
He grants them the power to overcome all the power of the enemy and assures them that nothing will harm them. However, Jesus redirects their focus by cautioning them not to rejoice in the authority they possess but rather in the fact that their salvation is secured in heaven. This story reminds believers that their ultimate victory and joy lie in their relationship with God rather than in any temporary power or authority they may possess.
Acts 16:16-18
“Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.”
During their travels, Paul and his companions encounter a female slave possessed by a spirit of divination, which allowed her to predict the future. Although her declarations about them were correct, Paul grows weary of her constant following and commands the spirit to come out of her in Jesus’ name. Immediately, the spirit leaves the slave.
This account illustrates the power and authority bestowed upon believers in the name of Jesus to confront and cast out evil spirits. It emphasizes the importance of discernment and responding to situations led by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This passage encourages believers to rely on the authority of Jesus’ name when confronting demonic influence and to exercise discernment in all spiritual encounters.
Matthew 10:1
“Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”
In Matthew 10:1, Jesus summons His twelve disciples and bestows upon them the authority to cast out impure spirits and heal the sick. This verse signifies Jesus’ commissioning of His disciples to carry out His ministry on earth.
It underscores the fact that believers who follow Jesus have been given authority to confront and drive out evil spirits in His name. This passage encourages believers to exercise the authority they have been granted as they proclaim the Kingdom of God, ministering deliverance to those in need.
Mark 9:25-29
“When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently, and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up. After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
Jesus encounters a boy possessed by a deaf and mute spirit. He rebukes the impure spirit, commanding it to come out of the boy and never return. The spirit convulses the boy before leaving, causing bystanders to believe he had died. However, Jesus restores the boy to life by taking him by the hand and raising him to his feet.
Afterward, the disciples ask Jesus why they were unsuccessful in driving out the spirit. Jesus informs them that certain kinds of spirits require prayer to be cast out. This passage demonstrates the importance of prayer in battling demonic forces and reveals that some instances of deliverance may necessitate a greater level of spiritual discipline and communion with God.
Matthew 8:28-32
“When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Some distance from them, a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.”
As Jesus arrives on the other side of the lake, He encounters two demon-possessed men who were so violent that no one dared to pass by them. The demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God and question if He has come to torment them before their appointed time.
Jesus allows the demons to enter a herd of pigs nearby, which subsequently rush into the lake and perish. This story highlights the authority of Jesus over demonic forces and demonstrates their fear and submission in His presence. It reinforces the power of Christ to command and expel evil spirits, even an entire legion of them, with a simple word.
Acts 8:7
“For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.”
In Acts 8, as Philip proclaims the good news of Jesus in a city, impure spirits come out of many people with shrieks, and those who were paralyzed or lame are healed.
This verse demonstrates the authority and power of Jesus to deliver individuals from demonic possession and bring physical healing to those afflicted by various ailments. It serves as a reminder that the work of the Holy Spirit is not limited to spiritual restoration but extends to physical healing as well. This passage encourages believers to trust in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about both spiritual and physical wholeness.
Matthew 12:43-45
“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
In this passage, Jesus speaks of an impure spirit leaving a person and wandering through dry places, seeking rest and finding none. It then decides to return to the house it had left, only to find it unoccupied, swept clean, and put in order. The spirit returns with seven more wicked spirits, and the person’s condition worsens.
This story teaches the importance of not only casting out evil spirits but also of filling the void left by their departure with the presence and truth of God. It serves as a warning against ignoring or neglecting spiritual vigilance after experiencing deliverance, as it can lead to a resurgence of spiritual oppression or even a worse condition. This passage encourages believers to continually seek the filling of the Holy Spirit and nourishment from God’s Word to guard against any potential spiritual harm or return of demonic influence.
Colossians 2:15
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
In Colossians, Paul declares that through His death on the cross, Jesus disarmed and triumphed over the powers and authorities of darkness, making a public spectacle of them.
This verse affirms the victory that Jesus achieved over the forces of evil through His sacrificial death on the cross. It emphasizes that Jesus has ultimate authority and has stripped the enemy of his power to condemn and enslave humanity. This passage encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that they serve a victorious and triumphant Lord, who has overcome all spiritual forces of darkness.
1 Timothy 4:1
“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”
In 1 Timothy, Paul warns that in the later times, some will forsake their faith and be led astray by deceiving spirits and teachings influenced by demons.
This verse serves as a reminder that spiritual deception is a real and present danger. It urges believers to be discerning and rooted in God’s Word, so as not to fall prey to false teachings and demonic influence. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steadfast faith and continually seeking the truth of God’s Word to guard against spiritual deception.
1 Samuel 16:14-16
“Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. Saul’s attendants said to him, “See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you. Let our lord command his servants here to search for someone who can play the lyre. He will play when the evil spirit from God comes on you, and you will feel better.”
In 1 Samuel, it is revealed that after Saul disobeys the Lord, the Spirit of the Lord departs from him and an evil spirit is permitted to torment him.
This passage demonstrates that God is sovereign even over evil spirits and can allow them to bring affliction as a consequence of disobedience. It also highlights the power of music in bringing relief and restoration, as David is later called upon to play the lyre to soothe Saul’s troubled spirit. This story serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of living in alignment with God’s will to avoid falling into spiritual oppression.
2 Corinthians 2:11
“…in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.”
In 2 Corinthians, Paul expresses his concern that Satan may outwit the believers. He underscores that they are not ignorant of Satan’s schemes and tactics.
This verse affirms the need for believers to be knowledgeable and discerning when it comes to the enemy’s strategies. It encourages believers to be proactive in guarding their hearts and minds against the schemes of the devil. This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual awareness and preparedness in order to navigate and overcome spiritual warfare effectively.
Mark 7:25-30
“In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. “First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.” She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.”
In this account, a Greek woman with a demon-possessed daughter pleads with Jesus to cast out the demon. Initially, Jesus expresses that His ministry is primarily for the Jewish people. However, impressed by the woman’s faith, He commends her and grants her request.
This story reveals that Jesus is not only the Savior of the Jews but also the Gentiles. It highlights the importance of persistent faith and humble dependence on Jesus, regardless of one’s background or ethnicity. This passage encourages believers to approach Jesus with unwavering faith, knowing that He has the power and willingness to deliver them from spiritual oppression.
Acts 16:16-18
“Once, as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She made a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.”
In this account, Paul and his companions encounter a slave girl who was possessed by a spirit that enabled her to predict the future. She loudly proclaims their mission as servants of the Most High God. Eventually, Paul becomes frustrated and commands the spirit to come out of her in Jesus’ name, immediately setting her free.
This passage illustrates the authority and power of Jesus’ name in delivering individuals from demonic possession. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the source of spiritual manifestations and addressing them with the authority granted through Jesus Christ. This story encourages believers to freely exercise their spiritual authority in Jesus’ name to bring deliverance and freedom to those in bondage.
Acts 19:13-16
“Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.”
In this account, seven sons of Sceva attempt to cast out evil spirits by invoking the name of Jesus without having a genuine relationship with Him. The evil spirit recognizes their lack of authority and physically attacks them.
This passage underscores the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus and genuine faith when engaging in spiritual warfare. It serves as a warning against using the name of Jesus frivolously or without a genuine connection to Him. This account encourages believers to cultivate a vibrant relationship with Jesus and operate in His authority with confidence and authenticity.
Mark 1:25-26
““Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.”
In this passage, Jesus commands an impure spirit to be quiet and come out of a man. The spirit violently convulses the man and leaves him with a shriek.
This verse demonstrates the authority and power of Jesus to command and expel evil spirits. It showcases the immediate response of the demonic realm to Jesus’ authoritative word. This passage encourages believers to rely on the authority of Jesus’ name when confronting spiritual oppression and to trust in His power to bring deliverance and freedom.