Demonic possession is a frightening topic, but the Bible offers insight and reassurance. Today, we’ll discover what God’s Word says about spiritual warfare and His power over evil.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Antichrist
What Does The Bible Say About Demonic Possession
Mark 5:2-5
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.
This verse describes a man who was possessed by an impure spirit, demonstrating the reality and power of demonic possession. The possessed man exhibited superhuman strength, displayed self-destructive behavior, and was isolated from society.
It serves as a reminder that there are spiritual forces at work in the world that can exert control over individuals. However, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus has authority over these forces and can bring liberation to those who are bound by them.
Matthew 17:15-18
“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 father brings his demon-possessed son to Jesus for healing. The boy’s condition was severe, causing him to have seizures and putting him in dangerous situations. Despite the disciples’ inability to help, Jesus demonstrates His authority over the demonic realm by rebuking the demon and delivering the boy from his affliction.
This passage reminds us that demonic possession can result in physical and emotional suffering, but Jesus is the ultimate source of deliverance and healing. It also highlights the importance of faith and dependence on Jesus when confronted with spiritual battles.
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, the sons of Sceva attempted to cast out a demon in the name of Jesus without a genuine relationship with Him. The evil spirit recognizes their lack of authority and retaliates violently. This passage serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing that spiritual warfare requires a true and intimate connection with Jesus.
It teaches us that we cannot simply use Jesus’ name as a magical formula but must have a personal relationship with Him in order to exercise His authority over evil spirits. It also highlights the dangers of underestimating the power and knowledge of the demonic realm.
Luke 8:30-33
Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. A large herd of pigs was feeding there on the hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and he gave them permission. When the demons came out of the man, they went into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned.
In this passage, Jesus encounters a man possessed by a multitude of demons. The demons identify themselves as “Legion” due to their large number. They pleaded with Jesus not to send them to the Abyss and instead requested to enter a herd of pigs nearby. Jesus grants their request, and the demons subsequently drive the pigs to their destruction.
This story reveals the power and authority of Jesus over the forces of darkness. It demonstrates that Jesus has control over the realm of demons and can exercise His divine prerogative in dealing with them. It also serves as a stark reminder of the destructive nature of demonic influence and the need for deliverance.
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
This verse reminds believers that their battles are not merely physical or human in nature but are ultimately spiritual. It highlights the existence of spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms that seek to oppose and harm God’s people. Understanding this truth helps Christians to discern the root cause of their struggles and to approach them with spiritual weapons.
It emphasizes the need to put on the full armor of God, as detailed in the following verses, in order to withstand the schemes and attacks of the enemy. Recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare equips believers to stand firm in their faith and resist the influence of demonic powers.
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.
This verse offers encouragement to believers by proclaiming their victory over evil. It reassures them that, as children of God, they have the Holy Spirit residing in them, who is greater than the evil one in the world. Therefore, Christians can have confidence and assurance in their ability to overcome demonic forces.
It serves as a reminder that believers are not helpless in the face of spiritual battles but have the power of God within them. By relying on the indwelling Holy Spirit and drawing strength from God, they can resist demonic influences and live victoriously in Christ.
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
This verse provides a practical strategy for believers in dealing with demonic attacks. It emphasizes the importance of submitting to God and resisting the devil. By submitting to God, believers align themselves with His will and authority, rendering them less vulnerable to the enemy’s schemes.
Resisting the devil involves actively and intentionally rejecting his lies, temptations, and influences. When believers stand firm in their faith and resist the devil’s advances, he is forced to flee from them. This verse illustrates that obedience to God and a steadfast resistance to the devil are effective strategies for overcoming demonic oppression.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4
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.
This passage highlights the spiritual nature of the battles faced by believers. It emphasizes that the weapons they employ are not physical or worldly but are infused with divine power. These spiritual weapons, such as prayer, the Word of God, and the authority of Jesus’ name, have the ability to tear down strongholds established by the enemy.
It reminds Christians that they have access to supernatural resources through their relationship with God. By utilizing these spiritual weapons, believers can overcome the influence and control of demonic forces. This verse encourages believers to rely on God’s power in their spiritual warfare rather than relying on their own strength.
Acts 8:7
With shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.
In this verse, we witness the power of God in action as Philip, one of the early disciples, proclaims the good news and performs miracles. Impure spirits are expelled from people, resulting in their deliverance, and physical healings take place.
It demonstrates that the authority of Jesus extends over demonic powers, and through His followers, He continues to demonstrate His power over the unseen realm. This verse reminds believers that they can participate in the spiritual battles by sharing the Gospel, praying for deliverance, and expecting God’s supernatural intervention in people’s lives.
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.
This verse serves as a warning to believers, exhorting them to be vigilant and sober-minded in their spiritual walk. It acknowledges the reality of the devil, who actively seeks to deceive, tempt, and destroy God’s people.
It reminds believers to stay alert and aware of the enemy’s tactics, not underestimating his ability to cause harm. By being spiritually discerning and relying on the guidance and protection of the Holy Spirit, believers can resist the devil’s attacks and avoid falling into his traps.
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.
This verse highlights the purpose of Jesus’ coming to the world. He came to destroy the works of the devil, including sin and its consequences. It affirms that anyone who continues to engage in sinful behavior aligns themselves with the devil.
It offers hope to believers by reminding them that Jesus’ mission was ultimately victorious. His sacrifice on the cross and resurrection defeated the power of sin and darkness. This verse encourages believers to live in accordance with God’s will, resisting the temptations of the enemy and embracing the redemptive work of Christ.
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.
This verse warns believers about the deceptive influence of demonic teachings and the potential for people to abandon their faith. It acknowledges that there will be false teachings and doctrines promoted by deceiving spirits and demons.
It reminds believers to exercise discernment and to test everything against the truth of God’s Word. By remaining grounded in the teachings of Scripture and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers can guard themselves against the lies and deceptions of the enemy.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.
This verse describes the deceptive tactics that Satan employs to lead people astray. It warns that the lawless one, the antichrist figure, will come with displays of power, signs, and wonders, intended to deceive those who are perishing.
It emphasizes the importance of a genuine love for the truth and a commitment to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. By holding fast to the truth and rejecting falsehood, believers can shield themselves from the influences of deception and remain firmly anchored in their faith.
1 Samuel 16:23
Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would take up his lyre and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him.
This passage demonstrates the power of music to bring relief and freedom from demonic oppression. When David played the lyre skillfully, the evil spirit that troubled Saul would depart, bringing relief and a renewed sense of well-being.
It highlights the significance of worship and praise in dealing with spiritual battles. Engaging in heartfelt worship can create an atmosphere where God’s presence is magnified and demonic influence is diminished. This verse encourages believers to utilize worship as a means of drawing closer to God and finding deliverance from the attacks of the enemy.
Matthew 12:28
But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Jesus makes this statement in response to accusations that He was casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons. He clarifies that it is by the Spirit of God that He performs these acts, thereby demonstrating the arrival of the kingdom of God.
This verse highlights the clash between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. It affirms that the power and authority to drive out demons come from the Holy Spirit and serve as evidence of the manifestation of God’s rule and reign in the world.
Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with him.
This verse summarizes the ministry of Jesus, emphasizing His anointing with the Holy Spirit and power. It describes how He traveled from place to place, performing acts of goodness and healing those who were oppressed by the devil.
It reminds believers that the same Holy Spirit and power that rested upon Jesus are available to them. Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christians can continue the work of Jesus by bringing deliverance and healing to those in bondage to demonic forces.
Colossians 2:15
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
This verse speaks of the triumph of Jesus over the powers and authorities of darkness. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He disarmed and defeated the enemy, making a public spectacle of their defeat.
It declares the victory that believers can now walk in, knowing that Christ has already overcome the forces of evil. Believers can stand firm in the knowledge that the enemy has been defeated, and they can rely on the power of the cross to overcome any demonic oppression or attack.
Luke 10:19
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.
In this verse, Jesus empowers His disciples, giving them authority over the enemy. He assures them that they can conquer and overcome all the power of the enemy, and that nothing will harm them.
It affirms that believers possess the authority granted to them by Jesus to resist and overcome demonic forces. With this authority, they can confidently confront and overcome the enemy’s attacks, knowing that the power of God is greater and will protect them from harm.
Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
This verse depicts the ultimate defeat of Satan by the God of peace. It declares the imminent destruction of the enemy and expresses a blessing of grace upon the believers.
It serves as a reminder that victory over the powers of darkness has been secured through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Believers can take comfort in the knowledge that God’s ultimate plan includes the complete annihilation of Satan and his work, and they can live in the assurance of His grace and protection.
Mark 9:25-26
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.”
In this passage, Jesus encounters a boy possessed by a deaf and mute spirit. He exercises His authority over the demonic presence by rebuking it and commanding it to leave the boy. The spirit responds with violent convulsions before finally departing.
It highlights Jesus’ power over the forces of darkness and His ability to bring complete deliverance. The intense reaction of the spirit indicates the resistance of demonic forces to Christ’s authority and their ultimate defeat in His presence. This verse emphasizes the ultimate victory that believers can experience through their union with Christ.
Revelation 12:11
They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.
This verse speaks of the triumph of believers over Satan, the accuser. It declares that victory is obtained through the blood of the Lamb, symbolizing the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, and by the word of their testimony, their declaration of faith.
It emphasizes the power of the cross and the importance of testifying to the redemptive work of Christ. Believers are encouraged to overcome fear and the love for their own lives, even to the point of martyrdom, knowing that ultimate victory is assured through their identification with Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
This verse offers comfort and assurance to believers in the face of spiritual battles. It encourages them not to fear or be discouraged because the Lord is with them, providing strength, help, and protection.
It reminds believers of God’s faithfulness and His commitment to uphold them with His righteous hand. In times of spiritual warfare, this verse provides a source of hope and confidence, affirming that God is fighting on their behalf.
Psalm 34:7
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
This verse depicts the divine protection and deliverance that God extends to those who fear and reverence Him. It describes the presence of angels surrounding and guarding believers in times of spiritual warfare.
It brings assurance that God is actively engaged in our battles against the forces of darkness. Believers can find comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone but are defended by a heavenly host that fights for their well-being and spiritual safety.