Demons

I thought I would write about something a little different today. Have you heard of the Nephilim? It was the reason God sent the flood in Genesis to destroy every living thing on earth.

The Bible references demons as spiritual beings opposed to God, often linked to Satan, who deceive, oppress, or possess people. In the Old Testament demons are less explicit but implied in reference to “evil spirits” or false gods.

Deuteronomy 32:7 and Psalm 106:37 suggest pagan sacrifices were offered to demons. In Samuel 16:14 describes an “evil spirit” tormenting Saul possibly a demon or divine judgment.

In the New Testament demons are more prominent, depicted as “fallen angels” or spirits under satan’s authority. They are intelligent malicious beings who recognize Jesus’s authority. Mark 1:24 and James 2:19 tell us they can possess humans, and cause physical or mental harm.

They exploit human weaknesses, encouraging moral and spiritual failure. Their actions highlight human vulnerability and the need for divine protection. Demons serve as a constant to God’s sovereignty. Their existence sets the stage for spiritual warfare, where God’s children resist through faith and God’s armor in Ephesians 6:10-18. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and the spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places.”

The Bible doesn’t suggest God created demons for evil rather they chose rebellion. Isaiah 14:12-14 if applied to Satan tells us their purpose is self-assumed, not divinely ordained.

Matthew 8:28-34 tells us about Jesus’s encounters with two demon-possessed men in the region of Gadarenes. The demons recognized Jesus and begged to be sent into a herd of pigs. Jesus permits it, and the demons enter the pigs which then rush into the sea and drown.

The Bible doesn’t provide a formula where demons can enter us, but instead, possession seems to depend on demonic initiative and spiritual vulnerabilities. But consider that when people sin it can weaken spiritual defenses, and allow demons to enter into us. Oppression and external influence are often implied for full possession. Persistent sin and occult involvement can lead to demons coming into our lives, but this is the belief of theologians.

In Matthew 12:43-45 Jesus describes an evil Spirit leaving a person, then returning with worse spirits if the person’s life remains empty (unfilled by God’s Spirit.

The Bible implies that sin can make a person vulnerable to demonic influence or oppression by creating spiritual openings that allow demons to come in.