These points show that demons have a personality and should be treated as such, rather than as a thing, a habit, a mental state, or a psychological condition.

The Greek passive verb derived from the noun dimonion is dimoni, which means to be demonized—literally, to be in some way under the influence or power of demons. This verb is translated as possession, oppression, or demonic obsession.

• Possession occurs when one or more demons are present in a person and control their body, will, thoughts, etc.
• Obsession happens when there are physical or mental attacks at intervals, according to the demon’s choice. In this case, the demon does not live in the afflicted person.
• Oppression occurs when a person is influenced or tormented by one or more demons who do not leave them, though they are not inside the person (John 10:10, Nahum 2:2).

During deliverance, demons must be commanded not to return. The afflicted person must then learn to resist the devil.

THREE MAIN THEORIES ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF DEMONS.

1. They are the disembodied spirits of a race that existed before Adam’s creation (Genesis 1:1, Ezekiel 28:14, Isaiah 14:13).
2. They are the offspring of pre-flood women and fallen beings (Genesis 6:1-4, Job 1:6; 2:1, Jude 6-7).
3. They are fallen angels (Matthew 12:24; 25:41, 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6, Revelation 12:4; 7-9).

Although we cannot be completely certain about their origin, Scripture provides more revelations about the nature of demons.

THE NATURE OF DEMONS

• Demons are bodiless spirits (Matthew 12:43-44):“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through arid places seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says: ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds it empty, swept, and put in order.”
• Demons have emotions (James 2:19):“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!”
• Demons have knowledge and intelligence (Acts 19:15):“The evil spirit answered them: ‘I know Jesus, and I know Paul; but who are you?’”
• Demons have names (Mark 5:9):“Then He asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he answered, ‘My name is Legion, for we are many.’”
• Demons have supernatural strength and power (Mark 5:2-4):“As soon as Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came to meet Him from the tombs. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with chains. For he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he tore the chains apart and broke the shackles to pieces. No one was strong enough to subdue him.”

DEMONIC ACTIVITIES

a) Promoting Satan’s Agenda

Since Satan is limited in time, space, and power, he extends his influence through demons. He is their powerful dictator, and they constantly work to control individuals (Ephesians 2:1), political governments (Daniel 10:13, 20), and even the course of history.

b) Opposing God’s Purposes

Above all, demons seek to prevent God from being glorified and therefore hate those who are born again.

c) Oppressing Humans

Deception and degradation are their methods; destruction is their goal. Demons cannot personally harm God, so they attack those He loves—humans. They hope to drag as many as possible with them into the lake of fire. They also seek to prevent Christians from enjoying the freedom of salvation and God’s grace.

Demons constantly attempt to distort the truth of God’s Word. They afflict humans through natural disasters (Job 1:12-19; 2:7). They lead people into idol worship, which results in societal corruption, injustice, and sexual perversion.

Demons despise the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith alone, as well as the baptism of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to live the life of Christ fully. They seek to blind people’s minds (2 Corinthians 4:4) and encourage legalism (Galatians 3:1-6, 1 Timothy 4:1-5) as well as its opposite…

This text is an excerpt from the book “BE ROOTED TO BEAR FRUIT” by Isaïe BANKOLE.

We invite you to read the next article: “PRESENTING THE GOSPEL FOR SALVATION THROUGH THE 4 SPIRITUAL LAWS“.