Can Catholic priests cast out demons?

BibleAsk Team

Priests and Casting Out Demons

Some ask: How can some Catholic priests cast out demons (exorcism) when they are teaching doctrines that are contrary to God’s Word. This should not be surprising for the devil can counterfeit miracles (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The devil has some powers and he uses these powers to deceive the world. In fact, he is a master trickster and the father of lies (John 8:44; 2 Corinthians 11:14).

Whether to possess a person or be cast out of that same person, the devil uses every possible way to achieve his deceptions. Jesus warned, “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers’” (Matthew 7:22–23).

Exorcism strengthens the faith of people in the authority of priests. It causes people to trust priests and their teachings even though it contradicts the Bible. The Catholic Church openly break God’s Ten Commandments (the second and fourth – Exodus 20) and go against many Biblical doctrines. For more on the Catholic Church un-bliblical teachings, check: https://bibleask.org/what-are-some-of-unbiblical-doctrines-of-the-catholic-church

The Authority of the Believer

The good news is that every Christian has the power to defeat the devil. Jesus affirmed, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils” (Mark 16:17). Believers are given the authority to “cast out devils” (Matthew 10:8). The only power that is guaranteed to defeat Satan every time is the power of the Holy Spirit residing within a believer, who is equipped with the armor of God’s Word (Ephesians 6:11–17; 2 Corinthians 10:4).

As Christians submit to God, they can “resist the devil, and he will flee” from them (James 4:7). Submission means full trust that all God’s arrangements are for the believer’s own good (Hebrews 12:9). Thus, the weakest person who depends on the power of Christ will cause Satan to tremble and flee. And there is nothing impossible for the believer for “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), that is, for he who is willing to allow God to control his life (Philippians 4:13).

In His service,
BibleAsk Team

Disclaimer:

The contents of this article and website are not intended to be against any individual. There are many priests and faithful believers in Roman Catholicism who serve God to the best of their knowledge. They are seen by God as His children. Thus, the information contained herein is directed only towards the Roman Catholic religio-political system which has reigned in varying degrees of power for nearly two millennia. This system has established an increasing number of doctrines and statements that directly go against the Bible.

It is our purpose to lay the clear Word of God before you, the truth-seeking reader, to decide for yourself what is truth and what is error. Therefore, if you find anything here contrary to the Bible, do not accept it. However, if you desire to seek for Truth as for hidden treasure, and find herein something of that quality and feel that the Holy Spirit is revealing Truth to you, please make all haste to accept it.

More Answers: