The Names and Operations of Demons
The Bible does not tell us the different names of demons but it does give us an idea on how they operate. Demons are fallen angels who chose to rebel with Satan against God. Some of the demons are already locked “in darkness, bound with everlasting chains” (Jude 1:6), while others are free to roam the earth. These are referred to as “the powers of this dark world and . . . the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).
Satan and his demons operate to deceive the world (2 Corinthians 4:4), spread false doctrines (1 Timothy 4:1), tempt God’s followers (2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 5:8) and cause destruction and death (John 8:44). They have great power compared to humans and can even possess human bodies.
But Satan’s power is nothing compared to God’s (Acts 19:11-12; Mark 5:1-20), and God is able to turn Satan’s attacks around and use them for the good of His followers (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Corinthians 12:7). The Lord declares, “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
The devil uses certain avenues to directly communicate with humans. For this reason God clearly forbids us to deal with the occult, devil worship, or the unclean spirit world. These activities include the use of mediums, séances, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot cards, channeling, etc. God calls these practices an abomination (Deuteronomy 18:9-12; Isaiah 8:19-20; Galatians 5:20; Revelation 21:8).
Those who get involved with these activities have direct contact with demons and open the doors for demons to possess them (Acts 19:13-16). Believers in Christ need to cut all connection to the occult by not dabbling with the occult via the internet, Media, books, music, jewelry, games, and anything related to the occult (Acts 19:17-19).
God warns us to never communicate with the dead through mediums because they are actually “the spirits of devils, working miracles” (Revelation 16:14). Satan and his angels can appear as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and, even more shocking, as Christ Himself (Matthew 24:23, 24).
The only way we can differentiate between a deception of Satan and the truth is through the Bible. Earnest Bible students know that the dead can never communicate with the living. For more on the state of the dead, check out The Intermediate State.
Freedom from demonic power can only be achieved through Jesus Christ (Acts 19:18; 26:16-18). As Christians submit to God and resist the devil, they have nothing to fear. We have access to this power through Jesus who overcame all the powers of Satan (John 16:33).
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team
