The following articles are related to the topic of DEMONS

The Demon Frenzy

A while back the movie industry re-released a 25th anniversary version of the horror film, The Exorcist. The movie was loosely based on William Blatty's book of the same name. The star of the film, Linda Blair, was cast as a young girl who supposedly was possessed of a demon. I well remember the panic that seized many after reading ... read more »

What Do You Know About Demons?

The study of "demons" is a fascinating yet challenging topic in biblical literature. There is much to be learned from a survey of this theme. Admittedly, however, there is some mystery as well. It is not that the sacred text cannot be understood; that is plain enough. The puzzlement lies in the fact that we are not witnesses to the ... read more »

Demons: Ancient Superstition or Historical Reality?

As one begins a perusal of the New Testament, he encounters an unusual phenomenon known as demon possession. The first Gospel writer recorded these words: And the report of him [Jesus] went forth into all Galilee: and they brought unto him all that were sick, holden with divers diseases and torments, possessed with demons, and epileptic, and palsied; and he ... read more »

Were the Pharisees Able to Exorcise Demons?

"Were the Pharisees able to cast out demons? Matthew 12:27 seems to indicate that they could." The answer to the question is "no." The Pharisees were not able to cast out demons. Before we look at this passage in particular, several important points must be noted. The Purpose of Exorcism The purpose of supernatural spiritual gifts was to confirm the ... read more »

The Theology of Demons

As we observed in an another article, "Demons: Ancient Superstition or Historical Reality?", the term "demon" appears to come from a Greek root form meaning "to know." Plato, in his Cratylus (i.398), suggested that the word is derived from daemon, "knowing." Whatever else, therefore, may be said of demons, they were intelligent beings; they "knew" certain truths. A consideration of ... read more »

King Saul — A Case Study in Apostasy

Saul, son of Kish, Israel's first king, stands as a solemn warning to all who followed thereafter. He was the ruler born of Israel's wishes - that the Hebrews might "be like" the heathen nations nearby (1 Samuel 8:5). In the providence of God, he was appointed their king. Yes, allowed by the Lord, but later removed by the same ... read more »

Jesus: The Master Teacher

Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, conceded that Jesus of Nazareth was "a teacher" from God, as documented by the "signs" which he did (John 3:2). A wealthy young ruler approached the Lord asking, "Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16). Even Jesus' enemies addressed him as "Teacher" (Matthew 22:16, 24), though ... read more »

Help My Unbelief!

It is an episode fraught with mystery; one about which we wish we knew more. A man brought his son, who was possessed of a demon, to the Lord's disciples. He wanted the Master's men to cast out the evil spirit, but they could not. Jesus pinpointed the problem; the disciples' faith was lacking (Mark 9:17-19; cf. Matthew 17:20). Accordingly, ... read more »

The Authority of Jesus Christ

Authority is a concept known to some degree by every responsible person. By most it is appreciated, for without it society would be chaotic. Others detest it, and refuse to live by it. The world's prisons are full of such rebels. "Authority" is a major biblical theme. The most popular Greek word for "authority" is exousia (sometimes translated as "power"). ... read more »

What Is the Eternal Sin?

"What is the 'eternal sin,' mentioned in Mark 3:29? Can it be committed today?" Here is the text that is the focus of this question. "Verily I say unto you, All their sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies they shall have blasphemed: but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is ... read more »