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Demons

Loyal
Demons... what are they?
The word demon isn't in the old testament anywhere, but it does talk about evil spirits or unclean spirits.

Sometimes these spirits even come from God. Judges 9:23; 1 Sam 16:14; 1 Sam 16:16; 1 Sam 16:23; 1 Sam 19:9;
Evil spirits are mentioned in the new testament. Acts 19:15-16;
Sometimes they are called an "unclean" spirit. Matt 12:43; Mark 1:23; Mark 1:26; Mark 3:30; Mark 5:2; Mark 5:8;
Mark 7:25; Mark 9:25; Luke 4:33; Luke 8:29; Luke 9:42; Luke 11:24; etc...

These spirits are called demons in several places.
Matt 8:16; Matt 8:28; Matt 9:32-33; Matt 12:22; Matt 15:22; Matt 17:18; Mark 1:32;
Sometimes many demons can inhabit a person, such as the case with "legion" (Mark 5:15;)
Mark 5:16; Mark 5:18; Mark 7:26; Mark 7:29-30; Luke 4:33; Luke 8:29; etc...
Luke 11 talks about a person (a house) that has been cleaned and had all the evil spirits removed, but
then an evil spirit brings back seven other spirits more evil than the first.
Rev 18:2; seems to indicate entire cities can be the dominion of a demon or unclean spirit.

All in all, there are over 40 verses in the new testament that talk about evil spirits, unclean spirits, demons, etc...

Some people think they are fallen angels, other think they are just agents of satan. The Bible doesn't really seem to say where they came from.

Some people believe Jesus, and the apostles did away with all of the demons. Jesus certainly has the power. Demons are afraid of Him. ( Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34; )

Even Jesus's followers (the seventy) had power to cast out demons. ( Luke 10:17; )
The Bible says we can cast out demons. Matt 7:22; Matt 10:8; Mark 3:15; Mark 16:17;

But seems demons still exist, and will even exist in the end times according to Revelation.

Demons have the ability to control people, and control their actions. I don't believe anyone who believes in Jesus and has the Holy Spirit can be demon possessed. However they can be demon "oppressed".
Even Paul had a messenger from Satan that oppressed him from time to time ( 2 Cor 12:7; )

Whenever I read the news about events similar to Las Vegas yesterday. I can't help but wonder if demon(s) were involved. Yes people are evil, but sometimes it seems there is a supernatural evil beyond what people are normally capable of.

Matt 7:22; says even people who "think" they are saved will have the power to cast out demons, but they aren't really saved.

Even here in TalkJesus this morning, there seems to be a little demonic activity. It seems some people are not able to control their actions. But greater is He that is in us, than he who is in the world.
 
Member
Good Scriptures listed - thx!

I did a word search using a NLT version and did find one verse in the OT ... Isaiah 47:12 "Call out the demon hordes you have worshiped all these years. Ask them to help you strike terror into the hearts of people once again."

Jesus says in John 4:24, "God is Spirit" and Paul says in Colossians 1:15, "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God" ... also, Jesus says in Matthew 19:17, "Only God is good," ... so from my perspective, God is the invisible Good Spirit all around us (Jeremiah 23:24: Can anyone hide from me? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?" asks the LORD.") who lived in Jesus (and now because of Jesus can live in us), and satan (devil) is the invisible bad spirit and the prince of demons (Matthew 9:34) who can live in sinners who have turned away from God.

When we sinned we were imprisoned in our own disobedience (Romans 11:32) and became slaves to sin ... and when we were forgiven of our sins by pleading to God the Father through Jesus Christ and then given His Holy, Good Spirit we were redeemed and became slaves to Jesus and our new Spirit became greater than the spirit of deception in the world.

Bottom line, I do believe there is spiritual warfare going on all around us that we cannot see. But if we stay in Christ Jesus by fearing only God, loving each other and obeying God then we have nothing to fear - we're doing our job! (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
 
Active
I am not surprised by evil that happens in big cities esp Las Vegas as demons like to gather round places where people sin. Usually in city areas where people think they can get away with it. While demons can have power, they dont have ultimate authority.

Saul in the old testment was tormented by an evil spirit. Jezebel was another person who was totally controlled by the spirit of Baal she worshipped.
Also Balaam I think.

In the New Testament Jesus was really the one who identified these evil spirits and was able to defeat them, but in the Old Testament they were not really able to do that, heaven hadnt been opened, hell wasnt enlarged.
Jesus came to take victory over sin and death and to defeat Satan.

Because all this happens in the heavenly spirit realm we cant always see what goes on but the book of revelation can help our understanding. In the Old Testament Job was not really able to comprehend how satan was messing with his life, but its actually stated that it was Satan behind all the calamities that happened.
 
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Loyal
It seems some angels could take human form. An angel physically wrestled with Jacob ( Gen 32:24-25; ), another angel physically grabbed Lot ( Gen 19:10-11; )
and it's even possible some angels took human females for wives. ( Gen 6:2-4; )

But there isn't really any record of demons taking human form. However it seems demons can "inhabit" people, and take control of them. There is no record
of angels entering and taking control of someone. (Satan entered Peter, but he didn't take physical control of Peter).
 
Active
If not fallen angels then where did they come from? They would have had to been created by God at some point, then turn against God. I can't see them as evil spirits of dead humans because everything that I read in the bible about the subject shows that man can't roam the earth after death.

Now if you believe in the gap theory of creation and believe that there were people on earth before Adam then the bible doesn't much mention what happened to them other then judgment was passed. But I cant see them becoming demons either.

An angel once killed 185,000 assyrians in one night. A demon seems relatively weaker as legion consisted of a lot of demons. Could this change in power be a result of their fallen nature? Or maybe it speaks to how the power itself works. I don't see demons really able to do much unless a person agrees to the possession. I just can't see them taken control of people by force.
 
Active
Demons are fallen angels. All intelligent creations need to have had been given free will at some point. God is good Psalm 136:1 and impartial Acts 10:34. They exercised their's when they rebelled and chose to leave God knowing all the consequences Matt 8:29. Even the torment of coming eternal hell is known by them and yet they still made the choice to rebel.

I find it a bit hilarious how paranoid many are of them. Or how disrespectfully some 'talk' to them. As though they are 'scum'. Jesus gave the devil the time of day. Allowed him to tempt Him on not one but three occasions Matt 4. Jesus ''honored'' the request of demons to be cast into swine Matt 8:28-34.

If we consider how a human needs to be 'sold out' to sin before they are handed over to their sin Rom 1:24, we can with confidence say that all demons have crossed a line whereby their intentions to do / love what is wicked were beyond hating it. As such there are no ''good'' demons.

I would not say they are all as wicked as the other. There are scales of wicked and good. They must also surely have a full functioning society. As we are created just beneath them, I expect them to enjoy / have an interest in many activities we ourselves take part in. Creating things, art, travelling, sightseeing, bird watching. Granted many would get a kick out of harassment, seeing wickedness, corruption and people in suffering.

I believe they are a bit 'bored' at the moment. They must have many restrictions on them by God. Much like the USA did to Japan after WW2. I do find it interesting though that God still give them space and the ability to be on earth as opposed to a prison / hell. It speaks to God not 'hating' them. To the likelihood of them having some power and thereby activities / things to do. They are very likely beyond us with genetics and composite material technology. As such, I do believe they are behind UFO's / UAP's. Grey aliens. Mermaids. Hauntings. Werewolves. Maybe even vampires and leprichauns?

When reading Revelations it seems that humans become a lot more aware of the presence of demons. I mean for crying out aloud the anti-christ is mocking God / Jesus and doing miracles. Then two prophets come and shoot fire from their mouths Rev 11:5. It seems the perfect environment for a veil keeping demons hidden to be removed. Within reason I guess. God has a purpose and reason for the tribulation.

I find it very interesting how scripture mentions there being so many angels Rev 5:11, Matt 26:53, Luke 2:13 and how only a third fell Rev 12:4. Thousands and thousands of intelligent beings with differing personalities. God is truly amazing!!

Then the fact that only 1/3 fell. Makes me wonder about the ratio of humans that go to hell verse heaven. Will we be similar / close to 1/3? Granted scripture says broad is the path to hell and narrow the gate to heaven Matt 7:13. But does that speak to ratio's? Or just to the fact that it is harder to resist the lusts of the flesh over giving in. Not meaning that in the fullness of a persons life, they not choose Jesus over rejecting Him? I am just skeptical of people saying things like ''out of a hundred people, the ratio will be 1 making it to heaven and 99 going to hell''.
 
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Active
Demons are fallen angels. All intelligent creations need to have had been given free will at some point. God is good Psalm 136:1 and impartial Acts 10:34. They exercised their's when they rebelled and chose to leave God knowing all the consequences Matt 8:29. Even the torment of coming eternal hell is known by them and yet they still made the choice to rebel.

I find it a bit hilarious how paranoid many are of them. Or how disrespectfully some 'talk' to them. As though they are 'scum'. Jesus gave the devil the time of day. Allowed him to tempt Him on not one but three occasions Matt 4. Jesus ''honored'' the request of demons to be cast into swine Matt 8:28-34.

If we consider how a human needs to be 'sold out' to sin before they are handed over to their sin Rom 1:24, we can with confidence say that all demons have crossed a line whereby their intentions to do / love what is wicked were beyond hating it. As such there are no ''good'' demons.

I would not say they are all as wicked as the other. There are scales of wicked and good. They must also surely have a full functioning society. As we are created just beneath them, I expect them to enjoy / have an interest in many activities we ourselves take part in. Creating things, art, travelling, sightseeing, bird watching. Granted many would get a kick out of harassment, seeing wickedness, corruption and people in suffering.

I believe they are a bit 'bored' at the moment. They must have many restrictions on them by God. Much like the USA did to Japan after WW2. I do find it interesting though that God still give them space and the ability to be on earth as opposed to a prison / hell. It speaks to God not 'hating' them. To the likelihood of them having some power and thereby activities / things to do. They are very likely beyond us with genetics and composite material technology. As such, I do believe they are behind UFO's / UAP's. Grey aliens. Mermaids. Hauntings. Werewolves. Maybe even vampires and leprichauns?

When reading Revelations it seems that humans become a lot more aware of the presence of demons. I mean for crying out aloud the anti-christ is mocking God / Jesus and doing miracles. Then two prophets come and shoot fire from their mouths Rev 11:5. It seems the perfect environment for a veil keeping demons hidden to be removed. Within reason I guess. God has a purpose and reason for the tribulation.

I find it very interesting how scripture mentions there being so many angels Rev 5:11, Matt 26:53, Luke 2:13 and how only a third fell Rev 12:4. Thousands and thousands of intelligent beings with differing personalities. God is truly amazing!!

Then the fact that only 1/3 fell. Makes me wonder about the ratio of humans that go to hell verse heaven. Will we be similar / close to 1/3? Granted scripture says broad is the path to hell and narrow the gate to heaven Matt 7:13. But does that speak to ratio's? Or just to the fact that it is harder to resist the lusts of the flesh over giving in. Not meaning that in the fullness of a persons life, they not choose Jesus over rejecting Him? I am just skeptical of people saying things like ''out of a hundred people, the ratio will be 1 making it to heaven and 99 going to hell''.
As for the ratio I have no idea. But I can say that we are born in a separated state from God. And we sin from that state. Eventually some of us see God's grace and accept it. We learn how gracious and loving God is. We are redeemed. But I believe angels live knowing exactly how good God is and chose to rebel. That is why I believe there is no redemption for fallen angels, what new thing could be said about God's forgiveness that they didn't already know before rebelling? They chose not only to reject God but his goodness as well, leaving no possible way to redemption that they will choose. But I believe that it is thanks to them coming from a position of Knowledge about exactly who God is that kept such a high percentage from rebelling. But we are born in a state where knowledge of God has to be shown to us. That makes redemption possible but might also change the ratio where the vast majority do not choose grace.
 
Loyal
Scripture warns us to stay away from demons. Not mess around with ouiji boards or anything that might cause / result in demon oppression // not possession. A born-again believer can't be possessed by demons because the Holy Spirit is already dwelling in that person. He / the Holy Spirit won't leave.

Be careful to Not watch some of the 'supernatural' movies. Or movies with sorcery. Harry Potter movies have been popular -- but they should not be watched. They are said to be 'majical' in nature. And I don't hear anything about them nowdays.
 
Active
I think that when it comes to demons we must be careful to separate scripture from superstition. Superstitions will only serve to bring us to be more afraid and cause us to be more judgemental toward others who aren't superstitious.

I have read the harry potter books. There is nothing sinister in them. In fact though they aren't christ centered like the chronicles of Narnia, they teach some very important lessons. Such as loyalty, courage, and that love is the most powerful force. And I'm talking about the self-sacrificing kind, the kind that forgives.

Also for all the older people who were around for that d&d scare in the 80s and 90s. I also looked into it. And trust me when I say that behind the surface of roleplaying and learning to communicate lies something horrifying. MATH. I know scary right. But yea just a story told with math.
 
Active
Harry Potter on its own is not an issue. It is a part / a small cog in a bigger brainwashing scheme.

When you cook a crab, you slowly heat up the water.
 
Loyal
I think that when it comes to demons we must be careful to separate scripture from superstition. Superstitions will only serve to bring us to be more afraid and cause us to be more judgemental toward others who aren't superstitious.

I have read the harry potter books. There is nothing sinister in them. In fact though they aren't christ centered like the chronicles of Narnia, they teach some very important lessons. Such as loyalty, courage, and that love is the most powerful force. And I'm talking about the self-sacrificing kind, the kind that forgives.

Also for all the older people who were around for that d&d scare in the 80s and 90s. I also looked into it. And trust me when I say that behind the surface of roleplaying and learning to communicate lies something horrifying. MATH. I know scary right. But yea just a story told with math.


There Are some things that Need to be Avoided -- Dungeons and Dragons was one of them. Back then -- a friend of my sons was into that -- the guys' Dad thought it was okay. We said NO. My thought has been -- when in doubt, Don't.

There are lots of people who believe that lots' of Scripture Is superstition.

I was just researching about Harry Potter -- witchcraft / sorcery. He was a little boy who just didn't seem to 'fit in' and he found his 'self' through The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It speaks to kids who feel they don't fit in because they are somewhat different than the 'norm'. a broken home -- being overly smart -- too creative. -- whatever.

So -- in reality -- the series is telling kids that witchcraft / sorcery isn't Really so bad Afterall. Creating a fantasy world for them. THAT IS DANGEROUS. Supposedly he finds respect and friendship. And what an environment to find it in -- with witches who are Real -- good magic vs evil magic. Just what our kids need to be learning.

WE need to stick with God's Word --learning the Truth. Godly friendship and Godly respect.
 
Loyal
Harry Potter on its own is not an issue. It is a part / a small cog in a bigger brainwashing scheme.

When you cook a crab, you slowly heat up the water.


Harry Potter certain Is an issue.

Satan uses whatever 'cogs' he needs to lure kids / adults into his web. And satans' web is one that No one wants to be caught in.
 
Loyal
Good Scriptures listed - thx!

I did a word search using a NLT version and did find one verse in the OT ... Isaiah 47:12 "Call out the demon hordes you have worshiped all these years. Ask them to help you strike terror into the hearts of people once again."

Greetings @Matthew17

I am a little baffled with the verse quoted above, I don't have the NLT only the NLT2, but it doesn't seem to be the right verse.

Isaiah 47:12 (NLT2)
12 “Now use your magical charms! Use the spells you have worked at all these years! Maybe they will do you some good. Maybe they can make someone afraid of you.

Isaiah 47:12 (NKJV)
12 "Stand now with your enchantments And the multitude of your sorceries, In which you have labored from your youth-- Perhaps you will be able to profit, Perhaps you will prevail.

Isaiah 47:12 (NJB)
12 Keep to your spells then, and all your sorceries, at which you have worked so hard since you were young. Perhaps you will succeed, perhaps you will strike terror!

But when I search Google I find one result for what you have quoted and it says it is Isaiah 47:12 NLT?



>>> Since typing the above I have done another search though all my translations, I think the Internet search showing NLT is wrong it is however in the TLB

Isaiah 47:12 (TLB)
12 "Call out the demon hordes you’ve worshiped all these years. Call on them to help you strike deep terror into many hearts again.

The concern I feel is that it is the only translation I find with this wording in this verse, most others are referring to sorcery or magic, which are referring to witchcraft in the Strong's dictionary.
 
Loyal
Bottom line, I do believe there is spiritual warfare going on all around us that we cannot see. But if we stay in Christ Jesus by fearing only God, loving each other and obeying God then we have nothing to fear - we're doing our job! (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Amen brother Amen
 
Loyal
It seems some angels could take human form. An angel physically wrestled with Jacob ( Gen 32:24-25; ), another angel physically grabbed Lot ( Gen 19:10-11; )
and it's even possible some angels took human females for wives. ( Gen 6:2-4; )

But there isn't really any record of demons taking human form. However it seems demons can "inhabit" people, and take control of them. There is no record
of angels entering and taking control of someone. (Satan entered Peter, but he didn't take physical control of Peter).


Over the last seven years we looked after my wife's dad and mum, both had vascular dementia, both at different stages, it was so hard especially with the two of them with the illness. Neither accepted the Lord, first my wife's dad died and 18 months or so later her mum died.

Having experienced the vascular dementia in both of them, although it is the violent type, both responded differently, now to be clear I am not saying the illness is a demon, it is a pestilence. But what happened after her husband died was a massive concern, she couldn't cope due to the illness and the loss, and as prayers were lifted daily for her, all hell was let loose, it is not a term I use often. She saw demons, she talked to them, she would say they are there look, why can you not see them and I can, they are evil, they are coming to get me. Outside the bungalow were many garden ornaments, she broke the heads of every one of them. Now some may say it was the illness, some the loss of her husband, some may say both, but what she saw was real, and evil, she called them demons also. Now prayer was raised for her protection and the demons were rebuked in Jesus Name.

One night she was seen out in the street by a neighbour, it was around 1am, this was the first we knew of this but it triggered a fast response by social services, we were given just days to find a home for her. Thank the Lord, prayer was answered, a home was found and she settled in and the demons were gone. Praise the Lord.

She passed away six months later and the demons never came back.
 
Active
There Are some things that Need to be Avoided -- Dungeons and Dragons was one of them. Back then -- a friend of my sons was into that -- the guys' Dad thought it was okay. We said NO. My thought has been -- when in doubt, Don't.

There are lots of people who believe that lots' of Scripture Is superstition.

I was just researching about Harry Potter -- witchcraft / sorcery. He was a little boy who just didn't seem to 'fit in' and he found his 'self' through The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It speaks to kids who feel they don't fit in because they are somewhat different than the 'norm'. a broken home -- being overly smart -- too creative. -- whatever.

So -- in reality -- the series is telling kids that witchcraft / sorcery isn't Really so bad Afterall. Creating a fantasy world for them. THAT IS DANGEROUS. Supposedly he finds respect and friendship. And what an environment to find it in -- with witches who are Real -- good magic vs evil magic. Just what our kids need to be learning.

WE need to stick with God's Word --learning the Truth. Godly friendship and Godly respect.
I would love discuss this further but it is a little off topic from demons. So I will create a new thread in discussions and I invite anyone who wants to discuss harry potter and d&d to come by.
 
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