It is helpful to recognise three stages of demonisation:
1. Temptation by the devil or demons (as opposed to the world
and the flesh);
2. Oppression or onslaughts by demons;
3. Possession or indwelling by demons.
Temptation
We are all subject to the temptations of the world, the flesh and the devil.
Even our Lord Jesus Christ was tempted of the devil: not just in the
wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13) but throughout his earthly life.
After his victory in the wilderness, the devil departed from him; but only
"for a season". Non-Christians are not often troubled by these temptations.
Satan knows they are hell-bound; so he will ignore them unless they start to
repent and become interested in the Gospel. Then he will do all he can to
distract them from getting saved. When they are saved, he will do all he can
to prevent them from influencing others for Christ.
Oppression
Great saints often report prolonged assaults from demons as they try to serve
Christ and witness for him. St Paul wrote "we wrestle not against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places"
(Ephesians 6:12). St Peter wrote: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your
adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may
devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions
are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Peter 5:8-9).
Martin Luther in his stand for the Protestant Reformation was constantly
assailed by the devil or by demons. He referred to these assaults as
/Anfechtungen/: see his hymn, /Ein' feste Burg ist unser Gott/ (A safe
stronghold our God is still). St Patrick of Ireland had similar attacks: see
his hymn /Patrick's Breastplate/ (I bind unto myself today).
Possession
Films like /The Exorcist/ have given a false impression of Demonisation and
what to do about it. Demon-possession is a condition testified in the Bible,
and regularly dealt with by our Lord and by his disciples. Demons are
discarnate spirits, probably fallen angels, who long to experience the
pleasures of the flesh but are unable. According to Jesus, "When the unclean
spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and
finding none, he saith, I will return to my house from which I came out. And
when he cometh he findeth it swept and garnished. Then he goeth, and taketh to
him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell
there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first" (Luke
11:24-26).
How do we get Demonised?
A Christian who is born-again of the Spirit and walking in the Spirit is often
greatly oppressed by the devil and/or demons; but he cannot be possessed by
demons unless he abandons his faith and backslides into gross sin.
Non-Christians have no defence against demons except their own resolve and
will, which is totally inadequate against that "most subtle" of all creatures
(Genesis 3:1). Christians who rely on their own strength to combat demons will
also fail.
Interest in the Occult
Any undue interest in the Occult is bound to attract the attentions of demons.
Playing with Tarot cards or Ouija boards; dabbling with Horoscopes; attending
seances; attempting to contact the spirits of the dead; learning
Transcendental Meditation or Yoga; taking part in any "New Age" activities.
Such activities amount to an invitation to the spirits to enter your life and
provide you with input. Beware!
Gross Physical Pleasures
The only way discarnate demons can experience the thrills of the flesh is
through human beings. Any abandonment to, or indulgence in, crass physical
pleasure, whether through eating, drinking, drug taking, or sex outside
marriage, will attract the attention of demons. If "it's illegal, it's
immoral, or it makes you fat" then cut it out!
Spells and Curses
Unprotected people (non-Christians and backsliders) can be demonised through
the hostile activity of witches and satanic priests.
Chastening by God
God sent an evil spirit to torment King Saul for his disobedience (1 Samuel
16:14). God sent "a messenger of Satan" to Paul to keep him humble (2
Corinthians 12:7) so he would not lapse into spiritual pride. See Hebrews
12:5-11.
What can we do about it?
Proper Diagnosis
First of all, we must recognise that although demonisation can manifest itself
as clinical epilepsy or clinical schizophrenia, this does NOT mean that all
epileptics and all victims of schizophrenia are demonised. The vast majority
of such patients are not, and improve greatly with ordinary medication
supervised by their GP or specialist consultant, and can lead victorious
Christian lives. Diagnosis must come before Prescription.
Temptation
"Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from [the] evil [one]" (the
Lord's Prayer). By "walking in the Spirit" we shall not yield to temptation.
This means leading a full Christian life of Worship, Witness, Bible Study,
Prayer, and Fellowship. If we are aware of having sinned, then we must confess
it at once to God and claim the cleansing of the Blood of Christ (1 John 1:9).
"Sin shall not have dominion over you" (Romans 6:14).
Oppression
When aware of demonic assaults, open your Bible to Ephesians 6 and read verses
10 to 20. Then "put on the whole armour of God" by miming putting on each part
as you come to it in the text. Then turn up Luther's hymn /A Safe Stronghold/
in your hymnbook, and say or better sing it aloud. Turn up Patrick's hymn /I
bind unto myself today/, and say or sing it right through; especially verse 8,
"Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me,
Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ
above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that
love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger". Turn up John Bunyan's hymn
/Who would true valour see/, and sing that right through. Hobgoblins, foul
fiends, and fancies will flee away for a season, and leave you in peace. But
expect a counter-attack! The singing of praises is the best prophylaxis.
Possession
This is the hardest to cope with; Jesus said "This kind goeth not out except
by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:21). The Deliverance Ministry can only be
carried out by ministers who are called and equipped by God for this task. Do
not attempt it by yourself at home! See what happened to the seven sons of
Sceva (Acts 19:14-16). Consult with your pastor about professional spiritual
help. Every Anglican diocese has a Diocesan Exorcist; other churches something
similar.
Until help arrives, just continue in prayer for the deliverance of the victim.
The minister will probably prepare with praise and prayer before interviewing
the patient if he is quiet enough. Then he will pray over him, and command the
demons to leave in the name of Jesus. If there are any occult manifestations,
he will deal with them as they arise in the name of Jesus. Sometimes the
demons go quietly; sometimes they argue and protest and get violent. The
gifted exorcist will know from the Lord when they have gone, and will conclude
the service by praising the Lord and blessing the patient. Sometimes more than
one session is required before deliverance is complete. This is not a ministry
to be undertaken lightly.
