Category: demons

What About Demon Possession?

Carl Pollard

The Bible clearly teaches that Satan is real, active, and dangerous. While there’s debate about whether demon possession still occurs today in the same way it did during the ministry of Jesus and the apostles, Scripture leaves no doubt that the devil still seeks to influence people toward sin, destruction, and rebellion against God.

During the earthly ministry of Jesus, demon possession was a visible reality. The Gospels record numerous accounts of individuals being possessed by demons, often causing destructive behavior, supernatural knowledge, physical harm, or loss of control (Mark 5:1–20; Luke 8:26–35). Jesus cast out demons as a demonstration of His divine authority and as evidence that the kingdom of God had come (Matthew 12:28).

These miracles also confirmed the truth of the gospel message. Hebrews 2:3–4 explains that God bore witness to the message through “signs and wonders and various miracles.” Demon possession and miraculous casting out of demons played a role in confirming Christ’s authority and the authority of His apostles.

At the same time, the Bible teaches that Satan’s influence extends beyond literal possession. Ephesians 2:1–3 describes sinful humanity as walking “according to the prince of the power of the air.” Satan influences the world through temptation, deception, fear, pride, anger, and sinful desires. Jesus called Satan “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Peter warned Christians to remain alert because “your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

This means that when people give themselves over to hatred, violence, wickedness, or rebellion, they’re often allowing themselves to be influenced by Satan’s work in the world. James 3:14–16 says jealousy, selfish ambition, and disorder are “earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” In that sense, evil behavior can absolutely reflect satanic influence.

However, Scripture also teaches personal responsibility. Satan tempts, but he doesn’t force people to sin. James 1:14 says each person is “lured and enticed by his own desire.” The devil works through temptation and deception, but individuals still choose whether to follow the flesh or obey God.

Christians should avoid two extremes. One extreme is denying Satan’s activity altogether. The other is blaming every sinful action or emotional struggle on demons. The Bible calls believers to be sober-minded, spiritually alert, and grounded in truth.

The good news is that Christ has ultimate authority over Satan. Colossians 2:15 says Jesus “disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame.” Christians don’t have to live in fear. Through God’s Word, prayer, faithfulness, and submission to God, we can resist the devil. James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Satan is real. Spiritual warfare is real. But so is the victory of Christ! 

Books by the Pollards

A Tiny Spark Snail Mail Club (Kathy Pollard)

“I Know Who You Are!”

Neal Pollard

A rich detail in the study of the gospel of Mark is the testimony of the unclean spirits about Jesus. 

  • Mark 1:24—A man in the synagogue with an unclean spirit said, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
  • Mark 3:11—“Whenever the unclean spirits saw Him, they would fall down before Him and shout, ‘You are the Son of God!’”
  • Mark 5:7—The man with the unclean spirit named Legion said, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God, do not torment me!”

In addition to these encounters, the gospel repeatedly shows Jesus’ power over the unclean spirits—He gave authority to the apostles over the unclean spirits (Mark 6:7), He healed the little girl with the unclean spirit (Mark 7:25), and He cast out the unclean “deaf and mute” spirit from the man’s son (Mark 9:25). Reading just those few accounts of Jesus’ power over them, no wonder they testified about Him! Who knows what they had seen of Him in the spirit realm that people on earth had not seen?  

Consider a few observations about these believing, confessing evil spirits we read about in the gospel record. 

—Their faith exceeded the faith of the apostles, disciples, and religious leaders.  Jesus rebukes the absence and littleness of faith in the people who encounter Him, even those who were His closest followers. In Mark 8:28, so many were wrong about who He was. The disciples showed fear instead of faith or they missed the point on occasions where faith would have made things clear. How humbling for them that unclean spirits were crystal clear in their knowledge about Jesus. 

—Their faith did not benefit them.  James’ epistle drives this point home. He writes, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder” (2:19). These unclean spirits were working against Christ. Just knowing who Jesus was did not save them nor did it make them submissive to Him.

—Their faith is presented as a prominent proof of Jesus’ identity.  The miracles, wonders, and signs performed by Jesus help the apostles and disciples ultimately figure out who Jesus is. Peter would preach this (Acts 2:22ff). John would write this (John 20:30-31). Reading about this in the Bible, countless men and women through the centuries have believed based on the record about Jesus that includes His power over the spirit world. Mark presents these encounters to establish the fact confessed by Peter: “You are the Christ” (8:29).

How does this apply to us today?  First, let’s not let the world live with greater faith and understanding than we do. Second, let’s understand that merely understanding and believing the identity of Jesus will not save us. Faith must be accompanied by works. Third, may we allow the various proofs about Jesus to build and grow our faith and trust in Him, and by this yield a foundation which stands up to the fiercest storms (cf. Matt. 7:24-25). Let’s not merely say to Jesus, “I know who You are!” Let’s show Him!

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