Demonic Activity Today: Satan actively blinds the minds of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 4:4) and pacifies them through the influence of the world system (1 John 5:19). He also energizes his followers—those who mimic Christians and deceive others (Ephesians 2:2; 5:6). Moreover, Satan engages in spiritual warfare against believers (Ephesians 6:12), seeking to ensnare them to do his will (2 Timothy 2:26), even transforming his servants to appear as servants of righteousness (2 Corinthians 11:15). While there is no clear biblical indication of demonic possession occurring today, unbelievers remain under demonic influence. Superstition, a work of the flesh, often contributes to the perception of demonic activity. Those demons that once possessed humans are now bound (Luke 8:31), most likely referring to lower-ranking demons—those described in Revelation 9:6 as tormenting rather than killing, in contrast to higher-ranking demons who bring plagues (Revelation 9:17). These lower demons are depicted as having counterfeit victor’s crowns (Revelation 9:7) and are permitted to harm humanity (Revelation 9:10).
The Christian’s Authority Over Demons is distinct across different dispensational periods. During Christ’s earthly ministry, His disciples were granted authority (Mark 3:14; Luke 9:1), including the seventy-one sent out in Luke 10:1,17; however, this authority had no direct implications for the Church (Matthew 10:5–6). After Christ’s resurrection and the establishment of the Church, Peter and the other apostles performed signs, including healing and casting out demons, primarily as signs to the Jews (Acts 5:12, 14–16). Paul, as a steward of the current dispensation of grace (Colossians 1:25), also performed signs for the Jews, including casting out demons (Acts 16:16–18) and turning a saint over to Satan (1 Timothy 1:20), though he did not possess authority over all demons (2 Corinthians 12:7). The Church today is instructed not to cast out demons but to resist them (James 4:7) and to stand firm in the faith (1 Peter 5:9).
Traditions of men have introduced practices such as anointing houses perceived to be filled with demons, though these have no biblical basis. In the realm of angelic and demonic warfare, prayer is often portrayed as a form of spiritual combat, where the believer’s prayers contribute to the battle. However, improper methods are frequently taught for overcoming Satan, including the use of specific prayers, sayings, pleading the blood of Jesus, fasting, solitude, or even focusing on the Cross, none of which are prescribed in Scripture for this purpose. Compounding this confusion is the issue with the ending of Mark, where significant textual problems exist. Much of the final chapter (Mark 16:9–20) is derived from Latin sources, contains contradictions with other resurrection accounts, and has often been used to justify traditions of men (Mark 16:17–18).
The Christian’s Authority Over Demons is distinct across different dispensational periods. During Christ’s earthly ministry, His disciples were granted authority (Mark 3:14; Luke 9:1), including the seventy-one sent out in Luke 10:1,17; however, this authority had no direct implications for the Church (Matthew 10:5–6). After Christ’s resurrection and the establishment of the Church, Peter and the other apostles performed signs, including healing and casting out demons, primarily as signs to the Jews (Acts 5:12, 14–16). Paul, as a steward of the current dispensation of grace (Colossians 1:25), also performed signs for the Jews, including casting out demons (Acts 16:16–18) and turning a saint over to Satan (1 Timothy 1:20), though he did not possess authority over all demons (2 Corinthians 12:7). The Church today is instructed not to cast out demons but to resist them (James 4:7) and to stand firm in the faith (1 Peter 5:9).
Traditions of men have introduced practices such as anointing houses perceived to be filled with demons, though these have no biblical basis. In the realm of angelic and demonic warfare, prayer is often portrayed as a form of spiritual combat, where the believer’s prayers contribute to the battle. However, improper methods are frequently taught for overcoming Satan, including the use of specific prayers, sayings, pleading the blood of Jesus, fasting, solitude, or even focusing on the Cross, none of which are prescribed in Scripture for this purpose. Compounding this confusion is the issue with the ending of Mark, where significant textual problems exist. Much of the final chapter (Mark 16:9–20) is derived from Latin sources, contains contradictions with other resurrection accounts, and has often been used to justify traditions of men (Mark 16:17–18).