Are demons real?

Some people associate demons with fairy tales or horror movies. There are lots of stories about them, but are those fictional tales based on reality? How do we know that demons exist today? In order to get accurate information on demons, we must go to the source of truth: God's Word (Psalm 119:60).

Throughout the Bible, demons are referred to as "unclean" or "evil" spirits, and some of the false gods that received human sacrifices are described as actual demons (2 Chronicles 11:15; Deuteronomy 32:17). According to the Bible, demons are angels who followed the self-righteous angel Morning Star (Isaiah 14:12) in a rebellion against God. (This was Satan.) When Morning Star made his move, one third of the angelic host joined his insurrection (Revelation 12:3-4,9). Today, these fallen angels are known as demons.

Do demons have power?

Since demons are fallen angels, they do possess power and influence just like angels. However, the Bible seems to indicate that God has limited their abilities (2 Thessalonians 2:6-7). While some demons are already locked "in darkness, bound with everlasting chains" (Jude 1:6) for their sin, others are fighting a spiritual battle with the holy angels in a vain attempt to oppose God's plan and sabotage God's people (Ephesians 6:12; Daniel 10:13).

The Bible tells us some of the main traits of Satan's spiritual forces:

• Demons are powerful and have authority to rule in the world—to extent of what God allows (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19; Job 1:12).
• Demons are associated with darkness and wickedness—not light or goodness (Ephesians 6:11-12).
• Demons are shrewd and know how to scheme and strategize—sometimes disguising themselves as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
• Satan and his demons WILL lose in the end (John 12:31; Romans 16:20)!

The opposition Satan and his demons instigate is very real, though it's not necessarily visible to the naked eye because they are spiritual beings. Even though we cannot perceive them naturally, there is an invisible spiritual battle raging every day of our lives. Because of this, we need to stay spiritually vigilant (1 Peter 5:8).

Demons & the Occult

Aside from the unseen spiritual battle, there is more overt demonic activity still going on today in practices of the occult and witchcraft. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines occult as "matters regarded as involving the action or influence of supernatural or supernormal powers or some secret knowledge of them," which include Ouija boards, tarot cards, calling upon the dead, scrying, etc.

Such practices are of the occult because they try to "tap into" unseen forces to gain knowledge that cannot be obtained by natural means. There is no guarantee that any spiritual "being" has one's best interest in mind—no matter what they seem to claim. In fact, if it isn't God or from Him, there is no basis to trust any other spiritual force, being, or power.

Demon Possession

Demon possession appears throughout the Bible (Mark 9:17-29; Matthew 8:28-34) and also occurs today. Since demons are spiritual beings, they have the unique ability to possess (completely control) a physical body—human or animal. Thankfully, this cannot happen to ANY child of God because the Holy Spirit resides in their heart (1 John 4:4; James 4:7).

Even so, believers should still be on their guard against demonic influences. Demon possession may be off the table, but that doesn't mean our minds can't be manipulated. 1 Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." While the fictional depictions of demons are often scary and monstrous, real demons are much more likely to take on the form of something that is attractive to humans, telling them exactly what they want to hear in order to subvert our spiritual growth (2 Corinthians 11:14).

How can I protect myself from demonic influence?

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." —Ephesians 6:12

Because of our natural human weaknesses, we cannot rely on our own strength to have victory over such a dark enemy. Only God can strengthen, defend, and deliver us from the power, wickedness, and craft of the devil (2 Timothy 4:17–18). While Satan and His demons are strong, they are already defeated by Christ's victory over them on the cross (Colossians 2:15).

To protect ourselves from the spiritual influence of demons, we must put on the full armor of God talked about in Ephesians 6:10-18: the Belt of truth, the Breastplate of Righteousness, the Sandals of Peace, the Shield of Faith, the Helmet of Salvation, the Sword of the Spirit, and continually pray. Ultimately, children of God have nothing to fear from demons, because the Holy Spirit within them is stronger than any power of darkness.

"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." —1 John 4:4

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