What Does the Bible Say about Exorcism

Tap to Read ➤ Cheryl Mascarenhas

Yes, it is true that where there is good, evil follows. But the Bible tells us we need not fear, for we have the protection of the Almighty, and it is with this protection that we can fight and ward off all evil.

God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. ― Acts 10:38 (ESV) Exorcism, in simple words, is merely a ritual to liberate someone from the evil spirits that plague the individual.

The very first instance of casting out demons takes place in Gadarenes, where Jesus encountered two men who were possessed with fierce legions. As the Bible says, the demons asked Jesus to cast them into the herd of swines grazing nearby.

On Jesus' command, the legions fled from the bodies of men and entered the herd of swines who rushed into the bank of the sea and were drowned.

While it is natural to believe that the Bible supports exorcism, we must remember that it was performed by a selected few. These selected few had to stand the test of faith, besides being filled with the Holy Spirit to be able to perform a task as this. Let's take a look at what the Bible actually says about warding off evil.

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ― James 4:7 (ESV) As Christians, we are called to be strong in our faith, believe in the Lord, and not in the false promises of evil.

The strength of our faith is detrimental not just to ward off evil, but also to resist and overcome the evil doings of the devil. The Bible calls us to believe in God, who will protect and defend from the snares of the evil.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. ― Mark 16:17-18 (ESV)

Jesus gave His disciples authority over unclean spirits. With the power of the Holy Spirit invested in them, they too were able to ward off evil spirits from the people they encountered. Discerning from the importance stressed on the act of liberating individuals, one can say, it was an important part of the disciples' ministry.

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!" ― Luke 10:17 (ESV) Just as the seventy-two who were sent out to spread the news, we too are sent to bring about a change; the only condition is that we need to be humble ourselves to perform the work of God.

So to say, if you want to have authority to exercise the right, you ought to go as a lamb in the midst of wolves. This is definitely not an easy task, as you ought to be able to leave behind all the world's pleasures just as those who were called to the service of Christ and God.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. ― Ephesians 6:10-11 (ESV)

Those called to exercise their authority over evil forces, have to rest in the armor of God without which they will not succeed in their mission. The power to cast off evil has an underlying factor―that of standing firm and showing readiness in belief and faith.

Which further goes to imply that a man of selfless prayer and service―one who does not hesitate to invoke the help of the Holy Spirit―can exercise his/her authority over demonic spirits, just like Christ and His disciples did. So to say, if you have the Holy Spirit by your side, you can redeem that which is impossible for man.

Do you believe that you have the power to cast out demons? If your belief is strong, and you have the faith to move mountains, you can exercise the authority to heal and make whole not just yourself but also another. What is important is your firm belief that stands the test of time and not one that is easily shaken with a slight storm.

What we need to remember is that we should keep God close to us to ward off evil. Which just means that while the Bible does not really tell us how we are to cast off demons out of others, it does tell us to keep ourselves away from evil doings. If you believe in God, you shouldn't fear any evil, for the Lord will defend and protect you.