RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-02-02	What Are Unclean Spirits In The Bible?
		An unclean spirit in the New Testament is a more descriptive Jewish term for a demon. The terms unclean spirit and demon appear to be interchangeable in Scripture. So there is no difference in their definitions. The term unclean spirits is mentioned over twenty times. Mostly in the Gospels and the book of Acts. All the references include (Mt.10:1; 12:43; Mk.1:23, 26-27; 3:11; 3:30; 5:2, 8, 13; 6:7; 7:25; 9:25; Lk.4:36; 6:18; 8:29; 9:42; 11:24; Ac.5:16; 8:7). From these passages we read that unclean spirits can possess people, cause them sickness, and other harm (Mt.10:1; Ac.8:7). Mat 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Act 8:7 For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. If they are not currently possessing someone they search for someone to possess (Mt.12:43). Some unclean spirits are more evil or unclean than others (Lk.11:26). They can interact with one another (Mt.12:45; Mk.5:1-20). They are under God's authority, and must submit to Him (Mk.1:27; 3:11; 5:8, 13). The unclean spirit or demon is called “unclean” because they are wicked. They appear to delight in wickedness and promote wickedness in humans. They seek to contaminate God's creation with their wickedness. Their unholy nature is in direct contrast with the Holy Spirit of God. Unclean spirits are not the spirits of dead humans. When a person dies he goes immediately to either eternal life with the Lord, or to eternal judgment in hell (Mt.25:46; 2Co.5:6-8; He.9:27). Human spirits do not wander on earth in their spirit bodies as demons do. All unclean spirits mentioned in Scripture are demons or fallen angels, and are definitely unholy spirits doomed to eternity in the eternal fire (Mt.25:41). Is it possible for someone today to be demon possessed? Yes. Demon possession did not end with the New Testament. The symptoms of demon-possession today would be the same as in the New Testament era. These would include: superhuman strength, superhuman knowledge, a different voice speaking through the person, and the inability to control oneself. There, at times, is a correlation between sickness, mental illness, and demonic activity. But caution should be exercised not to quickly attribute a sickness with demonic activity. Most of the time someone is sick, because their body is sick, and no demon is involved. Scripture provides no examples of any believer being possessed by demons. If it is possible for a believer to be possessed, the Word of God, which is sufficient for all matters of Christian life (2Pe.1:3), would at least address it. Plus, every believer is possessed by the Holy Spirit (Ro.8:9). The apostle John knew very well the activity of demons. He contrasts the spirit of truth (believers) from the spirit of error (1Jn.4:4-6). 1Jn 4:4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1Jn 4:5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 1Jn 4:6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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