In the New Testament, Jesus and His followers met many individuals who were possessed by unclean spirits. These apparently were demonic forces who would afflict mankind through various means. We don’t have answers to all our questions about demon possession, but several facts are made clear in the Bible concerning unclean spirits. They knew the identity of Jesus (Mk. 1:23-24). They could exhibit superhuman abilities (Mk. 5:2-4). They could cause a person to act toward his own destruction (Mk. 9:22). These are frightening circumstances to say the least. But is demon possession something which can affect us today? Can the devil, or his forces, make us act against our will?
Unclean spirits were allowed to possess men and women for a set time only. One of the greatest proofs of Christ’s power and goodness was His healing those who were oppressed by the devil (Mt. 9:33; Acts 10:38; 1 Jn. 4:4). When Jesus gave a command, the unclean spirits could not resist His order! As with all miraculous signs, exorcisms attested to the truth of His identity and His doctrine (Jn. 20:30-31; Acts 2:22). The Lord gave the apostles power to work miracles for this same purpose (Mt. 10:1; Mk. 16:20). The apostles also had the ability to pass on these gifts to those they laid hands on (Acts 8:18). All throughout this period, the word of God was being delivered, recorded, and affirmed.
Once the complete will of God was imparted to mankind, prophecies, tongues, knowledge, and all other miraculous abilities ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-10). In Old Testament prophecy, God spoke of a set time for the unclean spirits to depart from the land, corresponding with the time when God would cause prophecy to cease. What’s more, anyone still claiming such ability is called a liar (Zech.13:1-3). With the end of miracles also came the end of these possessions.
No one is forced to do anything by Satan or his demonic forces. However, there remains the danger of temptation. A person today might willingly follow the influence of Satan by acting upon their own worldly desires (Gal. 5:19:21; Jam. 1:14-15). An individual may voluntarily give heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons (1 Tim. 4:1). We all must be cautious of our adversary and know that he seeks our destruction (1 Pet. 5:8). For this reason, followers of God are instructed to endure the trial of temptation and strengthen our faith (Jam. 4:7; 1 Pet. 1:6-7). Through it all we are comforted in the knowledge of God’s provided “way of escape” (1 Cor. 10:13). Remember, the world is passing away, but he who does the will of God abides forever (1 Jn. 2:17). Let us make the decision to stand against the wiles of the devil, relying on what God has provided and remaining in His light (Rom. 13:12-14; Eph. 5:8; 6:10-11; 1 Thess. 5:5-11).
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