Do demons exist?

featured article image

TL;DR:

Yes, demons exist. Demons are fallen angels, who rebelled against God. However, those who trust in Christ can be confident that God has triumphed over them and has equipped us with everything we need to overcome their evil schemes.

from the old testament

  • Some false gods in the Bible are referred to as demons (2 Chronicles 11:15; Deuteronomy 32:17).
  • First Samuel 28:7–14 describes King Saul consulting a medium at Endor to summon the spirit of the deceased prophet Samuel. The medium's ability to call up spirits could be seen as involving demonic activity.

from the new testament

  • The Bible also refers to demons as "evil spirits" (Luke 7:21) and "unclean spirits" (Mark 1:23).
  • Demons were initially angels in heaven but were cast out when they rebelled against God, likely when Satan rebelled. Demons are called Satan’s angels: "that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him" (Revelation 12:9).
  • The Bible does not provide physical descriptors of demons, but if they were to appear in physical form, they would probably look more appealing and enticing than frightening. The Bible says that there is no truth in Satan: "even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light" (2 Corinthians 11:14; John 8:44). Satan is a deceiver, through and through, so his demons, who followed him out of heaven, are deceptive in nature as well.
  • Demons follow Satan and do his work. Just as "your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8), demons also look to spread Satan's deception and destruction.
  • Demons have the same power as angels, since they are angels, though it seems that God has limited them to an extent (2 Thessalonians 2:6–7).
  • Demons primarily exert spiritual influence, but their presence can also manifest physically, as seen in Mark 5:1–15, where a demon-possessed man exhibited physical insanity and extraordinary strength. The man’s physical transformation, from being uncontrollable to sitting calmly and clothed after Jesus's intervention, demonstrates the physical impact of demonic influence. However, not all physical ailments are caused by spiritual or demonic factors (Matthew 10:1; Luke 8:2).
  • Revelation 12:3–4 describes a vision of a great red dragon, representing Satan, with seven heads and ten horns, whose tail sweeps a third of the stars from the sky and throws them to the earth. This imagery symbolizes the dragon's power and the rebellion of the angels (or demons) who followed him. These fallen angels were cast down to the earth along with Satan after his rebellion against God. One day, they will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

implications for today

Demons want to steal, kill, and destroy, just like Satan, whom they follow. However, Christ has defeated Satan and his angels, and one day, they will be thrown into the lake of fire. In the meantime, we are to be wise and know the demons’ schemes and deceptions and counter them with spiritual weapons: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 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 6:11–12). We can use the truth of God’s Word, righteous living, and our salvation to counter the attacks of demons. And, although demons can oppress a Christian, that is, bother them and try to make them sin and fall, they cannot possess a Christian. When we recognize that we are in a spiritual battle, we are able to trust in God and fight against the schemes of the devil and his demons. We do not need to fear, for when we are in Christ, we have power over the devil, because of the Spirit of God that dwells within us: "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).

understand

  • Demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God and now follow Satan.
  • Demons can influence both spiritually and physically.
  • Demons try to deceive and bring people to sin and destruction.

reflect

  • How does understanding demons as fallen angels influence your view of spiritual warfare in your life?
  • How can you use God’s Word and righteous living to combat spiritual deception?
  • How can you stay alert to and resist demonic influence around you?

engage

  • How does recognizing demons as deceptive beings affect your approach to identifying spiritual influences?
  • What practical steps can we help others take to resist spiritual deception and oppression?
  • How does the promise of Christ’s victory over demons strengthen your faith and daily walk?