The Problem of Demons

Ever hear of a succubus? Well, most sources would tell you it is a fabled female demon in folklore that seduces men in their dreams. Less popular (except, perhaps, as a rock band) would be the male counterpart, the incubus. One of these was fabled to have fathered Merlin the magician. Nasty things, really. Fortunately, they're fables, folklore, mythical. Actually, I met a man -- indeed, a pastor -- who told me they were real. He had seen them. These, along with a host of other demons like the demon of chocolate (yes, he mentioned that one specifically) were around causing lots of problems, especially for Christians. This pastor argued that it was possible, even fairly prevalent, for Christians to have a demon. Do you have a besetting sin? Likely a demon. We can deal with that. It's the writings of Neil Anderson, author of The Bondage Breaker. When I asked about demon possession, specifically of Christians, this pastor assured me, "I'm not saying that a demon can possess a Christian. I'm saying that a Christian can possess a demon." It's an "invitation thing", where a believer, perhaps unwittingly, invites a demon into his or her life. That succubus or incubus -- or, worse, the demon of chocolate -- or the like.

Let me just say that I find this line of thinking silly. At best. More likely dangerous.

What does the Bible tell us on the subject? We've all heard, "The devil made me do it." Did you know that the origin of the phrase is Geraldine Jones, a character from the '70's comedian Flip Wilson? And here we are admitting to a theology of a cross-dressing comedian to determine the source of our own sin. Now that is a problem. The Bible says, "But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death" (James 1:14-15). The Bible says the devil oppresses (Acts 10:38), tempts^[1] (1 Thess 3:5), and accuses (Rev 12:10). He doesn't make you sin.

What does the Bible tell us about satanic abilities? He tests (as already indicated) and "seeks whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8), but is limited. We cannot be tempted (tried) beyond what God enables us to handle (1 Cor 10:13). In Job's case, God allowed Satan access, but limited access (Job 1:12; Job 2:6). He is powerful but controlled, dangerous but limited. And we are our own worst enemies.

Something else the Bible tells us on the subject. "We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him" (1 John 5:18). "Does not touch." There is an ultimate limit to demonic influence on those born of God. "Does not touch." Tempt, test, accuse, oppress ... yes, all of these. But in the final analysis, we are protected by our Father, freed by the Spirit, and kept by the Son. Demons are a bad thing worthy of care, but not fear. They may possess, but not Christians. And no amount of books on "Deliverance ministries" makes it so.
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^[1] Note that "tempt" in Scripture refers to being seduced to sin or, perhaps more often, being tried or tested. Slightly different than our current mode of understanding.