Preface
Those who trust their own insight are foolish,
but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
Trust between a reader and an author is never so important as in matters of faith. A reader might ask, “Do I trust this author enough to rely on this book?” That is an important consideration for a theology text to contain any value for the reader. Such questions are even more important when discussing spiritual evil because the stakes are so high. There are many books claiming to teach the truth on this topic. But do they? And more importantly, does this one?
This is a book about demons. It teaches how demons go about tormenting people and why God is the only one we should turn to for help when it happens. Yet there are also many other books about demons. In fact, a cursory search through a popular bookseller’s catalog reveals thousands and thousands of titles written by pastors, priests, scholars, exorcists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and occultists. There are homegrown novels and comics from distant countries. There are archeological histories. There are catalogs of prayers and volumes of secret exorcism techniques. There are even guides to summoning demons for those who are especially opposed to Christian morality. Those who want a book about demons can easily find one. However, finding a reliable book about demons that strictly adheres to what the Protestant canon teaches—neither turning aside “to the right nor to the left”—is a far greater challenge.
That is why this book exists. There was a time earlier in my life when I was actively demonized (FIXME)1, a very real spiritual crisis including physical, mental, and emotional torment. I desperately needed a resource like this but did not know it. Consequently, I read many different books by many different authors as I struggled to understand how to address my demonized condition. If a book had a Christian label and an author with a seminary degree, I took everything it said at face value. After all, I was no seminarian. What did I know about demons? That is why I needed a book—but what a disaster this turned out to be!
Although I had been a Christian since childhood—I was saved, baptized, and sincere about my faith from an early age—the depth of my biblical understanding was far more shallow than I realized. I turned to these writers expecting sound advice from credentialed authors. I swallowed whole whatever they offered without any genuine insight into what was right and what was wrong with what they claimed. It was only after seeking God’s help through a tremendous amount of prayer and observing that my demonized condition was not improving that I slowly began to realize there was a fundamental problem with what these authors were teaching. Namely, all the books I read either dipped into unbiblical sources to “supplement” a perceived gap in Scripture or relied upon egregious biblical exegesis to arrive at wild conclusions. As a reader with a pressing need for spiritual recovery, I learned I could rarely trust authors of books claiming to teach anything about demons.
Now, I am writing a different kind of book than the ones I read—one that uses God’s Word as the only source of truth to advise Christians suffering from a demon problem. Whereas other books form conclusions based on non-biblical research and experiences gathered outside the Bible, this book has a stated goal to rely first and foremost on what the Bible plainly teaches on this topic. Sometimes this comes from direct observations, and sometimes this comes from logical inferences connecting different biblical explanations. History, archeology, and the mistakes of yesteryear provide a broader historical context—and that is a useful context for making some points clearer to a reader—but Scripture must back up a claim about demons for it to appear in this book as advice for dealing with them. I take that goal very seriously.
I have constantly asked myself while writing this book whether I have prayed for wisdom and truly understood Scripture. This endless introspection is so very important because teaching God’s Word accurately is a serious responsibility. Furthermore, this book is not just the product of my own work. Multiple people have reviewed it and provided feedback shaping its content. My sincere hope is that everyone who reads this book will leave with a solid understanding that the Lord truly is in control. There are no secret exorcism techniques in the Bible, only faith and prayer. When a Christian reader can confidently affirm, “I trust what this book teaches,” then I will have accomplished my objective as an author. May God bless us both through the reading and study of His holy Word.
Is This Book for You?
Not all books are written for all audiences. This is a Christian book written for a Christian audience. However, the following specific groups of people stand to benefit the most from what this book offers:
Adults Suffering from Demonic Oppression
Demonization has been relatively rare in parts of the world with a historically Christian population. Other parts of the world commonly see this problem. Regardless of where one lives, it can be exceedingly difficult to find clergy who have encountered demonized people much less know how to help. Adults who cannot find satisfactory support in a local church will find guidance here on how to manage this difficult situation.
Families Dealing with Demonic Oppression
Watching a loved one suffer from evil spiritual forces beyond human ability to control is a heavy burden. When a loved one has a fever, we visit a doctor. When a loved one has a demon, where do we go? A local church is the obvious answer—and that is a sensible choice. However, many churches in many parts of the world have never seen or counseled a demonized person. Other churches address demonization based on flawed resources that supplement Scripture with unbiblical ideas. Families who cannot find a knowledgeable minister at a local church, as well as families questioning whether the offered help is truly biblical, will find guidance here on how to walk with a loved one through this difficult trial.
Ministry Leaders
Many church leaders believe the Bible when it says demons are real. Unfortunately, many of these same people do not understand how to effectively minister to Christian brothers and sisters suffering from a demon problem. There are numerous books on this topic—some are very well-reviewed and come with prestigious pedigrees—but such books often contain unhelpful biases and unbiblical conclusions. Ministry leaders who want a strictly biblical perspective on understanding and dealing with a demon problem on behalf of a local church or community will find guidance here.
Pastors
Ordained pastors frequently have responsibility over a local church. This responsibility can include evaluating books for use in a congregation, studying a particular topic to supplement personal understanding, or looking for a specific resource to help a congregant facing a certain problem. Whatever the case, this book is the product of extensive biblical research and strives to be a sound resource. It contains a systematic biblical study of topics related to demons. Pastors who need a Bible-based resource to understand how to address tangible, spiritual evil will find it here.
Should You Skip This Book?
There are many people who will derive no value from this book. It fits into a very narrow niche. The following readers are not the audience for this book and should be aware why it may not be a good time investment for their particular needs:
Non-Christians
Non-Christians will find this book unhelpful because it takes the position that the Christian God is the only remedy that can resolve a demon problem. Since this book was written for a Christian audience, it makes no serious attempt to argue for the existence of God or the validity of the Bible.
Those Who Disbelieve the Supernatural
There are Christians and non-Christians alike who do not believe in the supernatural. They will derive no benefit from reading further. Everything in this book presupposes the existence of supernatural good, supernatural evil, and a supernatural deity. This book makes no serious attempt to convince readers of that viewpoint—it assumes the reader shares it.
Those Who Mistrust Scripture
Some Christians view the Bible as an unreliable document. This book takes an opposing position and makes no attempt to convince readers the Bible is a trustworthy source. Every conclusion in this book comes from Scripture and presumes biblical inerrancy. Those who believe Scripture is unreliable will find this book to be a disappointing and frustrating read.
Those Who Want Techniques Found Outside Scripture
This book takes a firm position that faith in the Christian God and prayer are the only actions that truly resolve a demon problem. Furthermore, this book teaches that no secret exorcism techniques, no special prayers, no worldly anecdotes, no aboriginal rituals, no occult practices, no special words, no hidden formulas, no protective diagrams, no burning herbs, no blessed jewelry, nor anything else under the sun can ever substitute for simple faith and basic prayer. Those who are looking for something more than a discussion of faith in the Christian God will not find it here.
Those Who Want the History of Demonology
This book makes no attempt to address the history of demonology. While some chapters reference outside sources like first century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus and early Jewish exorcism practices, providing a history of demonology is well outside the scope of this book.
Those Who Want a Survey of Occult Practices
Demons and the occult are topics with some overlap. However, this book only addresses occultism from a broad perspective. It does not contain the precise details of any occult practice. Casual readers who want those details are wise to reconsider before pursuing this area of research. Occult practices are exceedingly dangerous and readily inflict spiritual scars that can last a lifetime.
Basic Disclaimers
I neither desire to sell this book nor any services related to this book. I have absolutely no profit motive (cf. 1 Thess 2:5). In fact, I want this book to remain a free and public resource. I do not want to hinder anything God may choose to accomplish through it (cf. Prov 23:23; 1 Cor 9:12) since this book is the product of His direction in my life. The book required approximately two years of research, writing, and firsthand experiences, along with extensive technical expertise to distribute it. I gladly offer my labor free of charge so as not to be a financial burden on anyone (cf. 1 Thess 2:9). I am not looking for praise or acknowledgment—I am only trying to please God (cf. 1 Thess 2:4, 6). The information within this book is provided in good faith; however, I make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information in this book.
Author Theology
All authors bring certain personal beliefs to their writing. Spelling those out up front rather than leaving this task as a reader exercise avoids later confusion. Here are a few of my underlying beliefs that will have a direct bearing on the content within this book.
Creeds
I affirm both the Apostles’ Creed2 and the Nicene Creed3.
The “Five Solae”
I affirm the central ideas of the Protestant Reformation:
- Sola Scriptura: I believe Scripture alone is the final and highest authority for understanding spiritual truth.
- Sola Christus: I believe Christ alone is the only means of salvation and the only mediator between God and humanity.
- Sola Gratia: I believe the unmerited grace of God alone is responsible for the forgiveness of sins.
- Sola Fide: I believe faith in Christ alone rather than good works is the sole requirement for salvation.
- Soli Deo Gloria: I believe all glory is due to God alone rather than anyone among the angels or humankind.
A Brief Note on “Sola Scriptura”
Reformers like Martin Luther believed Scripture alone “was inspired by God, perfect and flawless as a source of divine revelation, and therefore the final and ultimate authority in all matters of faith and practice.”4 Some might interpret this to mean Luther and the other Reformers did not value church tradition, biblical commentary, science, or common reason. However, that is emphatically untrue. The Reformers simply asserted that Scripture alone “is the inerrant and infallible… source of God’s revelation to his people.”5 I share this view.
What it means for this book is that all observations begin and end with Scripture. I reviewed many biblical commentaries, books from other authors, and the occasional historical account. I also applied logic and reason to arrive at certain conclusions. However, Scripture gets the final say. Everything else is fallible by virtue of its human—or demonic (cf. 1 Tim 4:1)—origin. While it can be tempting to lift other resources to the same authority as Scripture when a passage or verse is unclear, I take the view that it is better to live with the mystery than presume another resource has spiritual answers on par with God’s Word.
Biblical Clarity
There are relatively few places where scriptural intent is unclear. Nevertheless, it does occur. Genesis 6:1–4 is one of the more prominent examples. Biblical commentaries diverge the most when discussing such verses. I take the view that occasionally there is more than one defensible interpretation, and early church fathers tend to support that view. I will try to note any such areas within this book.
Canon
I rely exclusively on the 66 books of the Protestant canon for all recommendations. While the question of canon is an important consideration for many Christians, it goes beyond the scope of this book. Apocryphal works like the Testament of Solomon present unique viewpoints concerning demons that are only considered here for historical context. These works are not sources for any recommendations found in this book for the same reasons they are not included in the Protestant canon—they present doctrinal viewpoints incongruent with Scripture.
Research Methods
Era Notations
This book uses BCE (“Before the Common Era”) and CE (“Common Era”) for date references. These terms are synonymous with BC (“Before Christ”) and AD (“in the year of our Lord”). BCE/CE is the notation commonly found in academic publications. While the question of era notation is largely a matter of preference, Zondervan’s Christian Writer’s Manual of Style neatly summarizes the disadvantages of the BC/AD system as follows:
Both BC (“before Christ”) and AD (“anno Domini”) imply that year dates can be precisely measured as being before or after the year of Jesus’s birth, and yet many scholars (including Christian scholars) have long suggested that less-than-perfect accuracy exists about the year Jesus was born. For instance, since it is fairly certain that King Herod died in 4 BC, Jesus is likely to have been born somewhat earlier—somewhere between four and seven years before the year we now assign as year AD 1… Add to all that the fact that even if the BC/AD system were entirely accurate, the first year of Jesus’s life would have been AD 1, since there was no year 0; this adds another element of imprecision.6
Usage of the BCE/CE system in this book simply recognizes the shortcomings of the BC/AD system and respectfully elects to use the more precise alternative. No additional subtext is either intended or implied.
Biblical Translations
This book cites the New American Standard Bible (NASB) translation where precision is important and the New Living Translation (NLT) where easy reading comprehension is desired. The NASB “has been widely embraced as a literal and accurate English translation [that] consistently uses the formal equivalence translation philosophy. This method translates word-for-word from the original languages as much as possible.”7 The NLT is a thought-for-thought rendition into modern English rather than word-for-word. It reads very smoothly while sacrificing some precision.
All primary scriptural research for this book derives from the NASB translation. It follows the original Hebrew and Greek as closely as possible. The New International Version (NIV), along with various other translations such as the NLT, served as points of comparison to the NASB during the research process.
Systematic Exegesis
Research for this book began with a thorough topic search. Verses throughout the entire Bible containing every variation on the name of Satan or demons (e.g., the devil, Beelzebul, evil spirit, rebellious angel, etc.) were collected, compared, and scrutinized across multiple Bible translations, the original Hebrew or Greek language for particularly challenging verses, and approximately 2–8 different Bible commentaries. Ancillary topics directly related to a discussion of demons—including topics such as miracles and sin—were evaluated using a similar approach. A concurrent verse-by-verse review of all 66 books in the Protestant canon supplemented research notes with supporting verses and surfaced additional research content.
The raw research notes for this book consist of direct observations from Scripture, comparisons between verses, logical conclusions based on verses, some historical context, and select quotations from various authors. The book outline is the result of an information architecture technique known as card sorting. This technique was used to group related notes into specific categories that form chapter and part delineations.
Continual Prayer
Prayer is at the core of this research process. While not a rigorous academic research technique per se, prayer is a vital component in every aspect of the Christian life.
Terminology Used in This Book
Communication quickly becomes muddy without a common language. Refer to the glossary at the back of this book for a list of common terms used throughout the following chapters. These terms are based on author perception rather than a formal linguistic study.
- See the Glossary of Common Terms to understand the meaning of demonized as used in this book.↩
- ELLC, “The Apostles’ Creed” (English Language Liturgical Consultation, n.d.), https://www.englishtexts.org/the-apostles-creed.↩
- ELLC, “The Nicene Creed” (English Language Liturgical Consultation, n.d.), https://www.englishtexts.org/the-nicene-creed.↩
- Matthew M. Barrett, God’s Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture, vol. 1 of The 5 Solas Series (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016), 45.↩
- Barrett, GWA, 45.↩
- Robert Hudson, ed., The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style, 4th Edition. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016), 417.↩
- Lockman Foundation, “NASB Bible Info” (Lockman Foundation, n.d.), https://www.lockman.org/nasb-bible-info/.↩