Topical Bible: The Devil: The Wicked: Possessed By

◄ The Devil: The Wicked: Possessed By ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, the Devil, also known as Satan, is often depicted as the embodiment of evil and the adversary of God and humanity. The concept of possession by the Devil or demonic forces is a significant theme in the Bible, illustrating the struggle between good and evil.

Biblical Accounts of Possession

The New Testament provides several accounts of individuals possessed by demons, which are often interpreted as manifestations of the Devil's influence. These accounts highlight the power of Jesus Christ to overcome such forces and deliver those who are afflicted.

1. The Gerasene Demoniac: One of the most detailed accounts of demonic possession is found in the Synoptic Gospels. In Mark 5:1-20, Jesus encounters a man possessed by a legion of demons in the region of the Gerasenes. The man lived among the tombs and exhibited superhuman strength, breaking chains and shackles. When Jesus commanded the unclean spirits to leave, they entered a herd of pigs, which then rushed into the sea and drowned. This event demonstrates Jesus' authority over demonic forces.

2. The Boy with a Mute Spirit: In Mark 9:14-29, a father brings his son, who is possessed by a spirit that renders him mute and causes seizures, to Jesus. The disciples are unable to cast out the demon, but Jesus rebukes the unclean spirit, saying, "You deaf and mute spirit, I command you, come out and never enter him again" (Mark 9:25). The spirit departs, and the boy is healed, showcasing Jesus' power and the necessity of faith and prayer in overcoming demonic possession.

3. Mary Magdalene: Mary Magdalene is mentioned as a woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). Her deliverance from demonic possession is significant, as she becomes a devoted follower of Christ and is present at both the crucifixion and the resurrection.

Theological Implications

The accounts of demonic possession in the Bible serve as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual warfare. They illustrate the belief that the Devil seeks to corrupt and destroy, using possession as a means to exert control over individuals. However, these narratives also affirm the supremacy of Christ over all spiritual forces, emphasizing His role as the ultimate redeemer and liberator.

Warnings Against Wickedness

The Bible warns against engaging in practices that could open individuals to demonic influence. In Ephesians 4:27, Paul advises believers, "do not give the devil a foothold" , urging them to live righteously and avoid sin. Similarly, James 4:7 instructs, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" , highlighting the importance of submission to God and resistance to evil.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of the Devil and demonic possession underscores the ongoing battle between good and evil. Through the power of Jesus Christ, believers are assured of victory over the forces of darkness, as they are called to live in faith and righteousness, resisting the Devil's attempts to lead them astray.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 22:3
Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 5:3
But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
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Ephesians 2:2
Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:
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Library

The Devil Has not Equal Power with God.
... Chapter XVII."The Devil Has Not Equal Power with God. ... to maintain that there was
a time [1443] when God possessed nothing, but ... Did the wicked one make himself ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xvii the devil has not.htm

Every Thing Proceeding from the Corrupt Nature of Man Damnable.
... I admit that the specious qualities which Camillus possessed were divine ... not God
necessarily good, is not the devil necessarily wicked, what answer ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 every thing proceeding.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... from seven devils by which she was possessed; and our ... it is an ordinary circumstance,
when a devil has been ... to take seven other spirits, more wicked than itself ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

John xiv. 15-17
... calleth Him "Comforter," because of the afflictions which then possessed them. ... By
"ruler of this world," He meaneth the devil, calling wicked men also ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxv john xiv 15-17.htm

Power Hindered.
... Every vain thought and idle word, and every wicked deed, is like so many drops to
quench ... "Then was brought unto Him one possessed with a devil, blind and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter v power hindered.htm

Use to be Made of the Doctrine of Providence.
... be remiss in taking measures, or slow in employing the help of those whom he sees
possessed of the means of ... When assailed by the devil and wicked men, were ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 use to be.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... Before this indeed, she considered that deceiving Devil, that wicked Demon to be ...
Certain men possessed of Demons coming forth out of the tombs met Christ ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm

Matt. viii. 23, 24
... teach them that are delivered from those wicked tyrants, how ... so to the men whom they
possessed, leading them ... This, for instance, the devil did with respect to ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxviii matt viii 23.htm

Letter vi. Temptation.
... When those that were possessed with devils were brought to Christ, they cried out,
"We know thee, who thou art, the ... 3. He is wicked. "The devil sinneth from ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter vi temptation.htm

That the Sin is Caused not by the Flesh, but by the Soul, and that ...
... to the flesh all the vices of a wicked life, in ... For though we cannot call the devil
a fornicator or ... And this viciousness has so possessed him, that on account ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 3 that the sin is.htm