SPECIAL TOPIC: EXORCISM

SPECIAL TOPIC: EXORCISM

Exorcisms were common in Jesus’ day, but Jesus’ methods were radically different
(cf. Matt. 8:16; Mark 1:27). His exorcisms were a sign of the New Age (cf. Luke 9:1).
Rabbinical Midrash (cf. Matt. 12:27; Acts 19:13) used magic formulas (see Alfred Edersheim,
The Life and Times of Jesus, The Messiah, vol. 2, Appendix XIII, pp. 748-763; XVI, pp. 770-776),
but Jesus used His own authority. There is so much confusion and bad information
circulating today about exorcism and the demonic. Part of this problem is that the NT does
not discuss these issues. As a pastor I wish I had more information on this subject. Here
are some books I trust.

Christian Counseling and the Occult, Kurt E. Koch
Demons in the World Today, Merrill F. Unger
Biblical Demonology, Merrill F. Unger
Principalities and Powers, John Warwick Montgomery
Christ and the Powers, Hendrik Berkhof
Three Crucial Questions About Spiritual Warfare by Clinton Anton

It surprises me that exorcism is not listed as one of the spiritual gifts (i.e., Romans 12;
1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4) and that the subject is not addressed in the Apostolic
letters. I believe in a biblical worldview which includes the spiritual realm (i.e., good and evil),
present and active in the physical realm (i.e., Job 1-2; Daniel 10; Eph. 6:10-18). However, God
has chosen not to reveal the specifics. As believers we have all the information we need to live
godly, productive lives for Him! But some subjects are not fully revealed or developed.
Believers need to remember that exorcism is a visible evidence of the victory of Jesus over evil
(cf. Luke 10:17-20). The NT makes a clear distinction between exorcism and healing
(cf. Matt. 8:16; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:40-41).

For me, I am never sure what is demonic and what is not. Therefore, prayer for
deliverance is always appropriate. The only biblical model is Jesus. Therefore, His Name
is our spiritual power! I never address the demonic but simply demand that it leave in Jesus’ name.

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