Bible Questions
What are the Origins of Demons?
"What are demons? Are they fallen angels, dead people, or something else?", (Question courtesy of Taryn Leydon)
It’s interesting that the origin of demons is never mentioned or described in the bible, at least to my knowledge. However, we can infer a number of things from the descriptions that are given of them. They are described as being bodiless spirits, that seek to inhabit the bodies of the living (Luke 11.24-26). They are described as being malevolent, and willing (if not eager) to cause harm (Matthew 17.14-18). They are also described as being in league with the devil (Matthew 12.25-29). Lastly, they are described not as dark energies or forces, but rather sentient spirits, that are capable of identifying themselves, and communicating with the living (Mark 5.7-12).
The most common explanation as to what demons are, is that they are fallen angels. However, this creates a number of issues. Angels (even fallen ones) have spiritual bodies, and presumably would have no purpose or ability to inhabit the bodies of people. Demons, however, are always described as being bodiless, and seeking to literally inhabit and commandeer the bodies of the living (Mark 11.24-26). This basically rules out demons as being fallen angels.
A more likely explanation is that demons are the disembodied souls, or ghosts, of wicked people. This is an unpopular explanation, but one that is much closer inline with the scriptural evidence provided about them. Whereas Satan and his angels still reside in heaven, demons are described as being from the underworld or “dust of the earth”, which is the dwelling place of the dead, “And thou shalt be brought down, and shalt speak out of the ground, and thy speech shall be low out of the dust, and thy voice shall be, as of one that hath a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and thy speech shall whisper out of the dust” (Isaiah 29.4 KJV bible). It is a common occult practice to both summon demons, and form relationships with them, often to obtain information and instruction. Notice how in Acts, there is a demon possessed girl who is renowned for fortune-telling, “And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying… But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16.16,18 KJV bible). Demons are often summoned out of the underworld to instruct one in occult secrets, and to give one information that they would not have otherwise known, “When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists who whisper and mutter", should not a people consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?” (Isaiah 8.19 NASB). This is most likely the origin of demons; the ghosts of certain dead people who have been summoned out of Hades, and into the land of the living.
So why would God allow such a thing, as people to summon the souls of wicked people? God allows a lot of things to happen that people will have to answer for on Judgment Day. It’s not in his nature to hit people with lightning every time they sin, but often to let things run their course, "The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished" (2nd Peter 2.9 KJV bible). I should point out that it’s also possible that demons have never lived in the flesh, but were placed in Hades by God, from some prior time. This may be the case with the locust army of Revelation 9. All we can really say with certainty is that demons are bodiless malevolent spirits, that will face destruction from the Lord in the future.
Comments
Rudy 05 Aug 2009, 03:18
What are the Origins of Demons?Very cool. I have to tell you, I am in spiritual boot camp again. Yup, been resisting demons.
It is a long story, but I started backsliding, and then, delved into private divination.
Result:
I had an angel wrestle with me on the kitchen floor, contacted Hades, opened a portal for demons, and my family was harassed by entities.
However, I immediately turned back to God, and i put on the armor.
They are at bay now. There is a lot of spirtual activity now, but it is holy stuff.
I have been praying like mad for the holy ghost and Christ to guide me.
Let us be strong in the Lord. Fear is an enemy that we must resist.
Thank you for this site. My experience bears it out.
After the angel experience. I most definitely contacted two souls, male and female , from the underworld. I mean literally the underworld. It was not like Hades in the greek tradition. These souls had an actual apartment, but they were not very sacred.
They were tugging at my soul in a lustful way. Rather odd.
Shortly after this, my innocent wife and my brother-in-law, both innocent of divination, began to be harassed by some ghostlike figures, including one semi invisible man.
I am in Christ now, but the evil one keeps whispering his accusations.
Just ignore him.
God is with us.
The entities are in check. They better be because i have the armor of God, and I will stand strong in Christ.
Doug Buckley 05 Aug 2009, 16:13
That's an interesting testimony. Demons and entities are certainly out there, and you seem to be sensitive to them. I remember going through a phase a while back, when I was just starting to become "spiritual", and I had some experiences. There are definiately such things as demons. Some places seem more active than others, and also times of the year.I remember reaching a point when I felt stronger in Christ, and realized how powerful and righteous God is, and how demons are nothing in comparison. After that I never felt bothered by them, even in my sleep. Demons feed on fear and are sent packing by the Holy Spirit.
That's the thing, alot of people are tormented by demons, but also want them there on some level. Maybe they find them interesting, or they are curious, or even lonely. There's also alot of gateways, exploring the occult, and drugs. There's enough battles to fight without them, that's the way I look at it. Send them packing, and keep your armor on to fight the good fight.
Rudy 05 Aug 2009, 21:39
Thanks Doug. You are so right. I am kind of freaking out cause i am alone with my dog, and the dog keeps barking at what I sense is some invisible dimension.You say that perhaps we want these things on some level. I guess so, only because we want assurance that we can be aware of the spiritual realm. Or maybe it is that they are transmitting (whispering) to us, "PSss, You dig us."
I hate the damned things, but my imagination is running wild. I am freaking out, and I dont want these things to feel my fear.
What can I do so that I am not afraid?
Man I need help. I prayed, but I keep freaking myself out. It is like I am becoming acutely aware.
Damn it to hell.
I need some peace. I guess i feel guilty, and that is why I fear. All this despite knowing I am saved. Why is there this doubt of salvation?
Doug Buckley 06 Aug 2009, 03:50
Sounds like your struggling with spiritual darkness right now. Turn to the Lord and I assure you it's something that will pass."And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm" (Luke 8.24 KJV).
Repent, and turn back to the Lord. Some good scriptures to read are the Psalms, as David often writes of his spiritual struggles. Maybe put in some Christian music, or listen to your favorite pastor. If you have a study group you could meet with them.
A big part of being a Christian is that after we get into trouble, we learn to discipline ourselves, and not get tempted into things that we know will alienate us from the Lord. Especially things from our past.
Rudy 07 Aug 2009, 05:59
I found this, and I must say, it seems to have cleaned out the infestation of my home. My home feels like it use to.Play it loud:
It's good for curses and such also. There are many fools out there that love Satan. So let's send them a little gift.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZ2-p42dlsw&feature=related
Rudy 07 Aug 2009, 06:21
Just resubscribing, if anyone needs help with demons or spirits, let me know. I am using the armor of God and the link provided earlier. I do not seek to contend with Satan, we are to resist.I feel sorry for anyone who has to go through what I have. These damned spirits manipulate reality itself. They have a mind control field, so they can direct other people's hostility toward us. They have installations on earth, and they travel back and forth from some other place. I have seen one of their transports.
The bible is right. They are mustering their forces for the showdown with the saints and God.
I was looking for Christ forums, and it is interesting how well infiltrated they are. I even got denied entrance to one for my testimony of God.
There are all these "light" lovers out there who seek a fake form of Christ. They want Christ their way, not the way he really is. They will say that the bible is outdated, and they have found a better way. When I went to one site, all they would talk about was light, chackras, and reptilian entities.
I tried to convince them that Christ is the "only" path, but they all ignored me, even cursed me.
I shake off my shoes to them.
Doug Buckley 10 Aug 2009, 17:36
Yeah play it loud, consider it an eviction notice for anything demonic. I wouldn't feel bad about getting booted from a forum, alot of them are run by self-righteous hypocrites. Theologyweb.com is pretty good.Rudy 10 Aug 2009, 20:04
Satan is a whore, an imposterous, faking, whore.I just do not get it. I'll be the first to admit I am a sinner. What is worse, the most loathsome sexual perv. That is, until now.
I was struggling with porn addiction. I want everyone to know. I do not want any credit for following God. It seems it is our duty to do so. I was washing some dishes and I thought, "Jesus i am a dummy, but why is lusting after women so bad"? This is how stupid we can be. Then it hit me. Is not lusting after a woman something like raping her in your mind?
Anyway, I was most definitely a slave of lust. I still am, but to a smaller degree. That is, I have to be very careful and watch my every intention. Sometimes I just look away.
Because, this is no joke. To those that think God is a joke I give you bitter warning. You say, but this guy has got to be making this up. OK, you go and think that, but don't beat yourself too much when you loose many nights of sleep because some damned demonic entities are driving you crazy. What is most curious is that i did not even see the entities after my bout of divination and contacting the damned demons, but it was my family they came for.
I still have to sort of pinch myself. "Am I really experiencing this, and why don't we hear more of this on TV"?
It is real people. THE devil or Satan is real. However, whereas God one must look for, Satan is readily found all over the place. He is in your face all over the media,or what I like to call " the air." That is correct, he is pumping out messages over the air like mad.
Everyone suspects there may be a God, but they accept the message that God is a tyrant. But you need to ask yourself, "would you really want a bunch of sexual perverts, liars, murderers, and thieves in heaven or UTopia?
I think not.
As for the Christian forums, these people are lower than flies. To think I would be booted from a site for simply posting a spiritual experience that has led me to Christ is the epitomy of ungodliness.
I shake the dust from my feet at them.
So here I am. I started doing something everyone would think I am insane for. I made all these posters with the name of Yeshua, and I put them all over my house. I got on my knees and prayed.
The demons must be pissed. And to be honest, I think I would forsake lust if only to piss them off because I hate evil so much.
The mental torture these damned demons put people through is amazing. So I ask God to make me an instrument of love and devotion. LEt me be , as it were, a living spirit of God.
I am now forever vigilant of my thoughts. Bring every thought into submission, but not of my will. Let it be the will of God in Christ.
Glory be to God and his Christ.
By the way, I found something that really helps.
It is called "Steps to Christ." Look for it on the net people.
Thank you for allowing me to tell my story, and hopefully, help those who search for sanctuary from Satan.
Doug Buckley 12 Aug 2009, 05:19
Thank you for your story Rudy,Sometimes I get mad about how hard it can be to follow Christ at times, but then I think of how much I hate Satan and his works. Like a cancer he just spreads and takes things over. Jesus is the only way of life.
genoark 31 May 2010, 18:49
you can only cast out demons by the Spirit of God. in order to be filled with the Holy Spirit, we need to be baptized by Holy Spirit and hopefully seek the gift of tongues and pray in it. After you have been praying in the Holy Spirit language enough you will be filled with faith from God and with that courage that Holy Spirit gives you cast out any demonic activities in Jesus name and plead the blood of Jesus.God bless y'all
jackie 22 Aug 2010, 11:51
i had an unusual experience once, i spent the nitght at my brothers apartment, my younger sis was staying and had been dabbling in crystals and higher levels, chakra points etc.. i didn't know any of this, til i went to sleep that night, i had dreams of people taking my sister, the had torches, one male (good looking) had her by the hand, i was yelling for her not to go with them, the male turned and smiled at me a wicked smile, then i was at a hospital gift shop full of books and i showed my dad what she was doing and i picked up a book that said spiritism and demonology, as i waoke from the dream, i saw a huge black cloaked entity standing at a distance, at the foot of my ex-husbands bed, he was not saved, it scared me so bad, i actually succked myself into the cushions, as i blinked, it dissappeared, i jumped up and turned on the lights, i was shaken so bad, the next morning i went into my sisters closet to borrow some clothes, and i noticed books on top shelf, i pulled them down and they were the same kind of books i saw in my dream, about higher powers, chakras, self healing, crystals, magic and all that stuff, even yoga, yoga is areligion and people need to be careful ,it has satanic roots, i was shocked that i was able to discern and see the satanic spirits in the apartment stay away from meditation books and yoga and crysatals, it is definately a poral to the underworld, they seek out gullable people with low self esteem to posess, kids play these games for fun and they don't realize what they are doing, til it's too late, dr4ug addictions, rape, thievery,porn etc.. is all the result ofdabbling in the occult, so is reading tarot cards and horoscopes, i had my own experience with that, so listen to your pastors, the know Gods word, stay clean of demonology.Doug Buckley 22 Aug 2010, 23:22
Hi Jackie, Thanks for sharing your experience.jackie 23 Aug 2010, 22:38
wow my computer was messing up, i am actually a very good speller, what do you think the black cloaked entity was, that i saw, doug? was it the devil or a bad spirit? it was huge, around 7-8 ft. tall and broad, like a giant, but had no face, just an empty dark cloak, with the form of a giant man. i am very intuitive of evil around me, i always pick up on things, and have dreams that come true, usually warnings, and sad events like a death in the family, also when something bad is about to transpire at work, i also dream places before i have ever been. sometimes i dream of evil vampire looking beings chasing me, but i call on Jesus in my dreams and i always wake unharmed, one more than a handful of times i have had friends that turned out to be wichan witches, they are drawn to me and get angry when i move away and blow them off, one called me from california once and she said she could see me from a birds eyes in a tree outside my house, i became afraid when she said that and i started calling on Jesus in my mind, and she started screaming for me to stop that, and i asked what she was talking about, but i knew what she was talking about, i don't know what she was doing, but just calling on Jesus in my mind, made her scream and she sounded like she was in severe pain, i hung up and never spoke to her again, i was in texas and her in rio alto cali. did you know that just thinking on Jesus makes demons run away? i found out that night she called me, i had moved away when we both lived in ft. walto beach fla., and she became angry, i responsible for a long illness i suffered while living there and hanging around with her, she said she was a good witch but my father always told us, witchcraft is witchcraft, please tell us what subject and my gift, so i can use it for Gods glory, tanks jackieDoug Buckley 25 Aug 2010, 04:56
Hi Jackie,Thank you for sharing your experiences. I can't say for sure what that thing was in the room, but probably a demon of some type. Some demons are stronger than others (Matthew 17), but they also tend not to go where they are spiritually unwelcome, like the domain of a strong Christian. Just thinking about or speaking of Christ repels them. We have to watch out for the devil's traps and snares more than demons.
The story about your friend looking in on you is pretty scary. I think they do believe in and practice leaving their bodies. It's good not to be "yoked" to unbelievers, which I think means have get too close to, or be tied to them. I suppose this would include Christians who are hypocrites. The devil uses them. There's certainly no good witchcraft, and God is the only source of true blessings. Also, it's hard to say what other people's callings are in Christ. When we feel Christ leading us, we must remember to not "kick against the pricks". God bless.
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