Exorcism: what does the Bible say? We've been talking about the subject of exorcism,
or deliverance as it's commonly called here in Africa, as the practice of casting out
demons from a person, or thing, that is believed to be possessed.
We recognise that the Church in Africa has an overemphasis on demons and spiritual
powers. Which is why there is a need for deliverance ministry in the churches in Africa.
But maybe a question we need to ask that is all the more important is,
"What does the Bible really say about this subject, or this area, of exorcism?"
It might surprise you to know that the Bible actually has a lot to say about
this area of exorcism or deliverance.
The Bible, for instance, affirms the existence of demons
numerous times - both in the Old and New Testaments.
You read of 1 Samuel 16. You read 1 Kings 22, your read Luke 8:30-39, you read Acts 16. The Bible
recognises the presence, and the existence, and the influence, of the demonic world.
But in addition to that, the Bible also speaks about the influence that
demons can have. Especially on the lives of human beings.
In many places in the Bible they are described as unclean
spirits. And there are a number of passages that attest to that.
Demons are described as spirit beings. Like for instance when Paul addresses the church at Ephesus
in Ephesians 6. He talks about the principalities, and the powers, and the rulers of the darkness of
this present age and spiritual hosts of wickedness - that believers are called to contend against.
The Bible identifies them as fallen angels as well. In fact, if you look at the ministry of
Jesus in the New Testament, Jesus himself was aware of the presence,
and the power, of the demonic world. And his message of the kingdom, in most cases,
was to dislodge powers of darkness that were at work.
Interestingly, about 29 references that we find about Satan in the gospels, of the 29, about 25
were spoken by Jesus. An indication that he indeed was aware of the world of demons and spirits.
Jesus himself performed exorcisms where
he delivered people who were possessed by demons or spiritual powers.
In Mark 5 we have the man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue at Capernaum. In Mark 7 we have
the demoniac, with a legion of unclean spirits among the tombs in Gerasa. In Mark 9 we have
the story of the daughter of the Syro-Phoenician woman, who was possessed of an unclean spirit.
In fact, in Luke 10, Jesus not only recognises the presence and power of demons,
but he delegates his authority to the disciples to cast them out as well.
In Luke 10:19 he says, "Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions,
and over every power of the enemy, and that nothing shall by any means hurt you."
As we look at the evidence of demons and the spirit world in the Bible - and what
the Bible has to say - we need to be very careful of a few things here.
Number one. We need to recognise that while Jesus was aware of the demonic realm - and
indeed delivered people who were possessed in scripture - Jesus'
ministry was quite unique from what we are seeing in the churches in Africa today.
For instance, Jesus' ministry of deliverance was not a full-time ministry. He didn't go
around organising deliverance services and calling people to come for deliverance. He
delivered possessed people only as he met them during his gospel preaching and encounters.
Number two. We notice that his deliverance was instant. It did not involve a lot of
praying and rituals, and pouring of water, and anointing oil, and causing the demons to confess.
So clearly, there's a difference between what the Bible says about this ministry,
and what we are hearing in the churches today.
Number three. We need to recognise that Jesus himself points out clearly, that while deliverance
of the possessed is important, the preaching of the gospel - all the more - is very important.
He tells his disciples that they should not rejoice just because the demons obey them.
Rather they should rejoice because their names are written in heaven - as we find in Luke 10:20.
Does the Bible talk about demons and spirits? Yes! Does the Bible show Jesus involved
in the ministry of deliverance? Yes! But is the same ministry we see in the Bible
what we are seeing in the Church in Africa today? Unfortunately no.
And the Church now, more than ever before, must rethink the ministry of deliverance,
its place in scripture, and how best they can practice it, in a way that is redemptive,
that is restorative, and enriching to the Church in Africa.