Demons, Where They Come From and What They are

About Demons and Demon Possession

Demons are often referred to as "fallen angels," or "Satan's angels."

Satan was the very highest angel, but made the mistake of rebelling against God and was cast out of heaven.

"How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!

You said in your heart, "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of the sacred mountain.

I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High."

But you are brought down to the grave, to the depths of the pit." (Is. 14:12-15)

The evil angels who followed Satan, also called Lucifer, were also cast out of Heaven, and are now called demons.

These evil beings represent the very depths of evil, including hatred, bitterness and perversions. Lust, homosexuality, drunkenness, gluttony and witchcraft. Though often an expression of sinful flesh, they can also be an expression of demonic activity in the lives of people, including perversions such as sadomasochism and pedophilia.

Their purpose is to torment and harass people, leading them away from God and His truth. The bible gives this example: "...This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him any more, not even with a chain. For he had often been chained hand and foot, but he tore the chains apart and broke the irons on his feet. No one was strong enough to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones" (Mark 5:2-5).

Just as there are archangels in God's kingdom with higher powers, there are principalities and powers" that rule over Satan's angels. There is constant conflict, and battles between Satan's principalities and powers and God's loyal angels.

We are told that our prayers offer up a restraint against their evil activity by summoning the intervening presence of God.(Dan 10:12-13).

Demon possession is not the same as being influenced or attacked by them. To be "possessed," means to be indwelled by, and under their complete control. However, they regularly attack and attempt to trouble and influence mans behavior, even God's people.

Christians must guard not only against the sin of the flesh, but also their influence. These evil spirits can influence and intensify the works of the flesh. This must be recognized and stood against before one can die to the flesh and walk in the Spirit.

Christians need not fear Satan or his fallen angels. We are told "...the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (1 John 4:4)

Blessings,

Samuel Mills