demons/”>Demons are consistently described in Scripture as evil, unclean spirits that afflict and torment people. While some traditions identify them as fallen angels, the Bible does not explicitly define their origin, and therefore we cannot say with certainty what they are. What is clear is their nature and activity.
Throughout the Gospels, demons are always found inhabiting or influencing individuals. They cause physical and mental afflictions, violent behavior, muteness, blindness, and other forms of bondage. One example is the man in the synamagog/”>gogue:
“Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, ‘Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us?’” (Mark 1:23–24)
Demons consistently recognized Jesus and His authority, often begging not to be cast out (Luke 8:28–31). This shows they are subject to Christ and fear His judgment.
As for who can be possessed, Scripture shows that unbelievers can be inhabited by demons (e.g., the demoniac in Mark 5), but no true believer, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, can be demon-possessed. 1 John 4:4 declares:
“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
Possession generally occurs through willful sin, idolatry, occult involvement, or moral corruption, opening a person to spiritual oppression or indwelling. However, Scripture does not offer a formula for how demons enter, and we should not speculate beyond what is revealed.
Deliverance from demons in the Bible is always through the authority of Jesus Christ. Christ gave His disciples power over unclean spirits (Luke 10:17–20), and in Mark 16:17 He says:
“In My name they will cast out demons.”
There is no biblical record of rituals, incense, or extended ceremonies. Deliverance is immediate and effective when done in faith and in the name of Jesus. For those seeking freedom today, the solution is repentance, confession, and turning fully to Christ. Freedom is not found in formulas, but in submission to the Son of God.
