Questions and Answers | The Power of Demons
Does it say anywhere in the Bible that demons exist in homes or buildings, in addition to possessing a person?
In some horror films, Hollywood has portrayed Satan or demons possessing homes. Because of this, many people think that to live in peace and safety they need to rid their home of ghosts or evil spirits. Most concerns over things that go bump in the night have simple explanations, such as the sound of air escaping pipes or forgetting we moved an item in a rush. Other worries are caused by our own traumas, anxieties, and fears.
While real encounters with the demonic exist, they typically do not involve puppets or missing jewelry. Scripture is clear that Satan and demons have no power over God. Believers have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them fully, just as Jesus promised His followers (John 14:17). This same Spirit gives us grace to stand in Christ’s power against “the devil’s schemes” (Eph. 6:11). There are numerous mentions of demon possession of people (not homes) in the New Testament (Matt. 7:22; Matt. 8:31; Mark 3:22; Mark 16:9; Luke 4:41). In Mark 5, Jesus encounters the Gerasene demoniac. In this case, legions of demons had taken up residence in his physical body (Mark 5:1–13). Jesus had authority over these demons. They recognized Him and obeyed Him, leaving the man’s body at His command. They then sought residence elsewhere, entering pigs who went to their deaths by drowning.
Believers in Jesus Christ, indwelled by the Holy Spirit, have the power of God that is greater than any demon. However, if you face evil in which people are a harm to themselves or others, you should seek professional medical and spiritual help immediately. In addition, as we pray, we should ask the Lord to deliver us and others from evil (Matt. 6:13).
BY Dr. Eric C. Redmond
Dr. Eric C. Redmond serves as a professor of Bible at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and as associate pastor of adult ministries at Calvary Memorial Church in Oak Park, Ill. He is married to Pam and they have five children. He is the author of Say It! Celebrating Expository Preaching in the African American Tradition (Moody Publishers), Where Are All the Brothers? Straight Answers to Men's’ Questions about the Church (Crossway), a commentary on Jonah in the Christ-Centered Exposition Series (B&H Publishers), and a study guide on Ephesians in the Knowing the Bible series (Crossway).