The New Testament (of the Bible) tells us some of the signs of demonic possession. It’s important to understand is that demonically possessed people are controlled by a demonic presence. Though the symptoms may appear to be psychological dysfunction, in actuality, the main issue is demonic possession. Those who were possessed by demons in scripture showed certain symptoms that included the following:
A person who is under the control of a demon cannot control themselves. The evil spirit is able to speak through their lips or can make them mute as it so desires. Scripture gives examples of demon-possessed people who were mute. Jesus forced the demon to leave the man. Then the man who couldn’t talk was able to speak. The crowd was amazed and said, “We have never seen anything like this in Israel.” (Matthew 9:33, ICB)
Demonic possession means that a new personality is introduced to that person. The victim becomes a different person. The Gadarene demonic men acted and spoke as one who was controlled by another personality
The two men came to Jesus and shouted, “What do you want with us, Son of God? Did you come here to punish us before the right time?” (Matthew 8:29, ICB)
Sometimes those who are demonically possessed speak with a different voice. On one occasion, when Jesus asked the name of the demon, the demon spoke through the man and said:
Then Jesus asked the man, “What is your name?” The man answered, “My name is Legion, because I have many spirits in me.” (Mark 5:9, ICB)
This understanding of Jesus' identity came from supernatural knowledge. For at this time, Jesus had not yet revealed Himself to His disciples, or to the world as the promised Messiah. In one incident, the demons speaking through a man, immediately recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
While Jesus was in the synagogue, a man was there who had an evil spirit inside him. The man shouted, “Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!”(Mark 1:23-24, ERV)
A person who is demonically possessed acquires new abilities. For example, those possessed by demons can demonstrate superhuman strength. The Bible speaks of one demonic manin the following way.
“Many times people had used chains to tie the man’s hands and feet. But he always broke the chains off. No one was strong enough to control him. Day and night he would wander around the burial caves and on the hills, screaming and cutting himself with stones.” (Mark 5:4-5, ICB)
Demonic possession can lead to suicidal tendencies. The Bible says of one person who was demonically possessed. It seems that demons want to physically destroy the person they possess
“The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.” (Mark 9:22, ICB)
In today’s world demonic possession still exists. If you believe this is something you may struggle with, notice that some or all of these traits could be evident. Please seek further assistance, if a logical explanation cannot be found for any of the symptoms below:
1. A sudden onset of anxiety or bouts of depression (especially after hospitalization or any other trauma)
2. Character shifts or mood swings
3. Impulsive behavior
4. Inner voice or voices speaking to you
5. Low energy levels
6. Memory problems
7. Poor concentration
8. Sudden onset of physical problems
9. Weight gain with no obvious cause
“I never thought of it as God. I didn't know what to call it. I don't believe in devils, but demons I do because everyone at one time or another has some kind of a demon, even if you call it by another name that drives them. “(Gene Wilder)[i]
[i] Sources used:
· “9 WAYS TO TELL IF YOU’RE POSSESSED” by Marge Floori
No comments:
Post a Comment