“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
— Ephesians 6:12 (KJV)
The Nature and Origin of Demons
Demons are not imaginary beings or symbols of evil—they are real, personal entities that operate under the authority of Satan. Scripture reveals that demons are fallen angels, spirits that once served God but joined Lucifer in his rebellion against the Almighty.
In Revelation 12:7–9, we read:
“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”
These fallen angels, now called demons, lost their heavenly estate and became instruments of wickedness. They are spirits of deception, darkness, and destruction—utterly opposed to God and hostile to His people.
The term “devils” in the King James Version (translated from daimonion in Greek) refers not to Satan himself but to his subordinate spirits. They operate in the unseen realm, influencing, oppressing, and possessing where they are permitted.
The Nature of Their Work: Deception and Destruction
Jesus described the devil’s mission plainly:
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…”
— John 10:10
Demons continue that mission. Every act of demonic activity carries these three objectives—steal, kill, and destroy. They work subtly and systematically to corrupt truth, sow fear, and enslave humanity in sin.
- They Deceive Minds
Demons are spirits of falsehood. Paul warns that in the latter times, “some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1).
They twist Scripture, distort doctrine, and introduce counterfeit religion to turn men away from Christ. Their greatest weapon is deception—truth mingled with error. - They Oppress the Body and Soul
The Gospels record numerous accounts of demonic affliction. Jesus cast out spirits that caused blindness, deafness, muteness, and seizures. These examples reveal that demonic oppression can touch both the physical and emotional realms, though not every sickness is demonic.
The enemy’s aim is to break down the human vessel—body, mind, and spirit—to hinder a person’s ability to serve and glorify God. - They Possess and Control the Willing
Where deception and oppression are embraced, possession may follow. Demons seek habitation within human beings (see Matthew 12:43–45). They crave embodiment because they are disembodied spirits, restless and tormented outside a host.
Yet, they cannot indwell a believer who is sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13). Their access is limited by divine authority. Christ’s blood is an impenetrable shield for those who walk in faith and obedience.
The Spiritual Realm: A War Unseen
Our battle, as Paul declares, “is not against flesh and blood.” The unseen realm is active and organized. Demons operate in ranks and under command, mirroring the structure of angelic order.
Daniel 10 reveals territorial spirits—“the prince of Persia” and “the prince of Grecia”—demonic rulers influencing kingdoms and governments. This shows that demonic forces not only tempt individuals but manipulate entire nations, cultures, and systems to oppose the purposes of God.
Every false religion, corrupt philosophy, and immoral ideology has behind it a spiritual power. 1 John 5:19 declares, “the whole world lieth in wickedness”—literally, “in the wicked one.” The systems of this age are energized by demonic influence, pressing humanity further into rebellion.
Christ’s Authority Over Demons
While the reality of demonic power is sobering, it is not ultimate. Jesus Christ triumphed over all the powers of darkness through His cross and resurrection.
Colossians 2:15 proclaims:
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
When Jesus cast out demons during His earthly ministry, He demonstrated the authority of the Kingdom of God over the kingdom of darkness. Even the devils cried out, “What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29).
The believer’s authority is derived from Christ’s victory. Luke 10:19 declares:
“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
The child of God is not to fear demons, but neither to ignore them. We are to resist them steadfast in faith (1 Peter 5:8–9), armed with truth, righteousness, and prayer. The spiritual armor of Ephesians 6 is our divine protection against every assault of the wicked one.
The Final Judgment of Demons
Demons know their destiny. In Matthew 25:41, Jesus says that everlasting fire was “prepared for the devil and his angels.” Their defeat is certain and their time is short.
At the return of Christ, demonic powers will be bound. Revelation 20:10 declares their end:
“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone… and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
Until that day, they work furiously to deceive the nations and oppose the Gospel, but their judgment is sealed by the blood of the Lamb.
Conclusion: Standing in the Authority of Christ
Demons are real, active, and destructive. They deceive, oppress, and enslave—but they are not sovereign. Their power is limited, and their end is certain.
The believer who abides in Christ walks in victory over the powers of darkness. Through the authority of His Word, the indwelling of His Spirit, and the power of His Name, we overcome.
As it is written:
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
— James 4:7
Every Christian must understand the reality of the unseen war, yet live in the confidence of Christ’s triumph. The demonic realm is mighty, but it bows to the Name above all names—Jesus Christ, Lord of all.