Do Demons Really Exist?

In last week’s baptismal preparation class, a young Iranian said, “Pastor, I recently watched an exorcism movie. Do demons really exist?” “Actually, they do,” I replied. “In extremely rare cases, they can haunt buildings and even possess people.” The room fell silent. “I’ll tell you what…for next week, please read the Gospel of Mark.” The other day we met again, and I asked them, “Well, did you notice anything?” “Yes,” the same young man replied, “Many times, Jesus casts evil spirits out of people.” “That’s right,” I explained. “That is His most common miracle in Mark. Today pastors and priests still use the words of Jesus to drive out demons. We call these rites exorcisms.” Their eyes widened. We looked at Isaiah 14:12-15, where a chief angel and many other angels who followed him want to be like God. For this reason, God expels them from heaven. Today we know them as Satan and demons. Next, we studied Genesis 3:1-14: Satan’s revenge—tempting Adam and Eve into doubting God. This led to rebellion, fear, shame, and ultimately death—not only in the two of them but in all mankind. Then we read Genesis 3:15. I asked: “Who is this *he* who would bruise Satan’s head and whose heel Satan would bruise?” “Jesus Christ. That’s the first prophecy of the crucifixion,” a long-time church member replied. “Exactly… Millennia later, God would provide a solution: He would personally come down to earth as a human to defeat Satan and his demons—on the cross and in the empty tomb…If you believe in Jesus and are baptized, He forgives you all your sins and grants you eternal life… Exorcism movies are not beneficial for us Christians. We should focus on the lovely and beautiful (Philippians 4:8), also in this Halloween season. If you celebrate Halloween, it’s not a good idea to use images or wear costumes that celebrate Satan and his demons. They are losers. Jesus defeated them. But they are still very real.” (Image courtesy of Iranian parishioner Poorya, a Mercedes-Benz fan ).