Madness Meets Its Master Series

If that was true, why do we not see the same thing today? The answer is obvious. We have learned

how to conquer this enemy. The same is true concerning demon possession. We do see it because

where people are enlightened with the Gospel Satan cannot operate as effectively.

Demon possession is common on the mission field, and the records of it are extensive. Many are

just like legion. They go naked and cut themselves, and shriek, and in the name of Christ they are

cast out. This phenomenon of exorcism has a long history which goes back even before the time of

Christ. Josephus traces it back to Solomon and writes, "God also enabled him (i.e. Solomon) to

learn the skill which expels demons, which is a service useful and sanative to man. He composed

such incantations also by which distempers are alleviated, and he left behind him the manner of

using exorcisms, by which they drive away demons, so that they never return; and this method of

cure is of great force unto this day."

The truth of this is confirmed by Jesus Himself when He responded to the accusation that He was

casting out demons by the power of the devil himself, by saying, "By whom do your sons cast them

out?" Even the unsaved can cast out demons, for Jesus said many will come before Him at

judgment saying, "Did we not cast out demons in thy name, and do many mighty works in thy

name?" Jesus will reply that He never knew them. In other words, though the reality of exorcism is

Biblical, performing it is no proof that one is a child of God. There are many marvelous and

mysterious things that take place in this world, but because they are true, it is no reason for

Christians to pursue them. Our only interest in the mysterious realm of demons is to be an interest in

keeping them, by the power of Christ, as close to non-existence as possible.

The exorcism of Jesus was not indirect and accomplished by means of ritual or incantation. He

spoke directly with authority, and the demons fled. In Mark 1:27, after his first exorcism, the people

were amazed and said, "For with authority commanded he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey

him." Jesus gave the same power to His disciples. In Mark 3:14-15 we read, "And He appointed 12

to be with Him, and to be sent out to preach, and have authority to cast out demons." Again in Mark

6:7 we read, "And He called to Him the 12, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them

authority over the unclean spirits." In verses 12 and 13 we read, "So they went out and preached

that men should repent, and they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick

and healed them.

When the 70 that Jesus sent out came back they were amazed at their power in His name. In

Luke 10:17-19 we read the strongest passage in the New Testament of Christ's Lordship over the

forces of Satan. "The 70 returned with joy saying, 'Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your

name!" And He said to them, 'I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given