What Are Demons?

[preacher4truth]

I've read a few different answers to this.

• Some say they are fallen angels.

• Some say they are the souls of dead men.

• Some say it is unknown what they are.

So, with these in mind, are demons actually those minions who work along with Satan, specifically, the fallen angels who fell with Satan who were not elect?

Or, are they the souls of dead men (& women) who look to inhabit the spirit and body of others?

Or are they something else altogether?

 

[Amy.G]

Excellent questions. I have recently been trying to study that myself.
I have read/heard that:
They are fallen angels that followed Satan when he took 1/3 of the angels with him when he sinned against God.

Created disembodied spirits that seek a host.

I have also heard that angels are different from the Cherubim and Seraphim.


I've never heard that they are the souls of dead men and women. I can't imagine where that came from.

 

[preacher4truth]

Excellent questions. I have recently been trying to study that myself.
I have read/heard that:
They are fallen angels that followed Satan when he took 1/3 of the angels with him when he sinned against God.

Created disembodied spirits that seek a host.

I have also heard that angels are different from the Cherubim and Seraphim.


I've never heard that they are the souls of dead men and women. I can't imagine where that came from.

It is interesting. Alexander Campbell gave an address on Demonology stating that these are dead mens souls, using past history and secular worship of idols for some validation. Somewhat credible. This is available in module form via e-sword at www.biblesupport.com. Simply search the word "demonology" in downloads.

Merrill F. Unger held at one point he was not certain what they are, then in a later update he stated they are fallen angels.

 

[freeatlast]

Interestingly the biblke does not call the demoins. Thye are called evil spirits. It uses the same woird for spirit as for the holy spirit andputs what we trnslate evil in front of it.

I cannot see how they can be the spirits of men who have died in their lost condition since the lost are held in a place of torment according to the teaching the Lord gave on Abrahams bosom and the evil spirits seem to have the run of the earth. I would say they are fallen spirits (angles).

 

[preacher4truth]

Interestingly the biblke does not call the demoins. Thye are called evil spirits. It uses the same woird for spirit as for the holy spirit andputs what we trnslate evil in front of it.

I cannot see how they can be the spirits of men who have died in their lost condition since the lost are held in a place of torment according to the teaching the Lord gave on Abrahams bosom and the evil spirits seem to have the run of the earth. I would say they are fallen spirits (angles).

Interesting. Which version do you refer to that calls them evil spirits? Lukes accounts?

Here is what I see used for their description:

G1140
δαιμόνιον
daimonion
dahee-mon'-ee-on
Neuter of a derivative of G1142; a daemonic being; by extension a deity: - devil, god.

This is used 51 times within the NT in some 44 verses of Scripture (KJV) where they are referred to as "devils."

I haven't seen the definition to which you refer to, except within four places within the NT; Luke 7:21; 8:2; Acts 19:12, 13. These four passages are limited to the author Luke via Holy Spirit inspiration. It is interesting this is Lukes description, yet it is different in other passages. I wonder if this is his designation due to his being a physician? Or, are these different than the "daimonion"?

In the OT usage they seem to be referred to as a "malignant" being, "shade" or devils. Devils may be a bad term, as there is but one devil? But the whole concept and our understanding here seems to be limited by the limited Biblical revelation, and then some poor terminology on our part theologically.

I see your argument that dead souls are being reserved in torment and thus cannot be demons, yet Merrill F. Unger uses this same argument about fallen angels being reserved in darkness as an argument that demons then cannot be fallen angels, but something other. But perhaps our understanding of being reserved in darkness is incomplete, not meaning they cannot roam, but that they indeed are held into a certain inescapable realm to which they are reserved and can never escape fully, yet they still seem to be able to oppress and posses within this world.

 

[freeatlast]

Interesting. Which version do you refer to that calls them evil spirits? Lukes accounts?

Here is what I see used for their description:

G1140
δαιμόνιον
daimonion
dahee-mon'-ee-on
Neuter of a derivative of G1142; a daemonic being; by extension a deity: - devil, god.

This is used 51 times within the NT in some 44 verses of Scripture (KJV) where they are referred to as "devils."

I haven't seen the definition to which you refer to, except within four places within the NT; Luke 7:21; 8:2; Acts 19:12, 13. These four passages are limited to the author Luke via Holy Spirit inspiration. It is interesting this is Lukes description, yet it is different in other passages. I wonder if this is his designation due to his being a physician? Or, are these different than the "daimonion"?

In the OT usage they seem to be referred to as a "malignant" being, "shade" or devils. Devils may be a bad term, as there is but one devil? But the whole concept and our understanding here seems to be limited by the limited Biblical revelation, and then some poor terminology on our part theologically.

I see your argument that dead souls are being reserved in torment and thus cannot be demons, yet Merrill F. Unger uses this same argument about fallen angels being reserved in darkness as an argument that demons then cannot be fallen angels, but something other. But perhaps our understanding of being reserved in darkness is incomplete, not meaning they cannot roam, but that they indeed are held into a certain inescapable realm to which they are reserved and can never escape fully, yet they still seem to be able to oppress and posses within this world.

I used the strong for KJV to look up the term demon. About the fallen angels being in darkness I agree some are, but not all. I believe that not all demons, (evil spirit) which are fallen angels, what ever we call them, are not equally evil, just like not all men are not equally evil. I believe the worst of the worst are being held to be released during the time of the tribulation (Rev 9), but the rest are running loose.
Also I think it is reasonable to surmise that the evil spirits are fallen angels because satan is a fallen angel and if 1/3 of the angels fell with him then they too would be evil spirits as he is in my opinion.

 

[Winman]

I believe demons are most likely fallen angels.

I also believe a person must be very careful concerning this study. My pastor in Florida said at one time he used to study demonology, but no longer did. I asked him why. He said the devil likes to operate incognito. He is never the center of the photograph, but one of those standing in the background. He said that if you point out the devil and reveal him to others, the devil gets very angry and does not like that, and he will come after you. I asked my pastor if the devil ever came after him. He said yes, but he never explained to me exactly what the devil did, though I asked him several times. I did get the strong impression it was not a pleasant experience. I made up my mind then and there that I would avoid this subject.

So, be careful.

 

[JesusFan]

Interesting. Which version do you refer to that calls them evil spirits? Lukes accounts?

Here is what I see used for their description:

G1140
δαιμόνιον
daimonion
dahee-mon'-ee-on
Neuter of a derivative of G1142; a daemonic being; by extension a deity: - devil, god.

This is used 51 times within the NT in some 44 verses of Scripture (KJV) where they are referred to as "devils."

I haven't seen the definition to which you refer to, except within four places within the NT; Luke 7:21; 8:2; Acts 19:12, 13. These four passages are limited to the author Luke via Holy Spirit inspiration. It is interesting this is Lukes description, yet it is different in other passages. I wonder if this is his designation due to his being a physician? Or, are these different than the "daimonion"?

In the OT usage they seem to be referred to as a "malignant" being, "shade" or devils. Devils may be a bad term, as there is but one devil? But the whole concept and our understanding here seems to be limited by the limited Biblical revelation, and then some poor terminology on our part theologically.

I see your argument that dead souls are being reserved in torment and thus cannot be demons, yet Merrill F. Unger uses this same argument about fallen angels being reserved in darkness as an argument that demons then cannot be fallen angels, but something other. But perhaps our understanding of being reserved in darkness is incomplete, not meaning they cannot roam, but that they indeed are held into a certain inescapable realm to which they are reserved and can never escape fully, yet they still seem to be able to oppress and posses within this world.

From the Bible, Demons appear to indeed be those Angels who followed satan and rebelled against God...

the MOST wicked ones seemed to have had immediate judgement placed upon them, and chained up /reserved for final judgement, as per Apostle Peter...

remainder seemed to still be allowed to "be free", but question is why they appear to want/try so hard to possess a physical body again?

 

[Iconoclast]

Jude says this.....
6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

 

[JesusFan]

Jude says this.....
6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Thanks!
that was the passage that I was referring to, just for some reason thought hat Peter addressed it also!

 

[Iconoclast]

Thanks!
that was the passage that I was referring to, just for some reason thought hat Peter addressed it also!

He did JF...

4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;

2pet2 and jude are virtually identical.....:thumbsup::type:

 

[Alcott]

Some say they are fallen angels.

Yep.

Some say they are the souls of dead men.

Nope.

Some say it is unknown what they are.

Then how could they know?

So, with these in mind, are demons actually those minions who work along with Satan, specifically, the fallen angels who fell with Satan who were not elect?

Yep.

Or, are they the souls of dead men (& women) who look to inhabit the spirit and body of others?

Nope.

Or are they something else altogether?

Like what?

 

[preacher4truth]

Yep.

Nope.

Then how could they know?

Yep.

Nope.

Like what?

"Then how could they know" what when it was stated "Some say it is unknown what they are"? I can't honestly say I've gotten anything out of your response.

Please prove from Scripture your "yeps" and "nopes."

...and if a person says "or are they something else altogether" asking "like what?" probably should direct you right back to the question at hand. See?

 

[JesusFan]

"Then how could they know" what when it was stated "Some say it is unknown what they are"? I can't honestly say I've gotten anything out of your response.

Please prove from Scripture your "yeps" and "nopes."

...and if a person says "or are they something else altogether" asking "like what?" probably should direct you right back to the question at hand. See?

Do you feel as though we have neglected teaching on this subject to our own peril in church?

2 extremes are that Devil gets everybody, all sicknes/loss etc directly caused by him, or else that he is really not even there to bother with us!

need to know his ways, but also that we are able "in Christ" to have authotiy over anyhting that he is being allowed to start against us!

God has him on his leash, but until day he goes to perdition and final jusgement, need to be awake and alert to him and his minions ways!

Big area that you see him at work in 'church"
Through sexual agenda, deniel of hell, even denying the Deity/Cross of Christ!

 

[preacher4truth]

Do you feel as though we have neglected teaching on this subject to our own peril in church?

2 extremes are that Devil gets everybody, all sicknes/loss etc directly caused by him, or else that he is really not even there to bother with us!

need to know his ways, but also that we are able "in Christ" to have authotiy over anyhting that he is being allowed to start against us!

God has him on his leash, but until day he goes to perdition and final jusgement, need to be awake and alert to him and his minions ways!

Big area that you see him at work in 'church"
Through sexual agenda, deniel of hell, even denying the Deity/Cross of Christ!

I believe this should be addressed, not concentrated on.

However, we should not be ignorant of his schemes. 2 Cor. 2:11

 

[preacher4truth]

Have a demon? Take this test to find out! It's only $9.95, that's right, just $9.95 folks, and you get all this...but wait... :laugh:

Come on man!!!!!!!!!

http://www.demontest.com/

 

[freeatlast]

Have a demon? Take this test to find out! It's only $9.95, that's right, just $9.95 folks, and you get all this...but wait... :laugh:

Come on man!!!!!!!!!

http://www.demontest.com/

That is a jaw dropper! I wonder how much money this fraud has milked people for?

 

[preacher4truth]

That is a jaw dropper! I wonder how much money this fraud has milked people for?

Did you look at the other things on his website? I used to hear him on the radio years ago, everything he deals with is centered around demons. Now he is offering a cross, a replica of the actual one he uses to cast out demons. The sad thing is people believe this bunk. People should be leary of any ministry that doesn't center upon Christ.

 

[righteousdude2]

Those are "Familiar" spirits...

Interestingly the biblke does not call the demoins. Thye are called evil spirits. It uses the same woird for spirit as for the holy spirit andputs what we trnslate evil in front of it.

I cannot see how they can be the spirits of men who have died in their lost condition since the lost are held in a place of torment according to the teaching the Lord gave on Abrahams bosom and the evil spirits seem to have the run of the earth. I would say they are fallen spirits (angles).

.....familiar spirits are dead people whom demons inhabit taking on their persona.

 

[righteousdude2]

You ARe Right On the Mark....

I've read a few different answers to this.

• Some say they are fallen angels.

• Some say they are the souls of dead men.

• Some say it is unknown what they are.

So, with these in mind, are demons actually those minions who work along with Satan, specifically, the fallen angels who fell with Satan who were not elect?

Or, are they the souls of dead men (& women) who look to inhabit the spirit and body of others?

Or are they something else altogether?

Demons are a mixture of all the above, and in truth, they are the quintessential and very essence of evil itself!

It is best that all who claim to be followers of Jesus learn to recognize the many different forms in which a demon can manifest itself to the living.

To deny the existence of evil or demons is to deny the existence of the Holy Spirit, God, Jesus and the angels sent to have charge over us!

When it comes to the topic of demons, Ephesians 6:10-24 is mandatory reading. :type: