Truth Magazine

By Lanny Smith

Many people are misinformed about the subject of demons. Their views range from outright denial of their existence to affirming that they continue to possess men today. This brief study will consider this subject from a biblical perspective, without the fanciful twists of Hollywood, the imaginations of men, or the perversions of false teachers. The Bible is our only reliable source on the matter (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Let it be noted first of all, that demons are real. They do indeed exist. Any effort to deny the eyewitness testimony of Jesus, his apostles, and the multitudes which witnessed demonic activity is sheer foolishness. Yet there are those who reason that “those people were poorly educated, and that was their way of explaining things like epilepsy.” Others have said that Jesus was “simply going along with the superstitions of the day.” We should realize that all such reasonings cast a bad reflection upon the credibility of our Savior and his word (cf. 1 Jn. 4:6). Consider these verses on the reality of demons and demonic activity: Matthew 12:22-29; Mark 1:23-28; 5:1-15; Acts 19:13-17. Apparently, demons were allowed great freedom of activity so that God might manifest himself through his power over them (Matt. 12:28; Mk. 16:17-20).

Since there is no explicit statement regarding the origin of demons, we must realize that it is simply a matter of conjecture. Among some of the ideas that have been suggested are:

(1) They are the offspring of the intermarriage of angels and women of the pre-flood era (cf. Gen. 6:1-2). This view is highly unlikely in that angels evidently do not marry (cf. Matt. 22:30).

(2) They are the spirits of wicked dead people. This, too, is unlikely because the spirits of all the dead are held in the hadean realm until the judgment day. Those spirits are not free to leave hades (Eccl. 12:7; Lk. 16:19-31).

The most plausible explanation (if indeed there can be a biblical explanation – Deut. 29:29) is that demons are “fallen angels.” Perhaps a better term would be “angels that sinned.” Consider these facts:

(1) Satan is “the prince” (“ruler” – NASB) of the demon kingdom (Matt. 12:24-25).

(2) Demons, as well as angels, are spirit-beings (Mk. 5:12-13; Heb. 1:13-14).

(3) There were “angels that sinned” (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6).

(4) “He that commiteth sin is of the Devil” (1 Jn. 3:8).

(5) Satan has angels (Matt. 25:41; Rev. 12:7-10).

Hence, it is logical to infer that these “angels that sinned” are the demons. While this may not be conclusive, this view doesn’t appear to contradict other Scriptures, and is worthy of consideration.

The most important part of this study is to stress that demons are no longer able to possess people as in the days of Christ and the apostles. We can reach this conclusion from several lines of reasoning.

First of all, the miraculous abilities have ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-12). This includes the ability to “cast out devils” (Mk. 16:17-20). Hence, if demons could still possess us, we would have no means of ridding ourselves of them (cf. Acts 19:13-17). Therefore, we would be hopelessly at the mercy of Satan. But the Bible does not picture us as helpless victims, but rather as overcomers through Jesus (1 Cor. 10: 13; 1 Pet. 5:8-9). “Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4).

Secondly, the Bible teaches that Jesus has bound the “strong man” – Satan. Jesus said that he “cast out devils by the Spirit of God.” Then, he compared that to someone binding the strong man so he could “spoil his house” (Matt. 12:22-29). Consider also in this light 1 John 3:8, Luke 10:17-18, and Revelation 12:7-10.

Finally, the demons themselves knew that there was a time coming when they would be rendered powerless and sent to “the abyss” (Lk. 8:31, NASB). They asked Jesus, “Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matt. 8:28-29) This “time” of Matthew 8:29 coincides with “that day” of Zechariah 13:1-2. In this prophecy, we see several events that were to occur “in that day.”

“In that day there shall be a foundation opened . . . for sin.” Surely anyone can see the reference to the (then) future sacrifice of Christ and its benefits. This part of the prophecy is fulfilled (1 Cor. 15:14; Acts 2:38-41; Rom. 6:3-4).

“And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land.” Who worships those idols of old? Who serves Baal, Molech, Dagon, or even Jupiter and Diana (cf. Acts 19:2627)? This part of the prophecy is fulfilled, also.

“And also I will cause the prophets . . . to pass out of the land.” This was fulfilled in the completed Scriptures (Jn. 16:13; 1 Cor. 13:8-12; Jude 3). Interestingly enough, coinciding with these events, God caused “the unclean spirit to pass out of the land” (Zech. 13:1-2).

All of these events took place in the same time period (i.e., “in that day”). Hence, if we can see that salvation is now available, the idols of old have ceased to be worshiped, and that the prophets have ceased to arise, then we can see that demons are no longer active. Another interesting verse which bears some connection with this idea is found in Revelation 12:7-10. Notice especially the time reference in verse 10, and compare with Luke 10:17-18.

“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” (2 Pet. 2:4). “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” (Jude 6). Notice the past tense of these verses, indicating an action already taken, again establishing the complete fulfillment of Zechariah 13-12.

Yes, demons are real beings. They are quite likely “fallen angels.” However, they cannot possess men today. But let us never forget that Satan is still very active through persuasion (Job 1:7; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; Jas. 1:13-15). He is constantly tempting us to turn our hearts away from God. This work of Satan is far worse than any demonic possession, for it can lead one into eternal ruin in the flames of Hell (Matt. 25:41-46). But the good news is that you can “resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (Jas. 4:7). You can turn to Christ in obedient faith and be saved from your sins. Then you can look forward to that home in Heaven that awaits the faithful (Gal. 3:26-27; 1 Pet. 1:3-5). Won’t you accept the invitation of Christ and be saved?

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 12, pp. 355-356
June 16, 1988

By David Posey

For some reasons, many people have a tendency to see things only in terms of extremes. There is no area in which this attitude is more obvious than when we begin to discuss the concept of judging among fallible humans. At one end of the spectrum are those who contend that we have no duty or right to judge members of God’s family. “Judge not that you be not judged” is their hue and cry. They curiously ignore not only the rest of that passage, but everything else the Bible says on the subject as well. Of course, at the other extreme are those who believe they are “soil inspectors,” launching out on a relentless crusade to save the church from anyone who may have a spot or wrinkle, all the while ignoring the beam in their own eye. As is usually the case, the truth of the Bible lies somewhere between these two extremes.

Should we ever judge the activity of an individual with regard to whether it is right or wrong, scriptural or unscriptural? Assuming we have some responsibility in this area, what principles should guide us in making much judgments? When does this judgment begin and end? What steps should we take if we observe a brother in sin?

Before we examine these questions, I want to be clear on what I am not discussing. I am not talking about ultimate judgment; in others words, any judgment I make is an imperfect one. I cannot, do not, determine who is going to heaven or hell. It is not my judgment to make. Nor, am I making judgments based upon who agrees or disagrees with me on certain topics. Those who use such criteria succeed only in building their own denomination; they do not edify the church. There is no congregation on the face of the earth in which everyone agrees, unless it’s a “congregation” of one! Furthermore, I’m not trying to draw lines around a certain group and then determine that they are on “our side.” That, too, is a denominational disposition.

Notwithstanding these warnings, there are occasions when I must judge my brother, within the bounds of Scripture. In fact, if I love my brother as Christ commanded I should (Jn. 13:34; etc.), I will do all I can to make judgments which will help him identify sin and avoid it (1 Pet. 4:8). It is my hope that he would do the same for me. I’m amazed when I hear brethren teach, in the name of “love,” that we should not make such judgments at all. Scripture upon Scripture can be cited which proves otherwise – that being sensitive to sin, first in ourselves and then in our brother, and then doing all in our power to help our brother out of his sin, is the clearest, most Christ-like description of love that we find (see, for example, Jas. 5:19-20). It is also, and here’s the rub, the most difficult demonstration of love to put into practice. Jude 23 says, “but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.” It’s necessary, but not easy. With this in mind, let’s examine the questions which I posed at the beginning.

Should We Judge A Christian?

First, should we ever judge one who calls himself a Christian? Jesus says in Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Obviously, if that was the only thing ever said in the Bible, Old Testament or New, then all judgment would be prohibited. But let’s allow Jesus to explain what he means in the initial statement by reading the rest of the passage. Doesn’t he say that whatever judgment we apply to others will be applied to us? If so, then as we observe and make judgments about our brother’s activity, we had better do so with a proper attitude (see vv. 2-5). But then in v. 6 judgment is specifically commanded! You cannot know who the “dogs” and “swine” are without making some judgment, can you?

The apostle Paul speaks clearly on the issue as well. In 1 Corinthians 5:12, after upbraiding the Corinthians for permitting the incestuous man to remain among them, he says, “For what have I to do with judging those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?” In v. 13, he states the imperative: “Therefore put away from yourselves that wicked person.”‘ Clearly we, like the Corinthians, are disobedient when we fail to make proper judgments about the obviously immoral activity and lifestyle of a brother. Of course, we must only do so with due caution and with love (agape).

What Principles Guide Our Judgments?

Secondly, what principles ought to guide us in making such judgments? In the first place, we should consider again the words of Christ recorded in Matthew 7. We must be completely and constantly aware that we too are sinners and “fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Paul says in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” So the first principle is to consider ourselves, although not to such an extent that we never consider our brother. (See Lev. 19:17-18, where failure to rebuke your neighbor is tantamount to engaging in his sin with him!)

A second principle that should guide us is found in 1 Corinthians 13, where Paul describes biblical love. If we apply Paul’s teaching carefully, we can hardly fail! We should be slow to believe rumors and always “rejoice in the truth.” Sadly, there are some brethren who actually rejoice when another brother goes awry. This attitude becomes apparent in the manner in which they “judge.” They may talk about him but they never approach him. Paul says that “love does not rejoice in iniquity. ” An attitude which is eager to judge a brother and find him in sin, is rotten to the core and completely devoid of love. Some preachers and writers seem almost anxious to “rejoice in iniquity.” God will judge!

A third principle is, perhaps, an obvious one and yet often ignored. Any judgment we make must be according to truth – according to the word of God, no according to our opinions or preferences. It is the doctrine of Christ with which we are concerned, not the precepts of men. 2 John 7-11, in which the necessity of making some judgment is obviously implied, is concerned with the doctrine of Christ. We are not to receive, nor are we to greet, one who (we judge) does not “bring this doctrine.” Every single time we find it necessary to reprove a brother, we must have Bible in hand. A judgment made on any other basis is faulty and useless. I wonder how many church splits could have been avoided had all parties insisted on this “obvious” principle?

Our third question involves the time frame of judgment? When does it begin and when does it end? This is a difficult question and much of the answer will involve “judgment” of another kind. Any judging that we do has one of two purposes: We are either trying to help our brother out of sin or we are trying to determine if we can work, worship, cooperate or associate with him, on a scriptural basis. If we accept that principle, then judgment is irrelevant with regard to those brethren who do not fit either category. We don’t have to be concerned with someone whom we cannot help in any way (that doesn’t mean we are not concerned and shouldn’t seek opportunity to help someone who lives even in another country) nor with whom we have no prospect of association. But when someone, whether from our own or another area or congregation, comes within our frame of reference, our duty to judge becomes pertinent. “By their fruits you shall know them.” They may well be “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Therefore, we must judge the doctrine that they bring and, to the extent manifested, the life they live before men. Jude describes men who “crept in unnoticed” in order to teach false doctrine. We must be aware that such things happen and judge accordingly. Needless to say, elders have a particular duty in this regard as those who watch out for our souls (Heb. 13:17).

Of course, it is within our own congregations that the judging we do has the most significance. As a preacher once said in a sermon on “fellowship,” only those with the most naive and superficial attitude believe we can “ignore our way to peace.” Certainly, we must vigorously apply Romans 12:18. But when a person is a part of the local church, his life and teaching is important to that church – we must engage in some judging during the time he is part of us. The Corinthians failed miserably in this respect and were rebuked (chapter 5). Likewise, in the Revelation, Jesus admonished Pergamos and Thyatira on the same basis since they failed to make proper judgments regarding issues of morality and doctrine (Rev. 2:12-29).

This judgment, and our obligation to deal appropriately with the divisive and sinning member, extends as well to the time after they “go out from us” (cf. 1 Jn. 2:18ff). Many brethren disagree with this, believing we have no right to restrict a person’s movement or make any judgment concerning it. But Paul mentions a number of people who had fallen away (e.g., Demas and Alexander the coppersmith [2 Tim. 4:10, 14-15]), presumably to warn other Christians to avoid their influence. Likewise, a local church cannot absolve itself of all responsibility toward that brother (and toward other faithful Christians who may be influenced by such a brother) simply because he decides to disassociate himself from it. Paul specifically says in Romans 16:17, “Now I urge you brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”

A Brother In Sin

Finally, what steps should we take if we detect a brother in sin? We would do well to simply refer to the words of Christ in Matthew 18:15-18. The steps are clear and concise. Obviously, we must determine (“judge”) if our brother has sinned against us. We may or may not be correct in our determination, but following the steps which Jesus provides will guarantee a scriptural resolution of the matter. I wonder to whom those who teach that we are to do no judging suggest we apply Jesus’ teaching?

The fact is that those who have relegated all “judging” to the scrap heap have failed to properly understand and apply the various biblical usages of the word which we translate “judge.” And in doing so, they are opening the doors to all manner of evil, both in doctrine and morals. They are negligent as “stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet. 4:10). And, from a very practical standpoint, they are allowing many a brother to sink deeper into the mire of sin. Their definition of “love,” apparently, is to let a brother play out on the devil’s freeway, never making the effort to snatch him from the danger. There is no more love in that than if a parent allowed his or her child to do the same! True, Christ-like love reacts much differently and seeks always to save, “hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 11, pp. 336-337
June 2, 1988

By Patrick Andrews

If you have seen any recent Jehovah’s Witness literature, then you know that they are big on smiles. All the tracts and books they have given me (recently), are filled with drawings of people who could pass for reincarnated opossums.

Of course you must realize that the point that they are trying to force on the unlearned and the unexpected is this, “you can live forever in paradise on earth, ” which, by the way, is the title of a book published by the Watchtower Society for the Jehovah’s Witnesses. On pages 12 and 13 of the above mentioned book is a drawing depicting the Watchtower Society’s idea of how the earth and its inhabitants will look throughout eternity. Everyone in the picture is smiling, regardless of what they are doing. I believe if they were any happier they would bust. To me it looks as if a tank car full of Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) derailed nearby. There is a lion on page 13; I believe it is smiling.

This happiness that everyone is enjoying (including the animals), is part of the Jehovah’s Witness “New Earth” (i.e., this planet, after it has been renovated by those who survive Armageddon, Ibid., p. 159). One of the passages they use to create this wonderland is Isaiah 11:6-9. There are other passages that they have been programmed to use to defend this error, but we will stick with this one for the most part.

A rule I learned somewhere that has remained with me, lo these many years is this, “You must take anything you hear or read literally, unless the context forbids it.” I was comforted by my knowledge of figurative language as a child when an older brother would threaten to “beat my brains out” or “slap me into the next county.” The laws of the land, the laws of my parents, and the laws of grammar forced me to interpret their show of force figuratively. I was forbidden to take their threats literally. Children have always understood such elementary grammatical rules. Let’s look at the passage that has been thrust upon us by our Witness friends and see if we are to take it literally or if we are forced to interpret the passage figuratively.

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the failing together; and a little child shall lead them.

And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like an ox.

And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put this hand on the cockatrice’s den (Isa. 11:6-9).

If we interpret this passage of Scripture literally, we find that: a little child, a sucking child, and a weaned child will dwell on “The New Earth,” with certain tasks to perform with respect to the animal life, either leading the larger animals around, or simply playing on snake holes.

If I was a robot of the Watchtower Society, I would be in a panic. I would be worried about my children and their proper place in this “New Earth.” You see, my timing is all wrong. According to the Watchtower’s latest pep-rallies, the end of this present order of things is about to come. That leaves me with a son that will be forced to play on a snake hole from now on. My daughters will be expected to smile like opossums all the live-long-day, and lead the calves and bears around. These are jobs where there are no promotions; the young will remain young forever (Ibid., p. 11). Can you imagine going through eternity as an infant playing on a snake hole? Do you see how much trouble you get into when your older brother fails to instill in you the difference in literal and figurative language?

There is another passage that the Witnesses turn to as a proof text for their “New Earth,” Isaiah 65:17-25. Please notice verse 20.

There will be no more an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his day: for the child shall die an hundred years old, but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed (emphasis mine, p.a.).

I think if someone in the Watchtower Society would tell the children that they are only allowed 100 years to “punch the little doggies” and then they would die, I bet the children wouldn’t feel like smiling.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 11, p. 329
June 2, 1988

By Ron Halbrook

The Bible claims to be the holy and sacred Word of God, “given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). That means we have heaven’s message on earth “in the words which . . . the Holy Ghost teacheth” (1 Cor. 2:13). The idols of ancient nations (Babylon, Greece, Rome, etc.) supposedly gave sacred messages, as do heathen religions in the modern world. The Hindu offers his Vedas and the Moslem his Koran. Masonry claims to distill “secrets” and “mysteries” from, many ancient religions, can put the sacred books of any religions on “our holy altar,” and pretend to make all good men “better.”

Divine messages are alleged by astrologers, fortune tellers, and prognosticators such as Nostradamus, Jeane Dixon, and Edgar Cayce. Joseph Smith’s Book ofMormon and Mary Baker Eddy’s Science and Health pose as revelations. The words of the Pope, the creed books of Protestant denominations, the cries of charismatics, and the pronouncements of sectarian boards (Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, etc.) all avow the inspiration or illumination of the Spirit of God.

The following evidences of divine inspiration are found in the Bible and in the Bible alone. That is why the Bible urges us to reject any and all other claims of a word from God, and to expose them as fraudulent and false (Rev. 2:2; 22:1819).

Evidence For Inspired Bible	All Other Claims Fall
Fulfilled Prophecy. Every prophecy matches its fulfillment perfectly. Over 300 refer to Jesus Christ (Isa. 53; Mic. 5:2)	Failed Prophecy. No other book in all history can match the Bible record. Guesses result in hit-&-miss pattern. Jehovah’s Witnesses predicted 1914, 1925, etc. as the end.
Resurrection of Jesus. This proved him “to be the Son of God with power.” All power and authority to reveal and command is his (Rom. 1:4; Matt. 28:18).	None Raised. None of the leaders listed above can offer such powerful proof. God gave them no authority to reveal or command.
Unity in Message. 66 books by 40 men in 1,500 years all fit together with perfect unity in purpose and message. Jesus Christ as God’s Son and man’s Savior is the one story (Jn. 20:30-31).	Disunity. No similar collection of religious literature reflects the unity and harmony of the Bible. Denominational creeds contradict each other. The Koran is full of contradictions.
Genuine Miracles. The miracles of the prophets, Christ, and his apostles could not be denied even by their enemies. These miracles confirmed the word as revelation (Acts 4:16; Mk. 16:20; Jn. 3:2).	Fake Miracles. No other claim to divine inspiration has ever been confirmed by true miracles. False claims to speak in tongues or heal are a dime a dozen (Oral Roberts’ 900 ft. Jesus says to send money!).
Text Preserved. No other book has faced as many efforts by its enemies to eliminate its existence. Yet the Bible text is the most accurately preserved of all ancient literature. God protects it (Isa. 40:8; 1 Pet. 1:25).	Texts in Doubt. Pali texts written 300-500 years after Buddha lived (500 B.C.); earliest copies date A.D. 900. 3,911 changes were made in the 2nd edition of The Book of Mormon.
Many Other Evidences. The Bible record is consistent with all proven facts of history, geography, science, and archaeology.	Many Other Fallacies. The Book of Mormon contradicts facts of history, geography, science and archaeology. It claims to have been written in Reformed Egyptian; no such language existed.
Infallible, Inerrant. The Bible equips man fully unto salvation and service for God. It teaches error of no kind but reflects the perfect character of God (2 Tim. 3:16-17).	Full of Error. All other claims of divine inspiration, revelation and illumination reflect the fallible character of their authors.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 11, p. 331
June 2, 1988