Demons, is there any evidence they even exist?

[Dan From Smithville]

There is a true interpretation which answers the question- What does God mean by the Scripture being discussed? And a false interpretation which would be no that’s not what He meant.
The Holy Spirit is God, He is the one who teaches men what the Scripture means.
If someone doesn’t have the Holy Spirit the Bible describes that person as being a natural man who cannot understand the Bible but it’s foolishness to them.

“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭16‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

True or not, it is men that claim they are the one's that know and following them is the only way. Often these men are at odds with each other, yet each claiming to be giving the true interpretation. How do they even know they got it right? Of course, they tell us.

 

[ElishaElijah]

True or not, it is men that claim they are the one's that know and following them is the only way. Often these men are at odds with each other, yet each claiming to be giving the true interpretation. How do they even know they got it right? Of course, they tell us.

Many people have your sentiment except they don’t actually present the discrepancies and then compare the Scriptures. I haven’t seen where someone has presented a Scripture where there is disagreement and there were 2 different correct interpretations. You could look at food for example, go through the whole Bible and what we end up with is something God gives how He wants us to deal with this in Romans 14,It’s very clear here:

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The OT was pointing to Jesus Christ and how He was going to save Mankind. That God was going to fill men with His Spirit and make His home in us, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. So why go back to the OT sacrifices once the perfect sacrifice is complete? So awesome now that the mystery has been revealed which is Christ in us the hope of Glory!

 

[Dan From Smithville]

Many people have your sentiment except they don’t actually present the discrepancies and then compare the Scriptures. I haven’t seen where someone has presented a Scripture where there is disagreement and there were 2 different correct interpretations. You could look at food for example, go through the whole Bible and what we end up with is something God gives how He wants us to deal with this in Romans 14,It’s very clear here:

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The OT was pointing to Jesus Christ and how He was going to save Mankind. That God was going to fill men with His Spirit and make His home in us, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. So why go back to the OT sacrifices once the perfect sacrifice is complete? So awesome now that the mystery has been revealed which is Christ in us the hope of Glory!

Many people post about "correct interpretations", but never provide the evidence to show how they know their interpretations are correct. They usually start breaking down the person pointing this out rather than provide what should be easy information to back them up.

 

[Dan From Smithville]

Many people have your sentiment except they don’t actually present the discrepancies and then compare the Scriptures. I haven’t seen where someone has presented a Scripture where there is disagreement and there were 2 different correct interpretations. You could look at food for example, go through the whole Bible and what we end up with is something God gives how He wants us to deal with this in Romans 14,It’s very clear here:

“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭14‬:‭1‬-‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The OT was pointing to Jesus Christ and how He was going to save Mankind. That God was going to fill men with His Spirit and make His home in us, we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. So why go back to the OT sacrifices once the perfect sacrifice is complete? So awesome now that the mystery has been revealed which is Christ in us the hope of Glory!

Trying to make an interpretation consistent with Scripture is itself an interpretation.

 

[ElishaElijah]

Trying to make an interpretation consistent with Scripture is itself an interpretation.

Whatever that means but if a person wants to know God, according to the Bible it’s through Jesus Christ and Him alone, that’s the starting point…the Cross. People balk at that, try to justify themselves instead of humbling themselves and repent. All kinds of justifications, excuses etc. Pride
and selfish ambition seems to be the root cause of most divisions. People exalt tradition over the Word of God. God is pretty clear how He wants us to live.

 

[SkepticThinker]

I don’t think we are even on that topic of which Bible. You’ll have to go back and follow the conversation.

So you're not going to answer my question?

 

[ElishaElijah]

So you're not going to answer my question?

Probably not, but use whatever translation you want, use the Hebrew and Greek concordances for words if there is a discrepancy and you can get the meaning. Doesn’t matter though if a person is not going to the Bible to know God and live the way He wants, to be in fellowship with Him. That person will end up perverting the Word of God and just argue stuff, wasting everyone’s time.

 

[SkepticThinker]

This is something I have received from God and something He promised that’s available to every human being. Only the person who has rejected Jesus Christ would say otherwise because they haven’t received anything themselves. So yes it’s a fact and provable by a changed life, will also be shown at the Judgement. So we can argue all day till that time but it will come and that’s when everything will be exposed as the Bible says. So that part is my belief because it hasn’t happened yet . But as far as God and what He’a done and given me is definitely true and a fact.
See my facts aren’t like scientific facts…scientific facts can be wrong and are applauded when they are and it’s said see how great science is they proved their own facts wrong, this is funny.

You're right that your beliefs aren't scientific facts. Scientific facts can actually be demonstrated with evidence.
You have nothing like that, but claim knowledge anyway.

 

[SkepticThinker]

It wasn’t meant for people, it’s meant for Satan, people choose that by rejecting Jesus Christ. Why don’t you ask Him yourself?

If it's meant for Satan, then it's pretty weird that God sends humans there.

 

[SkepticThinker]

You would have to go yourself and see, this may not be for you but many people who are wondering what’s going on in their lives that have them bound in addictions, tormented, full of fear, depression and anxiety can know there is freedom found In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Many people believe there is no hope for them like it was for me but let me tell you Jesus sets people free, he uses believers just like me! I was lost and now in His Name I set people free because He gave me that authority. So awesome!

What was that you were saying a few posts back about humility?

 

[ElishaElijah]

If it's meant for Satan, then it's pretty weird that God sends humans there.

It is really weird that humans would reject God and choose that option, especially what He is offering.

 

[SkepticThinker]

There is evidence in the Bible. There is evidence the Bible is authentic.
I posted this in my first post, and I repeated it to you.
If you hate that evidence, that's your problem.
That's between you and God... and Jesus. Not me.
If you want to parrot yourself for the rest of the thread, feel free.

The Bible is filled with claims. Not evidence.

I mean, what you essentially just argued here is that the Bible is true because the Bible says it's true. Which of course, is circular reasoning.

 

[ElishaElijah]

What was that you were saying a few posts back about humility?

It would be false humility and unbelief to reject what Jesus called believers to do when He told us and gave us the authority to do so. Could you imagine a traffic cop in the middle of the road trying to direct traffic on their knees, bowed down, not even looking up at the traffic, not exercising their authority to direct traffic?

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.””
‭‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬-‭18‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

 

[SkepticThinker]

It is really weird that humans would reject God and choose that option, especially what He is offering.

You keep evading the point.
You said hell isn't for humans. And yet God puts humans there. You admit that, here, in this post. Which means, that hell is for humans.
So, care to answer the question now? What kind of loving God throws his creations into a lake of hellfire for all eternity?

 

[SkepticThinker]

I have seen many people who have manifested demons and have witnessed the demons being expelled “In the Name of Jesus”! People end up free.
You would have to be willfully ignorant and in denial to look at the things going on in our world today and not recognize the demonic influence on people. And for my friends IMO

And yet you can't provide any good evidence for the existence of demons, despite being asked repeatedly.

 

[SkepticThinker]

Probably not, but use whatever translation you want, use the Hebrew and Greek concordances for words if there is a discrepancy and you can get the meaning. Doesn’t matter though if a person is not going to the Bible to know God and live the way He wants, to be in fellowship with Him. That person will end up perverting the Word of God and just argue stuff, wasting everyone’s time.

I asked which Bible, which "Truth." Not which interpretation, which is a whole other thing.

 

[ElishaElijah]

I asked which Bible, which "Truth." Not which interpretation, which is a whole other thing.

The Hebrew and Greek Manuscripts that is commonly known as the Bible

 

[ElishaElijah]

And yet you can't provide any good evidence for the existence of demons, despite being asked repeatedly.

You can look at the ones on You tube… Daniel Adams. Go the movie today at 7PM Come Out In Jesus Name and observe for yourself what happens. Stay for the live stream after the movie and see demons manifest in people and get free. Demons are spirits without bodies so unless you can see into the spiritual realm you won’t see them but will see them manifesting and leaving a person.

 

[Apostle John]

As an atheist I heard nuisance voices for 3 decades. After an awakening I later thought I had exorcised/delivered myself when turning Christian and saying the Lord’s Prayer for a year. I felt something invisible leave me via my forehead and felt good after that. But now I believe God had been talking to me all that time before, it was just that the words of wisdom/knowledge were too cryptic to work out they were from Him. Maybe a demon did leave me making things easier.

 

[nPeace]

My question is 'What should be taken as allegory and what should be taken as truth'. Jesus being God and son of God? The resurrection? What criteria you take to decide it?

Good question. Thanks for asking.

The criterion is mentioned by Jesus. Matthew 13:11-16; Matthew 16:17
One needs to have the right heart - that is, a humble heart, which thirsts for truth and righteousness. Matthew 5:3-5 There is no other criterion that exist outside of that, where having the correct understanding of God's word is concerned.

The reason being, this is not a fleshly thing. In other words, it does not depend on flesh.
The Bible says, God's word is a product of holy spirit. 2 Peter 1:20, 21 It is a spiritual thing.

One of Jesus followers explains it at 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no one deceive himself: If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this system of things,* let him become a fool, so that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, for it is written: “He catches the wise in their own cunning.” 20 And again: “Jehovah* knows that the reasonings of the wise men are futile.”

Of course, Paul is not saying, be a fool - aka Idiot. Paul is saying, become as one who does not think he is so wise.
Why? When you think you are so wise, you become proud - too proud to allow yourself to be taught, by anyone... except perhaps those who think they are so wise. Arrogance only knows arrogance.

Spoiler: This Happens

Haven't you met persons who were so stubborn, their stubbornness blinded them to reason. Then, perhaps later they came to you, and said, "You know, I just could not see, what you were telling me, but you were right."?
That happens, sometimes in relationships.

If you are humble, you will understand, and you will know that your understanding is reasonable.
To help you grasp that, consider what I did above.
I read... "let him become a fool..."
Then I said, "Paul is not saying, be a fool..."

If someone argues. "Wait. Wait. Wait. The scripture reads, 'let him become a fool', and you are saying he does not mean become a fool. What!"
If I explain, "It's the context. Read the text." If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this system of things, let him become a fool, so that he may become wise.
Now explain it. It's contrasting worldly wisdom to wisdom that is true wisdom - wisdom from God.
So being a fool is in the context that the world considers foolish.

This is explained in the previous verses. 1 Corinthians 1
25 Because a foolish thing of God is wiser than men, and a weak thing of God is stronger than men.
26 For you see his calling of you, brothers, that there are not many wise in a fleshly way, not many powerful, not many of noble birth, 27 but God chose the foolish things of the world to put the wise men to shame; and God chose the weak things of the world to put the strong things to shame; 28 and God chose the insignificant things of the world and the things looked down on, the things that are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 so that no one might boast in the sight of God.

The reasonable person says, "Ah. I see. I understand."
The unreasonable person continues in his opposition. He holds to an unreasonable position... and does not budge.
Here are two persons, or groups, looking at the same scripture. Yet, one is reasonable. The other is not.
What causes that, is determined by one's heart - either it is humble (teachable), or proud (arrogant).

Here is where God comes in.
The arrogant will not see it, unless he becomes humble, because God gives his spirit to the humble one. The arrogant, he sees from a distance. James 4:6; Psalms 138:6 God opposes them.
If one is not guided by God's spirit, there is only one result. 2 Corinthians 4:4 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12

That's the way it has been determined by the one who has truth, reads hearts, and determines who deserve it. John 6:44, 45
The reason is, life is involved, and God determines who gets life.
The Bible tells us that in the new world God is making, there will be no arrogant, rebellious people who stubbornly want to go their own way.
Revelation 22:15
Outside are the dogs* and those who practice spiritism and those who are sexually immoral* and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices lying.

Recall, Jesus said, do not give what is holy to dogs? Matthew 7:6
What is holy - from God - belongs only to God's children - that is, all those loving him.

You may be thinking, 'Well if the holy spirit only acts on humble hearts, and yet, so many claim to be led by holy spirit, how can one determine who is really accurately presenting truth?"
That would be a very Good question.
Jesus gives the answer in various places, but I like John 8:31, 32
Two things Jesus mentioned there. If you, remain in his word... You will know...
The onus is on you, and that brings it back to the heart.

One who is truly humble examines their heart, as to whether they are being honest, or deceitful, and when faced with truth, one has the choice to either reject it, knowing deep down that they are willfully rejecting it, or humbly accepting it, even if one realizes that it goes against things they hold dear, and do not want to give up.
What you are on the inside, is manifest by the truth. It exposes what we are, and we cannot hide it... either from others, or ourselves.
It's on us to know.

A lot know when they are being hypocritical.