CONNIE WILLIAMS

For as long as I can remember, people have been drawn to stories about demons and dramatic rituals meant to drive them out. Movies, television programs, and even some religious groups have added to this interest. Yet when we look closely at what Scripture teaches, we find a very different picture of spiritual power and how believers are called to face evil.

The New Testament describes a moment when Jesus confronted a man under the influence of a demon. The account shows that demons are real beings. They have intelligence, emotion, and the ability to choose. This demon recognized who Jesus was, feared His authority, and obeyed His command to leave. Jesus did not use long rituals, special objects, or dramatic displays. He spoke a direct command, and the demon submitted. This picture shows the true nature of spiritual authority: it rests in Christ alone.

Jesus also gave His twelve apostles the ability to drive out demons, along with other signs that confirmed their message in a time when believers did not yet have the New Testament. These signs helped people know that the apostles spoke truthfully about Jesus and salvation. But the Bible does not say that this same authority was given to all believers or passed down through history. It was a specific gift for a specific group with a specific purpose.

Some passages that appear to describe these abilities for all believers. But the verses list several gifts together, such as healing or raising the dead, that not every believer has. Because of this, I believe scripture never teaches that all followers of Jesus are given the gift of driving out demons.

When we read the letters written to the early churches, we see long lists of spiritual gifts, but none of them include exorcism. We also find detailed teaching on spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6. This chapter gives clear instructions about truth, righteousness, readiness, faith, salvation, and God’s Word. This is presented as the full equipment every believer needs. There is no mention of rituals to remove demons or special techniques for confronting them.

Another important point is the limit of rituals that claim to free someone from demonic influence. Even if a person temporarily breaks free, Jesus explained that the problem can return if nothing changes within the person’s life. The human will plays a key role. Influence from evil does not come out of nowhere; it often begins with choices that open the door. Likewise, freedom requires a choice to turn toward God and to yield every part of life to His authority.

This helps explain why the early church eventually stopped emphasizing dramatic signs. As Scripture became available, believers no longer needed miracles to confirm the message. What they needed, and what we still need, is obedience to the truth God has given. The real battle is not won through a gifted person performing a ritual. It is won when an individual believer stands in the strength that God provides.

Every follower of Jesus has the Holy Spirit and the guidance of Scripture. These are the resources God has given for resisting evil and walking in freedom. No special ceremony is required. Each believer is responsible to take up the armor God has provided and to choose daily to live under His authority.

Submit therefore to God. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7