Scrutinizing the World

In this article, I am weighing in on Derek Prince‘s seminal work “They Shall Expel Demons. What You Need to Know about Demons – Your Invisible Enemies” (1998). I remember reading the book as a teenager but it wasn’t until I witnessed demonic manifestations myself that I understood its significance and value. Those who know the Scriptures will probably find it hard to deny that demons exist (with the possible exception of some naïve theologians). But what is less known is the extent of demonic activity even in people who lead rather normal lives, not to mention those who are suffering from physical and psychological illnesses.

The book is divided into four main chapters: 1. Fundamentals, 2. In the School of Experience, 3. Seven Questions, and 4. How to Recognize and Expel Demons. I will highlight Prince’s insights into this ministry with a particular focus on spirits of infirmity (physical and psychological). In the first chapter, Prince draws on his own experiences as a young believer in Christ. His method of exorcism is based on the New Testament descriptions of how Jesus cast out demons. Because, “Number one, it is Scriptural, and number two, it works.” Now Prince admits that there has been (and still is, I might add) criticism of this ministry, based on theological ignorance that views Satan and demons as superstitious beliefs from ancient and medieval times. This position sounds very educated but it’s also very wrong.

I will now give a few examples in order to demonstrate how demons operate and create illnesses. This mechanism is very important to grasp as it determines how the Christian should pray. It requires the gift of discerning the spirits (see 1 Corinthians 12:10), one of the nine spiritual gifts listed by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12. An illness can be purely physical (e.g. cancer or fever). Then, of course, the antidote is medical. But if the underlying cause of a sickness is demonic, taking pills will only cover up the deeper issue. The appropriate remedy then is to cast out the demons.

Epilepsy: This is a case in point. In fact, Prince argues that if there is one sickness he would always consider to be demonic it is epilepsy. I must say that I have so far witnessed only one epileptic seizure when I was a teenager. It was scary. Very scary. Now the immediate reaction, of course, should be medical intervention. But if you want to get rid of the spirit that provokes the epileptic seizures you ought to go deeper than that. I am not suggesting that every single epileptic seizure is demonic in nature. But if it is (which can be known by means of spiritual gifts) the solution is to expel the spirit of epilepsy (see Mark 9:14-29).

Death/Suicide: This is one of the most common spirits nowadays. How does it operate? When it has entered a human being (I will deal with the entry points below) it creates a powerful urge to commit suicide. This is not comparable to having “a bad day”. When a spirit of death is in a person, it creates a deep inner pain that cannot be explained by the outer circumstances. This is due to the fact that an evil spirit (i.e. a demon) does whatever its nature dictates. If it’s a spirit of murder it drives people to commit murder. If it’s a spirit of alcoholism it makes them drink alcohol excessively. If it’s a spirit of death it drives people to embrace death.

How does this spirit gain access? Based on Scripture and my personal experiences I identify three main entry points (it is possible that there are more than those three):

1. Idle words spoken about death: Words like “I wish I was dead” or “I am going to kill myself”, if spoken in all seriousness, are a direct invitation to a demon of death. Why is that? Proverbs 18:21 makes it clear: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” The power of the tongue is a recurring theme in Scripture. Paul repeatedly exhorts the Christians to sing praises to Christ. He knew that words are powerful.
2. A surgery which leads to a near-death experience: Prince recalls the story of a woman who was oppressed by a spirit of death which entered her when she nearly died on the operating table. The spirit was later cast out and the woman was delivered and healed.
3. Murder / Running amok / Terrorism: It is impossible to be involved in any of the before-mentioned without opening every possible (spiritual) door to demons. A murderer can repent and receive Christ’s forgiveness. So can a terrorist. But the spirit(s) of death must then be expelled (which can involve a longer spiritual battle). I am of the opinion that pastors, priests and military chaplains, in particular, should be trained in the ministry of casting out these spirits.

Conclusion: I do not advocate looking for demons behind every corner. I advocate recognizing and expelling demons where they are actually manifesting themselves.