Can a Christian today perform an exorcism? | GotQuestions.org

Exorcism in the Gospels and Acts

Hi there, many others like you have asked, can a Christian today perform an exorcism? Let's find out, shall we? Biblical answers abound on GotQuestions .org. Exorcism was practiced by various people in the Gospels and the Book of Acts.

The disciples as part of Christ's instructions, others using Christ's name, the children of the Pharisees, Paul, and certain exorcists. It appears that the purpose of Jesus' disciples performing exorcisms was to show Christ's dominion over demons and to verify that the disciples were acting in his name and by his authority.

Demonic Warfare and the New Testament Teaching on Resistance

It also revealed their faith or lack of faith. It was obvious that this act of casting out demons was important to the ministry of the disciples. However, it is unclear what part casting out demons actually played in the discipleship process.

Interestingly, there seems to be a shift in the latter part of the New Testament regarding demonic warfare. The teaching portions of the New Testament refer to demonic activity, yet do not discuss the actions of casting them out, nor are believers exhorted to do so.

We are told to put on the armor of God and stand against them. We are told to resist the devil, be careful of him, and not to give him room in our lives. However, we are not told how to cast him or his demons out of others, or that we should even consider doing so.

Victory Through Faith, Holiness, and the Armor of God

The book of Ephesians gives clear instructions on how we are to have victory against the forces of evil. The first step is placing our faith in Christ, which breaks the rule of the appearance of the power of the air.

We are then to choose again by God's grace to put off the ungodly habits and put on godly.

Habits.

This does not involve casting out demons, but rather renewing our minds. After several practical instructions on how to obey God, we are reminded that there is a spiritual battle. It is fought with certain armor that allows us to stand against, not cast out, the trickery of the demonic world.

We stand with truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the word of God, and prayer. In conclusion, it appears that as the word of God was completed, Christians had more weapons with which to battle the spirit world than the early Christians did.

Evangelism, Discipleship, and Exposing Lies with the Word of God

The role of casting out demons was replaced, for the most part, with evangelism and discipleship through the word of God. Since the methods of spiritual warfare in the New Testament do not involve casting out demons, it is difficult to determine instructions on how to do such a thing.

If necessary at all, it seems that it is through exposing the individual to the truth of the word of God in the name of Jesus Christ. Alright, that answers your question, can a Christian today perform an exorcism?