24. Is there any place in
biblical counseling for casting out demons? In your answer, include your
position on demonic activity in the post-apostolic era and the biblical
methodology of dealing with it.
I
do not feel that casting out demons ought to be part of biblical counseling in
the post-apostolic era, no. Casting out of demons during the ministry of Jesus
and the apostles (because he gave them this authority) was to prove Christ’s
deity and authenticate the His message and that of the apostles. It was a method used by God for a certain time
in history, but because we now have the full cannon of Scripture, and a
complete understanding of Christ, and the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer
this type of spiritual activity is no longer needed. Yes, demonic activity is real in our modern
world, without question. Scripture does
not deny that. Of unbelievers the Word
says;
“You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the
desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not
stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie,
he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John
8:44
Believers are warned; “…do not give
the devil an opportunity.” (Ephesians 4:27), “Put on the full armor of God, so
that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.” (6:11),
“Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James
4:7), “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls
around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
Our
role as counselors however is not to involve ourselves with demonic activity,
Scripture nowhere commands this. We are
to evangelize the unsaved, and aid our believing counselees in sanctification
through the Word of God. Scriptural
directives regarding demons and the devil would include; resisting, fleeing and
using the Bible to stand firm on God’s truth.
As ambassadors of truth we need
to be wise to; “Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as
wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians
5:15-16) Keeping counseling sessions
based on Scriptural truth is essential, exorcism and casting out demons is not
Scripturally based, and need not be practiced to lead someone to the Word, and
walking in right relationship with Him.
It
is impossible for a believer to be indwelt by a demon (1 Corinthians 6:15,
19-20). “…God is Light, and in Him there
is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk
in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth…” (1 John 1:5b, 6) It is diametrically opposing to suggest that
a believer could possibly be under the power of Satan. And the goal of counseling an unbeliever
ought to be their salvation, exorcism isn’t what they need, the Gospel of
Christ is.
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