Expert: John of AllFaith - 12/10/2007

Question
   It has been said that demons prefer to be in a body. Jesus cast some demons out of a man and into a into a herd of swine at their request. I used to think that the demons killed the pigs. But I read once that the pigs commited suicide because they couldn't stand something so evil in them. Either way, my question is why do some people say that demons don't like to be dis-embodied. They had no (physical) bodies when they were created nor after they fell. How long they existed before God created man and the animals I don't know. But why do they in Matthew 12 "go through dry places seeking rest"? What exactly does this mean? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Ray,
Frankly neither the Bible nor Baptist doctrine reveal a lot useful information about demons. Don't misunderstand, we know that we can rebuke them in Jesus' name, we can resist their influences etc. but as far as what demons like and don't etc, there's not a lot there.

From other sources however I will reply:

First, the word "demon" is very general. There are a lot of types of "demons." Some demons prefer being embodied, others prefer to be disembodied. Some demons revel in deceiving and destroying faith, others in inflicting diverse physical maladies, others in tormenting the earth-locked post-dead, others in more intellectual pursuits and so on.

The reason people make blanket statements about demons is because they watch too much TV! Most people know nothing solid about demons and do not even realize when they are in their presence (which they often are)! Its sad but true.

"The greatest coup the Devil ever won was convincing the world he doesn't exist."

Demons are real and they are more active today than they have been in a great many years. They are actively preparing the for the Decision or Stand-Off.

My reply to you then is that the beings we call demons, like the beings we call angels (who also exist in myriad different forms), have what Paul calls "bodies celestial." (I Cor 15). While people debate the details here, after the "Fall" Adam and Eve were "changed" and were clothed in "bodies terrestrial" (Gen 3:21). In order for "celestial beings" to directly interact with "terrestrial humanity" they need the same sort of "heavy" bodies we have.

Now, as long as the demons (angels etc) maintain their celestial forms they can indirectly influence us (through overshadowing, suggestions, etc), they can effective deceive us if we allow them to. But when they possess physical (terrestrial) bodies they have their greatest opportunity to influence and manipulate us. Those who are foolish enough to allow the demons entry can even be completely controlled to the degree that it is as though the demon(s) itself was now an embodied person. The "soul" or entity is as it were pushed into the background as the demon comes forward to act. There are MANY such demons walking among us today, including several key politicians and at least a few religious leaders.

Understand that:

II Corinthians 10
1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Demons are real and they are active in the world today. They are following a plan and that plan is plainly presented in the scriptures... and on Fox and CNN!

Hope this helps,
Write back any time,
Maranatha,
~John of AllFaith