Exorcism

[Osage Bluestem]

Does it happen?

Are there any Reformed who practice exorcism?

 

[JM]

Found this: Satan Cast Out: A Study in Biblical Demonology: Frederick S. Leahy: 9780851512341: Amazon.com: Books

 

[JM]

The article refers to Piper as a 'Reformed theologian' but I wouldn't classify him as such. It seems the belief and practice of exorcisms go hand in hand with Pentecostalism or Charismatic teaching.

John Piper on Personal Experience With Exorcism

Have You Exorcized a Demon? on Vimeo

 

[Osage Bluestem]

The article refers to Piper as a 'Reformed theologian' but I wouldn't classify him as such. It seems the belief and practice of exorcisms go hand in hand with Pentecostalism or Charismatic teaching.

John Piper on Personal Experience With Exorcism

Have You Exorcized a Demon? on Vimeo

What about Roman Catholics? They claim frequent exorcisms.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Does it happen?

I believe so.

Are there any Reformed who practice exorcism?

I don't know.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

The article refers to Piper as a 'Reformed theologian' but I wouldn't classify him as such.

He great Calvinist though.

It seems the belief and practice of exorcisms go hand in hand with Pentecostalism or Charismatic teaching.

Agree it does seem to be the case, but we shouldn't assume something is wrong because Pentecostals and Charismatics believe it.

John Piper on Personal Experience With Exorcism

read it, interesting article.

Have You Exorcized a Demon? on Vimeo

may get around to watching the video later.

 

[Rhamiel]

What about Roman Catholics? They claim frequent exorcisms.

i think he meant among Protestants it is more seen as a Pentacostal thing?

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Watched the video (downloaded the mobile version, smaller size), and I wholeheartedly agree with John Piper's closing remarks of the video.

 

[JM]

Time to pull out the Malleus Maleficarum.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Time to pull out the Malleus Maleficarum.

google is my friend

 

[Rhamiel]

Time to pull out the Malleus Maleficarum.

in the spirit of ecumenicism, I would like to point out that the Malleus Maleficarum was used both by Protestants and Catholics during the very early modern period

anyways, from what I have read, Protestants normally use the term "deliverance ministries" rather then Exorcism
also, there is some debate among Protestants if it is even possible for a born again Christian to become possessed by an evil spirit.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

anyways, from what I have read, Protestants normally use the term "deliverance ministries" rather then Exorcism

Have to say I disagree with anyone who would base their ministry on the miraculous rather than the Gospel.

also, there is some debate among Protestants if it is even possible for a born again Christian to become possessed by an evil spirit.

Yes there is debate, mostly among Pentecostal/Charismatic believers. Of course these days there are Charismatic/Pentecostal Catholics too.

Calvinists agree that it is impossible for a Christian to become possessed by an evil spirit. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. That is not to say a Christian cannot be influenced by, or walking in the flesh listen to an evil spirit, because many of us must confront evil on a daily basis. According to Scripture, there are two classes of people, the children of God and the children of Satan. The Christian who is surrounded by, s forced to tolerate, put up with the many rantings etc. of the children of Satan daily, may become "world weary", fall into temptation, etc. In the Lord's prayer, we read "and deliver us from the evil one", this is needed daily while existing in bodies of flesh.

 

[JM]

The debate is over demon possession. All Christians believe demons can attack and influence believers but not all believe demon possession is possible.

 

[Rhamiel]

Have to say I disagree with anyone who would base their ministry on the miraculous rather than the Gospel.



Yes there is debate, mostly among Pentecostal/Charismatic believers. Of course these days there are Charismatic/Pentecostal Catholics too.

Calvinists agree that it is impossible for a Christian to become possessed by an evil spirit. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. That is not to say a Christian cannot be influenced by, or walking in the flesh listen to an evil spirit, because many of us must confront evil on a daily basis. According to Scripture, there are two classes of people, the children of God and the children of Satan. The Christian who is surrounded by, s forced to tolerate, put up with the many rantings etc. of the children of Satan daily, may become "world weary", fall into temptation, etc. In the Lord's prayer, we read "and deliver us from the evil one", this is needed daily while existing in bodies of flesh.

not to be rude, but can you really say that this is a consensus view among Calvinists on this matter?
I have met many Calvinists with many different oppinions, I have not talked to them about this particular topic, but they seem very different on many doctrines.

 

[Osage Bluestem]

Calvinists agree that it is impossible for a Christian to become possessed by an evil spirit. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

I agree with this.

I do believe that the unregenerate can be possessed by demons though. I also believe that they can be driven out by God's people through the power of Christ.

 

[JM]

Satan being bound...that has to limit his power to influence the Saints.

 

[Osage Bluestem]

Satan being bound...that has to limit his power to influence the Saints.

He is bound from destroying the saints. But he can and does plenty terrible things.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

not to be rude, but can you really say that this is a consensus view among Calvinists on this matter?

Yes I can. It's not difficult to prove.

Jesus said; Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other

again He said; Matthew 12:25 “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

All Calvinists believe in the Perseverance of the Saints. "Perseverance of the Saints states that all who are chosen by God, redeemed by Christ, and given faith by the Spirit are eternally saved. They are kept in the faith by the power of Almighty God and thus persevere to the end." - gospeloutreach.net

I have met many Calvinists with many different oppinions, I have not talked to them about this particular topic, but they seem very different on many doctrines.

Calvinists all agree on the Five Points of Calvinism, among other points of doctrine and essentials of the faith.

 

[Rhamiel]

ok
interesting

on a side note
in Catholic theology, it is thought that someone can be in a state of grace and still be possessed by a demon

 

[JM]

Rhamiel, can an unsaved person be in a state of grace (the same state as a saved person) or a saved person not be in a state of grace? Honest question.