Performing an exorcism

[dms1972]

I want to ask why it seems so few pastors today would know how to do this? I admit that's my perception and it may be wrong - I speak from my experience only which is limited to the churches I have been in. Notable exceptions that come to mind: Michael Green (CoE) author of I believe in Satan's Downfall, Rev. Neil Smith (CoE) a priest in the UK who had performed over 2000 exorcisms. The Anglican tradition seems to still retain some degree of awareness of this pastoral need, other churches that do: Pentecostal fellowships, the Roman Catholic Church, I'd guess some other evangelists (Kurt E. Koch for instance). Not sure were Methodists stand on this?

But I get an impression that some pastors think they can simply teach, and hopefully God will deal with anything directly or hopefully there might be someone in their congregation who can deal with it. Again I know it is by the finger of God that Jesus cast out unclean spirits, not by reading a ritual. I am sure it doesn't always need to be done dramatically and that God does work through anointed teaching, and in quiet ways, but still I'd prefer to go to a church were the Pastor or Elders are spiritually mature and equipped/trained to perform this sort of ministry if its needed.

This UK documentary was recorded back in 1973, so in minor respects it seems dated, but I still found it interesting and includes footage of Rev. Neil Smith performing an exorcism.

 

[AlexDTX]

I don't know. Binding demons and commanding them to leave is a natural part of my walk with Christ. The term "exorcism" however has way too much superstitious connotations. All born again believers with the baptism of the Holy Ghost as evidenced by speaking in tongues have authority over all demons because of Christ's victory.

 

[joshua 1 9]

I don't know. Binding demons and commanding them to leave is a natural part of my walk with Christ. The term "exorcism" however has way too much superstitious connotations. All born again believers with the baptism of the Holy Ghost as evidenced by speaking in tongues have authority over all demons because of Christ's victory.

Yes "exorcism" is not a Bible word. Far to often it is something that Hollywood uses to sensationalize. When we pray for people there is not any of that sort of drama involved. They often rest in the Spirit as God does the work He wants to do in and though them. I think of women at the alter with long hair and a long dress to cover herself for the sake of the angels and praying for her needs or the needs of her loved ones. Very quiet, peaceful and relaxed not at all like Hollywood movies designed to do more to glorify satan.

 

[AlexDTX]

Yes "exorcism" is not a Bible word. Far to often it is something that Hollywood uses to sensationalize. When we pray for people there is not any of that sort of drama involved. They often rest in the Spirit as God does the work He wants to do in and though them. I think of women at the alter with long hair and a long dress to cover herself for the sake of the angels and praying for her needs or the needs of her loved ones. Very quiet, peaceful and relaxed not at all like Hollywood movies designed to do more to glorify satan.

Hollywood makes it look like it is a battle with Satan, when Satan is already defeated. However, for the seven sons of Sciva, it was a battle because they were not on the victor's side, Christ. If you are Christ's then Satan is defeated foe.

 

[joshua 1 9]

If you are Christ's then Satan is defeated foe.

Yes Jesus said: "It is finished". The power of Satan has been broken. Yes somehow he is still managing to destroy people. So we press on so the Perfect work of God can be perfected in us.

 

[AlexDTX]

Yes Jesus said: "It is finished". The power of Satan has been broken. Yes somehow he is still managing to destroy people. So we press on so the Perfect work of God can be perfected in us.

Satan destroys people, Christians as well, because we forget that he works though other people. For many Christians, Satan is an abstract evil that their imagination removes. However, Satan's demons inhabit many people and through those people causes damage. We can not cast out a demon in a person wants that demon to be in that person. That would be a violation of a person's will and God's authority through Christ never violates anyone's will. We can bind those demons and keep them from speaking and acting through that person, but not cast them out. The host must want the demon out, but Jesus warns us that if we cast a demon out and the host does not invite the stronger man (the Holy Ghost through the new birth) that demon will return with 7 more and his lot will be worse than before. So, before casting the devil out, the person must be willing to accept Christ, too.

 

[joshua 1 9]

We can not cast out a demon in a person wants that demon to be in that person.

Yes I had that issue with my son and his mom. When he was younger it was easy to cast the demons out of him. Then when he got to be around 12 years old, he made a choice to keep those demons and I no longer had the ability to cast them out. The same with his mom. I would pray and pray for her but God told me she had free will and He would not interfere with her ability to make all her own choices. My son did make it into heaven but he lived a hard & difficult life. Even though he was intelligent and he was close to getting his degree in electronic engineering. Before he decided to drop out and be a party boy. I did not understand how he could drop out his senior year like that. Even then he could have gotten a really good job because they are looking for people with more then just the 2 year associate degree. He was just not reliable to show up for work on a regular bases.

 

[Rhamiel]

The Eastern Orthodox priests also preform exorcisms

 

[AlexDTX]

Yes I had that issue with my son and his mom. When he was younger it was easy to cast the demons out of him. Then when he got to be around 12 years old, he made a choice to keep those demons and I no longer had the ability to cast them out. The same with his mom. I would pray and pray for her but God told me she had free will and He would not interfere with her ability to make all her own choices. My son did make it into heaven but he lived a hard & difficult life. Even though he was intelligent and he was close to getting his degree in electronic engineering. Before he decided to drop out and be a party boy. I did not understand how he could drop out his senior year like that. Even then he could have gotten a really good job because they are looking for people with more then just the 2 year associate degree. He was just not reliable to show up for work on a regular bases.

I am glad your son chose Christ before it was too late.

 

[seekingmuch]

Some preacher said he was nervous about performing an exorcism. He basically said, "leave in the name of Jesus" or something similar and the demon left. It's not complicated. You have the same power Jesus had. "What you bind on earth is bound in heaven..."

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

It is interesting to note that the voice of real authority is very quiet. There is the saying, "Shout for all you're worth. Argument very weak!" If a person has to raise their voice in any situation where authority is needed, then that shows either the person does not have the authority to do or say it, or he doesn't have the confidence that he has the authority. I don't think that Jesus ever shouted or yelled at demons. He just quietly, with a normal voice, told them to go and they went; because they recognised His authority over them. Even when He arrived at the graves where the Gadarene demoniac was there, before He said anything, the demons started crying out in terror.

 

[seekingmuch]

It is interesting to note that the voice of real authority is very quiet. There is the saying, "Shout for all you're worth. Argument very weak!" If a person has to raise their voice in any situation where authority is needed, then that shows either the person does not have the authority to do or say it, or he doesn't have the confidence that he has the authority. I don't think that Jesus ever shouted or yelled at demons. He just quietly, with a normal voice, told them to go and they went; because they recognised His authority over them. Even when He arrived at the graves where the Gadarene demoniac was there, before He said anything, the demons started crying out in terror.

Well, he was Jesus.... hehe

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

Well, he was Jesus.... hehe

He has bestowed on us the same authority. So, we can command, in a normal voice, for a demon to depart and it has to go - as long as it recognises our authority. Of course, if we don't have the confidence that we have the authority, the demon will know that too and try to bluff its way out of obeying us.

My old pastor's wife was in a conference assisting with the ministry. She was confronted with a manifesting demon that told her, "You can't cast me out!" She assertively replied, "Yes I can! Because all authority is in the Name of Jesus and He has given me full use of that Name!" The demon got on his bike and fled!

 

[seekingmuch]

He has bestowed on us the same authority. So, we can command, in a normal voice, for a demon to depart and it has to go - as long as it recognises our authority. Of course, if we don't have the confidence that we have the authority, the demon will know that too and try to bluff its way out of obeying us.

My old pastor's wife was in a conference assisting with the ministry. She was confronted with a manifesting demon that told her, "You can't cast me out!" She assertively replied, "Yes I can! Because all authority is in the Name of Jesus and He has given me full use of that Name!" The demon got on his bike and fled!

I can't prove it, but there are levels of demons, too. They have different strengths. Angels are the same way. Fallen Angels, they can't possess you, are also different. An Angel will never possess you or enter your body.

One thing I found interesting is demons and fallen angels are only allowed on earth, their domain. Only God and the angels can go off the earth.

So, if an astronaut has a demon, the demon would have to leave his/her body when he left the earth. Of course, when they come back to earth, the demon can repossess.

 

[seekingmuch]

This so funny.... LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

 

[Francis Drake]

One thing I found interesting is demons and fallen angels are only allowed on earth, their domain. Only God and the angels can go off the earth.

I'm not sure where you get this from?

So, if an astronaut has a demon, the demon would have to leave his/her body when he left the earth. Of course, when they come back to earth, the demon can repossess.

I cannot agree with this.

Eph6v12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

The above clearly states that the spiritual forces of wickedness operate in the heavenly realm. In saying that, Paul is referring to Satan and his demons.

 

[Fish Catcher Jim]

One thing I found interesting is demons and fallen angels are only allowed on earth, their domain. Only God and the angels can go off the earth.

So, if an astronaut has a demon, the demon would have to leave his/her body when he left the earth. Of course, when they come back to earth, the demon can repossess.

This is far from being true.
There are three Heavens.
1. We live in the first heaven
2. Second heaven is where satan has his camp established . It's where most of the battles are fought.
3. Third heavens is where the kingdom of God is established.

The earth is the only place where the curse has been established or reigns.

 

[Fish Catcher Jim]

Exorcism is a Catholic term or event.
A new testament believer has the authority over evil.

 

[JakeyB123]

Mark 16:17-18 King James Version (KJV)
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

 

[Paidiske]

It's worth noting that not all clergy have been taught to do this. Not only that, but depending on the church you're in, there might be restrictions on who may attempt an exorcism.

As an Anglican priest, I am very specifically and clearly not authorised in my church to attempt deliverance ministry, but must refer people seeking such to particular colleagues who specialise in that.