“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors…”

C.S. Lewis; The Screwtape Letters

The late British theologian, J.I. Packer, rightly claimed,

“We can see the truth about the devil only in light of the truth about God. That truth is the Word of God.” (Cf. John 17:17)

So, to the Word of God we go…

Paul counseled Timothy,

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving/lying spirits and things taught by demons….Watch your life and doctrine closely.” – 1 Tim 4:1, 16 – (“doctrine” is a set of beliefs everyone has about something – in this case, the supernatural.)

WHAT DO DEMONS BELIEVE?

Consider the demons’ response to Jesus in Luke 4:34 –

“What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.”

From this passage alone, we can deduce the theology of demons: (“Theology” means “the study of God.” Demons are some of the greatest theologians in the universe. Satan quoted scripture to Jesus in the wilderness. Matthew 4:6; Luke 4:10)

(1) They believe God exists.

The 19th century pastor, Charles Spurgeon, observed,

“Atheism is a strange thing. Even the devils never fell into that vice, for ‘the demons also believe – and tremble.’”

This is precisely why David wrote in the Psalms,

“The fool says in his heart, ’There is no God.’” (14:1)

(2) They’re monotheistic.

Ancient Israel (and modern orthodox Jews) quoted the “Shema” (pronounced “sheh-MAH”):

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” – Deuteronomy 6:4

This set Israel apart from neighboring pagan nations. Unlike ancient and modern religions who worship a pantheon of gods, Israel held to the worship of only one God. And so do demons…

James, the half-brother of Jesus, would later reiterate this truth,

“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” (2:19)

(3) They believe in the deity of Jesus. (that Jesus is God)

The demons, terrified, screamed at Jesus, calling him exactly who he was, “I know who you are – the Holy One of God.”

(4) They believe in the existence of an eternal place of punishment.

The cowering demons asked Jesus, “Have you come to destroy us?”

Matthew records Jesus’ warning,

“Then he will also say to those on the left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!”

Luke records in 8:31,

“[The demons] begged [Jesus] not to command them to go into the abyss.”

Consider the following carefully:

If all you have is intellectual ascent (you know *about* God but have never come to know him personally by placing your faith in him) there is no theological and spiritual difference between you and a demon.

Selah – “pause and think about that for a minute.”

Part 2 of 4 – “Like Master – Like Student”

Nick