Principalities, Powers and Demons
Their
Differences, Their Origins
and Our Authority Over Them
By Dale M Sides
Jesus
made reference to something in the Bible from the book of Enoch that will
revolutionize our understanding about demons and ultimately our authority over
them. Jesus knew something about demons and evil spirits that we do not. If we
think that we know everything on a given subject, then we have removed the
possibility of learning something new. Jesus’ teaching in Luke 11:24 makes
reference to the book of Enoch, chapter 15:8 which will be quoted later in this
article. This passage reveals the true identity of demons—that they are not
fallen angels as most Christians have assumed.
With
this additional insight, we can discover what Jesus knew. Then by following
this trail to other related references, we can obtain the same understanding He
had. The anointing of the Holy Spirit, along with this awareness, gave Jesus
confidence to cast evil spirits out with the finger of God. Perhaps the same
result will come to us (John 14:12). This knowledge will allow us to
differentiate between demons and principalities or powers, a major deficiency
in Christian understanding. When this understanding is gained, we will have
learned how to deal with each category in their own rank, order and specific
function. Then our faith to deal with evil spirits will increase, since faith
comes from hearing and understanding the Word of God. This comprehensive
process of acquiring wisdom regarding evil spirits will make us more effective
in realizing the Lord’s accomplishments in us, for us, and His commission to
us—to exercise authority over the evil spirit kingdom.
Introduction:
Since
the beginning of history, the mystery of evil spirits—their origin, function
and interaction with mankind—has been a perplexing problem. Images associated
with evil spirits vary from giant gargoyles, ghostly shadows, and fiendish
phenomena, all the way to mischievous imps and friendly ghosts. Regardless of
the associated image, it is obvious that the identity of these spirits has
purposefully been obscured or else they would have manifested themselves in a
simple, explainable form. The very complexity of the enigma itself leads us to
realize that these spirits are creatures of deception. The reason for their
stealth is simple: the sinister hand of Satan is behind the scenes, cloaking
the issues. He knows that if we discover their true identities, we can claim
authority over them. Then their control over us will be greatly decreased.
“Where
does evil come from?” is another related question that seems to be obscured
right along with this Satanic mystique. Because clear-cut teaching on the
origin of evil spirits has been lacking, Christians have often been deceived
into attributing evil to God Himself, even though the Bible testifies of Him as
a loving, benevolent Father. As we press into this study, we will see that
God’s good intentions and His creation of free will have been perverted by evil
spirits. They have cleverly deceived people into believing that God is
responsible for the evil in the world. Evil spirit manifestations of “smoke and
mirrors” intentionally keep them out of sight and beyond explanation, causing
mankind to blame God for the evil caused by the evil spirits.
The
question “Do evil spirits actually exist?” should not be asked by a truly
observant, discerning person. The pitied fool who does not believe in the
existence of evil spirits probably has a dog named “Lucky,” who just
“coincidentally” is missing. He can be identified by having only three legs, no
tail, one eye and thinking he is a cat.
Evil
spirits are real! People interested in succeeding in life need to know about
these creatures—not for sensational reasons, but for simple survival. This
exposé on the subject will help to identify evil spirits and their origin, and
will remove the mystique surrounding them. The focus of this exposé is to
increase our knowledge and therefore our authority over evil spirits.
This
inquiry into evil spirits cannot be dismissed as an insignificant matter by
individuals who want to fully exercise and claim the authority that Jesus gave
us (Matthew 10:1). God tells us in 2
Corinthians 2:11 that we are not to “be ignorant of Satan’s devices.” We are
called as soldiers of the Lord (2 Timothy 2:3), and are actively wrestling
against these unseen foes (Ephesians 6:12). We are further instructed in 1
Corinthians 9:26 to fight not as one that “beats the air,” but we are to engage
the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2). Furthermore, Jesus is
looking for overcomers (Luke 11:21; Revelation 3:21).
The
salient point of this study is not to give unwarranted attention to demons or
to magnify the devil, but rather to increase our understanding of them in order
to exercise our authority in Christ over them. Frankly, I am not submitting
this article to rehash old issues, to waste your time or mine, but to shed some
added light to this subject.
Quite
honestly, since most of us have thought that demons are fallen angels, when the
evidence is considered, we will have to accept that we have been deceived. We
are not to point fingers at teachers, and accuse them of deception, but to
uncover Satan’s snare. We all are in the process of learning. Likewise, as a
teacher I have been guilty of teaching this erroneously in the past.
The
point is this: if we have considered demons to be fallen angels, we have given
them too much credit and attributed to them too much power. When we realize
their proper identity, one of our main objectives will be accomplished: to
shrink them down to proper size and thereby remove any fear of dealing with
them. This objective is not just to increase our understanding but to emphasize
our ability to exercise our authority over the evil kingdom and bring
deliverance to the captives.
The Background of the Problem
Though
this study is being presented as a biblically based article, it may be of
benefit to realize that most major religions try to explain the origin of evil
spirits in some way. Some profane sources outside of biblical context try to
explain evil spirits as gods and never question their origin. This is largely a
Hindu explanation. Others, particularly from a Buddhist perspective, say that
evil spirits are reincarnated spirits of dead humans, especially those of dead
relatives. Both of these explanations have infiltrated Christian thinking to
some degree, since some Christians never question their origin and others think
they are spirits of dead men. Another source, primarily from mythology,
explains evil spirits as offspring of Zeus or Jupiter. Regardless of the
religion, most every belief system gives credence to the existence of evil
spirits.
From
a biblical interpretation, the most widely-accepted belief attributes all evil
spirits as being fallen angels who left their heavenly rank when Lucifer was
deposed. There is some marginal belief suggesting they are spirits of dead
humans. Another explanation is that they are the spirits of a race of people
who lived before Adam and Eve. Each belief claims some biblical basis and grounds for consideration, but all have
noticeable discrepancies when compared to the actual biblical characteristics
of demons.
We
must remember that Satan is the father of lies and the master of deception.
Though he is a deceiver, there is a method behind his madness. He has allowed
the Christian world to accept that demons are fallen angels. By so doing,
coupled with a related lie that angels are superior to men, Satan has imposed a
sentence of inferiority upon mankind. His deception has had a purpose—to make
people think that demons are more powerful than they really are, and that they
are more powerful than men. (Misinformation is a powerful weapon in warfare.)
A
major reason why this deception has been successful stems from not
differentiating between the category of demons and the category of
principalities and powers. This dilemma has arisen from a lack of attention to
biblical details. We should not be surprised to find that the entire field of
demonology is in disarray concerning terminology. There is a lack of defined
terms. Imprecise terminology results in ambiguity at best, and ignorance or
confusion at worst. Satan has used our ignorance to hide his functions. For
example, we have used the word “devil” interchangeably for “demon” and vice
versa. Also, we have said that people are “possessed of devils” when the proper
translation of the Greek word daimonizoumenous gives no inkling to a
“possession.” It should have been rendered “demonized.” Likewise, we have
inadvertently used the word “demon” to describe all unclean spirits, including
principalities or powers.
As
we move into discovering what demons are and their origin, the differences
between these evil spirits will be thoroughly explained. Additionally, we will
learn how to deal with each category. For the sake of introducing this subject
and grasping the whole concept, the following statement is offered: the genus
(or kind, family) of principalities, powers and demons is “evil;” they are,
however, different species. Principalities and powers are the one-third of the
angelic host who were banished with Lucifer. They still occupy a designated
portion of the heavens and are territorially assigned over regions of the
earth. Demons, on the other hand, are terrestrial spirits, confined to the face
of the earth. They literally “walk” and seek the resting place of a human body.
Demons are unclean spirits who primarily invade and corporeally inhabit the
bodies of men or women. The origin of this species is different than that of
fallen angels.
What Are Demons?
The
key to understanding what demons are and the origin of their species is
obtained by consulting with the Master, Jesus Christ. He came to reveal their
identity and to give authority over them to his disciples. Before studying
their origin, it will be helpful to familiarize ourselves with some of their
characteristics and attributes.
Using
just one isolated section of scripture, Luke 4:32-35, we can learn much about
demons.
And they [the people] were astonished at His [Jesus’] teaching, for His word was with authority. Now in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon. And he cried out with a loud voice: saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know You, who You are - the Holy One of God!” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, it came out of him and did not hurt him. Luke 4:32-35 NKJ
From
this passage we see:
1.
Demons do not like authoritative people. They usually do not manifest in the
first person unless around an authoritative person or when confronted by a
person who knows their identity.
2.
They are spirits who can live in the bodies of men or women. They do not have
their own flesh and bone body (Luke 24:39).
3.
They are unclean, meaning that they are not holy and are filthy in habit. We
will see more of their habits when we examine their origin. The fact that they
are called unclean also indicates that this is one of the criteria they seek in
a host.
4.
Demons also have a will which is exhibited by the fact that the unclean demon
spirit cried out.
5.
They do not want to be bothered but lie dormant until discovered.
6.
They have an end, meaning that they can and will be destroyed.
7.
They are under authority to Jesus and His disciples.
8.
They go to church and like to occupy religious people who are ignorant of their
methods.
There
are many more details about demons that we can learn from other scriptures, but
the most relevant details about them and the key to tracing their origin comes
from Luke 11:24. In this scripture, Jesus makes reference to truths found in
the book of Enoch.
When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ Luke 11:24 NKJ
The usage of “going through dry places” and
“seeking rest” are the references that show Jesus’ knowledge of demons can be
traced to the book of Enoch. “Walking through dry places” means that they are
terrestrial spirits walking on the face of the “dry earth.”
Evil spirits shall they be upon the earth, and the spirits of the wicked shall they be called. The habitation of the spirits of heaven shall be in heaven; but upon earth shall be the habitation of terrestrial spirits, who are born on earth. 1 Enoch 15:8b
Concerning their “unrest,” Jesus was referring to 1
Enoch 15:10.
They [evil spirits] shall cause lamentation. No food shall they eat; and they shall be thirsty; they shall be concealed, and shall rise up against the sons of men, and against women for they come forth during the days of slaughter and destruction.1 1 Enoch 15:10
This reference “to being thirsty” or “walking in
dry places” by the Lord Jesus Christ is also recorded in Matthew 12:43. This
shows the rest that demons seek—the rest of being in a body.
When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Matthew 12:43 NKJ
This context of the origin of demons in the book of
Enoch is also found in Genesis 6:1-6 where “sons of God” lusted after the
daughters of men. The usage of “sons of God” is not referring to actual men,
but angels whom God assigned to earth to teach men. According to the book of
Enoch and other related Old Testament writings, these sons of God or angels
were called “Watchers.” They fathered a race of mutated beings which brings us
to the origin of this species.
The Origin of Demons
Before going into the origin of demons, perhaps it
would be profitable to make note of the book of Enoch. This book gives a
complete history of the beginning of the species that we now call “demons.” It
is directly quoted in Jude 14 (the parallel reference is found in 1 Enoch 1:9)
and Peter references it in 2 Peter 2:4 in dealing with angels in Tartarus (1
Enoch 10:4-17). The book of Enoch has been the subject of much discussion. Its
authenticity and reliability have been debated for quite some time,2
hence, it is not new to controversy. It also gives much background information
about the “Watchers” that God assigned to watch over mankind and teach them.
The Ethiopian Jews had always included 1 Enoch,
along with Jubilees3 and 3 and 4 Ezra in its canon of the
scriptures, but many scholars simply passed Enoch off as a post-Christian,
apocryphal book and categorized it with Gnostic texts. Yet, when complete
copies of Enoch were found in the Dead Sea Scrolls, which had been preserved
and packed away before the birth of Christ, the scholars were forced to take
another look at it. Though the facts in Enoch are noteworthy, especially since
Jude 14 quotes Enoch, giving it greater credibility, whenever Jesus alludes to
it, the significance of further consideration increases dramatically. We are
also going to see that the book of Jubilees provides great detail, and in some
points, greater specifics than the book of Enoch concerning the origin of
demons.
Quotations from Jubilees were found within
documents in the Dead Sea Scrolls, which verifies that it also was an early,
pre-Christian document. The Jubilees quotations give even more credibility to 1
Enoch and therefore to the Ethiopic canon of scriptures than had been
previously considered.
There has been some speculation that these books
were intentionally obscured by Satan in an attempt to hide the methods of his
operation and the true identity of evil spirits. This suggestion must be
considered since 1 Enoch and Jubilees were held in much greater suspicion
before the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The recovery of their evidence
within the Dead Sea Scrolls, establishing their pre-Christian validity,
vindicates their reliability. Their recovery, along with that of other
manuscripts (such as the War Rules) from the Dead Sea Scrolls, gives greater
weight to the possibility that they were intentionally obscured by Satan to
hide relevant facts about his methods and operations.
This is not by any means an argument designed to
confer upon these books authority equal to the more commonly-accepted canon of
the scriptures (although the decision of which books would be included was made
somewhat arbitrarily by Gentile scholars in the 4th century). The fact that
these records agree with the Bible in these matters—and, equally important,
that they do not disagree with the Bible—gives us a greater latitude for
consideration. Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Word, made reference to at least
these isolated details, and that gives us greater confidence to rely upon them,
since He will be the One on the Judgment Seat.
If referring to the book of Enoch bothers some
individuals, then they will need to take the matter up with Jesus, Jude, Peter,
the Ethiopian Jews and a host of recognized scholars around the world.
Furthermore, the explanation Enoch offers perfectly parallels the Genesis
records. Concerning the origin of demons, it simply makes sense. If nothing
else, the book of Enoch categorically asserts the theology of religious authors
(dating back to at least the first century before Christ) who were recognized
by Jesus and other New Testament writers. Even on that note alone, it is worthy
of further consideration.
1 Enoch and Jubilees chronicle the events before
the flood at the time of Noah. The following is a synopsis, supplying the
documentation from the particular sources and cross-referencing them to the
Bible.
“Watchers,” a category of good angels (Daniel
4:13,17,23), called “sons of God” (Genesis 6:2,4; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7) were
assigned to earth to teach men (Jubilees 4:15; Daniel 4:13,17). They were
assigned to earth and given bodies (1 Enoch 64:1,2; Jubilees 4:15, 22). The
Watchers became enthralled with the beauty of women (Genesis 6:1,2; 1 Enoch
7:2ff; Jubilees 4:22; 5:1) and left their first estate (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6).
They entered into union with women and had children (Genesis 6:4; Jubilees 5:2;
1 Enoch 15:2-16:1). The children that were begotten from the union of angels
and women became giants in the land (Genesis 6:4; Jubilees 5:2; 1 Enoch
15:2-16:1). These giants, also referred to as Nephilim (Genesis 6:4; 1 Enoch
15:9), corrupted the flesh of man (Genesis 6:12) and caused mayhem on the earth
(Genesis 6:6,7) to the point it grieved God that He had made man (Genesis
6:6,7).
(Incidentally, if it grieved God that He had made
man this indicates that something had happened that was not in His initial
plans. It is therefore logical to assume that evil came to pass as a result of
the operation of free will instead of God intentionally and directly creating
it. This is another reason to consider that these texts were obscured in an
attempt by Satan to “accuse” God of creating evil, instead of mankind
discovering that Satan was responsible for its existence.)
The book of Enoch also offers an explanation of the
connection between the Watchers and Satan. Because Satan knew the prophecy that
the seed of the woman would eventually crush his head (Genesis 3:15), it is
predictable that Satan would try to corrupt the woman’s lineage in order to
prevent the coming of Christ. What better (or more sinister) way to do this
than through the Watchers, and the Watchers corrupting women (i.e., the seed of
the woman)? It is obvious that the Watchers were tempted to do something
contrary to the will of God. This is in perfect parallel with Satan’s tactics
to tempt the Watchers with disobedience in order to corrupt the bloodline and
lineage of the Messiah, thereby preventing the fulfillment of prophecy. The
book of Enoch relates that the Watchers became messengers of Satan, working
with him to corrupt mankind.
...on account of their [the Watchers'] oppressive deeds which they performed as messengers of Satan, leading astray those who dwell on the earth. 1 Enoch 54:6b
For the sin of corrupting the flesh of men, God
punished the disobedient angels by chaining them in Tartarus until the final
judgment of the ages (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 14; Jubilees 5:2; 1 Enoch 10:11). He
then proceeded to have the giants, at the provocation of obedient angels, begin
warring against each other to annihilate each other (1 Enoch 10:9; Jubilees
5:3). The remainder who were not killed in that manner died in the flood.
When God destroyed the earth and the creatures that
lived on the face of the earth with the flood, He had mercy on Noah and his
sons. Noah and his sons found grace in the sight of the Lord (Genesis 6:8)
primarily because Noah was perfect in his generations (Genesis 6:9). The
corruption between the Watchers and women had not infiltrated Noah’s lineage.
The flood was designed to annihilate the corrupted race of man and to leave
only a pure lineage on earth afterward.
When the flood destroyed the things on the earth,
the giants also were destroyed (Genesis 6:13). The conclusion of the matter is
as follows: when the spirits of these mutant hybrids were forced out of their
bodies, either by dying before the flood or by drowning at the flood, they had
no place to go. Heaven was the place for pure angels and hell the place for
evil men. These perverted mongrel beings which did not qualify for either place
were left to roam the face of the earth. The spirits of the giants, or
Nephilim, were released into the world as spirit-beings with no bodies, looking
for a resting place. Even though they have a hybrid nature, they nonetheless
still are partially “mankind” and seek the rest of a body (Matthew 12:43; Luke
11:24).
In summary, the spirits of the giants, the
Nephilim, are the hybrid offspring of the Watchers and earthly women. When the
giants died in the flood, their half-breed spirits had no place to go;
therefore, they have no rest. These spirits are what we now refer to as demons.
Because 1 Enoch 15:8 says this in a direct statement, there is no room left for
speculation.
Now the giants, who have been born of spirit and of flesh, shall be called upon earth evil spirits, and on earth shall be their habitation. Evil spirits shall proceed from their flesh, because they were created from above; from the holy Watchers was their beginning and primary foundation. Evil spirits shall they be upon the earth, and the spirits of the wicked shall they be called. The habitation of the spirits of heaven shall be in heaven; but upon earth shall be the habitation of terrestrial spirits, who are born on earth. 1 Enoch 15:8
This is the origin of the species that we now call
demons. They are not fallen angels, but hybrid beings resulting from
crossbreeding between the Watchers and women. 1 Enoch 10:9 aptly refers to them
as bastards and the children of fornication. The first occurrence of the word
“demon” in either the Bible, 1 Enoch or Jubilees is in Jubilees 7:27 when the
(disembodied) spirits of the Nephilim were tormenting the sons of Noah after
the flood. The word is again used in chapter 10.
In the third week of that jubilee the polluted demons began to lead astray the children of Noah’s sons and to led they to folly and to destroy them.And the sons of Noah came to Noah, their father, and they told him about the demons who were leading astray and blinding and killing his grandchildren. Jubilees 10:1,2
For further documentation that these hybrid spirits
of the Watchers and women are “demons,” Noah then prays and says to God...
And you know that which your [God’s] Watchers, the father of these spirits [demons], did in my days and also these spirits [demons] who are alive... Jubilees 10:4
Since we now know the origin of demons, we can
deduce their characteristics, nature and predictable operation. Knowing their
nature will help us in understanding our enemy and gaining faith for exercising
our authority over them.
The Nature of Demons
Demons are infertile hybrids. They are mutated
bastards, birthed outside of the will of God in disobedience, temptation, lust,
sin, iniquity and transgression (1 Enoch 10:9). They are invariably bound by
their nature. Genesis 6:5 tells us their true nature and how a demon thinks.
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man [corrupted, mutated man—the Nephilim] was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5 NKJ
Jubilees 7:22-24 also chronicles the birth of the
Nephilim and thereby the spirits of demons. These verses conclude with the same
description as is found in Genesis 6:5.
And they [the Watchers] begot sons, the Naphidim, and all of them were dissimilar. And each one ate his fellow. The giants killed the Naphil, and the Naphil killed the Elyo, and the Elyo mankind and man his neighbor. Jubilees 7:22
Demons are murderers. Their influence then, as well
as now, spreads all over mankind.
And everyone [mankind included] sold himself in order that he might do injustice and pour out much blood and the earth was full of injustice. Jubilees 7:23
Verse 24 concludes the description of the
wickedness of the Nephilim, the spirits of demons.
And afterward they sinned against beasts, and birds and everything which moves or walks upon the earth. And they poured out much blood upon the earth. And all the thoughts and desires of men were always contemplating vanity [selfishness] and evil. Jubilees 7:24
The account in 1 Enoch 15:9 and 10 gives more information
about them. It tells us what these spirits do.
The spirits of the giants shall be like clouds#,4 which shall oppress, corrupt, fall, content, and bruise the earth. They shall cause lamentation. No food shall they eat; and they shall be thirsty; they shall be concealed [invisible as spirits], and shall rise up against the sons of men and against women, for they come forth during the days of slaughter and destruction. 1 Enoch 15:9-10
Jubilees 5:2 and 3 summarizes both Genesis 6 and 1
Enoch 15.
And they [the women] bore children for them; [the Watchers] and they were giants. And injustice increased upon the earth, and all flesh corrupted its way; man and cattle and beasts and birds and everything which walks on the earth. And they all corrupted their way and their ordinances, and they began to eat one another. And injustice grew upon earth and every imagination of the thoughts of all mankind was thus continually evil. Jubilees 5:2-3
Demons are inextricably bound by their nature which
was sealed at the time of their birth. They are accursed bastards who are
driven by the iniquitous passions of their fathers, the Watchers. Demons have
no rest aside from finding a body in which they can take up residence. In their
own bodies, before the flood, they actually began to devour one another, which
shows their selfish, blood thirsty nature. They are a race of hybrid
beings—half Watcher, half man—selfishly driven and fully devoted to only
themselves.
Both 1 Enoch and Jubilees record that the bodies of
the Nephilim were enormous, so they consumed all the food they could find and
began to eat each other. This is congruous with the voracious and selfish
nature of demons. (They also think that they are bigger than they really are.)
They demonize people to cause gluttony, alcoholism and perverse habits of all
sorts of excesses. Hence, they are creatures of lust.
Also in Jubilees 10:5 and 6, in his prayer to God
for protection against demons, Noah says that they were created for
destruction.
And do not let them cause corruption among the sons of your servant. O my God, because they were created to destroy. Jubilees 10:5-6
This passage explains that the nature of demons is
to destroy. They have no positive benefit except when God, with His omniscient
will, uses them to perfect mankind through trials brought by them.
1 Enoch 15:9 and 10 show the initial nature of
demons, when they were Nephilim, which indicates their current function.
The spirits of the giants shall be like clouds [nephele] which shall oppress, corrupt, fall, content, and bruise upon earth. They shall cause lamentation. No food shall they eat;5 and they shall be thirsty; they shall be concealed, and shall rise up against the sons of men and against women; for they came forth6 during the days of slaughter and destruction. 1 Enoch 15:9-10
The nature of a demon’s unrest results from its
desire to return to a body because it came out of one.
Chapter 16:1 of 1 Enoch reveals God’s judgment upon
demons. It refers to them being out of a body and without judgment until the
final day when their fathers, the Watchers, are to be punished.
And as to the death of the giants [the physical origin of demons], wheresoever their spirits depart from their bodies, let their flesh, that which is perishable, be without judgment. Thus shall they perish, until the day of the great consummation of the great world. A destruction shall take place of the Watcher and the impious. 1 Enoch 16:1
God, in His mercy, imprisoned the guilty offenders,
the Watchers, in Tartarus, but left the spirits of the Nephilim (demons),
unchained to roam over the earth until the day of judgment when He will settle
the whole matter.
The complete statement given in 1 Enoch 15:8 shows
the true identity of demons, that they are not fallen angels, but the spirits
of the Nephilim.
Now the giants, who have been born of spirit and of flesh, shall be called upon earth evil spirits, and on earth shall be their habitation. Evil spirits shall proceed from their flesh, because they were created from above; from the holy Watchers was their beginning and primary foundation. Evil spirits shall they be upon earth, and the spirits of the wicked shall they be called. The habitation of the spirits of heaven shall be in heaven, but upon earth shall be the habitation of terrestrial spirits, who are born on earth. 1 Enoch 15:8
It has been firmly established that demon spirits
are terrestrial spirits, and their habitation is upon the earth. Now we will
see that demons cannot be confused with principalities and powers because the
Bible states that their residency is in the heavens.
Principalities and Powers
We have the same purpose in understanding
principalities and powers as with demons—to exercise authority over them with
the purpose of establishing the kingdom of God on the earth. These are likewise
classified in the same genus—evil, but are a different species with a different
origin. Principalities and powers are heavenly, not earthly bound, creatures
which is their major difference from demon spirits.
From studying the actual words, “principalities”
and “powers,” we can derive some much-needed understanding concerning their
functions. Principalities is the Greek word arche, which means “first in order and rank.”
Power is the Greek word, which means “exercised strength.” The indication is
that the “principalities” are higher ranking evil spirits and the “powers” are
lower ranking heavenly beings working to enforce their superiors' mandates.7
Holding in mind the insight that demons are
terrestrial spirits who walk the face of the earth, upon re-examining the New
Testament, little evidence is found—aside from the fact that they are both
evil—that would equate a demon to a principality or power. Demons function on
the earth, but principalities and powers function in the heavenlies. The
scriptures are very clear about where principalities and powers function.
to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, Ephesians 3:10 NKJ
These evil spirits are on the same plane of power
and influence as angels.
who [Jesus] has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. 1 Peter 3:22 NKJ
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, Romans 8:38 NKJ
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NKJ
Since we can see that these spirits are different
from demons, their origin must likewise be different also. Where they came from
is spelled out specifically in the scriptures. These are indeed the third of
the angels of heaven who were deposed along with Lucifer when he was cast out
of God’s presence.
So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12:9 NKJ
There has been some debate over this
scripture—whether it is referring to the past or the future—because it appears
in some ways to have already happened, but in other respects it seems to be a
future event. The next verse indicates that this is a prophetic picture of the
future that will take place during the Great Tribulation.
Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.” Revelation 12:10 NKJ
This is significant because verse 12 indicates that
during the Great Tribulation the principalities and powers along with Satan
will be displaced out of the heavenlies and be made to dwell on the earth for
those last seven years. This verse gives further credence to the fact that they
presently are dwelling and functioning in the heavenlies.
From an abundance of scriptures it is clear that
these evil spirits are operating from the heavenly realm and are influencing
earth in different ways than demons do. As we recognize their function, we will
be better able to exercise authority over them.
A particular section from the book of Daniel gives
crucial insight into the function of principalities and powers and how they war
in the heavenlies with angels. This section is the account of Daniel praying
and fasting for information about the children of Israel. An angel, apparently
a subordinate in the army of Michael the archangel, appears to Daniel and gives
focal information about these evil spirits and their functions.
Then he [the subordinate angel] said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words [prayers] were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince [principality] of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.” Daniel 10:12-13 NKJ
This usage in Daniel 10:12, along with verse 20,
shows that these princes are in heavenly conflict with angels. The verses also
show that, through prayers, angels are sent to and from heaven with answers to
prayers but are sometimes intercepted by principalities and powers. We also see
that more prayers mean more angels get into the fray. The end results of
circumstances are not “carved in stone” by the “inalterable will of God” as
some fatalists communicate.
There is more contributing information in this
section of scripture about principalities and powers, but since our emphasis is
to show that their origin is different from demons and how to effectively
exercise authority over them, we will not elaborate on those details in this
article. Suffice it to say, however, that principalities and powers move
effectively in governmental strata (i.e., Persia and Greece), and that war is
waged against them, not by being cast out, but by displacement through prayer.
Principalities and powers are evil spirits who
function in the heavenlies and are in direct conflict with angels.
Principalities and powers are the angels who were deposed along with Lucifer.
They are categorically not demons. With this information in mind, we will now
see how to specifically deal with principalities, powers and demons and how to
exercise authority over each one.
Dealing with Demons and Principalities and Powers
Dealing with these evil spirits is a big subject
with many mitigating factors. Now that the foundation of their identities has
been discovered, we will be able to use some fundamental truths to help us
understand how to exercise authority over each category.
Regardless of whether we are dealing with
principalities, powers or demons, some common truths apply:
1. Sin gives each of them strength and access into
our lives.
2. More prayer means more angels effectively work
for us; less prayer means more principalities and powers effectively work
against us.
3. Without the power and information given by the
Holy Spirit we are helpless.
4. It is only through the blood of Jesus (its
atoning power) and the power of the Holy Spirit that we have dominion over evil
spirits and are able to subdue them.
Since we have already dealt with identifying the
origin of demons after the flood when the spirits of the Nephilim were
released, a comparison of two scripture verses, Genesis 1:28 and Genesis 9:1,
will document our inability to deal with evil spirits without the help of the
Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1:28 gives the initial assignment of
mankind over the earth.
Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:28 NKJ
After the fall of man, when sin entered and the
presence of the Holy Spirit was lost, we see God charging Noah and his sons
with a similar commission, yet we find a very important word and portion of the
commission is missing.
So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” Genesis 9:1 NKJ
The word and commission that is missing is
“subdue.” There is good reason for this omission. The presence of the Holy
Spirit had been removed, thereby the power to accomplish the “subduing” part of
the assignment was missing. It was not until Jesus came and paid the price for
sin that the power of the Holy Spirit was again given to mankind and his
spiritual ability to subdue this realm was regained.
The Holy Spirit regenerated the spirit of man
(Titus 3:5) and made him alive and sensitive to the spirit realm once again.
Now the Holy Spirit can equip us with power and lead us in knowledge to make
this “subduing” possible.
It is not coincidental that God spoke to Noah and
his sons immediately after the flood when demon spirits, the spirits of the
Nephilim, were first released into the world. At that time, mankind did not
have power and authority over them to subdue them. It was not until Jesus
redeemed mankind and made the anointing of the Holy Spirit available that our
dominion and ability to subdue this realm returned.
Jesus returned to us the authority over evil
spirits. Always remember, though, it is only possible because of the power of
the Holy Spirit that abides in us and comes upon us. One verse of scripture
spoken by the Master reveals not only His understanding of the categories of
principalities, powers and demons, but our authority over them. Jesus said...
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 NKJV
In this verse, Jesus referred to principalities as
serpents, powers as scorpions, and demons as the power of the enemy. He gave us
authority over each and all of them.
Another reference shows the distinction between
them as well as our authority over them. These verses also reveal to us how to
deal with each category differently.
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; Mark 16:17-18a NKJ
It is apparent that Jesus makes a distinction
between these categories of evil spirits. He is talking about casting out one
and taking up the other. He gives us the simplicity of dealing with
principalities, powers and demons in this verse alone: we cast out demons, but
we take up the battle against principalities and powers by prayer in order to
displace them.
The succinct method of dealing with demons from the
Word of God is to cast them out. There are 52 usages of the word daimonion in the New Testament
Greek text and 75 percent of these are in the context of being cast out. “Cast
out” is the Greek word ekballo and it literally means “to throw out.” The reason
that demons must be cast out is because they actually seek to live inside of
people. The only rest they can find is to inhabit a body.
Demons are spiritual parasites and trespassers.
When they are outside of a body, they roam about in dry places (walking over
the face of the earth as terrestrial spirits), seeking resting places within
human bodies. They will have no rest until the day of judgment when they will
join the devil and the fallen angels in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:41).
Access inside a person is given to them by the presence of sin or weakness in
someone’s body. Where continual sickness or sin exists, quite often this is
because of the abiding presence of a demon. It is no coincidence that Jesus
gave His disciples authority over demons, sicknesses and weaknesses at the same
time because they are so closely related.
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power [authority] over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease. Matthew 10:1 NKJ
On the other hand, there are eight usages of
principalities and powers in the New Testament and none of them are cast out.
The reason for this is simple. Demons are different than principalities and
powers. Demons live in people on the earth but principalities and powers
exercise their dominion in the heavenlies.
Nowhere in scripture is a principality or power
cast out. They are displaced by prayers as we saw in Daniel chapter 10. This is
in agreement with what Jesus said in Mark 16:18, “to take up serpents.” To take
up means “to lift up” as is depicted in the constellation Ophiuchus.8
It means to take control and authority over something by lifting it up. This is
perfectly described in the commission of binding and loosing:
And I will give you [the church] the keys [authority9] of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:19 NKJV
This is the authoritative power given to the church
to enforce the rules and laws of the kingdom of heaven on the earth. We bind
principalities away from their influence on earth by loosing angels to war
against them in the heavenlies just as in the days of Daniel, when Michael came
to fight against the prince of Persia.
Simply stated, demons are cast out of people by a
command. Principalities and powers are bound from having influence upon the
earth through the vocal orders given through prayers or commands as the Holy
Spirit directs individuals.
Conclusion
From the beginning of our study, it has been our
expressed desire and intent that we could increase our understanding and
therefore our authority over evil spirits. We have learned that demons are the
disembodied spirits of the Nephilim (released at the time of the flood) and
that principalities and powers are the fallen angels that were deposed at the
time of Lucifer’s rebellion. They are the same genus—evil, but different
species.
We have also seen the proper way to deal with each
category. Demons are cast out, whereas principalities and powers are displaced
through prayer and commands issued by the Holy Spirit to the church on earth.
Regardless of the category of evil spirit, we need
to remember the distinct statement made by the Lord Jesus Himself.
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents [principalities] and scorpions [powers], and over all the power of the enemy [demons], and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 NKJ
As we have gleaned these truths, we should also be
reminded what Jesus said...
“Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20 NKJ
He concluded with this explanation.
In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is but the Father, and who the Father is but the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.” Luke 10:21-22 NKJ
Not everyone knows the things you know or has had
the truths revealed that you have received. Perhaps this article is part of
God’s design to educate you so that you can help to free others. That is why
Jesus (in Luke 10: 23) turned to his disciples, those to whom He had given
authority, those who had been privileged to exercise authority like no others
had before them, and said to them privately...
“Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it.” Luke 10:23-24 NKJ
We rejoice, not because evil spirits are subject to
us, but rather that the Lord has chosen us to learn these things, and
especially that we can do something for Him with what we know. Praise the Lord!
Yes, our names are written in heaven, and we can help others have their names
written there too, as we exercise our spiritual authority over principalities,
powers and demons.
* * * * * * * *
Notes:
1 “The Book of Enoch,” a translation by Richard
Laurence; obtainable over the Internet from
http://www.takeitbyforce.com/writings.htm. The Book of Jubilees is also
available through this web site.
2 1st Enoch is a pre-Christian work. The
like-named counterparts, 2nd and 3rd Enoch, were not found in the Dead Sea
Scrolls and thus have been dated as post-Christian, and therefore less
assertive on subjects of Judeo-Christian concern. Though the writing styles and
some related material is found in 1st Enoch, the books of 2nd and 3rd Enoch
have little to do with 1st Enoch except for the name.
3 In The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, Volume 2, page 47, O.S.
Windermute gives an explanation on the origin of evil that comes from the book
of Jubilees. He directly attributes the existence of evil to evil spirits and
that God is not directly responsible. There is a hint of textual manipulation
to obscure these truths. This is a valid question if one considers that Enoch
and Jubilees share this insight and were not included in the accepted canon of
scripture.
4 “Cloud” is the Greek word nephele, a direct derivative of
the Hebrew word Nephilim.
5 R.H. Charles translation adds here; “but
nevertheless shall hunger,” p.43.
6 Ibid. Translation reads “...because they have
proceeded from them.”
7 There is some speculation that “powers” are demons
since the word exousia could mean the ones who enforce the rule of the
principalities. The fact remains, however, that they are scripturally defined
as heavenly beings.
8 E.W. Bullinger, Witness of the Stars, p. 57.
9 “Keys” are used synonymously with the concept of
authority in biblical language. The Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible, Volume 3, p. 786