How we get possessed by either God or Satan

How we get possessed by either God or Satan

Demon Possession vs Holy Spirit Possession

And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. …

James 4:7 ESV / 36

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1 Peter 5:8 ESV / 28

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

Matthew 12:43-45 ESV / 24

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”

1 John 4:4 ESV / 19

Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

Mark 5:1-20 ESV / 18

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit. He lived among the tombs. And no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always crying out and cutting himself with stones. …

Acts 16:16-18 ESV / 16

As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

Ephesians 6:10-18 ESV / 14

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, …

Luke 10:17-20 ESV / 14

The seventy-two returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!” And he said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Matthew 17:14-20 ESV / 13

And when they came to the crowd, a man came up to him and, kneeling before him, said, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an epileptic and he suffers terribly. For often he falls into the fire, and often into the water. And I brought him to your disciples, and they could not heal him.” And Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him here to me.” And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly. …

Luke 11:14 ESV / 12

Now he was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled.

John 8:44 ESV / 8

You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Luke 11:24 ESV / 8

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’

Mark 6:7 ESV / 8

And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4 ESV / 7

But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.

Luke 13:11 ESV / 7

And there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself.

Matthew 15:22-28 ESV / 7

And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” …

Matthew 8:28 ESV / 7

And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way.

Daniel 10:13 ESV / 7

The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia,

[Daniel 10:12, 13 quoted.] By this we see that heavenly agencies have to contend with hindrances before the purpose of God is fulfilled in its time. The king of Persia was controlled by the highest of all evil angels. He refused, as did Pharaoh, to obey the word of the Lord. Gabriel declared, He withstood me twenty-one days by his representations against the Jews. But Michael came to his help, and then he remained with the kings of Persia, holding the powers in check, giving right counsel against evil counsel. Good and evil angels are taking a part in the planning of God in His earthly kingdom. It is God’s purpose to carry forward His work in correct lines, in ways that will advance His glory. But Satan is ever trying to counterwork God’s purpose. Only by humbling themselves before God can God’s servants advance His work. Never are they to depend on their own efforts or on outward display for success (Letter 201, 1899).

An Invisible Struggle.–We have before us in the Word of God instances of heavenly agencies working on the minds of kings and rulers, while at the same time satanic agencies were also at work on their minds. No human eloquence, in strongly set forth human opinions, can change the working of satanic agencies. Satan seeks continually to block the way, so that the truth shall be bound about by human devising; and those who have light and knowledge are in the greatest danger unless they constantly consecrate themselves to God, humiliating self, and realizing the peril of the times. Heavenly beings are appointed to answer the prayers of those who are working unselfishly for the interests of the cause of God. The very highest angels in the heavenly courts are appointed to work out the prayers which ascend to God for the advancement of the cause of God. Each angel has his particular post of duty, which he is not permitted to leave for any other place. If he should leave, the powers of darkness would gain an advantage. . . . Day by day the conflict between good and evil is going on. Why is it that those who have had many opportunities and advantages do not realize the intensity of this work? They should be intelligent in regard to this. God is the Ruler. By His supreme power He holds in check and controls earthly potentates. Through His agencies He does the work which was ordained before the foundation of the world. As a people we do not understand as we should the great conflict going on between invisible agencies, the controversy between loyal and disloyal angels. Evil angels are constantly at work, planning their line of attack, controlling as commanders, kings, and rulers, the disloyal human forces. . . . I call upon the ministers of Christ to press home upon the understanding of all who come within the reach of their voice, the truth of the ministration of angels. Do not indulge in fanciful speculations. The written Word is our only safety. We must pray as did Daniel, that we may be guarded by heavenly intelligences. As ministering spirits angels are sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. Pray, my brethren, pray as you have never prayed before. We are not prepared for the Lord’s coming. We need to make thorough work for eternity (Letter 201, 1899).

Revelation 12:9 ESV / 5

And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.

1 John 4:1 ESV / 5

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Ephesians 1:13 ESV / 5

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,

Luke 4:33-36 ESV / 5

And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Ha! 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.” But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. And they were all amazed and said to one another, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”

Revelation 16:14 ESV / 4

For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty.

Luke 8:28 ESV / 4

When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him and said with a loud voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me.”

Matthew 8:16 ESV / 4

That evening they brought to him many who were oppressed by demons, and he cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were sick.

Mark 1:32

When evening came, after the sun had set, they began bringing to Him all who were ill and those who were demon-possessed.

Mark 1:23-26

Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, saying, “What business do we have with each other, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are–the Holy One of God!” And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

2 Corinthians 12:7

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me–to keep me from exalting myself!

Paul was not possessed by demon at this point but was tormented by the devil, there is no difference though

1 Samuel 18:9-10

Saul looked at David with suspicion from that day on. Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from God came mightily upon Saul, and he raved in the midst of the house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and a spear was in Saul’s hand.

Matthew 12:22

Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw.

Luke 22:3

And Satan entered into Judas who was called Iscariot, belonging to the number of the twelve.

Acts 5:16

Also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

Acts 19:13-16

But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” Seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Matthew 10:1 – And when he had called unto [him] his twelve disciples, he gave them power [against] unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.

I would like us to consider something about demon possession, it would be a catalyst of knowing also how we are possessed by the spirit of God and how angels work too.

Over the winds and the waves, and over men possessed of demons, Christ showed that He had absolute control. He who stilled the tempest and calmed the troubled sea SPOKE PEACE TO MINDS DISTRACTED AND OVERBORNE BY SATAN. {MH 91.1}

In the Saviour’s presence he was roused to long for freedom, but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the EVIL SPIRIT PUT WORDS INTO HIS MOUTH, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty hand, ANOTHER’S WILL HELD HIM, ANOTHER’S WORDS FOUND UTTERANCE THROUGH HIM. {MH 91.5}

Satan cannot READ OUR THOUGHTS, BUT HE CAN SEE OUR ACTIONS, HEAR OUR WORDS; and from his long knowledge of the human family, he can SHAPE his temptations to take advantage of our weak points of character. And how often do we let him into the secret of how he may obtain the victory over us. OH, THAT WE MIGHT CONTROL OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS! How strong we would become if our words were of such an order that we would not be ashamed to meet the record of them in the day of judgment. How different will they appear in the day of God from what they seem when we utter them.–Review and Herald, February 27, 1913. {MYP 328.1}

There are multitudes today as truly UNDER THE POWER OF EVIL SPIRITS AS WAS THE DEMONIAC OF CAPERNAUM. All who willfully DEPART FROM GOD’S COMMANDMENTS ARE PLACING THEMSELVES UNDER THE CONTROL OF SATAN. Many a man tampers with evil, thinking that he can break away at pleasure; but he is lured on and on, until he finds himself CONTROLLED BY A WILL STRONGER THAN HIS OWN. HE CANNOT ESCAPE ITS MYSTERIOUS POWER. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. {MH 92.3}

It is expressly stated that Satan works in the children of disobedience, NOT MERELY HAVING ACCESS TO THEIR MINDS, but WORKING THROUGH THEIR INFLUENCE, CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS, to draw others into the same disobedience. IF EVIL ANGELS HAVE SUCH POWER OVER THE CHILDREN OF MEN IN THEIR DISOBEDIENCE, HOW MUCH GREATER POWER THE GOOD ANGELS HAVE OVER THOSE WHO ARE STRIVING TO BE OBEDIENT. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, working obedience unto righteousness, ANGELS OF GOD WORK IN OUR HEARTS UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS. It is due to the guardianship and working of the angels of God for your wife that she has not apostatized. Heavenly angels have guarded her. Now it is time that you took your position beside her as a houseband, to bind up your children, yourself, and your wife in solemn covenant with God, TO OBEDIENCE UNTO OBEDIENCE. {Lt116-1899}

By INDOLENCE, not only the moral strength is weakened, and the impulse of passion increased, but SATAN’S ANGELS TAKE POSSESSION OF THE WHOLE CITADEL OF THE MIND, AND COMPEL CONSCIENCE to surrender to vile passion. (ApM, p. 19)

If permitted, the EVIL ANGELS WILL WORK THE MINDS of men until they have no mind or will of their own. (MS 64, 1904; in 1MCP, p. 24)

Either the evil angels or the angels of God are controlling the minds of men.

Our minds are GIVEN TO THE CONTROL OF GOD OR TO THE CONTROL OF THE POWERS OF DARKNESS; and it will be well for us to inquire where we are standing today –whether under the bloodstained banner of Prince Emmanuel or under the black banner of the powers of darkness. (MS 1, 1890; in 6BC, p. 1120)

Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. THE SENSES, THE NERVES, THE PASSIONS, THE ORGANS OF MEN, WERE WORKED BY SUPERNATURAL AGENCIES IN THE INDULGENCE of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world’s Redeemer looked. What a spectacle for Infinite Purity to behold! (DA, p. 36)

“THE SPIRIT OF EVIL WAS UPON SAUL. He felt that his doom had been sealed by the solemn message of his rejection from the throne of Israel. HIS DEPARTURE FROM THE PLAIN REQUIREMENTS OF GOD WAS BRINGING ITS SURE RESULTS. He did not turn, and repent, and humble his heart before God, BUT OPENED IT TO RECEIVE EVERY SUGGESTION OF THE ENEMY. HE LISTENED TO EVERY FALSE WITNESS, EAGERLY RECEIVING ANYTHING THAT WAS DETRIMENTAL to the character of David, hoping that he might find an excuse FOR MANIFESTING HIS INCREASING ENVY AND HATRED of him who had been anointed to the throne of Israel. EVERY RUMOR WAS CREDITED, NO MATTER HOW INCONSISTENT AND IRRECONCILABLE it was with the former character and custom of David. Every evidence that the protecting care of God was over David SEEMED TO IMBITTER AND DEEPEN HIS ONE ENGROSSING AND DETERMINED PURPOSE. The failure to accomplish his own designs appeared in marked contrast to the success of the fugitive in eluding his search, but it only made the determination of the king the more unrelenting and firm. He was not careful to conceal his designs toward David, nor scrupulous as to what means should be employed in accomplishing his purpose. IT WAS NOT THE MAN DAVID, WHO HAD DONE HIM NO HARM, AGAINST WHOM THE KING WAS CONTENDING. HE WAS IN CONTROVERSY WITH THE KING OF HEAVEN; for WHEN SATAN IS PERMITTED TO CONTROL THE MIND THAT WILL NOT BE RULED BY JEHOVAH, HE WILL LEAD IT ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, UNTIL THE MAN WHO IS THUS IN HIS POWER BECOMES AN EFFICIENT AGENT TO CARRY OUT HIS DESIGNS. So bitter is the enmity of the great originator of sin against the purposes of God, so terrible is his power for evil, that WHEN MEN DISCONNECT FROM GOD, SATAN INFLUENCES THEM, AND THEIR MINDS ARE BROUGHT MORE AND MORE INTO SUBJECTION, UNTIL THEY CAST OFF THE FEAR OF GOD, AND THE RESPECT OF MEN, AND BECOME BOLD AND AVOWED ENEMIES OF GOD AND OF HIS PEOPLE. What an example was Saul giving to the subjects of his kingdom in his desperate, unprovoked persecution of David! What a record he was making to be placed upon the pages of history for future generations! He sought to turn the full tide of the power of his kingdom into the channel of his own hatred in hunting down an innocent man. All this had a demoralizing influence upon Israel. And while Saul was giving loose reign to his passion, Satan was weaving a snare to compass his ruin, and the ruin of his kingdom. While the king and his councilors were planning for the capture of David, the affairs of the nation were being mismanaged and neglected. WHILE IMAGINARY FOES WERE CONSTANTLY PRESENTED BEFORE THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE, the real enemies were strengthening themselves without arousing suspicion or alarm. BY FOLLOWING THE DICTATES OF SATAN, Saul was himself hastening the very result which, with unsanctified ability, he was endeavoring to avert. THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD HAD BEEN DISREGARDED AGAIN AND AGAIN BY THE REBELLIOUS KING, and the LORD HAD GIVEN HIM UP TO THE FOLLY OF HIS OWN WISDOM. The INFLUENCES OF THE SPIRIT of God would have restrained him from the course of evil which he had chosen, that eventually worked out his ruin. God hates all sin, and WHEN MAN PERSISTENTLY REFUSES ALL THE COUNSEL OF HEAVEN, HE IS LEFT TO THE DECEPTIONS OF THE ENEMY, TO BE DRAWN AWAY OF HIS OWN LUSTS, AND ENTICED (ST Sept. 7, 1888).

How Satan exults when he is ENABLED to set the soul into a white heat of anger! A GLANCE, A GESTURE, AN INTONATION, MAY BE SEIZED UPON AND USED, AS THE ARROW OF SATAN, to wound and poison the heart that is open to receive it. If the SPIRIT OF CHRIST POSSESSES US WHOLLY, and we have been transformed by His grace, THERE WILL BE NO DISPOSITION TO SPEAK EVIL, OR TO BEAR REPORTS FREIGHTED WITH FALSEHOOD. The falsifier, the accuser of the brethren, is a chosen agent of the great deceiver. Ahimelech was not present on this occasion to vindicate himself, and to state the facts as they existed; but Doeg cared not for this. LIKE SATAN HIS FATHER, HE READ THE MIND OF SAUL, and IMPROVED THE OPPORTUNITY OF INCREASING THE MISERY of the king BY THE WORDS OF HIS MISCHIEVOUS TONGUE, WHICH WAS SET ON FIRE OF HELL. HE STIRRED UP THE VERY WORST PASSIONS OF THE HUMAN HEART (ST Sept. 21, 1888). {2BC 1020.2} The word “by” there is the key for unlocking the whole quote.

What’s the evil spirit?

It would be answered “are they not fallen angels exercising their powers over fallen men….

Truth something of sort but not necessarily, someone can tell you, you are having an evil spirit it doesn’t always mean you have a fallen angel, what do they mean?

Satan has control over your mind, emotions, thoughts and ideas……The thoughts, lead to habit formation and character formation which may be reason why they through your mind can control the physical body

And this is true. So the biggest question is how was Satan possessed with evil spirit, and where did come from? Was Satan possessed by evil in the very first instance in heaven?

Yes he was possessed but there was no evil spirit, only what was entertained was vanity, envy, jealous and lies. This made Satan a being with an evil spirit

What is my point?! How do we get possessed? Satan exercising his will through us

Hence

John 8:31-51

³¹To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my TEACHING, you are really my disciples. ³²Then you will know the truth, and the TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.” ³³They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?” ³⁴Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. ³⁵Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. ³⁶So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. ³⁷I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. ³⁸I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, AND YOU ARE DOING WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD FROM YOUR FATHER.^[a]” ³⁹“Abraham is our father,” they answered. “If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would^[^b^] DO WHAT ABRAHAM DID. ⁴⁰As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. ⁴¹You are DOING THE WORKS OF YOUR OWN FATHER.” “We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.” ⁴²Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. ⁴³WHY IS MY LANGUAGE NOT CLEAR TO YOU? Because you are unable to hear what I say. ⁴⁴YOU BELONG TO YOUR FATHER, THE DEVIL, AND YOU WANT TO CARRY OUT YOUR FATHER’S DESIRES. He was a murderer from the beginning, NOT HOLDING TO THE TRUTH, FOR THERE IS NO TRUTH IN HIM. WHEN HE LIES, HE SPEAKS HIS NATIVE LANGUAGE, FOR HE IS A LIAR AND THE FATHER OF LIES. ⁴⁵Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! ⁴⁶Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” ⁴⁸The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that YOU ARE A SAMARITAN AND DEMON-POSSESSED?” ⁴⁹“I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. ⁵⁰I AM NOT SEEKING GLORY FOR MYSELF; BUT THERE IS ONE WHO SEEKS IT, and he is the judge. ⁵¹Very truly I tell you, WHOEVER OBEYS MY WORD WILL NEVER SEE DEATH.”

Again a question I may ask, did Satan possess the good angels and they fell in heaven?

He communicated his mind and ideas, they accepted them and so possessed the evil spirit and became channels of the same…. So appeared Satan to Eve and did the same thing

Revelation 12:4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth:

Isaiah 9:15: The ancient and honourable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

The devil never entered them, he lied to them and they accepted the lies ad became fallen, evil angels and evil spirits.

He used lies to persuade them. Yes, he didn’t enter them yet possessed their minds with lies. The conversation with Eve too, the devil through the medium of the serpent was outside Eve yet Eve sinned. She accepted to carry the will of another not her will, this is demon possession

1Kings22:6-25:

6 Then the king of Israel gathered the PROPHETS [THAT’S THE SPEAKERS ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER PERSON OR SEERS] together, about four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. 7: And Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the LORD besides [SPEAKER OF GOD/HE WHO IS INSPIRED OF GOD], that we might enquire of him? 8: And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may enquire of the LORD: but I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. 9: Then the king of Israel called an officer, and said, Hasten hither Micaiah the son of Imlah. 10: And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah sat each on his throne, having put on their robes, in a void place in the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. 11: And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made him horns of iron: and he said, Thus saith the LORD, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have consumed them. 12: And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the king’s hand. 13: And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spake unto him, saying, Behold now, THE WORDS OF THE PROPHETS DECLARE GOOD unto the king with one mouth: let thy word, I pray thee, be like the word of one of them, and SPEAK THAT WHICH IS GOOD. [FOR GOOD OR BAD WORDS HAVE AN EFFECT UPON THE MIND. 14: And Micaiah said, AS THE LORD LIVETH, WHAT THE LORD SAITH UNTO ME, THAT WILL I SPEAK. [I WILL EXERCISE THE WILL OF GOD, WHAT I SHALL HEAR IS WHAT I SHALL SPEAK – Joh:3:34: For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God, Joh:8:38: I speak that which I have seen with my Father, Joh:8:28: but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. Joh:12:49: For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak., 50: And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak., Joh:13:18: I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.]. 15: So he came to the king. And the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he answered him, Go, and prosper: for the LORD shall deliver it into the hand of the king. [THIS WAS THE WORDS OF SATAN SPOKEN THROUGH FALSE PROPHETS] 16: And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but that WHICH IS TRUE IN THE NAME OF THE LORD? 17: And he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the hills, as sheep that have not a shepherd: AND THE LORD SAID, These have no master: let them return every man to his house in peace. 18: And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would PROPHESY NO GOOD CONCERNING ME, but evil? 19: And he said, Hear thou therefore the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne, and all the host of heaven standing by him on his right hand and on his left. 20: And the LORD said, WHO SHALL PERSUADE Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner. 21: And there came FORTH A SPIRIT [AN EVIL ANGEL], and stood before the LORD, and said, I will persuade him. 22: And the LORD said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a LYING SPIRIT IN THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS PROPHETS. And he said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so. 23: Now therefore, behold, the LORD HATH PUT A LYING SPIRIT IN THE MOUTH OF ALL THESE THY PROPHETS, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee. 24: But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near, and smote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, WHICH WAY WENT THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD FROM ME TO SPEAK UNTO THEE? [HE FORGETS THAT MICAIAH HAS SAID ABOVE THAT HE WAS CARRIED IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND WITNESSED THE CONVERSATION AND HE WAS JUST REPORTING.

And so here we have a possession of the spirit or a lying spirit and by what means, PUTTING THEIR WORDS ON THE MOUTH OF THOSE WHO WOULD NOT HOLD TO TRUTH

THIS TO ME IS KEY

In the contest between Christ and Satan, during the Saviour’s earthly ministry, the character of the great deceiver was unmasked. Nothing could so effectually have uprooted Satan from the affections of the heavenly angels and the whole loyal universe as did his cruel warfare upon the world’s Redeemer. The daring blasphemy of his demand that Christ should pay him homage, his presumptuous boldness in bearing him to the mountain summit and the pinnacle of the temple, the malicious intent betrayed in urging him to cast himself down from the dizzy height, the unsleeping malice that hunted him from place to place, inspiring the hearts of priests and people to reject his love, and at the last to cry, “Crucify him! crucify him!”—all this excited the amazement and indignation of the universe. {GC88 501.1} It was Satan that prompted the world’s rejection of Christ. The prince of evil exerted all his power and cunning to destroy Jesus; for he saw that the Saviour’s mercy and love, his compassion and pitying tenderness, were representing to the world the character of God. Satan contested every claim put forth by the Son of God, and employed men as his agents to fill the Saviour’s life with suffering and sorrow. The sophistry and falsehood by which he had sought to hinder the work of Jesus, the hatred manifested through the children of disobedience, his cruel accusations against Him whose life was one of unexampled goodness, all sprung from deep-seated revenge. The pent-up fires of envy and malice, hatred and revenge, burst forth on Calvary against the Son of God, while all Heaven gazed upon the scene in silent horror. {GC88 501.2}

The same hatred that PROMPTED the cry, “Crucify Him! crucify Him!” the same hatred that led to the persecution of the disciples, still WORKS in the children of disobedience. T{AA 84.3}

This conflict was opened upon the Son of God. He was afflicted, He was despised and rejected, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. The Majesty of heaven had to leave the scene of His labor again and again because of Satan’s bruising His heel, and finally Satan’s malignity reached its utmost power when Satan INSPIRED and CONTROLLED the MINDS of wicked men to crucify Him. . . . {CTr 248.5}

And now another scene passed before him. He had been shown the work of Satan in leading the Jews to reject Christ, while they professed to honor His Father’s law. He now saw the Christian world under a similar deception in professing to accept Christ while they rejected God’s law. He had heard from the priests and elders the frenzied cry, “Away with Him!” “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” and now he heard from professedly Christian teachers the cry, “Away with the law!” {PP 476.2}

THIS TO ME IS KEY If you would see what man will do when he rejects the INFLUENCE OF THE GRACE OF GOD, look to that scene in the judgment hall, when the infuriated mob, headed by Jewish priests and elders, clamored for the life of the Son of God. See the divine Sufferer standing by the side of Barabbas, and Pilate asking which he should release unto them. The hoarse cry [THIS SHOULD BE SATAN], swelled by hundreds of passionate, Satan- inspired voices, is, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas” (Luke 23:18)! And when Pilate asked what was to be done with Jesus they cried, “Crucify him, crucify him” (Luke 23:21)! {2SM 129.3}

Again he asked the question, “Why, what evil hath de done?” and again they cried out, “Crucify him!” Once more Pilate expostulated with them against putting to death one against whom they could prove nothing. Again, to conciliate them, he proposed to chastise him and let him go. It was not enough that the Saviour of the world, faint with weariness and covered with wounds, must be subjected to the shameful humiliation of such a trial; but his sacred flesh must be bruised and mangled to gratify the satanic fury of the priests and rulers. Satan, with his hellish army had gained POSSESSION of them. {3SP 142.3}

Men were imbued with a SATANIC SPIRIT at the time when they decided that they would have Barabbas, a thief and murderer, in preference to the Son of God. The DEMONIAC POWER TRIUMPHED OVER HUMANITY; LEGIONS OF EVIL ANGELS TOOK ENTIRE CONTROL OF MEN, AND IN ANSWER TO PILATE’S QUESTION AS TO WHOM HE SHOULD RELEASE UNTO THEM, THEY SHRIEKED OUT, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas.” When Pilate spoke again to them concerning Jesus, THE HOARSE CRY WAS RAISED, “Crucify him, crucify him.” Through YIELDING TO DEMONIAC AGENCIES, men were led to take their stand on the side of the great apostate. Unfallen worlds looked upon the scene with amazement, unable to comprehend the degradation that sin had wrought. LEGIONS OF EVIL ANGELS CONTROLLED the priests and rulers, and GAVE VOICE TO THE SUGGESTIONS OF SATAN in persuading and tempting the people by FALSEHOODS and bribes to reject the Son of God, and to CHOOSE a robber and murderer in his stead. They appealed to the very worst passions of the unregenerate heart, and stirred up the worst elements of human nature by the most unjust accusations and representations. What a scene was this for God to look upon, for seraphim and cherubim to behold! The only begotten Son of God, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, was mocked, insulted, taunted, rejected, and crucified by those whom he came to save, who had given themselves to the control of Satan. {RH, April 14, 1896 par. 8}

The world’s Redeemer knows all about the warfare that must be waged between good and evil. He has felt the malice of Satan to a greater extent than have any of his followers. As Saul refused the words of a priest and took the testimony of a sinner, so the statements of false witnesses were received against Jesus, and his own testimony was thrust aside. When Jesus was presented by Pilate to the people, and Barabbas was presented with him, and the ruler asked, “Whether of the twain will ye that I release unto you?” the multitude, under the control of Satan, cried out like madmen, “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas”! “Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, and said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.” And the demon-like cry arose, “Crucify him, crucify him!” This was the man in whom no fault was found when he was brought to trial; and yet a robber and a murderer was preferred before him. {ST, September 21, 1888 par. 10}

THE HOARSE CRY WAS RAISED BY MEN WHO WERE INSPIRED BY SATAN, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” – {19MR 277.2}

They were possessed at the cross, in fact from the quotations you can deduce that it was Satan who first said and instigated the words “Crucify him” and then the mob just repeated the chant not knowing where it came from. This is my take

GOD ALSO POSSESSES US BY HIS WORDS. PLEASE NOTE THESE STATEMENTS:

God will do great things for those who will OPEN THE HEART TO HIS WORD AND LET IT TAKE POSSESSION OF THE SOUL TEMPLE. (CT, p. 396)

When His WORDS OF INSTRUCTION HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, AND HAVE TAKEN POSSESSION OF US, JESUS IS TO US AN ABIDING PRESENCE, CONTROLLING OUR THOUGHTS AND IDEAS AND ACTIONS. (TM, p. 389)

Christianity has a much broader meaning than many have hitherto given it. It is not a creed. It is the word of Him who liveth and abideth forever. IT IS A LIVING, ANIMATING PRINCIPLE, THAT TAKES POSSESSION OF MIND, HEART, MOTIVES, AND THE ENTIRE MAN. (TM, p. 421)

When the word of God take POSSESSION of the minds of teachers, then they are fitted to deal with the education of others. (GCB, April 24, 1901)

ALL WHO SEARCH THE INSPIRED WORD FOR THEMSELVES WILL GAIN A KNOWLEDGE OF A PERSONAL, ABIDING SAVIOUR; and their Christian experience will not depend upon feeling, but upon the word of the living God. “The words I speak unto you,” said Jesus, “they are spirit, and they are life.” AND THE MORE ONE STUDIES THE WORD OF GOD, THE MORE THAT WORD TAKES POSSESSION OF HIS MIND, and he sees deeper and deeper into the divine purpose. (RH, August 4, 1896)

It is through the transforming influence of divine grace on human hearts that the power of the word of truth is revealed. The truth, proclaimed in regions where it has not yet been heard, makes an impression on hearts. It seems to have greater power to transform character than when presented to those who are familiar with its office work. Truth has little power on the hearts of those who walk contrary to it when by so doing they can gain advantage for themselves,–those who, while claiming to receive it, follow a course opposed to its principles. Such ones admit that they believe the truth, but they give no evidence that they are sanctified by the truth. The places in which it has never been proclaimed are the best places in which to work. The truth is to take possession of the will of those who have never before heard it. They will see the sinfulness of sin, and their repentance will be thorough and sincere. The Lord will work upon hearts that in the past have not often been appealed to, hearts that heretofore have not seen the enormity of sin. (SW, August 25, 1903)

The life of Christ that gives life to the world is in His word. It was by His word that Jesus healed disease and cast out demons; by His word He stilled the sea, and raised the dead; and the people bore witness that His word was with power. He spoke the word of God, as He had spoken through all the prophets and teachers of the Old Testament. The whole Bible is a manifestation of Christ, and the Saviour desired to fix the faith of His followers on the word. When His visible presence should be withdrawn, the word must be their source of power. Like their Master, they were to live “by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. {DA 390.3}

We use the term “demons” because it is the language of the Scriptures; to conform to the language and the facts of the Bible we keep up the distinction between the devil, or Satan, and the demons, the fallen angels, who are under his control. {1891 JHW, ATNM 86.1}

Those who were possessed with demons acted strangely. Sometimes they were exceeding fierce (Matt. 8:28); no man could bind them, no, not with chains; they dwelt among the tombs (Mark 5:3, 4); they would cry out and cut themselves (verse 5); they would throw themselves into the fire and into the water (Matt. 17:15); they knew Jesus and cried out that he was the Son of God (Luke 8:28, etc.). It is expressly said that these persons were possessed with demons; that the demons had entered into them. And it is manifest that the devil had in some way gained possession, or control, of these persons, so that he and his angels acted through them, and made them act just as he pleased. All their actions were attributed directly to the devil, or to demons, and not to themselves. Mark 9:17-26. {1891 JHW, ATNM 86.2}

It is well known that there is such a thing as mesmerism, or hypnotism, by which one person of strong nerves and a strong will can so control another of weaker nerves and will as to gain entire possession of him, body and mind. Then the mesmerizer can put his own thoughts into the mind of his victim, and make him speak and act just as he pleases. In short, the person so mesmerized becomes the passive agent, or medium, of the person who has mesmerized him. {1891 JHW, ATNM 87.1}

And so it is with persons possessed with demons. They have allowed Satan to mesmerize them until he has gained complete control over them, mind and body. Then he and the demons use them as mediums through whom to speak and act. {1891 JHW, ATNM 87.2}

Modern Spiritualism, the work of spirit mediums, is nothing more nor less than this. The spirits magnetize the mediums, and thus gain control of their organs, and then speak through them. {1891 JHW, ATNM 87.3}

Judge Edmonds, a noted believer in Spiritualism, speaking of a manifestation through Dr. Dexter, medium, said:- {1891 JHW, ATNM 87.4}

“It was conducted throughout with unusual, and, indeed, unknown violence. He [the spirit] took entire possession of the doctor, not merely his arm.” Professor Brittan, another Spiritualist, says:- {1891 JHW, ATNM 87.5}

“We may further add, in this connection, that the trance mediums for spirit intercourse are equally irresponsible. Many of them are totally unable to resist the powers which come to them from the invisible and unknown realms.”-Telegraph’s Answer to Mahan, p. 10. {1891 JHW, ATNM 88.1}

In many cases the spirits treat their mediums just as they did those possessed in the days of Jesus. Here is an example given by Dr. Gridly. Of a medium he says:- {1891 JHW, ATNM 88.2}

“These spirits would pinch and pound him, twitch him up and throw him down, yell and blaspheme. They forbade his eating, to the very point of starvation. He was a perfect skeleton; they compelled him to walk day and night, with intermissions, to be sure, as their avowed object was to torment him as much and as long as possible.”-Astounding Facts from the Spirit World, pp. 253, 254. {1891 JHW, ATNM 88.3}

Compare this with Luke 8:26-30, and it will be seen that the possessions are identical in nature. There is not a particle of difference between the Satanic possessions in the days of Christ and the spirit control of the present time. When once the demons got control of them, the persons possessed had no power to free themselves from their influence. But Jesus had power over these spirits, and He gave the same power to His disciples, through faith in His name. And at the present time, the mediums become helpless in the hands of the demons. But they can get no control over those who resist them steadfast in the faith of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 5:8, 9; James 4:7, 8; Eph. 6:10, 11. {1891 JHW, ATNM 88.4}

Spiritualists themselves assure us that each medium has an attendant spirit, which appears at every call, and can personate any for whom inquiry is made. This gives opportunity for any amount of deception, and it is identical with the doctrine of familiar spirits, so often mentioned in the Scriptures. But consulting familiar spirits was strictly forbidden, the Lord declaring that it was an abomination to Him. The spirits are demons of darkness, and consulting them leads away from God and from His revealed truth. {1891 JHW, ATNM 89.1}

Jesus assured them that He had beheld their success. “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven,” He said. Satan was once an angel of light in the heavenly courts. He was entrusted with an important position. But he coveted more power and sought to be even as God. As a result of his unholy apostasy, he and his followers were cast out of heaven and became angels of darkness. As Satan was cast out of heaven, so also he will be dispossessed of his dominion in the hearts and minds of those who will glorify God. {Lt119-1905}

Through the preaching of the gospel, Satan and his angels are cast out from the minds of men. Through faith in the Word preached, men are enabled to gain the victory, and the devil loses his hold upon them. So he will eventually lose his power over all who continue to believe. His kingdom totters and falls before the presentation of sanctified truth. {Lt119-1905}

“Through the preaching of the gospel, Satan and his angels are cast out from the minds of men. Through faith in the Word preached, men are enabled to gain the victory, and the devil loses his hold upon them. So he will eventually lose his power over all who continue to believe. His kingdom totters and falls before the presentation of sanctified truth.” 20LtMs, Lt 119, 1905, par. 29

I have ever read the following quote but never looked at it keenly to see how it reconciles with the Bible without forcing it into it. After looking at it in one of my devotions, the difficult was removed and saw how it continues to be contradiction to say some literal part of God dwells in man or anything

From eternal ages it was God’s purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a TEMPLE FOR THE INDWELLING of the Creator. Because of sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. {DA 161.1}

1Co:3:16: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the SPIRIT OF GOD DWELLETH IN YOU?

Hebrew 10:5: Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a BODY HAST THOU PREPARED ME:

Hebrews 9:14: How much more shall the blood of Christ, WHO THROUGH THE ETERNAL SPIRIT offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Galatians 4:6: And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Romans 8:15: For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16: The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

1Peter 1:11: Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

Accepting God’s Channels

You see, in God’s divine plan, angels play a part in being the eyes of God and manifesting his power in all places in accordance with his will [A measure of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Through the ministry of the angels, the Holy Spirit is enabled to work upon the mind and heart of the human agent, and draw him to Christ. {YI, July 5, 1894 par. 5}]. Also human beings acts this part [Those who are in connection with God are channels for the power of the Holy Spirit….. . {Lt54-1894}] [When God pointed out to Philip his work, the disciple did not say, as many are saying today, “God does not mean that. I will not be too confident, or I shall make a mistake.” Philip that day learned a lesson of conformity to God’s will which was worth everything to him. He learned that every soul is precious in the sight of God, and that angels will bring to the appointed agencies light for those who are in need of it. The heavenly angels do not undertake the work of preaching the gospel. Through the ministration of angels God sends light to His people, and through His people this light is to be given to the world. The Holy Spirit will guide and instruct men and women if they will show themselves willing to be guided by placing themselves in positions where they can communicate the light received. {BEcho, December 10, 1900 par. 12}] [Through the ministry of the angels the Holy Spirit is enabled to work upon the mind and heart of the human agent and draw him to Christ. . . . But the Spirit of God does not interfere with the freedom of the human agent. The Holy Spirit is given to be a helper, so that man may cooperate with the Divine, and it is given to Him to draw the soul but never to force obedience. {TMK 57.2}]. So sure to say that angel’s or the word are the Holy Spirit would fall short of the totality of what the Holy Spirit is. But the danger is to go in the other direction and deny that angels and the Word are channels of the Holy Spirit, and when acting as such they are bringing the spirit of God to us. My understanding is that this is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. Henceforth Jesus said “the words I speak to you are spirit”.

Angels are called Ministering spirits, they are holy also. Therefore my conclusion is that when we are receiving the spirit through angels or the Word, then they (the instruments) are that very thing themselves i.e. The Holy Spirit [These heavenly messengers are not attracted to the crowd where minds are diverted from heavenly things. THEIR PURE AND HOLY SPIRITS cannot remain in the company where Jesus’ presence is not desired and encouraged, and his absence not marked. For this reason great mourning, grief, and discouragement exist. Through lack of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they have lost all that is valuable. The divine rays of light emanating from Jesus are not with them, cheering them with their loving, elevating influence. They are enshrouded in gloom, because their careless, irreverent spirit has separated Jesus from their company, and driven the heavenly ministering angels from them. {1Red 31.1} . That doesn’t imply that they are the source of the spirit or the totality of the spirit, but they are spirit. So obviously with this understand, to decouple the spirit from the instrument is to leave people with the notion that we believe in disembodied spirits.

Remember God is bound by his own attributes and his perfect plan. So in that sense he is dependent upon his creation to accomplish his will, because he has ordained it as such. Over and over again the SOP teaches this principle. Jesus could have moved that stone before he raised Lazarus from the dead but he would not do man’s part for him. Jesus could grow a tomato very easily without my help, but that’s not the way it works.

Just to clarify a little further, I wouldn’t say that “angels are the Holy Spirit” or “the Word is the holy spirit” because I don’t think that would in totality be correct obviously. However I wouldn’t make an effort to separate the Holy spirit from God’s angels or his word either, this in my opinion is an overcompensation that would open the door for disembodied spirits and some form of pantheism at that point. Jesus said the words that I speak to you are spirt and life, he didn’t say the words are a channel of the spirit. Based on my understanding of the ministration of God’s spirit (Zechariah 4) I think it’s wrong to make efforts to separate the spirit from the channel, because when operating as such they are so interrelated that they cannot be separated. By refusing to acknowledge the channels God has appointed to commune with us and to be benefited by them, men are preparing to be ministered to by evil angels and to miss a higher education from angels [Human agencies are the hands of heavenly instrumentalities, for heavenly angels employ human hands in practical ministry. Human agencies as hand helpers are to work out the knowledge and use the facilities of heavenly beings. By uniting with these powers that are omnipotent, we are benefited by their higher education and experience. Thus as we become partakers of the divine nature, and separate selfishness from our lives, special talents for helping one another are granted us. This is heaven’s way of administering saving power. {6T 456.3}

“JESUS will not be found in the company of those who are careless of HIS PRESENCE, and who engage in conversation having no reference to their Redeemer, in whom they profess their hopes of eternal life are centered. JESUS shuns the company of such, so also do the ANGELS who do his commands. These heavenly MESSENGERS are not attracted to the crowd where minds are diverted from heavenly things. These PURE and HOLY SPIRITS cannot remain in the company where JESUS’ presence is not desired and encouraged, and his absence not marked. For this reason, great mourning, grief, and discouragement exist. Through lack of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they have lost all that is valuable. The divine rays of light emanating FROM JESUS are not with them, cheering them with their loving, elevating influence. They are enshrouded in gloom, because THEIR careless, irreverent SPIRIT has separated JESUS from their company, and driven the ministering ANGELS from them.” [2SP 37.1]

On MH 97.2

Let’s leave aside the word “physically” for a moment. Perhaps people could reflect on this. Do angels/demons have bodily forms as part of their being? Do people envision a demon bodily entering into a human, or pigs? If not, does a demon have the ability to have an out-of-body experience and leave their own body and enter into another? If this questions can be answered then we can hit the ground with a solid foundation and build a structure that cannot fall.

The idea that a person can be possessed by demons is a very misunderstood one. The Greek word that is usually translated to something like “were possessed by 26 demons” can also be translated as “exercised by demons.”

possessed with devils, <daimonizomai>

G1139

δαιμονίζομαι

daimonizomai

dahee-mon-id’-zom-ahee

Middle voice from G1142; to be exercised by a daemon: – have a (be vexed with, be possessed with) devil (-s).

Total KJV occurrences: 13

In Christianity it hascome to be understood that a person has a demon living inside them. I thinkhowever that the Bible authors probably meant to convey the idea that a person isunder the influence or controlled by a fallen angel as inspiration will make it clear below.

Let’s have a look at the story of the demoniac, Jesus and the herd ofswine.When Jesus and the disciples were out on that lake that night, I’m sure the demonsthat were in control of the demoniac knew *exactly* who was headed their way. I betthey were starting to formulate their plans on how to react when the Son of Godturned up.

When the demoniac was still approaching Jesus, they already launch into theirdefence strategy.They begged that Jesus doesn’t torment him (them). They of course knew thatwasn’t what Jesus was there to do but it was an attempt to distract Him. It also wouldhave served the purpose of intimidating the disciples.

Jesus doesn’t enter into any conversation with them, and tells them to leave. Jesus follows with a question, “What is your name?” I wonder if they were game to be deceptive with Jesus’ direct question….the answer is unusual, and again potentially chosen to be intimidating. Jesus doesn’t react to that answer….maybe He didn’t have a chance to because the next thing he (they) say is, “Please don’t send us to the abyss, but rather into the herd of swine.” Pause for a minute, is there a literal place called abyss that the devil could have been send at that time? This should tell you this is more than just a foreground story going on. I would like to suggest that the idea that the abyss/bottomless pit being a literal place where demonic spirits are kept is an idea that goes hand-in-hand with Catholic & Protestant theology on the state of the dead. As far as I can tell, the agenda of demons at this point was a multi-deception to everyone who was there too

Jesus doesn’t enter into controversy with them, or correct them of this error of abyss. He knows they are just playing mind games because that’s all they know to do. This request was premeditated. They knew the demoniac was seeking to be free from their influence, and they have NO POWER to go against a PERSON’S WILL. But, they also knew that if they could make it appear to the LOCAL COMMUNITY THAT JESUS WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOSS OF THEIR LIVESTOCK THEY COULD DESTROY JESUS’ ABILITY TO MINISTER TO EVERYONE IN THAT REGION. So, they made do with Plan B and headed for the pigs. Being “disembodied” obviously wasn’t a concern, or else they’d have stayed in the pigs and been the meanest pigs ever! :).

Jesus answer and what happens is interesting: Mt 8:32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, THEY WENT INTO THE HERD of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine RAN VIOLENTLY DOWN a steep place into the sea, and PERISHED IN THE WATERS. Consider the case, if they entered in the heard and the heard drowned, couldn’t it be possible they drown too unless they are protected by God or at what point did they again leave the heard? After the heard died? Remember during the flood how Satan and his angels were preserved by God? Is this also what happened here or do we take the greek word daimonizomai which means to exercise power over?

So, the flip side of the coin is….”Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Again, doesn’t happen in violation of our will and decision making process. It involves our beliefs, and the word of God and being exercised upon by good angels and it is intrinsically vital for us to enter into the experience. “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind, that you put on the new man which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Eph 4:23. “Washed by the water of the word….” [Heavenly angels are acquainted with our words and actions, and even with the thoughts and intents of the heart. You, dear brother, fear that the truth will cost you too much, but this is one of Satan’s suggestions. Let it take all that you possess, and it does not cost too much; the value received, if rightly estimated, is an eternal weight of glory. How little is required of us! How small the sacrifice that we can make in comparison with that which our divine Lord made for us! And yet a spirit of murmuring comes over you because of the cost of everlasting life. You, as well as others of your brethren at —–, have had severe conflicts with the great adversary of souls. You have several times nearly yielded the conflict, but the influence of your wife and eldest daughter has prevailed. These members of your family would obey the truth with the whole heart could they have your influence to sustain them. {1T 544.2}. A measure of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Through the ministry of the angels, the Holy Spirit is enabled to work upon the mind and heart of the human agent, and draw him to Christ, who has paid the ransom money for his soul, that the sinner may be rescued from the slavery of sin and Satan. But the Spirit of God does not interfere with the freedom of the human agent. The Holy Spirit is given to be a helper, so that the human agent may cooperate with the divine intelligences; and it is its province to draw the soul, but never to force obedience. Christ is ready to impart all heavenly influences. He knows every temptation that comes to man, and the capabilities of every human agent. He weighs his strength. He sees the present and the future, and presents before the mind the obligations that should be met, and urges that common, earthly things shall not be permitted to be so absorbing that eternal things shall be lost out of reckoning. The Lord has fulness of grace to bestow on every one that will receive the heavenly gift. The Holy Spirit will bring the God-entrusted capabilities into Christ’s service, and will mold and fashion the human agent according to the divine Pattern, in proportion as the human agent shall earnestly desire the transformation. {YI, July 5, 1894 par. 5}

This also leads to the question of why just “casting out demons” from people who areunder the influence of demonic beings isn’t always successful. But that is anothertopic…

In our fallen state, human minds seem to be particularly open to demonic suggestion, and every rejection of truth makes a person more able to be controlled this way. The entry point that demons have to a person’s mind can give them liberty to do things through that person that may appear to be against their will. Instead of using the word “possessed” I would regard “harrassed” or “manipulated” or “controlled” to be more accurate. Take an example of Saul and the Bible saying the evil spirit from the Lord possessed him “THE SPIRIT OF EVIL WAS UPON SAUL. He felt that his doom had been sealed by the solemn message of his rejection from the throne of Israel. HIS DEPARTURE FROM THE PLAIN REQUIREMENTS OF GOD WAS BRINGING ITS SURE RESULTS. He did not turn, and repent, and humble his heart before God, BUT OPENED IT TO RECEIVE EVERY SUGGESTION OF THE ENEMY. HE LISTENED TO EVERY FALSE WITNESS, EAGERLY RECEIVING ANYTHING THAT WAS DETRIMENTAL to the character of David, hoping that he might find an excuse FOR MANIFESTING HIS INCREASING ENVY AND HATRED of him who had been anointed to the throne of Israel. EVERY RUMOR WAS CREDITED, NO MATTER HOW INCONSISTENT AND IRRECONCILABLE it was with the former character and custom of David. Every evidence that the protecting care of God was over David SEEMED TO IMBITTER AND DEEPEN HIS ONE ENGROSSING AND DETERMINED PURPOSE. The failure to accomplish his own designs appeared in marked contrast to the success of the fugitive in eluding his search, but it only made the determination of the king the more unrelenting and firm. He was not careful to conceal his designs toward David, nor scrupulous as to what means should be employed in accomplishing his purpose. IT WAS NOT THE MAN DAVID, WHO HAD DONE HIM NO HARM, AGAINST WHOM THE KING WAS CONTENDING. HE WAS IN CONTROVERSY WITH THE KING OF HEAVEN; for WHEN SATAN IS PERMITTED TO CONTROL THE MIND THAT WILL NOT BE RULED BY JEHOVAH, HE WILL LEAD IT ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, UNTIL THE MAN WHO IS THUS IN HIS POWER BECOMES AN EFFICIENT AGENT TO CARRY OUT HIS DESIGNS. So bitter is the enmity of the great originator of sin against the purposes of God, so terrible is his power for evil, that WHEN MEN DISCONNECT FROM GOD, SATAN INFLUENCES THEM, AND THEIR MINDS ARE BROUGHT MORE AND MORE INTO SUBJECTION, UNTIL THEY CAST OFF THE FEAR OF GOD, AND THE RESPECT OF MEN, AND BECOME BOLD AND AVOWED ENEMIES OF GOD AND OF HIS PEOPLE. What an example was Saul giving to the subjects of his kingdom in his desperate, unprovoked persecution of David! What a record he was making to be placed upon the pages of history for future generations! He sought to turn the full tide of the power of his kingdom into the channel of his own hatred in hunting down an innocent man. All this had a demoralizing influence upon Israel. And while Saul was giving loose reign to his passion, Satan was weaving a snare to compass his ruin, and the ruin of his kingdom. While the king and his councilors were planning for the capture of David, the affairs of the nation were being mismanaged and neglected. WHILE IMAGINARY FOES WERE CONSTANTLY PRESENTED BEFORE THE MINDS OF THE PEOPLE, the real enemies were strengthening themselves without arousing suspicion or alarm. BY FOLLOWING THE DICTATES OF SATAN, Saul was himself hastening the very result which, with unsanctified ability, he was endeavoring to avert. THE COUNSEL OF THE LORD HAD BEEN DISREGARDED AGAIN AND AGAIN BY THE REBELLIOUS KING, and the LORD HAD GIVEN HIM UP TO THE FOLLY OF HIS OWN WISDOM. The INFLUENCES OF THE SPIRIT of God would have restrained him from the course of evil which he had chosen, that eventually worked out his ruin. God hates all sin, and WHEN MAN PERSISTENTLY REFUSES ALL THE COUNSEL OF HEAVEN, HE IS LEFT TO THE DECEPTIONS OF THE ENEMY, TO BE DRAWN AWAY OF HIS OWN LUSTS, AND ENTICED (ST Sept. 7, 1888). How Satan exults when he is ENABLED to set the soul into a white heat of anger! A GLANCE, A GESTURE, AN INTONATION, MAY BE SEIZED UPON AND USED, AS THE ARROW OF SATAN, to wound and poison the heart that is open to receive it. If the SPIRIT OF CHRIST POSSESSES US WHOLLY, and we have been transformed by His grace, THERE WILL BE NO DISPOSITION TO SPEAK EVIL, OR TO BEAR REPORTS FREIGHTED WITH FALSEHOOD. The falsifier, the accuser of the brethren, is a chosen agent of the great deceiver. Ahimelech was not present on this occasion to vindicate himself, and to state the facts as they existed; but Doeg cared not for this. LIKE SATAN HIS FATHER, HE READ THE MIND OF SAUL, and IMPROVED THE OPPORTUNITY OF INCREASING THE MISERY of the king BY THE WORDS OF HIS MISCHIEVOUS TONGUE, WHICH WAS SET ON FIRE OF HELL. HE STIRRED UP THE VERY WORST PASSIONS OF THE HUMAN HEART (ST Sept. 21, 1888). {2BC 1020.2} The word “by” there is the key for unlocking the whole quote.

Think about Peter when he scolded Jesus for saying He would be arrested, torturedand put to death by the Pharisees. Jesus turned and said to Peter. “Get behind me, Satan.” Satan “entered/possessed” Peter and made him say that, however by which means? Inasmuch as Peter was stillentertaining a vision of Jesus becoming the new King of Israel, and entertainingideas of where he would fit into this new order, (false beliefs) Satan had opportunityto encourage Peter to express his [Satan’s words] to discourage Jesus.I would say there is virtue in understanding the power and the limitations of beings inthe supernatural realm. We cannot see with our human eyes this realm.

So on the issue of MH 97.2 you have just to go back to page 91 and get the whole context

Am relating the following with the scenario of Peter

There are multitudes today as truly UNDER THE POWER OF EVIL SPIRITS AS WAS THE DEMONIAC OF CAPERNAUM. All who willfully DEPART FROM GOD’S COMMANDMENTS ARE PLACING THEMSELVES UNDER THE CONTROL OF SATAN. Many a man tampers with evil, thinking that he can break away at pleasure; but he is lured on and on, until he finds himself CONTROLLED BY A WILL STRONGER THAN HIS OWN. HE CANNOT ESCAPE ITS MYSTERIOUS POWER. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. {MH 92.3}

Further observation

Satan cannot READ OUR THOUGHTS, BUT HE CAN SEE OUR ACTIONS, HEAR OUR WORDS; and from his long knowledge of the human family, he can SHAPE his temptations to take advantage of our weak points of character. And how often do we let him into the secret of how he may obtain the victory over us. OH, THAT WE MIGHT CONTROL OUR WORDS AND ACTIONS! How strong we would become if our words were of such an order that we would not be ashamed to meet the record of them in the day of judgment. How different will they appear in the day of God from what they seem when we utter them.–Review and Herald, February 27, 1913. {MYP 328.1}

It is expressly stated that Satan works in the children of disobedience, NOT MERELY HAVING ACCESS TO THEIR MINDS, but WORKING THROUGH THEIR INFLUENCE, CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS, to draw others into the same disobedience. IF EVIL ANGELS HAVE SUCH POWER OVER THE CHILDREN OF MEN IN THEIR DISOBEDIENCE, HOW MUCH GREATER POWER THE GOOD ANGELS HAVE OVER THOSE WHO ARE STRIVING TO BE OBEDIENT. When we put our trust in Jesus Christ, working obedience unto righteousness, ANGELS OF GOD WORK IN OUR HEARTS UNTO RIGHTEOUSNESS. It is due to the guardianship and working of the angels of God for your wife that she has not apostatized. Heavenly angels have guarded her. Now it is time that you took your position beside her as a houseband, to bind up your children, yourself, and your wife in solemn covenant with God, TO OBEDIENCE UNTO OBEDIENCE. {Lt116-1899}

If permitted, the EVIL ANGELS WILL WORK THE MINDS of men until they have NO MIND OR WILL OF THEIR OWN. (MS 64, 1904; in 1MCP, p. 24)

VIEWS

The INDWELLING of God is the Holy Spirit
Sin marred the plan and Christ incarnates and a body is prepared to restore that plan
Through that eternal spirit “THE INDWELLING OF GOD” Christ overcomes sin
Now the Father sends that “INDWELLING” with the perfection of His Son called the Spirit of the Son as a Third Person of the Godhead to overcome sin to rejoin humanity with divinity.
Adam was originally son of God because of that “INDWELLING” but lost it now we are made sons again by adoption
When the spirit is in our heart it testifies as it testified in the Old Testament hence the reason Christ says the spirit will testify. The Spirit testifies through us, we are the channel.

HENCE

“Does not God say he fills immensity of space? We answer, No. Psalms 139:7, 8. Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there, etc. God by his Spirit may fill heaven and earth, etc. Some confound God with his Spirit, which makes confusion. Psalms 11:4. The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, etc. Habakkuk 2:20; Psalms 102:19. For he hath looked down from the height of his Sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth. 1Peter 3:12. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers, etc. Psalms 80:1. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth. Psalms 99:1; Isaiah 37:16.
John 14:2. In my Father’s house are many mansions. I go to prepare a place for you. Revelation 21:2-5; Hebrews 11:6. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, etc. This testimony we deem highly important at this time, to know that there is a God. We have no doubt that if our eyes could be opened in vision, or see as angels see, we should see God in heaven sitting on his throne, and is present to all that exists, however distant from him in his creation. {March 7, 1854 JWe, ARSH 50.10}

People confound the Shekinah Glory with God.

To say that God dwells in anything is to confound God with his Spirit. To say there is God the Holy Spirit is even worse because its to deny Spirit of God dwells in humanity or you end up with TWO SPIRITS IN US.

For the pdf click on the title below

How we Get possessed by either God or Satan

Blessings