Who can cast out devils? How does one know when he can cast out devils?
In considering this question, we must determine who gave the commission or the command to cast out devils and to whom it was given. It was Jesus Christ Who commissioned His first twelve apostles to go and cast out devils. (Matt. 10:1,7,8; Luke 9:1.)
Later when His seventy apostles returned to Him, they were rejoicing that even the devils were subject to them by the pronouncing of His name against them. (Luke 10:17.)
In Acts 1:8, Jesus said that His disciples would receive power after the Holy Spirit had come upon them. Power would be useless if it were not brought against interfering and unchristian attitudes and spirits.
In the Great Commission of Mark 16:1517, the Lord Jesus said:
Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils . . . .
The Lord Jesus specifically said that those who believe would cast out devils. Of course, these are persons who believe and accept the Gospel. They personally know God's power and have become holy vessels unto God. They accept by faith the sign ministry and therefore exorcise evil spirits.
This simply means that the casting out of spirits does not belong especially to the hierarchy. It does not belong uniquely to bishops or men of ecclesiastical position. The Bible specifically says that those who exercise faith have this power to relieve those who are tormented by spirits.
I feel that it is always best to stick only to what the Word of God says about such matters. Church doctrines and church disciplines could lead a person to a non-biblical position toward those who need divine deliverance.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0