What do you think of when you think demon possession? I no longer believe that demon possession looks like rolling eyes, spinning heads, or flying objects. Hollywood has distorted the truth and, in doing so, erased something far more dangerous: Satan’s subtlety. Scripture describes him as a wolf in sheep’s clothing, an angel of light, a lion prowling about seeking prey undetected. He does not draw attention to himself with spectacle. Haunted houses, wizards on brooms, and flying furniture make for entertainment, but they distract from how deception actually works. Satan appears normal, persuasive, and human. He is not performing magic tricks or throwing chairs to prove his power.
The Bible says Satan entered Judas, but I believe that “entry” is not what we have imagined. Satan suggested an idea, Judas believed it, and acted on it. That belief was rebellion. Judas was held responsible because he chose to trust Satan rather than God. The same pattern appears with Adam and Eve. Eve listened, entertained the lie, believed it, and Satan worked through her to accomplish his will: rebellion against God. When a person opens their mind to believe Satan, that is the doorway. Once he has access to the mind, he has no interest in possessing objects. He wants to move people—God’s children—away from God.
Witchcraft, at its core, is rebellion. It is not simply cauldrons, spells, or costumes, though those things have existed within pagan religions. The occult is real. King Saul consulted a witch to summon Samuel’s spirit, and the spirit appeared. Demonic possession is real as well; casting out demons was a major part of Jesus’ ministry. But demonic influence, especially in modern culture, often looks nothing like the movies. Instead, it disguises itself as natural or explainable: mental illness, anxiety, rage, control, addiction, deception, even murder. Jesus referred to a woman’s physical ailment as a spirit. No one was flying through the air on a broomstick.
The realm of the devil is real, but disguise makes it powerful and acceptable. When Satan presents himself as sin, he makes it look desirable. Ghosts and ghouls only make people less likely to believe he exists at all. For many, those images are as believable as cartoon characters. His real power is in words. As a liar, he spreads lies, and those who believe him begin to reflect that deception. The Salem witch trials are a reminder that the so-called “possessed” were often those lying about what they saw rather than those they accused.
The human mind is powerful. People suffering from mental illness or addiction can hallucinate or believe things that are not real. Satan’s role is to exploit sickness, confusion, and deception, making lies feel true. Lying, jealousy, rebellion, theft, control, and violence are manifestations of his influence in the world and in our lives.
When Satan entered Judas, Judas immediately went to the priests to arrange Jesus’ betrayal. Satan planted a seed—an idea, a desire—in Judas’ mind, and Judas believed it. The mind is Satan’s playing field. Belief is the entry point.
Peter was also called Satan. Jesus told him, “Get behind me, Satan,” even though Peter was his most trusted disciple. Peter’s words aligned with Satan’s agenda rather than God’s. Judas wanted Jesus to die; Peter wanted to prevent it. Though opposite in intention, both resisted God’s plan. Satan does not know God’s full purpose, so he tries a little of everything. He is a hypocrite and the father of confusion. Do not assume that because you have never seen something paranormal or foamed at the mouth, you cannot be used by him. This is not Ghostbusters, we shouldn’t be waiting for green mists to appear before understanding Satan is present in this world. He doesn’t appear to scare us off but to drawn us in. That is why sin is so enticing. Satan plants seeds through words, and when we believe them, he has entered.
One final truth: the person through whom Satan works is still accountable. Satan’s goal is rebellion against God, and he desires humanity to join him in it. Satan will be punished in the end, but humanity is not excused for believing his lies and acting on them. From Adam to Judas, mankind is held responsible for sin—capable of forgiveness, but accountable all the same.
written by Kim Blenkhorn
My Faith Place 