It is natural to assume that demonic possession ended in Bible times because we do not see or hear about it (often) in today's world. We might also suppose that demon-possessed people must exhibit behaviors like the men in Mark 5:1-20 (who refused to wear clothing, howled and screamed incessantly, and displayed supernatural strength and ferociousness) or the young man in Mark 9:17-27 (who foamed at the mouth, gnashed his teeth, writhed on the ground, and uncontrollably convulsed). Otherwise, we might conclude that demonized people do not exist today without these visibly overt signs.
But not every possessed person in Scripture displayed these tell-tale indicators. For example, Matthew 9:32 describes a demon-possessed man who was mute and could not speak. Matthew 12:22 portrayed another who was blind and mute. Luke 4:40 revealed that other possessed individuals verbally declared Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Similarly, Acts 16:16 denotes a possessed woman who told fortunes and proclaimed Paul and his companions as servants of the Most High God who taught the way of salvation.
Yet other passages like Matthew 4:24, 8:16, and Mark 1:32-34 provide no descriptors of demonic manifestations. They simply record that many possessed people were delivered and set free. Therefore, demon-possessed people in today’s world may not be as identifiable as we might think.
One fact we know for certain is that demons are still “alive and well” in the world today, according to Scripture. 1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Ephesians 6:12 states, “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.” 1 John 4:3 says, “Every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.”
We also know from the Bible that some will depart from the faith to follow these demonic spirits. 1 Timothy 4:1 states, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.”
Therefore, many demon-possessed individuals exist in the world today, with higher concentrations in areas where occultic practices are more prevalent. (Some of these activities include illegal drug consumption and addiction, psychic and paranormal activities, witchcraft, telepathy, spellcasting, idolatry, and satanic worship.)
One example of this fact can be found on Skid Row in Los Angeles where illegal drug use among the homeless runs rampant. My husband and I have witnessed numerous individuals exhibit behaviors indicative of severe demonic possession. Another example is countries where witchcraft and idol worship are standard practice as opposed to nations that adhere to Christian values and practices.
Nonetheless, the fact that demonic principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness, and spiritual hosts of wickedness are still present and out to steal, kill, and destroy is proof that demonic possession did not end in biblical times but remains prevalent in our Christ-rejecting world.
I hope this information has been useful to broaden your perspective on this unfortunate reality and compels you to share the gospel with the lost.
