Scripture authenticates the reality of the spirit world, including angelic friends and demonic foes. But Western Christians, including evangelicals and Pentecostals, struggle to explain and address this transempirical dimension of reality. A misdiagnosis could prevent finding the cure for one who is struggling.
Some may question theologically1 and practically if spiritual warfare is real and relevant to their lives and ministries. Missionary to the Islamic world, Sobhi Malek, claims, “There is a relentless conflict between God’s kingdom and the temporary rule of Satan, the prince of this world, who is assisted by demonic forces under his command.”2
Psychologist Richard Dobbins states, “I believe in the realities of a spirit world as revealed in the Scripture.”3
Theologian Edgar Lee notes, “The Bible clearly teaches the existence of an unseen enemy devoted to the destruction of humanity.”4
Cultural anthropologist Charles Kraft asserts, “Scripture clearly portrays human life as lived in a context of continual warfare between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan.”5
Immediately after the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus to begin His public ministry, Jesus experienced a personal confrontation with Satan (Matthew 4:1–11; Mark 1:12,13; Luke 4:1–13). Later He declared, “If I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you” (Matthew 12:286). Peter summarized Jesus’ ministry stating, “He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil” (Acts 10:38). The apostle Paul warned the Ephesian church, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Read more
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