It is important to remember that when it comes to understanding the Bible, the most important thing to consider is the character of God and how he desires to be in relationship with us. The Bible is full of verses that speak about our relationship with God and how he desires us to commune with Him. For those interested in delving deeper into the topic of spiritual matters, this article explores what the Bible says about spirits.
The Bible makes it clear that spirits exist and are real. In the book of Genesis, we see that God created mankind, as well as all of the creatures in the universe. These all have their own spirit, as God breathed life into each. The spirit of mankind is particularly important and is what gives us the ability to have a relationship with the Lord. Jesus himself indicated that the Spirit of the Lord is alive and active, even in the natural world. In John 3, Jesus talks to Nicodemus about the spirit, stating “no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). Here, Jesus is pointing to the importance of the spiritual aspect of human existence.
The Bible also speaks on the importance of protecting our spirit and soul. In 1 Peter 1:5, the Apostle Peter writes: “And who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” Here, Peter is reminding us that, as believers, we are shielded by God’s power, which shields us from the spiritual realm and all its forces of evil. The Bible makes clear that we need to be vigilant in our spiritual lives and pay attention to God’s word to protect ourselves the attacks of the enemy.
We also learn from the Bible that spirits are around us and can influence us. In Ephesians 6:12, we read: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Here, Paul reminds us that there are spiritual forces of evil that seek to influence our lives in negative ways. It is for this reason that we must be aware and constantly seek out the wisdom and counsel of God. The Bible makes it clear that , as believers, we are not alone in our fight against evil.
Moreover, we also learn from the Bible that spirits have the ability to manifest themselves in physical forms. In the book of Luke, we read about Jesus casting out a demon from a boy. As Jesus tells the spirit to leave the boy, it manifests itself in a physical form and departs. Here, Jesus is illustrating the power of God over the spiritual realm, showing us that the spiritual realm is powerful, but God is powerful enough to cast out any spirit. The Bible makes it clear that God has power over the spiritual realms and can protect us when we turn to him in faith.
Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes that God is able to help us in our spiritual journey. In Psalm 18:28, we read: “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.” Here, we see the importance of trusting in the Lord and relying on his power to turn our darkness into light. The Bible makes it clear that when we turn to God, he will provide the guidance and protection we need for our spiritual journey.
Finally, the Bible does caution us against preventing ourselves from getting involved with evil. In Galatians 5:19-21, we read: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The Bible makes it clear that we should not participate in any of these activities if we wish to remain faithful to God and his word.
Demonic Possession
The Bible contains multiple references to demonic possession. In Mark 5, we hear about Jesus exorcising a spirit from a man who had long been under its influence. In Luke 8, Jesus cast out a “legion of demons” from a man. In both cases, Jesus displays His power to liberate those under the influence of evil spirits. Moreover, Jesus also makes it clear that the Kingdom of God is superior than the Kingdom of Demons. Here, Jesus demonstrates that He has authority over the spiritual realm, displaying His power to protect those in need.
Moreover, Jesus also raises awareness to the fact that demonic presence should be acknowledged and resisted. Jesus highlights this in Matthew 16:18 when He states: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” Here, Jesus is reiterating the protection of the church against the forces of evil. In essence, Jesus is telling us that God’s power is greater than anything the spiritual realm can throw at us.
The Bible also speaks of various forms of deliverance from demonic possession, including prayer and fasting. In Matthew 17:14–21, we see Jesus deliver a boy from an evil spirit by first commanding the spirit in the name of the Lord and then casting it out. Here, Jesus displays the power of prayer and fasting to overcome demonic forces. Furthermore, this passage also promotes the notion that faith can empower us to resist the power of the evil one.
The Bible also makes it clear that demonic forces can afflict not just people but also animals. In Luke 9:1–6, Jesus casts a legion of demons out of a herd of pigs, proving that evil spirits can afflict not just people but animals as well. Again, the Bible emphasizes the power of God to protect us in the face of evil.
Spiritual Warfare
The topic of spiritual warfare is addressed by the Bible in multiple passages. In Ephesians 6:12, as already mentioned, we are reminded that our battle is against the spiritual realm, not against flesh and blood. We are reminded to put on the “whole armor of God,” consisting of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, the shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit. Moreover, we are encouraged to pray in the Spirit and to maintain a “prayer shield” around us.
Furthermore, the Bible discusses the importance of praying for protection. In Psalm 34:7, we read: “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.” Here, we are reminded that God sends angels to protect us and offer us deliverance. Moreover, Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray for protection in the Lord’s Prayer. Finally, in 2 Timothy 4:18, we read: “And the Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Here, Paul reminds us that God will protect us from any evil and bring us safely home.
Worshiping Angels
The Bible also strongly warns against worshiping angels, as we read in Colossians 2:18: “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize.” Here, Paul is warning us to not be overwhelmed by the presence of angels, nor to be tricked into worshiping them instead of worshiping the Lord. Similarly, the book of Revelation warns us many times against the worship of angels, as we read in Revelation 19:10: “At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!” Here, John warns us against worshiping angels, as we should be worshiping God only.
Divination and Fortune-Telling
The Bible speaks out against divination and fortune-telling, as these activities are seen as the worship of false gods or false prophets. In Deuteronomy 18:10–12, we read: “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices, the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you.” Here, Moses warns us against the worship of false gods and encourages us to worship God alone.
Also, in Revelation 22:15, Jesus warns us against those who bring false teachings: “Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.” Here, Jesus reiterates that one should not practice divination or partake in other forms of the occult.
Holy Spirit
The Bible speaks at length about the Holy Spirit, or the “Spirit of God.” In John 14:26, we read: “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” Here, Jesus reminds us that the Holy Spirit not only reminds us of His teachings, but also teaches us new things and helps us to understand the will of God.
In addition, in Acts 2:38, Peter exhorts his listeners to repent and receive the forgiveness of sins through the Holy Spirit: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Here, Peter highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit for those who wish to receive forgiveness of sins, as it is only through the Holy Spirit that we can truly understand and repent of wrong deeds.
Moreover, in John 16:7–15, we see that Jesus teaches His apostles about the power of the Holy Spirit: “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” Here, Jesus highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit as a guide and teacher, as it will be only through the Holy Spirit’s teachings that we can understand righteousness and judgment.
Conclusion
When it comes to the topic of spirits, the Bible speaks to us with
