I recently described the promotion of abortion and gender altering surgery as demonic. Of course, this comes across as sensationalism to people who aren’t concerned with scriptural truth. Then there are those who just don’t know what the Bible says about the spiritual world. That’s why it’s important to explain statements about demonic activities through the lens of Scripture. Because without biblical understanding, the labeling comes across as an accusation launched from a political position. So, what qualifies something as demonic?
Based in Deception
Demonic activity is based in deception. John 8:44 is clear, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
Satan is a master deceiver, and his most effective work is with those who don’t know the Bible. For instance, 12% of Americans think Joan of Arc was Noah’s wife. It’s no wonder people are so easily deceived! Biblical ignorance could also explain why 44% of Americans say changing gender is morally acceptable. Gender care deceives people into believing that gender identity and sexual behavior are the same thing. They think gender is based on human desire rather than biological and biblical truth.
We see the same thing with the abortion industry, which operates from the lie that a child in the womb is not yet human. But perhaps the most pervasive deception today involves pornography. Millions have been fooled into believing that sexual fantasy is harmless. In reality, the destructive consequences of porn use and addiction permeate our culture. Which leads to my next point.
Aimed at Destruction
Deception is just the front door to demonic activity. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). The end game for any of Satan’s schemes is destruction. From the womb to the tomb, he seeks to destroy anything God has created.
And that’s exactly what the porn industry does; it destroys the first institution God created…marriage. Studies show that the effects of porn use play a part in more than half of American divorces, including Christian homes. George Barna and Pure Desire Ministries recently found that 75% of Christian men and 40% of Christian women are watching pornography. The fact that 62% of them feel comfortable with it is another sign of deception.
Satan is not only delighted to destroy, he’s also diligent. It doesn’t matter if it’s a baby in the womb, a child confused about his or her gender, or a family struggling with pornography, adultery, or addiction. Satan celebrates the destruction of anything God has designed and delights in. He targets whatever or whoever can bring God glory.
Living in Denial
Deception and destruction are effective because so many people live in denial of truth. “For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen” (Romans 1:25). Truth isn’t denied because it’s unknown but because it’s unbelieved. In other words, before a lie is accepted, truth is rejected.
We don’t stay neutral. Any truth we continually deny becomes a deception we accept, to some degree. The doorway of denial swings on the hinges of confusion, compromise, and comfort. You see, demonic activity rarely comes dressed in hardship and pain. It usually appeals to some kind of instant gratification or worldly acceptance without concern for whatever harmful consequence may result.
Final Thoughts
What qualifies something as demonic? At its core, demonic activity denies the sovereignty of God and the authority of Scripture. So, anything that is based in deception, aimed at some kind of destruction, and requires denying biblical truth rightly deserves the label of demonic. The devil exploits people’s ignorance of God with false promises—promises that are based on manipulative lies. Demonic behavior isn’t political hyperbole but a spiritual reality. And believers should be able to discern the difference.
