I received this from a modern evangelical who I can guarantee defames my name behind my back, telling everyone I am a "false teacher" because I use the word 'under the spirit'. He slanders me, I can be sure of that:
I think we disagree about a lot to do with the way you speak about mammon and evil spirits. I don't find the idea that Christians can be under an evil spirit in the Bible, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. And I don't find any mention of the evil spirits you named. I'm not saying that we don't have areas of sin like pride and gluttony which can be a particularly strong and long struggle for us. I think that comes from our sinful heart through, not an evil spirit. There are plenty of passages that point to the human heart being the source of these things not evil spirits.
He implies very rudely that I am saying there are no wicked desires in the heart. That is NOT what I am trying to say. What I am saying is that evil spirits do exist, tempt people into sin and control people. They can live in the body as the New Testament shows. What grounds does one have to say that do not control people now? He said that in response to my reply:
I don't know whether you heard of this, but the term 'demonically possessed' is not an accurate translation, and therefore not a helpful term. What is meant by being 'under a spirit' is to be under the influence of an evil spirit [demonised]. I think this is absolutely important to understand because it causes people to act in ways that are against God without realising it. There are many other evil spirits including spirit of gossip, murder, pride, gluttony etc. So, therefore, all people do fall under a spirit at some point in their lives. Indeed, a person can be a Christian and under all sorts of evil spirits.
He replies very very rudely saying "And I don't find any mention of the evil spirits you named". First of all, that he had to reply and make it a matter of whether one can "agree" or "disagree" was extremely arrogant and argumentative. The Bible has only one interpretation and therefore no room for disagreement. None! I would also appreciate it if he did not be so direct in such a claim that is not necessarily one that disproves what I am saying about the Bible. He was extremely rude and so I have shun him off. Ephesians 6:10-14 says:
I think we disagree about a lot to do with the way you speak about mammon and evil spirits. I don't find the idea that Christians can be under an evil spirit in the Bible, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. And I don't find any mention of the evil spirits you named. I'm not saying that we don't have areas of sin like pride and gluttony which can be a particularly strong and long struggle for us. I think that comes from our sinful heart through, not an evil spirit. There are plenty of passages that point to the human heart being the source of these things not evil spirits.
He implies very rudely that I am saying there are no wicked desires in the heart. That is NOT what I am trying to say. What I am saying is that evil spirits do exist, tempt people into sin and control people. They can live in the body as the New Testament shows. What grounds does one have to say that do not control people now? He said that in response to my reply:
I don't know whether you heard of this, but the term 'demonically possessed' is not an accurate translation, and therefore not a helpful term. What is meant by being 'under a spirit' is to be under the influence of an evil spirit [demonised]. I think this is absolutely important to understand because it causes people to act in ways that are against God without realising it. There are many other evil spirits including spirit of gossip, murder, pride, gluttony etc. So, therefore, all people do fall under a spirit at some point in their lives. Indeed, a person can be a Christian and under all sorts of evil spirits.
He replies very very rudely saying "And I don't find any mention of the evil spirits you named". First of all, that he had to reply and make it a matter of whether one can "agree" or "disagree" was extremely arrogant and argumentative. The Bible has only one interpretation and therefore no room for disagreement. None! I would also appreciate it if he did not be so direct in such a claim that is not necessarily one that disproves what I am saying about the Bible. He was extremely rude and so I have shun him off. Ephesians 6:10-14 says:
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.
Spiritual attacks from demons, such as the one I receive when having to deal with this person, are real. That is exactly what Ephesians 6:10-14 is describing.
Simply because a term is not found in the Bible does not mean it is a false concept. For example, Creationism and Rapture are not terms found in the Bible, but that does not mean they are not true.
The heart of the true Christian is NOT sinful. It is renew and holy. Ezekiel 36:26 says: A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
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