It has been several years since I have had any desire to watch shows that talk about ghosts or any other supernatural “phenomena” – as least in the direction that our society is obsessed with now. It is much, much easier to study the other side. By this, I mean who God is and what His power extends over (hint: everything). Last night I got into a discussion with several others about the demonic. Ouija boards, water witching (AKA divining rods), tarot cards, etc. None of them is “safe.” Milton Bradley/Parker Brothers, who own the patent on Ouija boards, say this about the game:

Ouija, the boardgame that summons the para-normal.

“Summons”? Interesting word choice, no? As the conversation progressed, several stories came out about dealings with demons prior to the salvation of some in their families. Because of this there were beliefs that a crucifix could keep a demon from entering a door or that certain “blessed” objects could repel demons or at least alert you to their presence. There are several problems with this. First, demons are from the spirit world so why would they be bound to physical entry points like doors? Second, even if they could, Jesus and his disciples did not use such items to cast out demons. Third, how is it that Satan could influence the crucifixion of Jesus if a cross repelled him? Even before Jesus’ death he had told his disciples to “take up [their] cross daily” in Luke 9:23. I’m sorry to burst everyone’s bubbles, but these items are not worth using. It may be that the faith of the person putting up these symbols is enough but the symbols themselves do not stop demons. Exorcists make use of these symbols extensively. Some just hold a Bible against someone, others use “holy water” or the form of a crucifix. My personal thoughts on this are that such attempts are shams. And maybe the demon plays with the person a little. Have you read about the seven sons of Sceva? Acts 19:13-18:

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

Not all of the exorcists had this happen to them. Some demons are stronger than others. In the words of Jesus (Mark 9:29):

[...] This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.

Do you think that the form of a crucifix would change this need for prayer and fasting? Jesus slipped off regularly to pray for the upcoming days and weeks. My own thoughts, again, are that Jesus had known this was coming and was already praying for it. The reasons are lengthy enough for their own blog post so if anybody wants, I can write it up. If a crucifix cannot keep demons at bay, should we worry then? Certainly not, or, at least not if you have placed your trust in Jesus. If you are God’s, your body is His also. I Corinthians 6:19:

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

And our God is a jealous god. He does not share His glory. Another interesting thing to note from the passage in Acts is that the demon said it knew Jesus and Paul, both. If you go back to the book of Job in the Old Testament, Satan knew who Job was. Job 1:9-11:

Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.

This is from one of the oldest books in the Bible! If you really want supernatural protection, fear God, seek Him and give Him the glory. Forget these slipshod attempts to control what we cannot. It is only as sons and daughters of God, purchased by Christ’s blood, that we have any authority.