Demons and us (part 2)

The work of Christ on the cross is the ultimate basis for our authority over demons. The cross is the moment where Satan was decisively defeated. Therefore Satan hates the cross of Christ, because it was there that he was defeated forever. 'Because of Christ's death on the cross, our sins are completely forgiven, and Satan has no rightful authority over us' (Grudem).

As members of God's kingdom we need not fear demons. Satan seeks to make us afraid. Grudem writes that Jesus gives all believers authority to rebuke demons and command them to leave. He gives the following instruction: 'In our own personal lives, if we find sinful emotions that are unusually strong welling up in our minds or hearts (whether they be emotions of irrational fear, anger, hatred, bitterness, lust greed etc.), in addition to praying and asking Jesus for help in overcoming them, it would also be appropriate to say something like, "Spirit of fear, in Jesus' name, I command you, go away from here and do not return!" Even though we may be unsure whether there is a demonic factor in that particular situation, and even though a demon's presence may be only one factor contributing to the situation, nonetheless, such words of rebuke will sometimes be very effective.'

Grudem also teaches that we should expect the gospel to come in power to triumph over the works of the devil: 'If we really believe the scriptural testimony to the existence and activity of demons, and if we really believe that "the reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8), then it would seem appropriate to expect that even today when the gospel is proclaimed to unbelievers, and when prayer is made for believers who have perhaps been unaware of this spiritual dimension of spiritual conflict, there will be a genuine and often immediately recognizable triumph over the power of the enemy. We should expect that this would happen, think of it as a normal part of the work of Christ in building up his kingdom, and rejoice in Christ's victory in it.'