One of the central teachings of Christianity is the authority that believers have in Christ over demonic powers. This authority is not based on human strength, wisdom, or anything that any human has done, but on the victory that Jesus Christ achieved through His death and resurrection. Understanding and exercising this authority is crucial for addressing spiritual warfare, including dealing with haunted or demon-possessed houses.

The Source of the Christian’s Authority

The authority of a Christian over demonic powers comes directly from Jesus Christ. After His resurrection, Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). He then delegated this authority to His followers, instructing them to go into all the world and make disciples, casting out demons in His name (Mark 16:17).

This authority is rooted in the completed work of Christ on the cross. Colossians 2:15 states, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” By His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus defeated the power of sin, death, hell, the grave, and the devil—granting believers the right to operate in His name against all forms of spiritual darkness.

Exercising Authority Over Demonic Forces

Exercising authority over demonic forces involves several things, all of which are freely available to Christians:

• Faith in Jesus’ Name: The power to cast out demons is not based on a formula or ritual but on the authority of Jesus’ Acts 16:18 records how Paul, being annoyed by a spirit of divination, commanded the spirit to come out “in the name of Jesus Christ,” and it left immediately. Faith in the power and authority of Jesus’ name is essential for effective spiritual warfare. Other instances of people casting out demons in Jesus’ name can be found in Mark 9:38-39, Acts 5:16, and Acts 8:6-7.
• Living in Righteousness: Authority in Christ is connected to a believer’s relationship with God. James 4:7 instructs believers to “submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” A life submitted to God, marked by obedience and holiness, empowers believers to stand against demonic forces.
• Speaking the Word of God: Jesus used the Word of God to counter Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4:1-11). In dealing with demonic forces, declaring and standing on the promises and truths of God’s Word is necessary.
• Prayer and Intercession: Prayer is required. Through prayer, believers seek God’s guidance, strength, and intervention. Intercessory prayer can also be used to stand in the gap for others, praying for deliverance and protection against demonic influences.

The Limits of Demonic Power

While demons are real and can exert significant influence, their power is limited. Satan and his demons are created beings and are not equal to God in power or authority. They operate within the boundaries that God allows, and they tremble at the name of Jesus (James 2:19). Adam gave his authority on the earth over to the devil and his minions. It’s only in the name of Jesus and by His authority that his authority is removed.

Demonic forces often rely on deception and fear to gain influence. They are adept at making themselves appear more powerful than they are. However, when confronted with the truth of God’s Word and the authority of Jesus Christ, they must submit and flee.

Overcoming Fear and Standing in Authority

One of the enemy’s primary tactics is to instill fear. Fear can paralyze believers and prevent them from exercising their authority in Christ. However, 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Recognizing and resting in this truth empowers believers to confront demonic forces without fear.

Our spiritual position in Christ grants us authority over all demonic powers. By declaring our identity in Christ and standing firm in our faith, believers can overcome the enemy and maintain a household free from demonic influence.

Living a Victorious Christian Life

The Christian’s victory over demonic powers is not just about confrontation; it’s about living in the fullness of what Christ has provided. This includes:

• Walking in the Spirit: Living by the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25) enables believers to resist the desires of the flesh and the deceptions of the enemy.
• Cultivating a Life of Worship and Praise: Worship shifts the atmosphere and invites God’s presence. Demonic forces cannot withstand the presence of God, and worship becomes a powerful tool in maintaining spiritual victory.
• Maintaining a Community of Believers: Being part of a Christian community provides support, encouragement, and accountability. It’s also a way to receive prayer and help in times of spiritual attack.

Conclusion

Luke 4:36 tells us, “Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.” This verse is key in using our authority over the demonic. We have to understand that we have authority, know the power that is backing us, and command the evil spirits to leave.

Haunted houses aren’t something to mess with. They’re places where the demonic have a stronghold and can more easily operate in the earth. However, Christians have authority over these spirits. That doesn’t mean we should go out hunting them. If we are walking with the Lord, doing His Will for our lives, there will be plenty of them out hunting you. Stay with the Word and the Spirit.