Origin of Unclean Spirits & Possession:

[Aquila]

In another discussion thread regarding possession the subject of “unclean spirits” and “fallen angels” came up. I’ve come to believe that the unclean spirits we encounter regularly in possessions and/or oppression are not fallen angels. I’ll share with you what I believe the Lord has revealed to me through much prayer and study. Feel free to share your thoughts in PM or on the thread. I could be mistaken but this is what I believe.

Love and appreciate you all, God bless.

Here is what I believe regarding unclean spirits...

In the beginning I should state that I believe that a third of the angels rebelled with Lucifer. These are the fallen angels; they are very territorial and are the principalities and powers that are operating in our world on a national, international, and political scale. For example when Gabriel was sent to answer Daniel's prayers, he was hindered by the "Prince of Persia" and it took Michael to come to some assistance (Angel vs. Fallen Angel). (Daniel 10:12-20) Fallen angels are very diabolical, but not manic, or maniacal. They are also supremely intelligent. Men don't typically rebuke a fallen angel, though we can. There appears to be certain etiquette when dealing with fallen angels, for they are angelic beings (Jude 9). Again, any fallen angel "can" possess an individual, but typically they are working to bring down nations, crush entire peoples, and thwart or fulfill various prophesies. These fallen angels continue to be free and serve their lord, Satan. If one of these possesses an individual, you can be sure it will affect the world as we know it. Hitler, and other antichrists, would be a good example of those who these spirits might assume to possess. I believe that the final Antichrist will be possessed by Satan himself. These are the fallen angels.

Of the fallen angels there was a certain group that became known as the "sons of God" (Bene ha 'Elohim) who transgressed in the days prior to the flood. These angels committed a grave sin in that they materialized, assumed physical form (as with Jacob who wrestled an angel), and upon assuming physical form seduced and took the "daughters of men" for wives (Genesis 6:1-2). Perhaps they were trying to wipe out the blood line of the Messiah through injecting Hell's seed into as much of mankind as possible. These taught mankind sorcery and witchcraft (I Timothy 4:1). Frankly, it was a Hellish invasion of our world. These “sons of God” sired children with the daughters of men, and these offspring became known as the "giants" (Nephilim). These "giants" were men of legend, "men of old", the "men of renowned" (Genesis 6:4). These spawn were half devil and half human being the produce of fallen angels and human beings. They perfected the arts of war, rape, and torture; and quickly these things were learned by mankind. These Nephilim were uncharacteristically brutal and violent in their nature, filling the earth with violence; atrocities so cruel and violent God's choice was to destroy the entire world with a flood (Genesis 6:5-11). However, there was a man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord, for he was righteous and holy, a man named Noah. God instructed Noah to build an ark and there Noah housed his family and the creatures of the earth when God sent the flood (Genesis 6:8-22).

The flood killed every breathing thing upon the earth, both man and beast (Genesis 7:22-23). For mortal men it is appointed once to die and then the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). When the men and women of Noah’s day died they passed on into the judgment where they were judged by the Lord.

The Sons of God (Bene ha 'Elohim) didn't drown in the flood, these fallen angels de-materialized back into the spiritual plane where they were seized by the holy angels of God and bound with chains of darkness wherein they remain bound until this very day (I Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6). This serves as an eternal warning to the remainder of all fallen angels that God will bind them should they ever do this again. However, there have been a few scattered accounts of fallen angels who have done this since the flood (Genesis 6:4, "and also after that"). These too were no doubt later bound, just as the Bene ha 'Elohim where, though the Bible is silent on it.

The Giants (Nephilim, children of the Sons of God) also drowned in the flood. However, these are half devil and half human. These were not mortal "men" and therefore they were not appointed once to die and then the judgment. These also were not entirely "angels", nor did they transgress as the Bene-ha-Elohim did, and so they were not bound. The disembodied spirits of the Nephilim, the "giants", were left to roam the earthly plane until the Day of Judgment and are what we are encountering when we come up against “unclean spirits”, especially in cases in possession (any Bible software search on the term "unclean spirits" will reveal that these are not bound but roam the earth). These Nephilim were exceedingly sinful, violent, and fearsome when alive, now their spirits roam the earth without bodies seeking to find a way to “live” once again. They want live out their lusts, violence, and perversion, all they need is... a body. These are also not very intelligent, often speaking of themselves in the third person and often acting illogically or erratically. These now disembodied spirits presently roam the world watching mankind. When a man sins, it attracts them (Matthew 12:43). Like insects swarming around a bloated carcass these spirits swarm around a sinful man (or woman) seeking entry into their very nature (call it body, soul, heart, mind, it makes no difference). Once they have a stronghold they oppress him (or her) until they can completely possess them. When completely under their control they will drive a person deeper and deeper into sin and debauchery until they burn them out and destroy them, leaving them a hollow burned out shell of a person or worse... dead... forever alienated from God (Matthew 12:43-45).

If a spirit is cast out of a man it roams the earth, roaming through the "dry places" thirsting for the rest and relief of the sin it craves. Then it tries to return to it's house, the previous person it has laid claim to, finding it clean and orderly, should it gain entry it will bring seven more spirits even more vile than itself and so the final state of the man is worse than the first (Matthew 12:43-45).

To cast out one of these spirits a saint of God must pray and fast. Prayer calls upon God's power and presence, aligning one with the mind of God. As one fasts they empty themselves of carnality and self will... allowing themselves to soak up the anointing like a sponge (for lack of a better example). It is this power that is needed to properly expel a spirit from a man (Matthew 17:21). When casting a spirit out one must in faith unleash this anointing through the authority of the name of Jesus. To unseat a spirit that has gained a stronghold in one's own life, one must repent of the sin and resist the urge to sin, and the spirit's promptings to commit said sin. This will deprive the spirit of its lust weakening its resolve to stay. One must dedicate themselves to prayer and the study of God's Word, doing the work of God. This will make the spirit so uncomfortable that if prayer and Bible study continues it will eventually depart on it's own. But again, beware, to open the door through sin again may result in that spirit returning with seven worse spirits (James 4:7).

That is the Reader's Digest version of my understanding. I pray this hasn't offended you or what you believe in any way.

[mfblume]

Interesting thoughts.

Personally, I see angels bound in Tartaros as simply meaning they cannot be redeemed nor recovered.

Also, I believe the sons of God in Gen 6 are not angels who fell, but were Seth's lineage contrasted from Cain's lineage who met after we read in Gen 6:1 that men spread over the face of the earth. Cain's people were separated from Seth's people due to Cain's banishment.

I see the GIANTS as simply a Hebrew term for GREAT in the sense of GREAT sinners. Very extreme sinners.

,,,for the record. But you could be right, Aquila~!

[RandyWayne]

This is really interesting. It tells me, or rather reinforces, how much we DON'T know about the spirit world. This is why I can enjoy a good episode of Ghost Hunters and not just make the simplistic assumption that ALL "spiritual activity" in an (old) home is demonic in origin.

I also agree 100% that the demons known as "fallen angels" are not directly causing bad things to happen in the average Joe's life. Rather they are focusing their attention on a national and international scale. If Satan himself is trying to influence someone, it isn't going to be me.... it is more likely to be Obama, or some other major head of state. And even there, he is more likely to be leading underlings rather than doing it himself.

[TJJJ]

I see a lot different than this.

If spirits could go out and have relations with a woman back then, then they could do that today! Brother, this is very similar to serpent seed doctrine. We don't see that going on today do we?

This doctrine you are suggesting was and is very popular with the Charismatic movement that came out of the latter rain movement.

To say that all of these giants/half devils died during the flood. Where did the giants come from that Israel fought, then about a man named Goliath?

I agree that unclean spirits look for vessels to use, but the origin issue has some flaws.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by TJJJ

I see a lot different than this.

If spirits could go out and have relations with a woman back then, then they could do that today! Brother, this is very similar to serpent seed doctrine. We don't see that going on today do we?

This doctrine you are suggesting was and is very popular with the Charismatic movement that came out of the latter rain movement.

To say that all of these giants/half devils died during the flood. Where did the giants come from that Israel fought, then about a man named Goliath?

I agree that unclean spirits look for vessels to use, but the origin issue has some flaws.

I do believe that all talk of size is relative in nature. Can you imagine what literature from turn-of-the-century Japan has to say about America? They probably called US giants. If the average height is 5 foot, then a "race" of people who average 5'8 are probably giants in their eyes.

[TJJJ]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

I do believe that all talk of size is relative in nature. Can you imagine what literature from turn-of-the-century Japan has to say about America? They probably called US giants. If the average height is 5 foot, then a "race" of people who average 5'8 are probably giants in their eyes.

I believe that the Bible is more specific on some of them. Goliath was BIG enough that he could carry swords and spears that other men struggled with.

[RandyWayne]

Can you imagine how the average WWE wrestler would have looked to a bunch of foot soldiers who averaged 5'4? (I have no idea how tall they were, but assuming much shorter then us on average). And since cubits was very much based on the persons size, it is not an accurate measure at all of how tall Goliath was.

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by TJJJ

I see a lot different than this.

If spirits could go out and have relations with a woman back then, then they could do that today! Brother, this is very similar to serpent seed doctrine. We don't see that going on today do we?

Actually it's interesting that you should say that. The Bible speaks of the time that the fallen angels had relations with the daughters of men... and notice what else it says....

Genesis 6:4
4There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

While the writer (believed to be Moses) is expounding an an event that took place after the flood, apparently he has to stop and mention how this has happened since then, "and also after that", means "and also after those days before the flood." So I don't doubt that this has happened. There are many many accounts of demonic rape that has taken place down through the centuries. Legends of the Incubi and Succibi abound in nearly every culture. My point is that apparently this has happened subsequently. No doubt, those fallen angels who have done this were bound by God just as those before the flood. Remember.... the war continues to this day and there are events transpiring we no not of unless God reveals them.

This doctrine you are suggesting was and is very popular with the Charismatic movement that came out of the latter rain movement.

Actually, this doctrine goes WAY back. It was the standard interpretation in the first century. For example let's look at the writings of Josephus on the issue:

"For many angels of God accompanied with women, and begat sons that proved unjust, and despisers of all that was good, on account of the confidence they had in their own strength; for the tradition is, that these men did what resembled the acts of those whom the Grecians call giants. But Noah was very uneasy at what they did; and being displeased at their conduct, persuaded them to change their dispositions and their acts for the better: but seeing they did not yield to him, but were slaves to their wicked pleasures, he was afraid they would kill him, together with his wife and children, and those they had married; so he departed out of that land. " - Writings of Joseophus, Antiquities of the Jews - Book I, 94 A.D.

Most likely this is the interpretation Jesus and the disciples would have learned while learning Torah when they were boys.

To say that all of these giants/half devils died during the flood. Where did the giants come from that Israel fought, then about a man named Goliath?

I'd say that the "giants" Israel encountered after the flood were most likely just tall people. But, if fallen angels did this "and also after that", as Moses would have us believe, perhaps the giants (Anakim) were also demonic in origin. There are legends about that one too in ancient Judaism. That would mean that when God ordered the children of Israel to slaughter all of the giants in the land... it was a war against Demons, not necessarily people.

I agree that unclean spirits look for vessels to use, but the origin issue has some flaws.

Cool. I'm just sharing some of my thoughts.

God bless.

[iceniez]

I Believe like you,Brother Chris. I just never saw it in writing.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Interesting thoughts.

Personally, I see angels bound in Tartaros as simply meaning they cannot be redeemed nor recovered.

Also, I believe the sons of God in Gen 6 are not angels who fell, but were Seth's lineage contrasted from Cain's lineage who met after we read in Gen 6:1 that men spread over the face of the earth. Cain's people were separated from Seth's people due to Cain's banishment.

I see the GIANTS as simply a Hebrew term for GREAT in the sense of GREAT sinners. Very extreme sinners.

,,,for the record. But you could be right, Aquila~!

That's the way I understand it also.

We don't really know how many children Adam and Eve had. In Genesis 4:25-26 we read about a son born after the death of Abel. This son was named Seth (appointed) because Eve believed he was appointed to replace Abel and his children. Also verse 26 states that at that time men began to cal on the name of YHWH. I think one version says they began to call themselves by the name of YHWH. These could be the original "people of the Name." In my opinion these are the "sons of God" spoken of in Genesis 6:2 and we see two groups back then like we do today. One group calls on the Lord and the other group does not. Genesis 5:1-5 speaks more about Adam and says that "he begat sons and daughters." We don't know how many children were born from Adam and Eve.