Let’s Get Real: What Is a Demon?

In the simplest terms, a demon is a person without a body. These beings do not have physical forms, so they seek to inhabit bodies. Demons crave a body to live in, so they can carry out their evil actions. Paul describes the function of Satan’s kingdom in Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV): “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” International Bible teacher and deliverance minister Derek Prince, who studied Greek for over fifty years, explains it like this: “For our wrestling match is not against persons with bodies.” The Living Bible describes demons as “persons without bodies.”

So, Paul is saying that in the kingdom of darkness, we are engaged in a wrestling match with beings that do not have physical bodies. They’re not human, but they are still persons—just without bodies. This is why, in teaching spiritual warfare, we focus on the names and actions of demons. They have personalities: They get angry, they get sad, they cry, they laugh, and they have emotions. They are just like humans but without flesh and blood. We must also remember they have been around for thousands of years and are much smarter than we are.

I was casting a demon out of someone once, and it was extremely stubborn and would not leave. In a desperate attempt to get it out—and because I had tried everything else—I began to preach about the cross to it. I talked about how Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha, died for our sins, and defeated Satan. I was going on and on when the demon spoke out of the person and said, “Don’t tell me about how they crucified Him; I was there when they did it!” Instantly, I said, “You are lying, demon!”

Then, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Isaiah, the demon isn’t lying; it was there.” After some time, the demon did finally leave, and the person was completely set free. I was shocked and realized these demons have been around for thousands of years; they have seen kings fall, empires collapse, and societies come and go. These are the same demons from ancient days!

Scripture is unclear about the origin of demons, but most people, including many scholars, lean toward them being fallen angels. I don’t want to spend more time speculating on the origin of demons, as it is not important; what’s important is that we cast them out.

Let me clarify a few terms to avoid any confusion. We will refer to demons as unclean spirits, fallen angels, and demonic spirits. When we use the word deliverance, we are using it to describe the casting out of demons. Some would call this an exorcism, and that is also correct; I just prefer to use the word deliverance. We will do our best to avoid the words possessed and oppressed. Instead of possessed, we use the word demonized to define someone who has a demon. Lastly, when we use the phrase “a demon manifested,” we are simply describing a demon making itself known in a person. This could be through the demon talking, the person making animal noises or contorting in ways humanly impossible, or various other things.

Remember that casting out demons is not just for a select few but is a calling for all believers. Mark 16:17 (KJV) clearly states, “And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils.” This means you have the authority and responsibility to free people, just as Jesus did.

If you are a follower of Christ, you are His ambassador, empowered to carry out His work on earth. Don’t be content with merely knowing about this power—step into it, embrace it, and let God work through you to bring healing and deliverance to those around you. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, ready to break every chain and demolish every stronghold. It’s time to rise up, cast out demons, and walk in the victory Christ has already secured for you.

To learn more about Isaiah Saldivar’s new book, How to Cast Out Demons, visit MyCharismaShop.com