Some call it “territorial spiritual warfare.” It’s the idea that God has called us to wage warfare in the heavens and pull down demonic, geographical strongholds. On the surface it sounds good. Wouldn’t it be great to demolish whatever demon is charge over Hollywood? Washington D. C.? Groups that believe in this get together to shout, pray, sing, and declare that the evil spirits over their city, or state, or whatever are coming down, in Jesus’ name. I find the whole movement a bit disturbing. In theory it’s possible, in selected situations, and may be effective on occasion. But as an overall strategy of spiritual warfare it’s effect is overblown and may even play into the devil’s hands. Here’s why.
First, it’s just not biblical. At least not with the scale, frequency, and seriousness advocated by some. We are repeatedly commanded by Christ to cast out demons from human beings, and to set the captives free by liberating individuals from demonic invasion; however not once did Christ tell us to cast demons out of the heavens. Here is what he did tell us:
Matt 10:1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, NKJV
Mark 6:7 And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. NKJV
Luke 9:1 Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, NKJV
If territorial spiritual warfare were a legitimate strategy worthy of serious activity, you’d think the Lord himself would have done it a time or two, just to bring the godlessness of Rome to its knees. But the Savior never mentioned it and neither did the apostles. Yes, I know there are ruling spirts over territories. The Book of Daniel (10:13) points that out. But there are no indications it’s our job as believers to take them on with any sort of regularity. Such actions are definitely not included in the Great Commission of Mark 16:15. I am aware that there are “thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers” (Colossians 1:16) of evil entrenchment. Our International School of Exorcism has several Courses focused on this (To enroll CLICK HERE.); but to attack them with any periodicity is, in my opinion, questionable theological logic.
Second, most of the people who promote this kind of spiritual warfare indulge in lengthy prophesying and prayer-fests to accomplish their goal of unseating demons on high. But few of these advocates ever actually engage in real deliverance, and seldom, if at all, do aggressive exorcisms on manifesting demons. I’m talking about the kind of demons you see on our YouTube channel every week. Franky, It’s a lot tougher job to take on a real demon in a real person and battle Satan face-to-face than project prayers into the ether with indiscriminate, subjective hopes that something will happen.
I’m okay with so-called prayer-walks and binding hindering sprits in the atmosphere which interfere, from time to time. But for me, the main emphasis has always been focused on the pain of suffering individuals and taking time to expel the demonic hindrances in their lives. To neglect actual hands-on confrontations with authentic demons, in favor of contesting indefinable evil floating somewhere out there, isn’t spiritually expedient. Shout at the heavens if you will, but when your prayers come back down to earth, direct them toward real demons in tormented people, not existential spiritual forces.
An encouraging word: DON’T NEGLECT CHRIST’S SALVATION
“How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation” (Hebrews 2:3). The biblical writer is emphasizing the important of salvation by pointing out that every sin, and all disobedience, will be judged at the end of time. A “just reward” will be rendered the those who are ungodly and sinners. The admonition is that, if those who disregard the offer of God’s grace are to be punished, how can any of us escape judgment if we neglect the importance of eternity. Today is the day to be certain that each of us has entered into a covenant relationship with Christ by receiving in our hearts His finished work at the cross. Beware thinking you will escape the consequences of your sin if you neglect the salvation Christ offers.
Bob Larson has trained healing and deliverance teams all over the world to set the captives free and Do What Jesus Did® (Luke 4:18). You can partner with Bob and support this vision to demonstrate God’s power in action by calling 303-980-1511 or clicking here to donate online
