What is wrong if a person claims to drive out demons?
Question:
Good day,
If someone is famous for driving out demons and restoring people by scaring them in such a way that his mere presence and antics might result in this person changing for the better, then what is wrong with doing this?
Thanks.
Answer:
It appears that you accept that the person doesn't really drive out demons. After all, the Bible states that demon possession came to an end (see Demonology). Thus, we are dealing with a person who is lying about his abilities. You can't get good from lies in the long run (Romans 3:8). Sin doesn't generate righteousness. This is why Jesus said, "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness'" (Matthew 7:22-23).
People who claim authority and power that isn't theirs generally do so for money and power over other people. "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will also be false teachers among you, who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. Many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned; and in their greed they will exploit you with false words; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep" (II Peter 2:1-3). It becomes a matter of not following God but following what a man says. Such never ends well.
