The words exorcist or exorcism, are not found in the Bible. They’re used in our present day, almost exclusively, by the Catholic Church and media. One definition is: one who drives (forces) out evil spirits. Jesus had power to cast out devils, and He gave this authority to the Seventy and His Apostles. Also after the accession, His followers exercised this gift. But they or the event were never referred to as exorcists, or exorcism. Many superstitious professional exorcists existed both in Jesus’ and Paul’s day. They were known as “vagabond Jews.”
We hear much in our contemporary age, in certain segments of religion, of the casting out of demons from individuals. But would it shock you to know there is coming a world-wide “exorcism” ? Old John on Patmos tells us, when Christ returns to this earth, “the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone...and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” This is the reason, no doubt, Satan’s anger grows and his efforts increase as he sees this great and dreadful day approaching! Thus ending the global war between God and His elect against him.
Although Christ conquered Satan at Calvary, his final sentencing will not take effect till His glorious appearing the second time. Until then, we are to reckon our Lord’s victory over the devil as our own. Just as high school students say, after a victorious sports event, “We Won!” meaning, their representatives won it for them, on their behalf, if you please. Wonderful it is that weak, sinful saints as ourselves have the means to overcome the Wicked One. And how is this accomplished? “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.”
And this, dear reader, is what you call, “Undefeated Optimism!”
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