Matthew 12:43-45 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house empty, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there, and the last state of that person is worse than the first. So also will it be with this evil generation.”
Evil can be removed by deliverance or conquest, but unless it is replaced with virtue and righteousness, it will come back in greater proportions. Jesus regularly cast out demons. The behavior and effects those spirits caused was personally and socially destructive.
The phenomenon of their returning to their former hosts is chilling and shows the need for a second spiritual act to be sure that the “house” is NOT empty. That is, Jesus must fill the “house”. The Holy Spirit, infinitely more powerful than any demon, will not cohabitate with any other spirit. In God there is no darkness.
And Jesus did not leave the story with a single person re-possessed by the devil. He concluded by saying this was also the tale of his evil generation. In that sense, his ministry to that generation of people did accomplish the advent of the Kingdom of God, but if unbelief persisted, it was only temporary. Believers went on in their liberty from the Evil One, for they obtained an infilling that left the “house” full and redeemed.
Salvation is not always readily noticed. Sin can persist along with all the sickness and trials of the human condition. (Guaranteed divine health is a proud travesty) So if I look at the valleys of life and forget with whom I am filled, I may need reminding of the permanent state of my deliverance, ongoing salvation and destiny. Though I may struggle, there is no “re-entry” of evil. That battle is won.
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
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