Do Christians have the authority to cast out and bind Satan and his demons according to scriptures?
The short answer is yes. The disciples of Jesus have “delegated authority” to command demons to leave. However, the use of the word “bind” may not be appropriate. For John MacArthur, it appears Jesus gave the apostles sole authority to bind and lose. (Matthew 16:18-19; 18:18)
Satan remains at large as the “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) until he is chained or bound (by an angel, not a human being). MacArthur said some misapply the verse to include binding Satan.
Perhaps it is semantics, but Jesus’ disciples, not just the 12 apostles, cast out demons, though they never bound them. Revelations 20 foretells when Satan will be bound.
Luke 9:49-50
John said to Jesus, “Master, we saw someone using your name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn’t in our group.” But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you.” Recite Prayer and Bible verses
Luke 10:17-20
When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!
Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are written in heaven.
Delegated authority of Jesus’ disciples
Jesus gave “delegated authority” to His apostles and disciples. Several passages illustrate these abilities, such as casting out demons, healing, and performing miracles in Jesus’ name.
Before returning to heaven, Jesus commanded them to “make disciples” of all nations, teaching them what they’ve learned from Him. Naturally, this includes learning how to apply Jesus’ authority in demonic warfare.
Not by might but by God’s Spirit: Righteous living, knowledge of scriptures, and faith in Christ equip us to fight the enemy. Utmost humility is necessary when we invoke this authority.
SIGNS OF DEMONIC INFLUENCE & OPPRESSION.
Spiritual warfare continues today
Today, just because we barely see miracles happening or witness someone cast out demons does not mean they don’t exist. Spiritual warfare is Biblical, and God equipped Christians to use scriptures against demonic principalities.
Jesus’ return is still to come. In the meantime, Satan roams on earth, oppressing and demonizing Christians—if that were possible. The armor of God comes with delegated authority.
2 Corinthians 4:4
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe…
2 Timothy 2:2
Paul to Timothy: You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will pass them on to others.
Matthew 18:20
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
