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From got questions dot org.
An unclean spirit is simply a New Testament synonym, a more descriptive Jewish term, for a demon. The terms unclean spirit and demon seem to be interchangeable in Scripture. There is no clear difference in their definitions. Some translations refer to them as “impure spirits.”
Throughout the New Testament, the term unclean spirits (akathartos in the Greek language) is mentioned over twenty times. Throughout those passages we read that unclean spirits can possess people and cause them sickness and harm (Matthew 10:1; 12:43; Mark 1:26; Luke 4:36; 6:18; Acts 5:16; 8:7), that they are searching for someone to possess if they are not currently possessing someone (Matthew 12:43), that some are more unclean or evil than others (Luke 11:26), that unclean spirits can interact with one another (Mark 5:1–20; Matthew 12:45), and that unclean spirits are under God’s authority and must submit to Him (Mark 1:27; 3:11; 5:8, 13).
An unclean spirit or demon is “unclean” in that it is wicked. Evil spirits are not only wicked themselves, but they delight in wickedness and promote wickedness in humans. They are spiritually polluted and impure, and they seek to contaminate all of God’s creation with their filth. Their foul, putrid nature is in direct contrast to the purity and incorruption of the Holy Spirit’s nature. When a person is defiled by an unclean spirit, he takes pleasure in corrupt thoughts and actions; when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, his thoughts and actions are heavenly.
Some people hold the idea that unclean spirits or demons are deceased humans who may or may not have been evil while alive. However, we know the unclean spirits mentioned in the Bible are not referring to the dead, for several reasons. One, humans are never called “spirits” when the word spirit is used as a stand-alone term, without a possessive. In Scripture, men are said to have a spirit/soul (saying “his spirit” in Proverbs 25:28 and 1 Corinthians 5:5), but men are not called “spirits.” Another reason is that, once a person dies, he immediately goes either to eternal life with the Lord or to eternal darkness in hell (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:6–8; Matthew 25:46). Human spirits, therefore, do not and cannot wander on earth in their spirit bodies. Any unclean spirit that wanders around, taking up residence in places or people or interacting with people in any way, is a fallen angel—a demon (Matthew 12:4). All unclean spirits mentioned in Scripture are demons, and all demons are definitely unclean, unholy, impure, evil spirits doomed to an eternity in hell (Matthew 25:41).
An unclean spirit is simply a New Testament synonym, a more descriptive Jewish term, for a demon. The terms unclean spirit and demon seem to be interchangeable in Scripture. There is no clear difference in their definitions. Some translations refer to them as “impure spirits.”
Throughout the New Testament, the term unclean spirits (akathartos in the Greek language) is mentioned over twenty times. Throughout those passages we read that unclean spirits can possess people and cause them sickness and harm (Matthew 10:1; 12:43; Mark 1:26; Luke 4:36; 6:18; Acts 5:16; 8:7), that they are searching for someone to possess if they are not currently possessing someone (Matthew 12:43), that some are more unclean or evil than others (Luke 11:26), that unclean spirits can interact with one another (Mark 5:1–20; Matthew 12:45), and that unclean spirits are under God’s authority and must submit to Him (Mark 1:27; 3:11; 5:8, 13).
An unclean spirit or demon is “unclean” in that it is wicked. Evil spirits are not only wicked themselves, but they delight in wickedness and promote wickedness in humans. They are spiritually polluted and impure, and they seek to contaminate all of God’s creation with their filth. Their foul, putrid nature is in direct contrast to the purity and incorruption of the Holy Spirit’s nature. When a person is defiled by an unclean spirit, he takes pleasure in corrupt thoughts and actions; when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit, his thoughts and actions are heavenly.
Some people hold the idea that unclean spirits or demons are deceased humans who may or may not have been evil while alive. However, we know the unclean spirits mentioned in the Bible are not referring to the dead, for several reasons. One, humans are never called “spirits” when the word spirit is used as a stand-alone term, without a possessive. In Scripture, men are said to have a spirit/soul (saying “his spirit” in Proverbs 25:28 and 1 Corinthians 5:5), but men are not called “spirits.” Another reason is that, once a person dies, he immediately goes either to eternal life with the Lord or to eternal darkness in hell (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:6–8; Matthew 25:46). Human spirits, therefore, do not and cannot wander on earth in their spirit bodies. Any unclean spirit that wanders around, taking up residence in places or people or interacting with people in any way, is a fallen angel—a demon (Matthew 12:4). All unclean spirits mentioned in Scripture are demons, and all demons are definitely unclean, unholy, impure, evil spirits doomed to an eternity in hell (Matthew 25:41).
I think that "evil spirits" are a general description, while "demons" are a specific kind.
Demons are evil spirits, but not every evil spirit must be necessarily a demon.
Like all Americans are people, but not all people must be necessarily Americans.
Satan, fallen angels, spiritual powers "above", angels of nations etc are all spiritual beings, but not demons.
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When Bible is talking about a possession by an evil/unclean spirit, it means specifically demons, because fallen angels etc have no desire or need to own a body.
Demons are evil spirits, but not every evil spirit must be necessarily a demon.
Like all Americans are people, but not all people must be necessarily Americans.
Satan, fallen angels, spiritual powers "above", angels of nations etc are all spiritual beings, but not demons.
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When Bible is talking about a possession by an evil/unclean spirit, it means specifically demons, because fallen angels etc have no desire or need to own a body.
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Demon means divided: evil spirit. Jesus addressed religious leaders of His day as evil, 'if you being evil know how to give good gifts," implies divided between good and evil. He also said to them, "You are of your father the devil." Was He addressing the demon in them? or saying they were like demons, keep an open mind, not to jump to conclusion as we already have "The conclusion of the mater, Fear God (admiration worship) and obey His commandments (walk by Faith in His love: believe).
Actually there is a difference according to the Bible. All demons are evil spirits, but not all evil spirits are demons.
They are all evil angels -- hence spirit beings -- but demons are spirits which (a) present themselves as gods and goddesses, (b) possess people and animals, (c) exercise evil influences over people including sickness, disease, and death, (d) oppress and attack Christians (but also others), (e) mastermind false doctrines, and (f) present themselves as ghosts. All of this is revealed in Scripture.
Evil spirits communicate through mediums, are involved with witchcraft, exercise influence over nations, work through false prophets and false teachers, produce counterfeit miracles, and oppose the Gospel and Christ at every opportunity. All these spirits are under the control of Satan, who is called "the prince of the power of the air". Just as the holy angles are ranked in hierarchies, the evil angels are also ranked in hierarchies. We see a glimpse of that when they are called thrones, dominions, principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places.
No demon, evil spirit, or Satan is outside of God's control and authority, but they are allowed a measure of freedom for a season. Demons cannot possess Christians, but can certainly oppress, attack, and sabotage Christians and churches. They can be cast out through prayer and fasting, but Christians should really hand over Satan and his evil angels to Christ, and let God deal with them. Even Michael the archangel said to Satan "the Lord rebuke thee" (Jude 1:9), because the LORD had first said to Satan "the LORD rebuke thee" (Zech 3:1,2).
They are all evil angels -- hence spirit beings -- but demons are spirits which (a) present themselves as gods and goddesses, (b) possess people and animals, (c) exercise evil influences over people including sickness, disease, and death, (d) oppress and attack Christians (but also others), (e) mastermind false doctrines, and (f) present themselves as ghosts. All of this is revealed in Scripture.
Evil spirits communicate through mediums, are involved with witchcraft, exercise influence over nations, work through false prophets and false teachers, produce counterfeit miracles, and oppose the Gospel and Christ at every opportunity. All these spirits are under the control of Satan, who is called "the prince of the power of the air". Just as the holy angles are ranked in hierarchies, the evil angels are also ranked in hierarchies. We see a glimpse of that when they are called thrones, dominions, principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places.
No demon, evil spirit, or Satan is outside of God's control and authority, but they are allowed a measure of freedom for a season. Demons cannot possess Christians, but can certainly oppress, attack, and sabotage Christians and churches. They can be cast out through prayer and fasting, but Christians should really hand over Satan and his evil angels to Christ, and let God deal with them. Even Michael the archangel said to Satan "the Lord rebuke thee" (Jude 1:9), because the LORD had first said to Satan "the LORD rebuke thee" (Zech 3:1,2).
Was Jesus addressing religious leaders of today as evil?
So do you believe that someone who is evil can give your child good gifts?
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Matt 7:9-11
So do you believe that someone who is evil can give your child good gifts?
9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?
10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?
11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Matt 7:9-11
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Matt 7:18
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: Prov 12:2
Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Matt 22:17-18
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? Prov 17:16
Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
Matt 22:19-20
A penny for your thoughts
A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: Prov 12:2
Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?
But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?
Matt 22:17-18
Wherefore is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing he hath no heart to it? Prov 17:16
Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny.
And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?
Matt 22:19-20
A penny for your thoughts
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