The Bible NETWork ~ Impacting the World for Christ one post at a time!

I read the book, What Demons Can Do To Saints, by Merrill F. Unger.

Most of the book was quite interesting and rather enlightening, but some parts I dont know if i agree with, this person has some bible study time under their belt but..i just dont see it.

So in point form here it is.

1) Gifts of Prophecy and Toungues, are no longer needed nor part of the church anymore, that is to say if you prophecy or speak in tongues you are on your way to occultism

2)If you spend anytime with unbelievers, you are in danger of possession.

My Bone to pick is quite simple and only needs one scripture.

Jude 1:18-25 18 For they said to you, “In the end time there will come scoffers, propelled by their own ungodly desires.” 19 These people are divisive, worldly, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith, by praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 maintain yourselves in the love of God, while anticipating the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that brings eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who waver; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; have mercy on others, coupled with a fear of God, hating even the clothes stained by the flesh. 24 Now to the one who is able to keep you from falling, and to cause you to stand, rejoicing, without blemish before his glorious presence, 25 to the only God our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen. Context (NET)

Praying in the Holy Ghost
And pulling people from the fire...to pull someone you have to grab on to them, be close to them... ever tried springing Jesus to a stranger?

Thoughts?

_________________
To Live is Christ, To Die Is Gain

1) I think the "gift of tongues" as practiced in many churches is not truly biblical. It is mostly non-sensical blabbering, meant to heighten the experience of worship, rather than conveying the Gospel to those who do not speak the same language as you. It is frighteningly similar to occultic trance practices of demon possession.
2) Not true, but if you are prone to being influenced by unbelievers, and you are not strong in your faith, you might limit how much time you spend with them.

_________________
Στηθι εδραιος, ως ακμων τυπτομενος. - Ignatius |II Timothy 4:2| All Scripture is NKJV, unless a translation from the Greek text or otherwise noted.
M.A. Theological Studies (New Testament), Faith Seminary, Tacoma WA
Member, Evangelical Theological Society, North American Patristics Society.
Assistant Editor and contributing author of several published and forthcoming publications.

I have the same book in my library here.
Unger is a cessationist. It is that simple. His view is strongly affected by his theology. However, he does have some very good points throughout the work.

Another thing to consider is the time it was published, 1970. As mentioned in his work he is reacting to the "dawning of the age of Aquarius" which he rightly identifies the acceptance of a great deal of occultic practice. Often modern cultural trends affect a great deal of the writers view. I think it obvious that this is the case for this work.

Iliked reading some of his case studies which identify strong demon influence in different people's lives. I question a great deal of his conclusions and I often wonder if some of the "believers" he notes are really better identified as "knowledgeable seekers". That will always be a speculative argument at best but IMO worth at least a mention.

I think him a strong believer who taught at DTS in the 60's and has a great deal of great points. He is a "classic dispensationalist" in theology and one should understand that position when reading the work IMO.

IMO your second point is mistated. It has been awhile since I read the book but I think his position was better summarised that there is a possibility that a believer could be strongly influenced for a season but the Holy Spirit will always conquer the invading influence. I remember being mor than uncomfortable during his points in this place and think he walked a very thin line. But again, I think his points and case studies were somwhat interesting and worth consideration.

Blessings,
Randy