Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Mark

[Melon Head]

What did Jesus mean when he said “satan can’t cast out satan?

The reason I ask this is because I believe that possession is real and I know that Christian can cast them out in Jesus name but the reason I’m asking this is because other religions cast out using witchcraft, rituals, etc and I can’t help but ask myself how is this possible isn’t witchcraft related to ? How is it possible even though Jesus said “Satan can’t cast out Satan?

[jimwalton]

Jesus is speaking in a certain context, particularly that He is being accused of using the power of Satan to do His own miracles. Jesus's point is that He is in conflict with Satan, not in collusion with him. He is making no comment about other religions or witch rituals.

Jesus even admits that non-godly people are able to drive out demons (Mt. 7.22). And look at Acts 19.13-16—in this case the demons did not allow non-believers to drive them out.