Demons retreat in exorcism, not because it is of divine efficacy, but because they want to further entrench men in superstition. That demons would feign to be defeated by the use of mere formulas of words, crucifixes, holy water, prayers to Mary, or any other carnal means should be no surprise to us. Scripture teaches that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44), and that he presents himself as “an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:14) in order to deceive us into error and sin. False teachers likewise appear to us “in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Mat. 7:15; cf. 2 Cor. 11:13). Demons love to harden men in their superstitions by pretending that carnal means are inherently efficacious, so that men will be turned away from true remedies and sound doctrine.… Read More Satan’s Feigned Retreat