Bible Question: what does the verse matthew 12-43 mean? It is very confusing. thanks to all in advance! |
Bible Answer: The theme of the parable in Matthew 12:43-45 is the worthlessness of self-reformation. It does not mean that after a person is saved he might become demon possessed. I would be very cautious about building a doctrine on this parable. Note also that the text here does not say anything about the unclean spirit being "cast out." It merely says "Now when the unclean spirit *goes out of* a man..." (emphasis added). "Self-reformation, without spiritual conversion, can lead to serious ramifications" (Ryrie Study Bible: Expanded Edition, Moody Press, 1995). Matthew 12:45 "*the last state of that man is worse than the first.* The problem is that the evil spirit found the house 'empty' (v. 44). This is the description of someone who attempts moral reform without ever being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Reform apart from regeneration (being born again) is never effective and eventually reverts back to pre-reform behavior" (MacArthur Study Bible, Word Publishing, 1997). |