Exorcism is not a clinical procedure

Sometimes observers imagine exorcism to be like a science, like a discipline which follows established rules subject to rational explanation. They imagine a checklist which must be completed, whose completion ushers forth a desired result, like some medical protocal or mathematical equation. If one does certain things, a predictable consequence follows.

That's just not the case.

Exorcism is about relationship, not rules. . .about a person, not a procedure. . .about faith, not facts. There is nothing at all scientific about demons being driven out of a person by the participating presence of Jesus Christ, who will forever live beyond human understanding. Just as the incarnation and resurrection of Christ defy comprehension, so do His miracles. We can't package exorcism into a set of rules with guaranteed results anymore than we can spiritually heal the sick following a prescribed formula.

Exorcism is about bringing demonically tormented people into a yielded relationship with Jesus Christ and then joining them in petitioning His intervention in faith. The use of tools (scripture, music, etc.) and techniques (commands, annointings. etc.) all take their power from this environment of faith in Christ. By themselves, they are nothing.

This means that the first and most important ingredient of Christian exorcism is bringing the tormented person into a faith relationship with Jesus Christ (or strengthening a relationship that already exists), then partnering with that individual with one's own faith, presented in true compassion for the afflicted and true trust in Christ to do what only He can do.

Exorcism is not clinical!