Spiritual warfare is not a relic of biblical times, but a present reality that continues to shape lives, nations and individuals.
For decades, evangelist Cliffe Knechtle has engaged skeptical students and hostile crowds on college campuses, warning that what we see in human conflicts often has a deeper, unseen dimension. In a conversation with Tucker Carlson, Knechtle pulled no punches about the battle raging in the unseen world.
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Knechtle explained that evil is not merely a product of human error or flawed systems, but the result of a spiritual force at work: “There is a spiritual force of evil that is at work … acting on people from outside and influencing their behavior. It’s exactly right. And that’s why Jesus cast demons out of people.” He pointed to Scripture as the foundation for this understanding, citing Paul’s words in Ephesians 6: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
This reality, Knechtle emphasized, is not limited to biblical history. “There’s a spiritual battle that is raging,” he said. The unseen war impacts the moral decisions of individuals and the course of nations, from personal vices to atrocities on a mass scale. He drew the line clearly: behind the chaos of human conflict lies the influence of spiritual darkness.
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At the same time, Knechtle stressed that humans bear responsibility for their choices, even in the midst of demonic influence. “God gave me the hand to respect you, to love you. But because He gave me a free will, I can roll this hand into a fist and send it crashing into your handsome face. And if I blame God, I’m a con artist. I’m a liar.” Evil is real, demons are real, but so is human accountability.
Knechtle also highlighted the inner struggle that every person faces: “The best is it’s not just about everyone’s bad habits. It’s about the ongoing war happening inside each and every one of us. The thing I want to do, I don’t do. Vice versus virtue, light against darkness.” The external pressure of demonic influence combines with the internal battle of the human heart, creating a war on two fronts.
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For Christians, this isn’t an abstract theological idea. It’s a call to action. If Jesus Himself spent part of His ministry casting out demons, then His followers are not exempt from the same mission. The reality of spiritual warfare means the church must embrace its responsibility to confront evil, resist the powers of darkness, and walk in the authority of Christ.
To watch the full interview, click here.
James Lasher is staff writer for Charisma Media.
