In Luther’s rite of Holy Baptism, he actually retained the exorcism at the beginning. The pastor simply says “Depart, you unclean spirit, and make room for the Holy Spirit.” (LSB Agenda, 13) Baptism rescues sinners from the devil’s kingdom. It drives out the spirit of darkness which ruled us from the time of our conception. But, the demonic spirit that once found a home in us is not content to simply leave. And if we do not fill the void, if we sweep the house clean but then do not fill our hearts and minds with the things of the Holy Spirit, then the unclean spirit will return and bring his friends. Without the daily presence of the things of the Holy Spirit we will be overrun and lost forever. We must be filled with prayer and the hearing of the Word of God every day. By these things and nothing else does the Holy Spirit drive away the demons that surround us and who would take up residence again in us. We and everything we do can only and must be sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. I look forward to seeing you this coming Lord’s Day.
Pastor Ulmer