The whole discussion regarding the casting out of demons and performing miracles is really interesting. I do follow your logic with your four points and I’m inclined to agree. According to my understanding of the Bible, #3 is out of the question. In light of Matthew 12, #1 seems improbable at best, and the example you used only adds to that notion. #2 is pretty straightforward-it is hard to imagine any scenario in which someone would try and lie to God’s face. I am initially hesitant to accept the fact that an unbeliever could exercise a miracle through the power of God, Him being their enemy, but I suppose it’s not out of the question. I also think that what Chris said in 1b helped to see it from a different angle: what’s stopping God from using nonbelievers to accomplish His will? Nothing, of course. That doesn’t mean that we understand it but then again, how much of what God does do we understand anyway? This may be one of those things, like you said, that will have to wait until we see Him face to face.

I appreciate the fact, with all the unfortunate bickering in the Christian community, that we as believers can discuss the harder concepts like this, and even come to different conclusions at times, but still function fully and effectively as followers of Christ without knowing all the answers to the trivial stuff.

In any case, I think that what this verse boils down to is to ask the question: what is God’s will for me?

Your “1b” answer is what I think is likely as good an explanation as I’ll get on this one – that is, that God used these unregenerate men to benefit the exorcised person despite their nature. It still doesn’t “feel” right, but there are some things I suppose we’ll have to wait on God to give us a final answer on someday.

Good point on fruits. I tend to think it’s both.

1: Judas was never accredited for doing any signs specifically yet scriptures does state that “the disciples” performed signs and cast out demons. I personally think it’s safe to assume that Judas did do some signs and wonders. He obviously was not a believer nor did he become one and lose his salvation (your assessment is 100% on that issue). How did he performs these things?
a. Can Satan himself command his demons? Perhaps Satan himself (or the upper echelon of his regime, if there is such) could command other demons, thus “casting” them out of people without the power of God. That’s more of a thought nugget than an answer really.
b. If God can/does command even the demons, could it be said that God used others/non-believers, to accomplish His will? In regards to exorcism?

2: Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” in regards to false prophets, etc, but he also said the same thing about believers. And I believe it is in John 14-15 that he specifically says that they will know us by our fruits which I believe is addressed later as our “love for one another”. So I guess the question boils down to the definition of “fruit”. Is it these miraculous signs or is it more in line with Paul’s “Fruits of the Spirit”?
Like I said, more questions/comments than answers but that’s what came to my mind.

Thoroughly enjoy your blog. I just may sit down with my pastor sometime and talk this verse over.