The idea that a Christian could have a demon has become quite a controversial topic among believers. The #1 questions our team gets asked by people either new to deliverance or those turned off by it are:
- Can a Christian be possessed?
- Can a Christian be influenced by the demonic?
- The devil does not attack believers, does he?
- How can the Holy Spirit dwell in an unclean temple?
- Is the demon in the flesh, or on the outside?
The Bible has a lot to say about these important questions. Let’s discuss the topics in the light of scripture! At the end of the article, I’ll give a couple of personal comments on the topic!
Table of contents
Can a Christian be possessed?
The Greek word, daimonizomai, used in Mark 5:15 was translated as “possessed with the devil.” The word daimonizomai litterally means, “to be under the power of a demon.”
I have no issue with the translation written over 400 years ago. The issue is with how the word is interpreted in the 21st century. The word possessed in our culture tends to mean ownership, which is where the understanding of “demon-possessed” goes a bit sideways.
A better question for those concerned would be, “Can a Christian be owned by a demon?” There is no scripture to validate that anyone can be owned by a devil. As a matter of fact, Satan cannot own people period. Deuteronomy 10:14 We have a free will given to us by God. There are those who lend their will or dedicate their lives to darkness, but Satan still cannot own what ultimately belongs to God.
Answer: Can a Christian be possessed (as in owned) by a devil? No.
Can a Christian be under the influence of a demon?
Some religious people and believers have two unscriptural belief systems:
- Satan is a passive foe who will not target the people of God.
- Satan can have no effect on a believer but tries his best to be a nuisance anyway.
Interestingly, the scripture is clear that we are to submit to God and resist the enemy. Why resist if we are immune to his tactics or influence?
4 Scriptures on Christians and the devil
1. Believers can “give place” to the devil
Note that the word devil in Ephesians 4:27 means: devil, false accuser, slanderer. If it were not possible for a believer to give place to the devil, then why did Paul give the instruction?
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. KJV
Ephesians 4:26-27
2. Believers can “entertain” thoughts of the devil.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 makes it clear that we are in charge of taking our own thoughts captive. The word strongholds simply means a fortress or anything on which a person relies. If we have been given weapons to pull down a stronghold, then we can know a stronghold is not good but evil. Verse 5 breaks it down into three charges:
- We must cast down vain imaginations in our mind
- We must cast down every “high” thing that exalts itself against God.
- It is our job to use the weapons He has given to us to capture and make obedient our thoughts
It is the devil who rebelled against God and who wants to exalt himself against the Creator. Satan or demons will often use our imagination and thought life as a part of influencing us in his endeavor to do his impossible master plan.
3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJV
3. Believers are a target
While we have full authority over the enemy, that does not stop him from target practice. The only immunity we have is obeying the Word and staying close to Jesus Christ.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 10:10 KJV
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1 Peter 5:8 KJV
4. Believers are equipped for planned assaults
If we cannot come under the influence of the enemy, then why did Christ leave us with an amazing arsenal of spiritual weaponry to keep us from it? Jesus never intended for us to be the victim of darkness. He planned for us to be strong, valiant, and mighty in His strength. However, in order to do that, we have to equip ourselves for the battle against the enemy.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Ephesians 6:11-18 KJV
Answer: Can a Christian be under the influence of a demon? Yes.
How can Holy Spirit dwell in an unclean temple?
Sure, the question, “How can Holy Spirit dwell in an unclean temple” sounds logical, but is it Biblical? Actually, there’s no passage that actually reads, “Holy Spirit will not dwell in a dirty or unclean temple.” There also is no scripture that says He will, but, let’s examine the temple of the New Testament to answer the question. When reading 1 Corinthians 6:17-20 notice the following:
- Verse 17 says that we are joined in one spirit.
- Verse 20 is incredible! Although this temple belongs to God, we get the opportunity to honor Him with our body.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Corinthians 6:17-20 KJV
Defiling the Temple
If someone were going to insist that Holy Spirit won’t live in an unclean temple, the following would likely be the scripture a person would use:
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV
What Defiles? Matthew 15:18 says that it is the things that come out of the mouth from the heart that defile a man.
What is the Temple? When we look at the original temple, we find a building with many rooms. The Holy of Holies was a place free from all sin and iniquity. As the “new” temple, we too have many rooms. It is important to submit those areas to God. I recommend reading the incredible book by Apostle Alexander Pagani called, Secrets to Deliverance concerning this topic. We are made up of body, spirit, and soul! Our spirit was made a new creature. What about the rooms that need to be overhauled? Well…they’re being renovated as we give them to God!
Lastly on this subject of defilement, when I read 1 Corinthians 3:17, “if any man defile the temple of God,” I have to think that the defilement is a purposeful action. Scripture provides so much for growth and for renewing our minds. There are believers who are learning to be overcomers. Thankfully, Jesus provided deliverance, healing, salvation, and gifts so that we can indeed have a clean temple.
Is the demon in the flesh, in the spirit, or on the outside?
For some reason, a lot of believers get comforted thinking that a spirit can only be attached to them on the outside or is hovering around in the atmosphere. Jesus never said, “Come off!” He said, “Come out!” (Mark 1:25) Let’s think about the type of bondages many believers have and discuss where the issue resides. Is it on the outside on the inside?
Areas where bondage may reside
Grief: Overwhelming grief that will not go away is likely the spirit of heaviness. Look at the scripture from Psalms concerning grief. Where is the location of the consuming grief? It is in the eye, the soul, and the belly.
Have mercy upon me, O Lord, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly.
Psalm 31:9 KJV
Anger: It’s okay to be angry, but the Bible says to not sin with the anger. When anger is uncontrollable, from where does it come? Can facial expressions and taunt body movements reveal evidence of anger, or is rage only detectable in sound? In addition, an enraged person can feel it exploding through their body. It is not outside, but it is in the soul. It infiltrates, the mind, will, emotions, and even the imagination! Daniel 3:19
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 KJV
Bitterness: We find the word ‘defiled‘ used in conjunction with the word bitterness in Hebrews 12:15. The words ‘root‘ and ‘springing up‘ denote that it is embedded somewhere down in the person.
Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
Hebrews 12:15 KJV
A sorcerer named Simeon in Acts 8 believed in Jesus and was baptized. However, his mind had not been renewed; he still had some old ways in him. When he tried to buy the gift of the Holy Ghost, he was told this by Peter:
For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Acts 8:23 KJV
Here we have a believer in the need of freedom. The Bible doesn’t say what happened to the man, but we do see that he did not puff up in pride but asked for prayer because of the sin and its consequences.
Jesus provided total freedom for His people. However, if we want to receive all He has for us, we can! He is the healer and deliverer.
The Christian and demon challenge
The verses in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 are written to believers. The scripture makes a clear and compelling call to not mix light and darkness. We are not to be unequally yoked. Verse 15 reads, “And what accord has Christ with Belial?” While Belial is another name for the devil, it also means worthlessness.
Are there believers who feel unworthy and worthless? Their identity is with Christ, yet in their minds, they identify more with the character of Satan rather than the beauty of the Savior. While religious people are arguing about whether a demon can have access to a believer, the reality is that the evidence is all around us. It’s not God’s will for His children to be influenced by the enemy. It is obvious that believers can be fearful, hateful, feel unworthy, and addicted to everything from porn to food. Yet, that is not God’s will for their lives!
The bondage remedy for believers
What is the remedy? Deliverance. The provision Jesus made is freedom. Furthermore, the truth that there is hope for the believer who is bound has been a hidden message because of the misunderstanding of scripture and the character of Jesus Christ. Pride, ignorance, and traditions of men have kept God’s people in captivity long enough.
Personal Notes on Believers and Demons
I have been met with many believers who will emphatically resist the notion that a true believer would need to be delivered from a demon. Yet, I was a believer for many years and bound by spirits of fear and rejection. I was there when I was set free. One day I was so paralyzed with fear that I was mortified at being home alone. After Jesus set me free, I had no fear! It was liberating to the max!
Have you ever wondered why people get so radical after they’re set free? Imagine an inmate who was given a death sentence. He is in prison, but through a miraculous event is acquitted of all charges and will no longer be put to death. He is not, however, released from prison. The inmates and guards tell him that he is free, but he knows something is definitely wrong! One day, his lawyer comes to him and says, “There is no court order to hold you here.”
The man boldly points his finger in the faces of those who held him captive and declares, “I have been redeemed of any wrongdoing. I demand my immediate release!” As the doors swing open, he sprints forward, rejoicing in the liberating feeling of freedom.
Passion and freedom
A man who comes out of prison may be so thankful for his release that he wants to do everything he can for others to experience the same freedom. The same is true with those whose soul has been in captivity. Zeal for freedom is a powerful part of evangelism. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of power!
I have seen hundreds of believers set free. Many had no manifestation. Some of those loosed from their bondages manifested with yawning, coughing, or even crying. I have received harsh criticism from individuals who identify as Christians and insist that I refrain from saying a believer may need deliverance. Regardless, the fruit of seeing countless men, women, and children walk without fear, perversion, suicidal thoughts, and addictions has been a great reward. The cost of reputation is well worth the beauty of freedom in God’s people.
The tick analogy
I think ticks are disgusting little bloodsuckers. Moreover, it’s embarrassing to get one, but I suppose it would be worse to ignore it for the sake of embarrassment and not detach the thing. Ticks usually attach to a concealed area on their host to avoid detection once they find one.. The tick does not own the person it is leaching off of, but it is feeding off the person or animal.
Demonization is no different from having a tick! The demon doesn’t own the person, but it finds a spot to nestle in and then begins feeding on whatever it finds tasty. Those who have a deviant spirit will feel an overwhelming urge to engage in immoral actions. Each time the individual gives in to these urges, the spirit increases in strength and influence. The person gets weaker and finds it more difficult to fight off evil.
Tick removal
Once you remove a tick, the spot can become sore and even infected. The toxins the thing released affect the person days after the tick is no longer there. It is not a time to quit pursuing God when deliverance takes place. It’s important to get in the Word and refuse to let the released poison by the intruder remain. The person has to come out of agreement with everything the spirit brought in.
Jesus has given authority over the enemy to those who trust in and follow Him. The lie that the enemy doesn’t want to trespass has kept many in bondage. If you are a believer struggling with infirmity, bondage, or life-controlling issues, knowing that someone has sabotaged, lied to, and robbed you could bring relief. What if removing the spiritual “tick” would clear your thought life, remove ungodly impulses, and give you victory over areas of failure? Jesus paid a very high price for you and I to walk in freedom! Find out more by clicking the Six Steps to Deliverance button below!
