CAN A CHRISTIAN HAVE A DEMON?

Someone asked if I believed a Christian can have a demon. I thought my response might be helpful to others as well. I wrote:

I cut my spiritual teeth on deliverance ministry, soon after I was spirit-filled in 1973. I don’t disagree that “that demons can afflict real born-again believers,” but over the years I have come to understand the important spirit-soul distinction. The demonic can’t touch the perfected born again human spirit which has been sealed by the Holy Spirit.

However, the soul (mind, will, emotions) remains vulnerable, and mental strongholds definitely can be influenced by demonic oppression. Possession in a believer, no, since that would be taking over the essence of who the believer is in Christ in the human spirit. So, I have come to realize that deliverance for Christians is at the level of the mind, and we then need to teach them to take their thoughts captive.

Your example of Christian’s addicted to pornography is a good example of mental strongholds, where giving in to it invites demons and makes the habit more difficult to break without deliverance. Their spirit is still pure, sealed by the Holy Spirit, which is why the Christian will hate the sin that they are addicted to.

These type strongholds are often carried over from their BC days, and while the renewal of the mind to who they are in Christ is the ultimate long-term solution, sometimes deliverance is needed to break the cycle. This is true of alcohol and most addictions, even things that are often not recognized as addictions, such has selfishness, covetousness, anger, and chronic anxiety and depression.

So, can a Christian have a demon? Well, yes and no. Not in their human spirit, which is united with the Holy Spirit, but yes at the soulish level. This is my current take of the subject, which has evolved over the years with more study and revelation from the Word and some experience working with people with these issues.

466 thoughts on “CAN A CHRISTIAN HAVE A DEMON?

    1. Troy Day
      Is sin in the flesh Troy?.
      Where does sin indwell a person?
      In his flesh…? Is that why we call it “the body of sin?”
      Can demons live out of the body.. YES.
      And in the body. YES.
      The Gadarenes demons asked Jesus to allow them to shift ftom a human body(flesh) to a herd of pigs(flesh).
      When an unclean spirit is cast out of a body it resolved to go back to it.. why?
      Is that a fulfillment of God’s curse on the devil that he will eat DUST all the days of his life?
      Could flesh be the diet for demons(??) and not all flesh but living flesh for demons don’t indwell dead bodies..
      Demons in the flesh?
      Yeah

    2. Isara Mo we have learned from UNGER and others THAT speaking on demons ONLY in the flesh is a very dangerous DUALISM doctrine that borders heresy

    3. Mike Partyka Good Question. Ed Murphy’s book, Handbook for Spiritual Warfare goes into this in depth.

      We don’t want to call all problems demonic. This is why the Catholics insist on thorough examinations to exclude other causes, before considering deliverance.

      But in my experience, someone with persistent strongholds of sin, past involvement in witchcraft or the occult, or deep relational trauma or estrangement often has at least some demonic oppression that is best dealt with after repentance, forgiveness, renunciation and release of all who have sinned against them.

      It is amazing to see how many people are harboring deep resentments, bitterness and such, all unhealed and all providing a foothold for various oppressions and sinful strongholds.

    1. The BIBLE makes NO such difference The word possessed is in the Greek demonized Isara Mo in the NT there were many demonized people that Jesus delivered

    2. Troy Day quite true. The KJV and other versions unfortunately called ‘possession’ what current practitioners would better call oppression or being troubled by spirits.

    3. Bruce Gordon that is a good observation The sister is just plain wrong on her doctrine It sounds good but it is NOT Biblical – which is why demonized ppl are in the church

    1. Louise Cummings The Bible does not explicitly say either way about this in a way that Western believers would like. That said, the same could be said of a lot of other matters that we’d like more precision on.

    2. Bruce Gordon oh you are quite right Grandma is plain wrong on this one Their church do not deliver no body and though mentioning deliverance from time to time as a statement of faith dont practice it all the time in all services to all peoples and nations WE have come to a point in our churches that demonized people speak of deliverance without having been ever delivered themselves OR having experienced true deliverance ministry AND THERE is the problem at hand Daniel J Hesse Isara Mo Robert Borders

    3. Bruce Gordon Tell me where in the Bible , that it says a Christian can have a devil or demon. You are delivered from sin when you are saved. Luke 9:42.And as he was yet coming (speaking of Jesus ) , the devil threw him down, and tore him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit , and healed the child, and delivered him. Again to his father. ( that is enough to show me devils does not live in Christians. ). He also said bitter water and sweet water fors not come from the same fountain. ( telling me you can’t live a Christian life, and have the devil too. You have to separate your life from sin to live a Christian life. If you have Jesus in your heart. There’s no room for the devil. They Bible says they won’t live in the same Temple. So if you have a devil in you. How in the world could you have a devil. Especially when the Bible plainly says they won’t live in the same Temple.

    4. Louise Cummings you are describing the perspective basically taught by Merrill Unger before he changed his position. He later said that his early position was more a product of intellectualism and Western logic than biblical + theological analysis.

      Many people think that only beliefs specifically, logically described in the Bible can be considered biblical.
      But quite a few theological issues are not so described, but are drawn from biblical and theological analysis, such as the Trinity, church government, ministry structures and practices, to name just a few.

      The teaching used by deliverance ministers is drawn from an exhaustive of Scripture as applied to years of ministry experience. This is valid, even if not minutely described in the Bible.

    5. Bruce Gordon I believe in the Trinity The Father , Son, and The Holy Ghost. I don’t know Merrill Unger. I believe everything that written in the Bible. I believe the Bible will be what we will give an account to God for. If you lived it. I believe in deliverance ministries. That’s the gifts of The Spirit. I was healed of number four cancer. By a God. Through one of the greatest men you will ever find. Brother T L Lowery. I guess at least twenty something years ago. God used him with that gift. I know some of the best you can find, that is used by the Gifts of the Spirit. I believe in the gifts of the Spirit. And the Baptism of The Holy Ghost. With speaking in other tongues as The Spirit gives the utterance. It’s all Bible. I believe in trying to learn as much about the Bible as you can. I know there are Theologians that study Greek and Hebrew. And explain how it was in Jesus day. I wish I could. But all I know is the Bible was written by Holy men of God as the Spirit moved upon them. Some spoken by God Himself. And some God breathed. I know it was written by men who wrote it down in our language, where we could read it. They was so strict. That if they made a mistake. They started all over again. And so sacred that I think it was after every word they changed pens. A lot of our knowledge came by

  1. As a deliverance minister who works exclusively with Christians, I like the approach taken here. He is sound and judicious, as well as practical.

    When I do trainings in churches and other settings, I sometimes mention two prominent Christian figures, one older and one younger, who changed their positions from No to Yes – Merrill Unger + Charles Swindoll. Swindoll actually wrote, in his book titled Demonism, that he had participated in some deliverance sessions.

    1. Bruce Gordon most even all my discussions on FB are in the this group to contribute our Pentecostal theology I welcome your posts in the group so we can discuss the church strategy against those attacking demons that are upon us

    2. Troy Day I agree that it would be good for thoughtful and discerning discussions to take place here. This forum could be very good for seeing a strategic consensus develop over time.

  2. Don Basham was surprised when someone splashed holy water at him, out came a demon. In Christian Inner Healing when a memory is clear and healed there is sometimes an evil presence lingering. As we invite in the Life and Spirit of Jesus it leaves. Of course this is with Christians.

    1. Of course this is with Christians. is RIGHT I am not sure about all this holy water mambo jumbo but oh well 🙂

    2. George Hartwell in my experience we see the same. Especially with people abused as young people. When they forgive + release their abuser and repent of all bitter feelings toward them we see huge freedom and healing of soul and body.

      We do not deal at all with engaging memories or visualization, just forgiveness, release, repentance and blessing, often accompanied by prayer to heal Wkr traumatized emotions and heart.

    3. George Hartwell we are also trying to get away from the term Inner Healing, since it has for many Christians associations with new age practices. Charles Kraft uses ‘deep healing’ and I have started calling our process Total Healing, since dealing with sins and unforgiveness and trauma often brings healing to the entire person.

  3. Colossians 1:13 (past tense): 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he love….

    A born again Christian cannot be possessed since they are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Those who think Christians can be possessed should talk about demonization/oppression, not possession.

    1) Mistaken/assumed identity: anecdotal stories of demons coming out of people may be counterfeit Christians who are actually unregenerate unbelievers (so the religious unbeliever is possessed, not a true Christian).

    2) Improper/Artificial dissection: Man is tripartite and some say the flesh/body/soul can be possessed, but not the spirit. We cannot artificially divide up the whole person. The body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Demons can attack the soul/flesh, but cannot inhabit/possess/control the believer with the indwelling spirit /Christ.

    3) Putting experience about the Word: In some charismania (vs charismatic) circles, anecdotal stories of demons screaming out of Christians, etc. are putting subjective experiences/sensationalism (emotionalism/flesh/psychological nonsense/acting out, etc.) above the whole teaching of Scripture that precludes possession (vs oppression, etc.).

    Books like ‘Pigs in the Parlor’ and the deliverance industry that gives way too much attention to demons vs Jesus should show discernment, recognize sin/flesh vs demons, etc.

    There is a spiritual warfare, but there are not enough demons (1/3 of the angels) to go around to explain all the issues in billions of lives.

    We also have authority over them and should remove the grounds for their influence (repentance, renunciation, etc.) rather than give them too much or too little attention (be Christocentric, biblical, balanced).

    1. verse FROM the BIBLE that says

      A born again Christian cannot be possessed

      ALSO a reference where ANYwhere in the Greek NT it says possessed and not demonized RichardAnna Boyce has stated that the verse you cited is only POSITIONAL

  4. Bruce Gordon When they forgive + release their abuser IS but a small part that the FLESH plays in this as Isara Mo commented Demons in the flesh however is NOT the only area for deliverance Emotions and spirit are under attack here It is in the MIND that the war occurs no merely in the flesh

    Demons in FLESH only actually is a dualistic heresy and NOT pentecsotal at all In Pentecostalism we teach holistic deliverance of body, spirit and soul not some dualistiX misrepresentation of the BIBLE

    1. I agree totally. As Neil Anderson and others have pointed out, a Truth Encounter often is called for, in order to minister God’s Truth to the afflicted person, to the end that they see the reality of their condition more clearly, and are able to change their thinking, which usually leads to considerably more freedom.

      This requires good teaching and discipleship and pastoral care to succeed. I gave a training workshop in an A.G. church last summer where the pastor was very pleased to hear how much I talked about these issues. I don’t hear other deliverance ministers talking about this. Maybe it’s cuz my heart is very pastoral to begin with.

    2. WHAT do YOU think of Demon Possession and the Christian: A New Perspective Paperback – March 1, 1989
      by C. Fred Dickason?
      Can a Christian be demonized? This question touches upon the mental, physical, and spiritual welfare of many Christians. It is an issue too important to be ignored.
      In Demon Possession and the Christian, Dr. Dickason presents compelling evidence–from the Bible, theology, and counseling experiences–showing that Christians can indeed be affected by demon activity. He discusses demons, salvation, the authority of Christ, and the relationship of demons and believers. Through his clear and direct exposition, readers will gain a renewed appreciation of Christ’s love and power. This book equips Christians to fight spiritual battles–and win! William DeArteaga SEE MORE here http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/?s=encyc

    3. The only book I have by Dickason is Angels, Elect and Evil, which covers much the same ground. He and Mark Bubeck and Unger all arrived at roughly the same position in the ’70s and ’80s, much to the consternation of their more conservative brethren. Bubeck taught at Denver (Conservative Baptist) Seminary, and Dickason at Moody. Dickason albrings in Kurt Koch’s work as a favorable supplement.

      I would be in general agreement with what I have read by these three men. Is there a particular issue or point that has been a source of discussion here?

    4. Bruce Gordon WELL the difference with UNGER was that he was very much strongly against demonized christians BUT arrived to a new revelation ONLY by researching the BIBLE – this is extremely STRONG argument against believers who are not even close to his level of scholarship BUT claim christians cannot be demonized based on some fairy tales of theirs

  5. You can be tempted with the devil. He did tempt Jesus. Jesus always cast the devil aside. He told the devil on the last one I think it was. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. And the left Jesus alone for a while. You are always tell the devils to get behind you. That you have no authority over me because The Lord Jesus is my Savior.you have no place here get behind me satan. Did you know the Bible said not to give place to the devil. You might have a bird flu over your but you don’t have to let it build a nest there. Some of you sound like the devil can be in part of you but not your Spirit. I never heard of such stuff. I’m thankful I will take Jesus as my Savior. But your new doctrine. The devil can have part of you but not all. I know he tries to stop you by throwing stumbling blocks. But just steps on them keep them under your feet and climb on higher for Jesus. You might need to pray that pray that prayer that Jesus prayed or told us to pray when Jesus said to pray that you be ready when Jesus comes for us in the Rapture. When you are tempted pray. But don’t let him in. If you have the devil in you. You are none of His. That’s what the Bible says. You need to try the spirits to see if they are of God. Don’t listen to false teachers. The Bible says there will be a lot of them in the last days. You must have run up on some. If they meant like you are saying it.

    1. written NO where in the BIBLE with this words but oh well Does this also mean when you are Blood bought and covered by The Blood Of Jesus. you cant backslide and be demonized?

    2. Troy Day you can walk away from God anytime. When you start getting cold and away from God. The devil can’t cross the Blood line is just common sense. If you ever read about Job on the Bible, the devil was always telling Job , I can’t get to Job because you have a hedge around him. And God did. He offered a sacrifice every day for him and one for his children. Now I know animals blood can’t save you. But that’s all they had in Jobs day. It wasn’t until God told the devil. Ok I’ll take the hedge down , so to speak. But you can’t take his life. When the devil started in on Job. What was the first thing the devil destroyed. It was all the animals. Why? So Job couldn’t offer an animal for a sacrifice. You see read all through tht Old Testament. And see how many types and shadows you find that points to Jesus hanging on the cross and shedding His perfect Blood to save us. How can we stay saved ? By keeping The Perfect Blood applied. Without the shedding of Blood there is no repentance. Without them using animal blood in the Old Testament. Which could not save you. It was under the Law. And the Law can’t save you. But it is pointing to the Grace period where Jesus would be the perfect Blood that can save you. Read Romans chapter six. It says if you have tasted the Heavenly gifts and believed in Jesus. He said there remains no more sacrifice for sins. If you let Jesus down after being saved. You have to go back to the Cross , which is the only Blood that can saved from sin. If there’s any leaving done it’s on your part. Not on Gods. He said I will never leave you or forsake you. So if the devil comes back in after being cast out. The Bible says he will bring in more and you will be worse than at the first. Through being covered by the Blood is our only hope. And the devil can’t get in unless you let him in. But the first thing the devil destroyed was the animals , where Job couldn’t have a sacrifice. But at the end of Jobs trial. I hadn’t looked up in particular. But look how many animals he got back. But Jesus Blood will never loose it’s power. It’s your only hope. If you don’t come to Jesus and believe in Him and trust Him and His shed Blood. Well that’s giving the devil full space to do what he wants to do. Oh I’m so thankful for the Blood. The devil don’t have a chance over the Shed willingly over the Blood of Jesus. You may not feel it. But I’m feeling good right now. I wish I could preach a message. Praise The Lord. Because He is worthy to be praised.

    3. Troy Day no you can walk away from God. Lose your vision for the Lord. He doesn’t drive you away. It’s a willful thing. You just decide you can be more partakers of the world than I have been doing. You know you can backslide. I I thought you was always saved you are always saved , which is a false doctrine. You can’t do anything you want to and still be saved. You should k no ow I believe you can backslide. Or I don’t believe you can keep living a life of sin and be saved. Neither do I believe demons live in Christians. If you do. I have almost the shock of my life.

    4. The Bible says if any man sin. He is of the devil. For the devil sinners from the beginning. If you don’t believe that. You will just have to ask the Lord about that. I do no mean that to so to be taken that I’m pointing fingers. I just want people to know the truth. For the Truth will set men free. Jesus said He was the Truth. If I misunderstand something. I will be glad to listen to see if I have misunderstood. Because it is not my intent to lead anyone wrong. But at the same time , I can’t comprise. With the devil.

  6. The Christian has the spirit of Christ inside. We are possessed by him. He doesn’t share living quarters with unclean spirits. Any demonic activity is restricted to what it can do from the OUTSIDE.

    1. this is TRUE – at least the first part it is Then you ALSO have to believe in ENTIRE sanctification BEFORE infilling with the Holy GHOST because in your own words He doesn’t share living quarters with unclean spirits.

      AS TO
      Any demonic activity is restricted to what it can do from the OUTSIDE.

      Robert Borders Isara Mo AND OTHERS believe demons are in the FLESH only not in your spirit BUT as of this I have already stated the danger of dualistic theologizing and is a BIG one

    2. Troy Day yes you do have to be Sanctified before the Holy Ghost comes in. What does that do. It cleans you up , gets out the roots of sin. Then you are clean and washed in Jesus Blood. And ready for the Holy Ghost to come in. I will agree.

  7. To Robert Borders and Isara Mo. There’s. no demons in the flesh. We put that old man , which is the flesh. To death. We become a new creature in Christ when we are born again. Read Johs Three. The whole chapter would be good. But when you are born again. You become a new creature in Christ. Old things have passed away and behold all things have become new. There is no demons in the flesh.

    1. George Hartwell good to see you chime in. This is just what Unger, and those following him did for decades. He and others like Swindoll started allowing for different ways of looking at the biblical data after having face to face encounters with people who earnestly desired more freedom in Christ, but whose bondages went fare beyond what could be explained by sin or fleshly habits.

    2. George Hartwell How do you think we can know these things if we hadn’t been in touch with reality. If you only knew so of the things I have been through. Things I doubt you have never experienced. And pray you never do. But I got saved very young and filled with the Holy Ghost. I’m old now. But was young then. The Lord called me into preaching. I was raised poor. But had good Golly parents. I don’t regret a day of being raised poor. But the story is this. I got married. We moved to Chicago Ill and lived my husbands sister until my husband got a job. I got to watching tv all the time. Got hooked on soap operas. I’m not saying it’s a sin to watch tv. But it is when it becomes your God. I was watching it all day. Well where was my Bible reading. And my prayer time. We had our own rented place by then. I had a dream. It’s to long to tell all but it was a warning. I didn’t pray about it or anything. I started going through things the devil was putting. Like tell me I didn’t have a chance. And I even thanked God for the times I did feel Him. We had a revival at our church. And the minister looked back at me and said sister as far as I know I never seen you in my life but God showed you to me last night. That was the night we didn’t get to go to church because snow was to deep. That’s the night I prayed and told the Lord I had gone as far as I could. And I had to have help. He told me at the end of the service. I had been going through some hards times. And he prayed for me. The Lord would help me but it started all over again. The devil told me I had to fast that day. It wasn’t God telling me I don’t think because the devil tried to kill me. He had me fasting more meals than I are. But I was determined if it was God I would not eat. I lost weight down to almost nothing. But after about three years of that we had moved back home. And he said someone needs prayer. And I went up. This brother if he don’t feel I was the one he called the one he thought it was. So he called her up and when he prayed for her the Lord delivered me. I knew I was delivered. That is the reason it makes you think if you go through what I did. It was because I wasn’t listening to God. He had to bring me through some things to make me appreciated His Liberty again. And to think hell is going to be worse than what I went through. You want to make sure things is tight between you and God. So I don’t just hold on to what the Bible says because of argument. If I know the truth , I want others to know the truth. Believe me as old as I am. And things I have fought through. I know what reality is. Noe people that hadn’t hadn’t been tried. Might not take it seriously. But believe me I take it seriously.

  8. If you let it in. But I don’t want around demons. That’s means you are in darkness. And I don’t want to stay in the dark. Jesus is the Light of nether world. I want to walk in the Light. Because Jesus is the Light of the world. I want to want to walk in the Light. That’s what Jesus is. The Light of the world. You won’t find demons hanging around in the Light. They stay in darkness. That’s the reason Christians don’t have demons. Because if you are a Christian , you are walking in the Light. But if you have a demon. You are walking in darkness. That’s where demons stay ,in slugest places , grave yards like the man Jesus cast legions of devils. When he was in his right mind , after the demons left him. He wanted to go with Jesus. But Jesus had a with for him to do. You go first to your family. And show them what the Lord has done. Then these cities around here go around there preach to these cities. I call it preaching. When you go from house to house telling them what Jesus had done. And believe me. The cities and towns knew about this man. But when they saw him and heard his testimony. Don’t you know a lot of people believed in Him. After Jesus started His miracles , I think it was about three years to preach and win souls. So He needed help. Don’t you think him casting legions of devils out of one man. Don’t you know people believed. When He fed 5’ooo men besides the women and children. Don’t you know a lot of people got the news. And followed Him. If some of the reasons was because of the love and fish. The miracles. Anyway His message got around in three years. They had a choice to serve Him. Or not to serve Hin. You have your choice. Walk in darkness.where the demons are. Or walk in the Light where Jesus is and except Him. You have a choice. I choose Jesus.

  9. Inner Healing means healing of emotions. It means prayers for healing can be done for our emotional issues as well as our physical issues.
    Our ‘flesh’ is all the memories laid down through our life in which the perspective embedded in the memory is not God’s perspective. Inner Healing is the process of redeeming our memories to that God’s perspective replaces that of the old man, flesh, childhood.
    Christian Inner Healing is a professional practice that aligns with the psychology of memory reconsolidation – permanent change of emotional learning. It differs from other forms of psychotherapy because Prayer for Jesus to be Lord come early in the process and listening for God’s truth is central to the process.
    Deliverance is a minor outcome of full, complete and permanent healing of the memory. After the Inner Healing there is no stronhold – no place the demon can hang on to – and a very quiet simple prayer completes the process.

  10. Inner Healing means the healing of emotions. It means prayers for healing can be done for our emotional issues as well as our physical issues.
    Our ‘flesh’ is all the memories laid down through our life in which the perspective embedded in the memory is not God’s perspective. Inner Healing is the process of redeeming our memories to that God’s perspective replaces that of the old man, flesh, childhood.
    Christian Inner Healing is a professional practice that aligns with the psychology of memory reconsolidation – permanent change of emotional learning. It differs from other forms of psychotherapy because Prayer for Jesus to be Lord come early in the process and listening for God’s truth is central to the process.
    Deliverance is a minor outcome of full, complete and permanent healing of the memory. After the Inner Healing there is no stronghold – no place the demon can hang on to – and a very quiet simple prayer completes the process.

    1. George Hartwell we agree so closely. While I am not a professional or credentialed therapist, my wife and I use a lot of this approach in our ministry, which combines healing of memories and emotions, confession & renunciation of any sins or occult involvements, and whatever else needs prayer or straightening out. After that, actual deliverance usually goes quickly and quietly. Thanks for your contributions here.

  11. There was some where I saw where I put the word neither. I think I was talking about the Light of the World. I meant to put Jesus is the Light of the world. When you see it know I was talking about the Light of the World. Every time I would start to fix it. I would lose the word. Sorry it was to long. I shouldn’t have written all that. But maybe it will help someone that’s going through trials. If you want that much erased. Just let me know.

  12. I made it to long. I found one word on something I wrote. I didn’t mean that word to be in that place. Made my sentence sound wrong. I tried to fix it. But then I would lose the word. But in reading I hope all of you will understand what I meant. Thank you.

    1. if the body is a temple, the Bible has at least one instance where the court of the temple was inhabited by paganism and idols while the inside of the Holy of Holies was unaffected.

    2. The Bible says the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, as you said

      But in the Bible, there was at least one time that the Temple was filled with idols while the Holy of Holies in the very core was unaffected.

  13. Absolutely. I was born again spirit filled and working in full time ministry and went thru a powerful deliverance from demons. They spoke through me and threw me to the ground and I screamed as they came out. Christians can definitely have demons inside of them.

    1. Through a generational curse. Sexual immorality in the bloodline. I do a lot of deliverance ministry. I feel most demons come through generational bloodline. I also got delivered from a generational curse of alcoholism. Alcoholism is an easy way to see how things go generationally

    2. Marcus Gomez heavy alcoholism is hard to break out of unless the curse is broken and demon is cast out in my opinion. Once the demon leaves the temptation to drink leaves with it. I agree that one must be on guard but they are not dealing with constant temptation to get drunk which makes sobriety relatively easy.

    1. Bible verse for that pls – The word possess is not the GREEK The Greek word in the NT is demonized – Completely different orientation than possession It is the person that HAS the demon in the NT not the other way around

    2. Carol Howard Fights The word translated possessed really means to be under the influence of a demon. Sometimes the influence is mild sometimes it’s severe

    3. Rafe Ronning not really – the Gr word in question is DEMONIZED It does not mean under influence It means to HAVE a demon That’s all

    4. Troy Day I agree. I would say to have a demon means the demon is influencing you or has power over you. It would be like to have a sickness. The sickness has influence it power over you.

    5. Troy Day

      You are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

      He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13,14).

      Believers have nothing in common with darkness or Satan. The Holy Spirit, and a demonic spirit, cannot co-exist in the same person.

      And what agreement has Christ with Belial? or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:15).

      There is no example in Scripture of a believer in Jesus Christ being demon-possessed. All cases of demonic possession were with those who were unbelievers.

  14. Can Christians backslide have a demon and still go to church while having the demon and calling themselves Christians ?

    1. Carol Howard Fights Christians have been arguing about this for so long. It basically comes down to casting demons out of people if a demon is present and not getting lost in the semantics. There are very few if at all people who are completely controlled by demons (possessed or owned) other than maybe shamans or witch doctors who are non-Christians. But even they still have control over most parts of their life.

    2. Rafe Ronning @lbemere comes down to this You got your fine theology and you go to church and a Christian next to you having a demon begins manifesting in the open And then you just gonna explain how they dont have a demon and so on with you fake theology

    3. Rafe Ronning

      You said/Ibemere Franklin oppressed by a demon and having a demon would mean the same thing. /

      Do you have scriptures to prove your claim(s)?

    4. Son Je The word that is most used in scripture is the Greek word daimonizomai (Strongs 1139 if you want to look it up) which means under the power of a demon. The word possessed, and oppressed are words that people have tried to describe this Greek word. Very simply people are under the power of a demon whether you want to call it oppression or possession.

    5. Son Je I would not use the word possessed because it lends to an understanding of total control or ownership. The Greek word actually means “to be under the power or influence” and yes I believe Christians can be under the power or influence of demons.

    6. Son Je Technically a Christian cannot be demon possessed because Jesus owns or possesses them. A Christian can be under a power of a demon though or have a demon

    7. Son Je think of being an alcoholic. The person has a demon influencing a certain part of their life. ( driven to drink alcohol and get drunk) They are in control of other areas of life but are under strong influence or power of demon in some part(s)

    8. Rafe Ronning I cannot judge someone’s salvation. Only God knows if a person is truly saved. Drinking alcohol for me is not a sin but being addicted to it raised questions about someone’s salvation.

      Satan can suggest any form of addiction. It may be drugs, alcohol, woman, money, games, fame, etc. Satan will try to lure us into something that takes our focus on God. That is why we arevto walk in the Spirit.

      A person can check his own salvation. The Spirit will bear witness.

      So if a person is so addicted to something then the bible tells us through Peter to make our calling and election sure.

    9. Son Je There are many Christians who are addicted to things. It does not mean they are not saved but they are just bound by the enemy and need God to set them free

    10. Carol Howard Fights pls consider reading At two o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, March 11, 1980, Pastor J. Stephen Conn received a long distance, collect telephone call from a young woman desperately pleading for help. Afraid, alone, and deeply involved in witchcraft, all Jessica Leek knew about the man she was calling was that his number had been given to her by a stranger while she was hitch-hiking. As Jessica spoke, numerous demonic voices unexpectedly came from her lips-blaspheming, threatening, and identifying themselves by name.The unsuspecting pastor had little practical knowledge of demons and no experience in casting them out. Yet, overwhelmed by compassion, he seized this as an opportunity to help https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Called-Collect-Exorcism-Jessica/dp/059547909X#:~:text=OK-,The%20Devil%20Called%20Collect%3A%20The%20Exorcism%20of,Leek%20Paperback%20%E2%80%93%20December%2027%2C%202007&text=Find%20all%20the%20books%2C%20read%20about%20the%20author%2C%20and%20more.&text=At%20two%20o'clock%20in,woman%20desperately%20pleading%20for%20help.

    1. it means what it says – being possessed is not in the BIBLE The actual greek term used is demonized

    2. Troy Day demonized is like the person is possessed – the person has lost control & is controlled by the demon/s. In the Bible demonic possessions where seen as like the person lost control – see Mark 4

    3. Jo Jo Example a spirit of fear will torment people’s minds with fear. The thoughts are not being generated by the person but are coming from the demon which is inside of them. The person will be afraid even when there’s no stimulus to be afraid. He will be in complete bondage to fear until he goes through deliverance(demon cast out)

    4. Jo Jo Another example would be a spirit of witchcraft that came from drugs. People will be driven with the desire to use drugs until the demon is cast out of their body. That person has a spirit of witchcraft Which came in generationally or because of their own decision to use drugs

    5. Jo Jo demonized is NOT like the person is possessed

      possessed denotes the demon possesses the person

      that is NOT possible and is not even in the BIBLE

      demonized as in the BIBLE denotes the person has the demon

    6. Rafe Ronning yup there seems to be a lot of Spirits that is not of God. Have you read Pigs in the Parlour?
      Pls see comment above. Ive read this book over a year ago

    7. Jo Jo Deliverance Ministry is foundational to Jesus ministry. It is almost never taught in church and there’s a lot of misunderstanding about it. This needs to change

    8. Rafe Ronning yup. A lot of Christians dont really know the power God has given us who belong to him & as his children.. he has given us authority when he gave us his Spirit. But this is his gift. Not all can tap into this gift. The Spirit leads us to it.

  15. demonized is NOT like the person is possessed

    possessed denotes the demon possesses the person

    that is NOT possible and is not even in the BIBLE

    demonized as in the BIBLE denotes the person has the demon

  16. You are dealing with two issues. Demons that are inside of people which need deliverance or have them cast out and then you have the demons attacking someone from the outside where they need to be resisted or have their mind renewed.

  17. Yes, if he/she walks AWAY FROM GOD and returns to their old ways! That is what this scripture is about:

    “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and a house divided against a house falls. 18If Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? Because you say I cast out demons by Beelzebub. 19And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his [g]spoils. 23He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.

    An Unclean Spirit Returns

    24“When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.”

  18. No, if one is saved, they have the Holy Spirit indwelling them, and no two spots can occupy the same body. But the sin nature and the propensity to sin is still there.

    1. Ronnie Zada Demons get in the Solish area or the body they are not in the spirit. The Holy Spirit in our spirit become one. Ex. People can have cancer in the body from a demonic spirit. People could also have a spirit of fear in the Soulish part (mind, emotions, etc)

    2. This is one of the more controversial subjects in the body of Christ today. In humility I would say a lot of people have a theology that a Christian can’t have a demon but very little experience in casting out demons from Christians.

    3. Ronnie Zada people say they are saved but continue with serious sin open themselves to demonic oppression. How many “Christians” use a spirit board or see a psychic? Many and this opens the door to demonic possession

    4. Karen Bean Mostly, read the Gospels. Many of Jesus’ healing’s were also deliverances. The gospels go into many accounts of Jesus’ healings where rest of New Testament simply states people were healed from sicknesses. If you are interested in healing, a great book to read is “the spiritual roots of sickness” by Henry Wright

    1. Lynn Cook Demons get in the Soulish area or the body they are not in the spirit. The Holy Spirit and our spirit become one. Ex. People can have cancer in the body from a demonic spirit. People could also have a spirit of fear in the Soulish part (mind, emotions, etc)

    2. Rafe Ronning I don’t know with what kind of theology you are commenting on everyone’s comments , but what I’m observing from you is that your replies are not biblical but rather outside the Bible .
      When we are a born again Christian we become a living sacrifice to God for the Bible says we have been brought by a price under the Blood of Jesus and through his Grace .
      The Bible also mentions ” Our Body is the temple of God keep it holy ” so therefore only the Holy Spirit dwells in the Children of God .

    3. Matthew Froze This post is about “Can a Christian have a demon?” The Bible does not explicitly say a Christian can have a demon or cannot have a demon. The scripture that talks about people being the temple of the Holy Spirit is not used to say a demon cannot be there as well. It’s simply stating New Covenant is about the Holy Spirit coming to dwell in someone’s body. (Christ in us) Jeremiah 31:33 talks about the fundamental change of the new covenant. My question to you would be have you ever had a demon cast out of you while you were a Christian or have you ever cast a demon out of another Christian?

    4. Rafe Ronning Whose experience? Satan will continue to tempt us and cause us trouble, but that is not the same as possession. Satan or his demons can do nothing without God’s permission, Job for example. The scripture says that when we are born again, our spirit represents the holy of Holies/or innermost part of our being “becomes one with the Holy Spirit”. 1 Cor. 6:17. Colossians 1:13, Paul says God “delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” True salvation brings deliverance and protection from Satan. Romans 8:37, Paul says we overwhelmingly conquer through Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57, he says God gives us the victory. 2 Corinthians 2:14, he says God always leads us in triumph. 1 John 2:13, John says we have overcome the evil one. And, in 4:4, he says the indwelling Holy Spirit is greater than Satan. How could anyone affirm those glorious truths, yet believe demons can indwell genuine believers? According to 1 Peter 1:5, when Christ reigns in a person’s life, that person is kept by God’s power. As a result, “the evil one does not touch him” 1 John 5:18 — When the Holy Spirit inhabits a person, no demon can set up house as a squatter. Indwelling by demons is only evidence of a lack of genuine salvation.

  19. I think it would be very dismissive of truth and reality to suggest that a Christian could not ‘have a demon’.
    You certainly don’t cast demons out of an unregenerate person (they have a right to be there). Christians can still have a demon, if there is part of their life that is resistng God… I’ve seen enough Christians set free from bondages to know the reality of demon habitation.

  20. If Satan could tempt Jesus, what makes anyone else so special? If you’ve seen deliverances, you’ll understand that every person sitting or standing next to the pastor is a Christian. Has asked and prayed for forgiveness. Goes to church usually. It’s very deceiving to believe they can’t.

    1. Charles Evans hes one of the best. People would criticize him for doing deliverance on Christians and he would say “what do you want me to do leave them in them?”

    1. Diana Tew Correct but some of it is. A lot of sickness is created from a spirit of infirmity. If a doctor cannot diagnose a condition it’s probably a demon

  21. Please read, study, analyze & review Ezekiel chapters 8, 9, 10 for a good answer on this topic.

    As a Christian, your body is now the Temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16-18; 6:19-20)

    1. Troy Day there can be a minor dualistic application in an unexpected way.
      Since the new spirit is now sealed, the mind and body now become the two battle grounds.
      The attack on mental health and physical health by demonic influences, oppressions and snares… on dual fronts.
      Daily/weekly Sins would leave an open breach in those two areas until the conscience is cleared with sprinkling of the blood of Jesus (not ritual confession but a discussion with Jesus of admission that his ways superceded our logical/natural ways, a repentant attitude and Thanksgiving for his faily forgiveness. Together that is not a confession for salvation of the spirit but for salvation of the mind. Also known as 1John 1:9. Also known as part of renewing the mind. Also Heb 9:14. Also known as having our feet washed.)

    1. Troy Day

      Cannot be possessed by two opposing forces. Jesus owns us. Nothing is strong enough to steal from Him once we belong to Him.

      1 Corinthians 6:19 (NKJV)
      Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit [who is] in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?

    1. Gregory Scott … He may be a little rough round the edges and impulsive, but what I see is a genuine servant of God, ready for the Master’s use.

    2. Juliet Miskolczi Character is judged by the fruit one produces. Judging good character is very easy by their behavior and their words. Compare them to Christ. Is that person’s behavior Christ like or are they selfish, self centered that shows no empathy or no compassion for others? Is that really Christ-like?

    3. David Owen WHat I see is someone who IS A PHONY politician who is racist, a narcissist, a sociopath that is leading the United States to a corrupt facist state. And the first way of doing that is tring to discredit the media which is the same thing Hitler tried to do. That is facism 101. How do you not see through such a con artist and a phony. He is a corrupt [politicain that doesnt care about ANYBODY but himself and is using Christians for his own selfish benefit. In the Bible it says beware of false teachers that they do not lead you astray. Trump is that person. He is a wolf in woilf’s clothing. He does nothing to promote unity but only divisiveness with an “Us vs Them” mentality. He is more like the ant-Christ and resewmbels NOTHING what REAL Christiany is.

    4. I don’t find him to be any of those things. You on the other hand….are like this…

      The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.

      And of what you say is even remotely true (which I see no proof of) then it is exactly him that Christ came for. You, have no right to say anything about anyone. The only thing I see wrong here, is how you fail to remember, Christ did not come here for perfect people such as yourself. You blip on saying blah blah blah, which is opinion, and you have stated no facts. You should look in the mirror.

      Oh, and I’d like to point out, if a person in authority is not your ideal person, all throughout the Bible, many were put in the highest authority regardless of their love for Christ. So…please stop going around and deciding who is saved or not. You do not know until you stand before God.

      Good luck with that.

    5. Gregory Scott … ‘You are what you behold’… ‘Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks’…. ‘to the pure, all things are pure’… I wonder what sort of Christian you were after 2 years.

  22. No. Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Spirit?

    I would read 1 Corinthians 6 .

    Agreeing to the question will lead to a problem. Some would say to themselves that, “it is okay to be addicted to something.” Paul’s point in 1 Corinthians 6 is this, it is not okay to be an immoral that is why he said your body is the temple of the Spirit. He does not say as some say that the body has “holy of holiest” he simply says that it is not okay to sin against the body because the Spirit resides in your body.

    I’m not saying that once we became a christian we can live a sinless life. But we die daily to ourselves because we are not of our own anymore. We are called to honor God in our body.

    So if you are still walking in the flesh then my advice is make your calling and election sure as Peter warns us.

  23. We all sin but to continue in WILFULL sin as a way of life with no regard for others is abhorrent and should never a person be a REAL Leader . A REAL leader is someone of good character that has good moral and ethics. DO you really want a leader who is a selfish sociopath who cares about himself and his own political career? Not me. I want someone who cares about everybody and not just he rich. He is corrupt and runs the country like a corrupt mafia family? How many people in Trumps administration have been indicted, areested or thrown in prison. Just look at Roger Stone. He pled guilty was Trump pardomed him. Thats just one example. His neive is bringing to light on the REAL Donald Trump and what kind of horrible person he is. I suugest you read the book

    1. Gregory Scott every comment or post I see from you you turn political in nature.
      This is your warning to stop.
      When your posts are removed it shows you why.
      If you continue, you’ll get a mute.

  24. Gregory Scott … ‘You are what you behold’… ‘Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks’…. ‘to the pure, all things are pure’… I wonder what sort of Christian you were after 2 years.

  25. Christ gives you his heart soul and spirit.

    Sin can still occupy your body and mind. So demons can still operate within those parts of us. They can not enter the heart soul or spirit

  26. For starters, I do not believe in demons, but let us assume they are real. Christ speaks that you must first defeat the strong man…aka the Holy Spirit is in the believers whom Iwould see as the strong man and a demon cannot, nor anything else, can ever defeat God.

    Matt 12
    “Or again, how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house.

    also the verse on no one can snatch them out of my hand or the father’s hand John 10
    “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

  27. You are in error. There are devils everywhere and deceiving the world. You do not yet know the Scripture.
    Mark 5
    12 And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.
    13 And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

  28. We are in a spiritual warfare against spiritual wickedness in high places.
    Ephesians 6:12
    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.

  29. No, one who has the Holy Spirit in them (anyone who is truly saved/born again) cannot have a demon in him. But demons can oppress or torment us directly (from outside) through wicked thoughts, temptations or even through possessing an unsaved individual.

  30. whats your take on this theological issue ? Tim Spangler DO you have any personal experience with demonics

  31. No. He who lives in you is greater than he who lives in the world. You can’t have the Holy Spirit and a demon residing in you. Lot’s of theology here, I leave it here.

  32. Diana Tew Ive said what I said to my the best of my personal ability Everyone can read the Bible and interpret for themselves Most of us in active ministry has faced this problem many times However, why is it that after this post all my posts in the group are declined and blocked with a bias I have not broken any group rules posted within the said daily limit contributed ONLY posts that generate hundreds of daily comments contributing to the positive growth of this group and the spiritual upbringing of its members Am I being censored for speaking the truth or have been targeted because of my religious conviction? Such targeted policing of free speech is against FB community standards and Christ-like values; not to mention it is against the rules of this very group Thank you for taking the time to review and respond GOD bless

    1. Diana Tew there is got to be some logic to it so we can follow and not break rules we dont know of When there is a personal bias it is hard to please as in this case And it also demotes good posts and discussions that make the group active

    1. they dont make good pets is what I hear and Christians tolerating them end up in you know where

  33. Diana Tew I repeated above and repeating again

    Cannot be possessed by two opposing forces

    show me where it says this in the Bible – start with showing me where the word possessed is used in the original Greek the way you propose Demonized means the person has a demon, as the NT says many times not that the demon has possessed the person I’d be careful pressing on the BIBLE things that are NOT in it at all

    1. Troy Day

      Troy Day

      You are of God, my little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4).

      He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13,14).

      Believers have nothing in common with darkness or Satan. The Holy Spirit, and a demonic spirit, cannot co-exist in the same person.

      And what agreement has Christ with Belial? or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? (2 Corinthians 6:15).

      There is no example in Scripture of a believer in Jesus Christ being demon-possessed. All cases of demonic possession were with those who were unbelievers.

  34. Diana Tew your scripture is out of context, does not speak of possession, does not even mention the word demonization so it is hard to follow in a theology proper discussion The distinction made between possession VS oppression is anglo-saxon linguistically gymnastics It is not in the BIBLE or any other language group out there It is just an excuse to face the real issue of Biblical demonization

    From your posts I suspect you do not believe in entire sanctification either SO what theology proper view is out there to explain your position – is it once saved always not demonized or what? Meaning – what guarantees that a Christian sitting next to you in church is not

    demonized

    especially when many in church still sin and do not practice entire sanctification holiness What guarantees your eternal security against demons? I suspect that with this logic what we can agree on IS that a believer could backslide and be demonized right ?

    1. Troy Day

      It doesn’t have to say what you believe it must say. It clearly shows that devils cannot possess or own the same vessel God owns and lives in. We become His temple. Devils cannot occupy His temple.

    2. Diana Tew Again possess is NOT a Biblical term How many in the NT were demonized while under covenant with God? Were the ones Jesus delivered not believers?

    3. Troy Day

      Christians can be oppressed not possessed.

      Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
      Romans 6:14

      God protects His own. Always has always will. He shows this all over the Bible. Just look at the plagues in Egypt.

    4. Diana Tew Christians can be oppressed not possessed. by what? Not by a demon and not in the Bible at any chance

      Christians can be demonized or delivered is the Biblical terminology as simple as that No scripture in the whole BIBLE saying a Christian cannot be demonizied No verse to even say they cannot be possessed oppressed depressed etc.

    5. Troy Day

      Just like Trinity is not in the Bible, possessed doesn’t have to be in there. It’s demonstrated many times, as is also the Trinity is demonstrated.

    6. Diana Tew well not really What about all the people who Jesus delivered in his ministry Were they not demonized while being under a blood paid covenant with God?

  35. Scriptures That Confirm That
    Christians Can Be Demonized

    1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

    This was spoken to Christians!

    2 Cor. 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

    However, lest we become complacent as Christians, the enemy can also demonize those who are true believers.

    Ga 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

    There is nowhere in Scripture that says the Holy Spirit cannot be present with evil. This kind of idea is without biblical merit and is, in fact, a denigration of the power of God.

    Rom. 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
    Rom. 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
    Gal. 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
    Rom. 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
    2 Pet. 2:20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
    Rev. 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

    All spoken to Christians!!

    The following passages of Scripture are some instances of demonization of believers of God, Jews and Christians, from the New Testament after Pentecost. There are also many pre-Pentecost and Old Testament references to demonization of believers, notably the stories of Job (Job 1:8-9; 2:3; 2:7); Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9); the Caananite woman’s child (Matt. 15:22-28); Jesus rebuking Peter (Matt. 16:22-23); a man with a demon in a synagogue (Mark 1:23); James and John being told “you know not what spirit your are of” (Luke 9:52-56); a “daughter of Abraham” with a “spirit of infirmity” (Luke 13:11-16); and Judas being demonized by Satan (John 6:70-71, 13:27). We believe that these are all pertinent examples that bear on this discussion as we believe that the Bible is a continuous revelation of how God works with man and what the will of God is for man.

    Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

    An example of two Christians whose hearts were filled with satan.

    Acts 8:9-24 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized.

    Simon, a believer, needed deliverance from the occult. He had believed in Christ but still had the heart of an occult sorcerer. He was still a captive to sin even after he had believed and been baptized.

    1 Cor 5:1-5 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.

    These verses speak of a believer filled with a spirit of lust and as a result, delivered over to satan for the destruction of his sinful nature and hopefully the salvation of his spirit. This shows that God even uses satan to bring about a turning from sin in a sinful believer. He used satan to test a faithful man like Job. Satan is God’s devil. He cannot do anything to Christians apart from the will of God. God uses satan when other methods of getting our attention have not worked.

    2 Cor. 11:3-4 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. How can our minds be lead astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ? For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received….

    How can believers have a different spirit than the Holy Spirit? By “receiving” it without testing the spirits. This is what is being done in the current “counterfeit” revivals.

    Gal. 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.

    Paul rebukes believers for being “bewitched”. In the mildest sense of this word we could say they have been fooled or blinded. In the strongest sense we can take it literally and say that the Galations were being tempted by demons, demonized into believing that they were saved by the law and not by Jesus Christ.

    1 Tim. 1:19-20 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

    Paul speaks of two believers who he delivered over to satan for blasphemy. This was to teach them not to blaspheme, not to send them to hell. Satan can be used by God to teach us valuable lessons as Christians.

    1 Tim. 4:1-2 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

    In latter times believers will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. I believe that the latter times are already here and this is exactly what is happening. Christians are listening to doctrines that come right out of the mouth of satan

    1 Pet. 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

  36. A real Christian have the holy spirit in them. As long as it’s inside of you no demon can occupy you. But they can whisper into your mind if they’re near you that doesn’t stop. U must always resist evil thinking.

    1. Troy Day I remember one verse when Saul fell out of favor with God removed his Spirit from him which is the holy Spirit and the devil entered into him that’s when I came up with my hypothesis…

    2. Dean Brown so it is possible – I remember another story from Acts 5, Judas, Jezebel in Rev., etc All good Church folk

    3. Alvie Perkinsjust because you said Lord Lord Lord does not get you into the kingdom of heaven so sad Christ himself.if you truly believe in God you must obey God if you turn to the ways of this world no! you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

    4. Dean Brown You still didn’t answer my question. I do believe what you said about those who say Lord Lord. I never said anything about not obeying Christ. I do believe you must turn to the ways of the Lord and not the world. But I am still wondering what your answer has to do with my question. About do believe if a person can lose their salvation.

    5. Alvie Perkins remember Solomon! God gave him all the blessings. a man can have in this life he turned away from God in favor of false gods from his contraband.. God took all but 1 tribes of Israel from him. So yes you can lose your salvation. You cannot look at Salvation as a free ticket to be a sinner.

    1. Troy Day first of all, there is no clear example in scripture where this has ever happened. But 2 Cor. 6:15-16 shows us that cohabitation of the Holy Spirit and demons is principally impossible. Here’s a quote from one pastor on the subject: “In Colossians 1:13, Paul says God “delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” Salvation brings true deliverance and protection from Satan. In Romans 8:37, Paul says we overwhelmingly conquer through Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:57, he says God gives us the victory. In 2 Corinthians 2:14, he says God always leads us in triumph. In 1 John 2:13, John says we have overcome the evil one. And, in 4:4, he says the indwelling Holy Spirit is greater than Satan. How could anyone affirm those glorious truths, yet believe demons can indwell genuine believers?”

    1. possessed by is NOT in the BIBLE The Bible uses the term demonizo In the NT on multiple occasions it is stated he/she has a demon

  37. 1 Peter 5:8 (KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

    Hebrews 10:10 (KJV) By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

    Ephesians 1:13 (KJV) In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

    Matthew 6:24 (KJV) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

    We who believes in Jesus Christ sanctified once for all, sealed with holy Spirit.

  38. They can have a demon tormenting them. They cannot be demon possessed if they have been redeemed. They can if they claim to be a Christian but haven’t been redeemed.

    1. Stacy Hutchinson
      Scriptures That Confirm That
      Christians Can Be Demonized

      1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

      This was spoken to Christians!

      2 Cor. 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

      However, lest we become complacent as Christians, the enemy can also demonize those who are true believers.

      Ga 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

      There is nowhere in Scripture that says the Holy Spirit cannot be present with evil. This kind of idea is without biblical merit and is, in fact, a denigration of the power of God.

      Rom. 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
      Rom. 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
      Gal. 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
      Rom. 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
      2 Pet. 2:20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
      Rev. 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

      All spoken to Christians!!

      The following passages of Scripture are some instances of demonization of believers of God, Jews and Christians, from the New Testament after Pentecost. There are also many pre-Pentecost and Old Testament references to demonization of believers, notably the stories of Job (Job 1:8-9; 2:3; 2:7); Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9); the Caananite woman’s child (Matt. 15:22-28); Jesus rebuking Peter (Matt. 16:22-23); a man with a demon in a synagogue (Mark 1:23); James and John being told “you know not what spirit your are of” (Luke 9:52-56); a “daughter of Abraham” with a “spirit of infirmity” (Luke 13:11-16); and Judas being demonized by Satan (John 6:70-71, 13:27). We believe that these are all pertinent examples that bear on this discussion as we believe that the Bible is a continuous revelation of how God works with man and what the will of God is for man.

      Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

      An example of two Christians whose hearts were filled with satan.

    2. Troy Day first, you’re eisegeting your own ideas into the text. No wonder your hermeneutics are off. Ananias and Sapphira were never regenerate. They, much like the Prosperity Gospel movement, saw Christianity and Jesus as a means to get all of the desires of their wicked hearts. So calling them Christians is false to begin with because they never wanted Jesus, they didn’t even trust in Christ which is why they buried some of their money as a backup plan.

    3. Eric Snow I dont think so The text is pretty clear What about Judas, what about the man given to satan What about Jezebel in Rev – the NT examples are too many to ignore BTW it is not ethical to blame someone in eisegeting while you are doing the same thing yourself without proving and actual exegesis

  39. Christian can be oppressed from the outside by demons. But can’t be possessed in his soul. If he’s possessed with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit won’t share your dwelling with a demon.

    1. Troy Day Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
      Matthew 12:29 ESV

    1. Scriptures That Confirm That
      Christians Can Be Demonized

      1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

      This was spoken to Christians!

      2 Cor. 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

      However, lest we become complacent as Christians, the enemy can also demonize those who are true believers.

      Ga 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

      There is nowhere in Scripture that says the Holy Spirit cannot be present with evil. This kind of idea is without biblical merit and is, in fact, a denigration of the power of God.

      Rom. 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
      Rom. 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
      Gal. 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
      Rom. 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
      2 Pet. 2:20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
      Rev. 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

      All spoken to Christians!!

      The following passages of Scripture are some instances of demonization of believers of God, Jews and Christians, from the New Testament after Pentecost. There are also many pre-Pentecost and Old Testament references to demonization of believers, notably the stories of Job (Job 1:8-9; 2:3; 2:7); Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9); the Caananite woman’s child (Matt. 15:22-28); Jesus rebuking Peter (Matt. 16:22-23); a man with a demon in a synagogue (Mark 1:23); James and John being told “you know not what spirit your are of” (Luke 9:52-56); a “daughter of Abraham” with a “spirit of infirmity” (Luke 13:11-16); and Judas being demonized by Satan (John 6:70-71, 13:27). We believe that these are all pertinent examples that bear on this discussion as we believe that the Bible is a continuous revelation of how God works with man and what the will of God is for man.

      Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

      An example of two Christians whose hearts were filled with satan.

    1. Scriptures That Confirm That
      Christians Can Be Demonized

      1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

      This was spoken to Christians!

      2 Cor. 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

      However, lest we become complacent as Christians, the enemy can also demonize those who are true believers.

      Ga 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

      There is nowhere in Scripture that says the Holy Spirit cannot be present with evil. This kind of idea is without biblical merit and is, in fact, a denigration of the power of God.

      Rom. 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
      Rom. 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
      Gal. 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
      Rom. 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
      2 Pet. 2:20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
      Rev. 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

      All spoken to Christians!!

      The following passages of Scripture are some instances of demonization of believers of God, Jews and Christians, from the New Testament after Pentecost. There are also many pre-Pentecost and Old Testament references to demonization of believers, notably the stories of Job (Job 1:8-9; 2:3; 2:7); Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9); the Caananite woman’s child (Matt. 15:22-28); Jesus rebuking Peter (Matt. 16:22-23); a man with a demon in a synagogue (Mark 1:23); James and John being told “you know not what spirit your are of” (Luke 9:52-56); a “daughter of Abraham” with a “spirit of infirmity” (Luke 13:11-16); and Judas being demonized by Satan (John 6:70-71, 13:27). We believe that these are all pertinent examples that bear on this discussion as we believe that the Bible is a continuous revelation of how God works with man and what the will of God is for man.

      Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

      An example of two Christians whose hearts were filled with satan.

    1. I find your copy past exposition quite poor theologically Are you saying with it that the demonized people in the NT were NOT true believers or what? Was their covenant with GOD fake? What about the little demonized boy who the demon threw in the fire? Was that little boy NOT a true believer coming to Jesus with his whole family for healing and deliverance ?

    2. Brenda Ann Bonturi Scriptures That Confirm That
      Christians Can Be Demonized
      1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
      This was spoken to Christians!
      2 Cor. 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
      However, lest we become complacent as Christians, the enemy can also demonize those who are true believers.
      Ga 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
      There is nowhere in Scripture that says the Holy Spirit cannot be present with evil. This kind of idea is without biblical merit and is, in fact, a denigration of the power of God.
      Rom. 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
      Rom. 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
      Gal. 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
      Rom. 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
      2 Pet. 2:20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
      Rev. 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
      All spoken to Christians!!
      The following passages of Scripture are some instances of demonization of believers of God, Jews and Christians, from the New Testament after Pentecost. There are also many pre-Pentecost and Old Testament references to demonization of believers, notably the stories of Job (Job 1:8-9; 2:3; 2:7); Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9); the Caananite woman’s child (Matt. 15:22-28); Jesus rebuking Peter (Matt. 16:22-23); a man with a demon in a synagogue (Mark 1:23); James and John being told “you know not what spirit your are of” (Luke 9:52-56); a “daughter of Abraham” with a “spirit of infirmity” (Luke 13:11-16); and Judas being demonized by Satan (John 6:70-71, 13:27). We believe that these are all pertinent examples that bear on this discussion as we believe that the Bible is a continuous revelation of how God works with man and what the will of God is for man.
      Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
      An example of two Christians whose hearts were filled with satan.

    3. Brenda Ann Bonturi , Troy Day is bending scripture to fit his own beliefs. He doesn’t want to defend his argument against the likes of JM, because his arguments won’t hold water.

  40. Interesting article and I agree that we are sealed. I don’t see a our soul as an immaterial entity. We have a body and a spirit. The soul has been defined as our personality or the attributes from our spirit. Not a location in an immaterial realm for demons to delve into by some means we don’t really understand. Remember, Satan had to get permission from God to even tempt Job. Satan’s suffered a head wound at the cross and is now bound to a great extent. Christ is ruling and permits satan or demons to act to only within boundaries that God has sovereignly appointed. “The Seed of the woman”, which we understand as Christ and His people as a unity, shall dominion over demons, etc.. We can simply rebuke the devil and he will flee from us. James 4:7.

  41. Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?
    1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV

    Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
    Matthew 12:29 ESV

    1. Scriptures That Confirm That
      Christians Can Be Demonized
      1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
      This was spoken to Christians!
      2 Cor. 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
      However, lest we become complacent as Christians, the enemy can also demonize those who are true believers.
      Ga 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
      There is nowhere in Scripture that says the Holy Spirit cannot be present with evil. This kind of idea is without biblical merit and is, in fact, a denigration of the power of God.
      Rom. 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
      Rom. 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
      Gal. 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
      Rom. 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
      2 Pet. 2:20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
      Rev. 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
      All spoken to Christians!!
      The following passages of Scripture are some instances of demonization of believers of God, Jews and Christians, from the New Testament after Pentecost. There are also many pre-Pentecost and Old Testament references to demonization of believers, notably the stories of Job (Job 1:8-9; 2:3; 2:7); Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9); the Caananite woman’s child (Matt. 15:22-28); Jesus rebuking Peter (Matt. 16:22-23); a man with a demon in a synagogue (Mark 1:23); James and John being told “you know not what spirit your are of” (Luke 9:52-56); a “daughter of Abraham” with a “spirit of infirmity” (Luke 13:11-16); and Judas being demonized by Satan (John 6:70-71, 13:27). We believe that these are all pertinent examples that bear on this discussion as we believe that the Bible is a continuous revelation of how God works with man and what the will of God is for man.
      Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
      An example of two Christians whose hearts were filled with satan.

    1. Concerning the involvement of demons in the lives of Christians, the apostle Peter is an illustration of the fact that a believer can be influenced by the devil (Matthew 16:23). Some refer to Christians who are under a strong demonic influence as being “demonized,” but never is there an example in Scripture of a believer in Christ being possessed by a demon. Most theologians believe that a Christian cannot be possessed because he has the Holy Spirit abiding within (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19), and the Spirit of God would not share residence with a demon.

    1. Troy Day Concerning the involvement of demons in the lives of Christians, the apostle Peter is an illustration of the fact that a believer can be influenced by the devil (Matthew 16:23). Some refer to Christians who are under a strong demonic influence as being “demonized,” but never is there an example in Scripture of a believer in Christ being possessed by a demon. Most theologians believe that a Christian cannot be possessed because he has the Holy Spirit abiding within (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19), and the Spirit of God would not share residence with a demon.

  42. Brenda Ann Bonturi so are you saying that because the demoniac or ANY demonized in the NT had a demon their covenant with GOD was invalid? What exactly is your claim here?

    Scriptures That Confirm That
    Christians Can Be Demonized

    1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

    This was spoken to Christians!

    2 Cor. 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

    However, lest we become complacent as Christians, the enemy can also demonize those who are true believers.

    Ga 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.

    There is nowhere in Scripture that says the Holy Spirit cannot be present with evil. This kind of idea is without biblical merit and is, in fact, a denigration of the power of God.

    Rom. 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
    Rom. 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
    Gal. 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
    Rom. 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
    2 Pet. 2:20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
    Rev. 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

    All spoken to Christians!!

    The following passages of Scripture are some instances of demonization of believers of God, Jews and Christians, from the New Testament after Pentecost. There are also many pre-Pentecost and Old Testament references to demonization of believers, notably the stories of Job (Job 1:8-9; 2:3; 2:7); Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9); the Caananite woman’s child (Matt. 15:22-28); Jesus rebuking Peter (Matt. 16:22-23); a man with a demon in a synagogue (Mark 1:23); James and John being told “you know not what spirit your are of” (Luke 9:52-56); a “daughter of Abraham” with a “spirit of infirmity” (Luke 13:11-16); and Judas being demonized by Satan (John 6:70-71, 13:27). We believe that these are all pertinent examples that bear on this discussion as we believe that the Bible is a continuous revelation of how God works with man and what the will of God is for man.

    Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

    An example of two Christians whose hearts were filled with satan.

    1. Brenda Ann Bonturi you mean like in the gay girl website you just posted Sorry but I find your comfort with homosexual posts the least to say disturbing if not …

    1. Troy Day Concerning the involvement of demons in the lives of Christians, the apostle Peter is an illustration of the fact that a believer can be influenced by the devil (Matthew 16:23). Some refer to Christians who are under a strong demonic influence as being “demonized,” but never is there an example in Scripture of a believer in Christ being possessed by a demon. Most theologians believe that a Christian cannot be possessed because he has the Holy Spirit abiding within (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19), and the Spirit of God would not share residence with a demon.

  43. Attachment and oppression are not the same as possession. A Christian has the Holy Spirit dwelling within him and therefore possession is impossible.

    However it is common and expected for Christians to come under demonic attack. The closer one comes in their walk with God the more of a target they become to the demonic. You ever hear the phrase the toughest trials come to the strongest warriors? Same principle.

    1. Darlene Taylor

      You answers are elusive.

      So you are not a Calvinist?

      But yet you believe in TULIP right?

      And you love Sproul?

      Are you sure you’re not a Calvinist?

      Do you also agree with this attachment below?

    2. Darlene Taylor

      No, I’m not a Calvinist.

      Your answers are elusive.

      So you are not a Calvinist?

      But yet you believe in TULIP right?

      And you love Sproul?

      Are you sure you’re not a Calvinist?

      Do you also agree with this attachment above?

      Guy Levorchick… you MUST root out all unbiblical teachings, right?

  44. Scriptures That Confirm That
    Christians Can Be Demonized
    1 Pet. 5:8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
    This was spoken to Christians!
    2 Cor. 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
    However, lest we become complacent as Christians, the enemy can also demonize those who are true believers.
    Ga 5:17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.
    There is nowhere in Scripture that says the Holy Spirit cannot be present with evil. This kind of idea is without biblical merit and is, in fact, a denigration of the power of God.
    Rom. 8:13 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,
    Rom. 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
    Gal. 5:13 You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.
    Rom. 11:22 Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
    2 Pet. 2:20 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.
    Rev. 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
    All spoken to Christians!!
    The following passages of Scripture are some instances of demonization of believers of God, Jews and Christians, from the New Testament after Pentecost. There are also many pre-Pentecost and Old Testament references to demonization of believers, notably the stories of Job (Job 1:8-9; 2:3; 2:7); Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9); the Caananite woman’s child (Matt. 15:22-28); Jesus rebuking Peter (Matt. 16:22-23); a man with a demon in a synagogue (Mark 1:23); James and John being told “you know not what spirit your are of” (Luke 9:52-56); a “daughter of Abraham” with a “spirit of infirmity” (Luke 13:11-16); and Judas being demonized by Satan (John 6:70-71, 13:27). We believe that these are all pertinent examples that bear on this discussion as we believe that the Bible is a continuous revelation of how God works with man and what the will of God is for man.
    Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?
    An example of two Christians whose hearts were filled with satan.

    1. If they get saved the demon will leave. Preaching the gospel is the most effective solution to the problem. We are not apostles and have no authority of demons – but the Lord does.

    2. Crawford Kirkwood Yes – but try calming a storm or walking on water. That Christ lives in you doesn’t give you authority to cast out demons any more than it does to walk on water.

  45. Concerning the involvement of demons in the lives of Christians, the apostle Peter is an illustration of the fact that a believer can be influenced by the devil (Matthew 16:23). Some refer to Christians who are under a strong demonic influence as being “demonized,” but never is there an example in Scripture of a believer in Christ being possessed by a demon. Most theologians believe that a Christian cannot be possessed because he has the Holy Spirit abiding within (2 Corinthians 1:22; 5:5; 1 Corinthians 6:19), and the Spirit of God would not share residence with a demon.

  46. Haley Valencia says WHO – certainly NOT the BIBLE

    All spoken to Christians!!

    The following passages of Scripture are some instances of demonization of believers of God, Jews and Christians, from the New Testament after Pentecost. There are also many pre-Pentecost and Old Testament references to demonization of believers, notably the stories of Job (Job 1:8-9; 2:3; 2:7); Saul (1 Sam. 16:14-16, 18:10, 19:9); the Caananite woman’s child (Matt. 15:22-28); Jesus rebuking Peter (Matt. 16:22-23); a man with a demon in a synagogue (Mark 1:23); James and John being told “you know not what spirit your are of” (Luke 9:52-56); a “daughter of Abraham” with a “spirit of infirmity” (Luke 13:11-16); and Judas being demonized by Satan (John 6:70-71, 13:27). We believe that these are all pertinent examples that bear on this discussion as we believe that the Bible is a continuous revelation of how God works with man and what the will of God is for man.

    Acts 5:1-11 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?

    An example of two Christians whose hearts were filled with satan.

    Acts 8:9-24 Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.” They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized.

    Simon, a believer, needed deliverance from the occult. He had believed in Christ but still had the heart of an occult sorcerer. He was still a captive to sin even after he had believed and been baptized.

    1 Cor 5:1-5 When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.

    These verses speak of a believer filled with a spirit of lust and as a result, delivered over to satan for the destruction of his sinful nature and hopefully the salvation of his spirit. This shows that God even uses satan to bring about a turning from sin in a sinful believer. He used satan to test a faithful man like Job. Satan is God’s devil. He cannot do anything to Christians apart from the will of God. God uses satan when other methods of getting our attention have not worked.

    2 Cor. 11:3-4 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. How can our minds be lead astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ? For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received….

    How can believers have a different spirit than the Holy Spirit? By “receiving” it without testing the spirits. This is what is being done in the current “counterfeit” revivals.

    Gal. 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.

    Paul rebukes believers for being “bewitched”. In the mildest sense of this word we could say they have been fooled or blinded. In the strongest sense we can take it literally and say that the Galations were being tempted by demons, demonized into believing that they were saved by the law and not by Jesus Christ.

    1 Tim. 1:19-20 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.

    Paul speaks of two believers who he delivered over to satan for blasphemy. This was to teach them not to blaspheme, not to send them to hell. Satan can be used by God to teach us valuable lessons as Christians.

    1 Tim. 4:1-2 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

    In latter times believers will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. I believe that the latter times are already here and this is exactly what is happening. Christians are listening to doctrines that come right out of the mouth of satan

    1 Pet. 5:8-9 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

    1. Haley Valencia if you dont know the Biblical term you need to go and study it a bit more before commenting

    2. Haley Valencia My definition is the on of the BIBLE using demonizo as the greek word LOOK it up BTW it is very unethical to say I am wrong while you present like 0 evidence Not even Christ-like if you ask me

    3. Eddy Cruz you have shown NO BIBLE either Just empty humanistic talk It’s bad enough most ppl are not Calvinist but when Calvinists dont know the BIBLE is worse

    4. Troy Evidence was provided. I’ve provided two links on the main comment thread. I hope it helps you with your misunderstanding/misinterpretation/misrepresentation/willfully wrong twisting/ or whatever this is, of Scripture. And if its not Christ Like to correct a misrepresentation of Scripture, then may the Lord show me!

    5. Troy Day Ironically, 1 Tim 4:1-2 about false teachers applies here Troy. And I’m gonna take 1 Tim 4:7’s advice! “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly.”

    6. Dave James I am completely calm brother Do you have something to add to the discussion at hand or just using the opportunity to attack me personally?

    7. Haley Valencia you do as you feel led BUT I’ve presented tones of Scripture in support while you have presented well NO scripture so WHO is the false teacher here 🙂 the man who has studied and give you the BIBLE or …

    8. Bonnie Penley Secrest How are they OUT of context when they are cited with their whole narrative establishing context Which scriptures would that be? The whole Acts 5, the story of Judas, the man from Corinth whom Paul gave to Satan or the first 3 chapters of Revelation?

    9. Troy Day It wasn’t a personal attack. It was a kind suggestion. That you took it as an attack says more about you and your thinking than it does about me.

    10. Troy Day all of the verses that you’ve posted are either talking about those who are not yet believers or believers who have been oppressed or led astray NOT possessed. None of these verses make the point that you are trying to bend them to make.

    11. Bonnie Penley Secrest How so ? – WHO in Acts 5 was not a believer 🙂 Who in Cor 5 was not a believer was not part of the church? Was jezebel of Revelation not a believer and a major part of the church Come on – you are reaching

    12. Troy Day No where in Acts 5 does it say either Aninias or his wife are saved. In fact, God struck them both dead for their deception. 1 Corinthians 5 is addressing church discipline and Paul never calls the one guilty of sexual immorality a brother and tells the church to remove him from them because of his unrepentant sin which proves he is not saved. As for the Jezebel in Revelation there’s nothing there saying she is saved to the contrary scripture calls her a Jezebel referencing the wicked wife of Ahab. I’m not the one reaching or BBC reading things into scripture that are not there.

    1. Danny Kircharr so if the door is open by CBD and booze and the demons come in and go out as they wish, is such person just oppressed and depressed 🙂 yes some brand name spirits bring much more demons than others

  47. Brenda Ann Bonturi is the last link you copy pasted to the one place website a uni-gender cite I did not follow because as soon as opened a poster comes wanting to send me a gay girl book Pls review your resources when you copy paste from random cites and lets keep OP Biblical pls

    1. Brenda Ann Bonturi I dont find you pro-gay stand funny Here is the website you posted Scroll down and read where it says Featured Resources From Bible Answer Man
      Gay Girl, Good God
      “Christ did not die to redeem us in part. Neither did He rise so that we might have life in portions.”—from Gay Girl, Good God, by Jackie Hill Perry

      SEND MY COPY
      https://www.oneplace.com/ministries/bible-answer-man/

    2. Laura Hernandez Thank you HOW is this gay issue related to demonized Christians – does it just happen?

    3. Brenda Ann Bonturi I dont think anyone could be right on the gay agenda targeting deliverance ministry I find your ease with such topic disturbing and proving OP

    4. Troy Day just giving information about what you said was a “gay girl” book and how that was your issue with the website that was someone’s source of information.

    5. Laura Hernandez I have issue with any website with gay agenda especially when related to demonization Non-the less the ease some members deny their problem is disturbing

  48. Brenda Ann Bonturi I find your comfort with homosexual posts the least to say disturbing if not demonic This is not a small thing – bringing gay issues in a demon deliverance topic is a definite sign Pls refrain from spamming this OP with gay content Thank you

  49. Brenda Ann Bonturi just to answer Henry Lowery No one went after you I went after the gay girl link you shared as you proof Cant believe Christians are good with sharing such but oh well

    1. Samson Sip my friend 1Jn3:9 doesn’t mean we don’t ever sin. That would contradict 1Jn1:8 that says, ‘if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves. What he’s saying is a believer can’t live in sin or practice sin. But on occasion we will sin, as we know

  50. ? Why ask. God in Christ -His Spirit indwell His own children. We can rest in our loving Father completely with complete confidence and by the way, victory..

  51. At least the author of this article doesn’t believe a born again believer can be possessed.

    However, I do slightly disagree with one aspect. I don’t necessarily think in every case that a Christian who is struggling from addiction necessarily needs deliverance. I’m meaning deliverance from spiritual oppression. I believe it is possible that a christian just needs to repent and stop sinning, and get out of their flesh and start walking in the spirit. I won’t deny that perhaps on occasion a Christian may need deliverance. But I think in most cases, it’s a believer getting in their flesh. They’re not putting away the old man.

    Teaching that any Christian who suffers from addiction is also having demonic oppression, is giving them an excuse to remain in their sin because then they think that they can’t break free without some kind of deliverance.

  52. “Neither give place to the devil.” The devil is a trespasser. Any unrepentant sin is an open door to the devil. The devil often comes in unnoticed. Like any intruder, he desires to lurk undetected, wreeking havoc while the victim is unaware of his presence.

  53. No internal possession, based on Colossians 1:13 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves…past tense….

    Demonization, oppression, spiritual warfare, etc. (external), yes….

    i) Experience above the Word (subjective vs objective): Deliverance services where it seems demons manifest inside/outside of Christians, but it can be a charade and drama, emotionalism, etc. The Word says believers cannot be the temple of the Holy Spirit and of demons at the same time.

    ii) Improper dissection (tripartite: spirit, soul, body): It is dividing the whole person to say a demon can be in the body or flesh, but not in the regenerated spirit/soul. We are one person under the authority of Christ vs/or Satan.

    iii) Assumed Christian identity (nominal vs genuine): Anecdotal stories about Christians being possessed and delivered may wrongly assume the person was a genuine believer at the time of the experience (cf. demoniacs and Jesus converted after deliverance). They may have been a possessed unbeliever or pre-believer, delivered, then repented/trusted and became a believer sooner or later after the fact deliverance.

    Deception, dancing, demonic, duped….2 Cor. 11:14

    https://www.gotquestions.org/angel-of-light.html

    Be biblical, balanced, charismatic, not the lunatic fringe of charismania/charismatic chaos (affects our credibility and genuine help with truth that sets free; Jn. 10:10).

    1. William Lance Huget show us from the Biblical greek where there is a difference between Demonization VS oppression VS demon-attack or whatever THE ONLY word the Bible uses is demonized…

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