The topic of whether a Christian can be demon possessed is one that is often debated among believers. There are differing viewpoints on this issue, with some arguing that true born-again Christians cannot be possessed by demons, while others believe that Christians can still struggle with demonic oppression or possession. Ultimately, the Bible does not provide a completely definitive answer, but looking at key scriptural passages can give insight into how to think biblically about this issue.
The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit
One of the key biblical arguments against demon possession of Christians is based on the doctrine of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When someone becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within them (Romans 8:9-11). This indwelling of the Spirit is seen as incompatible with also being indwelt or possessed by an evil spirit.
Verses used to support this include:
– 1 John 4:4 – “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” This seems to indicate that the Holy Spirit dwelling in a believer is greater than any evil spirit that could attempt to possess them.
– 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 – Light and darkness cannot dwell together. The Holy Spirit and an evil spirit cannot both permanently live within a believer.
Based on the biblical teaching about the Holy Spirit indwelling believers at salvation, many conclude that a demon cannot also permanently dwell within a Christian. The Holy Spirit serves to protect the believer from demonic control or possession.
Warnings Against Demonic Influence
While some use the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to argue that Christians cannot be possessed, the Bible does contain warnings against demonic influence. There are calls for believers to be on guard and resist the influence of the devil.
Verses include:
– Ephesians 4:27 – Do not give the devil a foothold.
– Ephesians 6:10-18 – Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil’s schemes.
– 1 Peter 5:8 – Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
– James 4:7 – Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
These warnings imply that Christians can still be influenced by demonic forces if they do not stand firm in their faith. While a demon may not permanently dwell within a Christian, it seems believers can still be attacked through demonic oppression or influence.
Accounts of Demonic Affliction
The Gospels contain several accounts of Jesus and the disciples casting out demons and evil spirits from afflicted individuals. In some cases, it is not specifically stated whether these individuals were believers or not. However, some argue there are no accounts in the Bible of a demon being cast out of a known believer.
Examples of Jesus casting out demons include:
– The Gerasene demoniac (Luke 8:26-39) – The man was healed and became a proclaimer of Jesus, but his faith is not specifically mentioned during the deliverance account.
– The Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (Mark 7:24-30) – The girl was set free from an unclean spirit but we don’t know if she or her mother were believers at this point.
– The boy with an evil spirit (Mark 9:14-29) – The account focuses on the disciples’ inability to cast out the spirit rather than any specifics about the boy or his family’s faith.
The lack of definitively identified believers being exorcised of demons leads some to claim Christians cannot be possessed. However, others point out that the Bible does not say that no believers were ever demonized – just that none are specifically named as such in these accounts.
Protection Through Spiritual Maturity
Another line of thinking is that more mature Christians who are living lives obedient to God are less susceptible to demonic influence than newer or less mature believers might be. Spiritual protection may grow as Christians deepen their relationship with God.
Verses on spiritual maturity and protection include:
– 1 John 2:13-14 – Young men have overcome the evil one because the word of God lives in them.
– Ephesians 6:10 – Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
– 2 Thessalonians 3:3 – The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
From this viewpoint, maturity and depth in the faith may protect against demonic influence in ways that new believers may still be vulnerable to.
Freedom Through Christ
Some emphasize the complete freedom and protection believers have through their position in Christ. Scriptures focus on identity and authority believers have in Christ, which gives them victory over the demonic realm.
Verses that highlight this protection include:
– Colossians 1:13 – For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.
– Colossians 2:15 – And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
– Romans 8:37-39 – We are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
From this perspective, a Christian’s identity in Christ gives them protection from demonic control or possession, based on Christ’s victory over spiritual forces of evil.
Examples of Ananias and Sapphira
In Acts 5, the account of Ananias and Sapphira being judged for lying to the Holy Spirit is sometimes used in relation to the discussion of believers and demons. When Peter confronts Ananias, he says, “Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit” (Acts 5:3). Later with Sapphira, he asks, “How is it that Satan has so filled your heart?” (Acts 5:9).
Some claim this is an example of true believers being influenced or filled by Satan. Others argue Ananias and Sapphira were not true believers, or that Satan filling their hearts does not necessarily mean demon possession. But the passage should be considered regarding whether Satan can influence the hearts of at least some who profess faith.
Differing Viewpoints
Considering the various biblical passages, Christians have come to several viewpoints on whether believers can be demon possessed. Some of the main views include:
1. True Christians cannot be demon possessed. The Holy Spirit lives within the believer, protecting them from demonic control.
2. Demons cannot dwell within a Christian permanently, but Christians can still be influenced or oppressed by spiritual attacks.
3. Less mature Christians are more susceptible to demonic influence than mature believers who have built up spiritual protection.
4. Whether a Christian can be possessed depends more on how we define “possessed.” Demons may afflict but not control a believer.
There are good arguments from Scripture for each of these viewpoints. This leaves room for some prayerful disagreement among believers on the issue.
Avoiding Extremes
When discussing demon possession and Christians, two extremes should be avoided:
1. Assuming all problems are demonic – Some attribute every struggle or sin issue to a demon, taking away personal responsibility. The Bible focuses more on fighting sin through repentance and obedience.
2. Dismissing demonic influence – Others completely ignore the spiritual realm, leaving Christians unprepared to face spiritual battles. The Bible is clear on the reality of spiritual warfare.
The truth is likely somewhere in between. Christians need to take responsibility for their conduct while recognizing that the demonic threatens to gain footholds if left unguarded against.
wise Steps Forward
For Christians seeking to understand how to guard against demonic influence, the following wise steps can apply:
– Grow in spiritual maturity through Bible study, prayer, fellowship, and obedience.
– Put on the full armor of God each day as described in Ephesians 6.
– Ask other mature believers to pray if you are facing an intense spiritual battle or oppression.
– Remove any footholds of sin which could open up doorways to the demonic – repent and obey.
– Focus on Christ’s protection and victory rather than giving place to fear.
– Seek medical attention as needed in cases of mental illness or deep anguish.
– Focus on filling your mind with God’s truth rather than on demonic lies.
While avoiding extremes, Christians still need wisdom in discerning true spiritual battles. Seeking God’s protection through faith and obedience allows believers to stand firm no matter what forces come against them.
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible does not definitively state whether Christians can be demon possessed or not. Good theological arguments exist on both sides. What is clear is that the demonic aims to influence believers’ lives, so Christians must stand firm in faith to resist those attacks through God’s strength and protection. By growing in maturity and putting on the full armor of God, Christians can live in victory over spiritual forces of evil as they walk by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.
