Many have asked me this question: can a Christian be demon possessed? Although I always try as much as possible to provide them with an accurate and straightforward answer, I do believe this is a very delicate topic to deal with; such that should be addressed with utmost care.
From the look of things, I've discovered this sort of question will not stop coming, so it's better I put down a better answer as blog post. I believe this is going to be an interesting adventure, so let's trust the Holy Spirit to bring revelation and understanding concerning this very matter.
Matthew 12:43-45 KJVWhen the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. [44] Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. [45] Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Notice that whenever this sort of question is raised in Christian circles, the response is often either a Yes or No. Different Christians have different opinions towards the possibility of a demon possessing a Christian, and there seem not to be any agreement between all of these opinions. This article is not another argument on this topic, but I'll make my point and support it with relevant scriptures. At the end of the day, you'll be left with the opportunity to determine for yourself whether demons can truly possess a Christian or not.
Some are for the school of thought that believes a Christian can never get possessed by a demon; while others are skeptical on how safe a Christian is from demonic possession. If this same question hasn't bugged you too, I want to use this medium to draw your attention to it also. It's such an important thing we all must understand, especially in these last days where almost everyone lives the way they want.
What Is Demon Possession?
Demon possession is believed to be a voluntary or forced act of taking ownership of a vessel (human body) by an ungodly or dark entity, for evil intentions. In most cases, when a demon possesses a vessel, it can go as far as controlling different parts of their body or their mind to make them act, talk or do things against their will; things they wouldn't want to do under normal circumstances.
The Bible was meant to speak about God, hence much hasn't been said concerning demons. But I know that I have the Holy Spirit and possibly, someone reading this does too. The Spirit of God is able to bring us into all truth (John 16:13).
I assume every Christian already has an idea concerning what demon possession is all about, so we're not going to lay more emphasis here.
Why Do Demons Possess People?
Understand that Satan and his minions only have one major goal: taking as many souls as they can to Hell. And they are ready to go extra miles to use every available means to achieve this goal.
John 10:10 KJVThe thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
The operation of spirits in the earth realm is limited until they find a body; a vessel which they can live and work through. That is why the Holy Spirit doesn't just hover in the earth's atmosphere to save people and perform miracles; He needs a vessel through whom He can carryout His assignment.
Demons are desperate to find a body where they can live, move and carryout evil (and possibly destroy and take that person to Hell). Finding a body to possess is literally the best thing that can happen to an evil spirit. With this understanding, I believe everyone should do everything possible to resist demon possession.
What Are The Sources Of Demonic Possession?
There are many possible means through which demons possess people. We'll look at the most important ones below:
1. Through Ignorance
Knowing God and following the path of God is the best thing that can happen to anyone on this planet. But unfortunately, not everyone is opportuned to know God just in time. Some get to know God at a later stage in life.
Hosea 4:6 KJVMy people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..
There are many people who dabbled into the dark path out of ignorance and eventually got possessed by devils. For instance, some ignorantly dabble into the occult while trying to find the right spiritual path. The result is often demon possession and affliction.
The “new age” fad that many are getting obsessed with in these last days is just one way through which demons are possessing the ignorant. Sadly, many professing Christians have also been caught up in strange new age practices. The dangers are unfathomable!
John 14:6 KJVJesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
People need to understand that not all paths lead to God. Jesus isn't just one of the paths to God, but the only path to God.
Some persons believe that Jesus Christ is just one diety out of the many others who exist; and all these dieties exist to help man attain enlightenment and perfection. This is fallacy of epic proportions! It is one of the new age deceptions that have been very effective on many.
Acts 4:10,12 KJVBe it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
If you have been following a path other than Jesus Christ, it is time to retrace your steps. If you find yourself in this picture, go ahead and pray this salvation prayer.
2. Through Willful Invitation
It might interest you to know that not everyone wants God. Not everyone who knows about the true God wants to follow Him. There is a category of people the Bible calls “haters of God” (Romans 1:30). This category of people make it intentional to reject God. Most of them are witches, warlocks, witch doctors, sangoma and talismen who willfully got initiated into the dark path.
Revelation 22:14-15 NIVBlessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
By following the path of darkness, demonic possession is inevitable. A worst-case scenario is where those who submitted themselves to be used of the devil go on to also initiate their children, establishing a legal ground for demons to possess and use their offsprings also. Unfortunately, some people are born into such families; it only takes God's special intervention to get them saved and completely delivered.
There are also others who had a genuine encounter with God and got saved, but out of desire for riches, spiritual power and spiritual experiences, they willfully dabbled into the path of darkness; and the end result was demon possession. This is also a sort of willful invitation and in such a scenario, demon possession is beyond possible.
In these end times where doctrines of devils and practices have found their way into the Church, many aren't just getting demon-possessed but also losing their salvation. Some don't even know what to believe in anymore. What's even more surprising is that many Christians today do not see getting involved in occultic practices as harmful. They believe they can do just anything they like and still remain Christians.
1 Timothy 4:1 KJVNow the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.
Heeding doctrines of devils is also a sort of willful invitation—one of the easiest ways anyone can get demon possessed (and this is actually happening). Be careful to not subscribe to a new teaching or practice in the end time Church without double-checking to see whether it conforms with the Word of God or not.
Recall that we are warned against these very days in the holy scriptures. We are seeing the great falling away which the Apostle Paul spoke of in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Be careful to not get caught in this great delusion. God's standards haven't changed yet, and Jesus Christ is still coming for a church without spot or blemish (Ephesians 5:27).
3. Through Sin
There is a reason why Christians are required to separate themselves from worldliness and consecrate themselves to God in all holiness.
2 Corinthians 6:17 KJVWherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you.
Romans 12:1 KJVI beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Sin is an open path towards demonic intrusion and possession. The very thing that easily gives evil spirits the legal right to invade and occupy anywhere or anyone is sin. Wherever sin is practiced, there's an open door and invitation for darkness to take over.
Sin is the property of the kingdom of darkness. Then should a Christian keep the same in their possession and not expect a visitation and possible possession by agents of darkness?
Proverbs 6:27-28 KJVCan a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? [28] Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
No Christian should be confused on the path to tread. It's either we choose light or darkness. We can't operate sometimes in light and other times in darkness, and expect to not get demon possessed. These spirits are very desperate and smart, they don't hesitate to lay hold of the slightest chance to their advantage.
Romans 6:16 KJVKnow ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
Like I earlier said, no Christian should have any reason to be confused. It's as simple as just choosing one path and walking in it! Sitting in the fence is even more deadly because you wouldn't know what's coming for you or when it's coming.
1 Corinthians 10:21 KJVYe cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
There is an interesting story told to us in the Bible, where Jesus heals a man by the pool of Bethesda and later tells him something very important:
John 5:14 KJVAfterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
One may say that this man's infirmity wasn't due to demon possession. But the kingdom of darkness happens to be the source of most sicknesses and spiritual problems that people have. For instance, a good number of people are locked up in the psychiatric for mental illness, unknowing that they are simply possessed by a spirit of insanity!
What am I saying in essence? The source of the affliction of certain persons is due to demon possession gotten through sin. So there's no room to be confused on whether sin can open the door for someone to get possessed by a devil or not. I'm sure you have the answer already.
Some feel like sinning is an adventure to go on or something to explore. Certain behaviours and acts can get one in a mess they may never be able to get out of. This calls for caution.
On What Basis Can A Christian Be Demon Possessed?
I will say, on the grounds of lukewarmness!
Much has already been said so far. Now let's connect the dots. Whenever people come up with the question on whether a Christian can get possessed by a demon or not, in most cases you can literally sense that they are seeking an opportunity to compromise and still stay safe. It's like seeking a guide on how to steal and not get caught.
But sorry to disappoint, things don't work that way when it comes to the spiritual. There are boundaries one shouldn't cross. But if anyone decides to still cross them, they should also be prepared to face the consequences.
When A Christian Is Not Full Of The Holy Spirit
When a Christian is not filled with the Holy Spirit, they endanger their life (both spiritually and physically). In such a spiritual state, no one's soul is safe. There are very important reasons why we are instructed and required to stay filled with the Holy Spirit at all times!
Ephesians 5:18 KJVAnd be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the only resistive force a Christian has against evil. When a Christian is not filled with the Spirit they become vulnerable to Sin, Satan, his minions and devices. In fact, it is often this sort of opportunity that the enemy seizes to strike down a Christian.
No Christian is powerful when they are not filled with the Holy Spirit. No Christian is safe when they are not Spirit-filled. There's no spirituality but lukewarmness and carnality in the absence of infilling of the Holy Spirit.
When a Christian is not filled with the Holy Spirit, there is space left in them. Who then do they expect to fill that space? Of course when another spirit spots that space, they're definitely going to attempt an invasion.
No Christian should even contemplate on whether they should position themselves to get filled with the Holy Spirit daily or not. That isn't something to have a second thought on or play with.
Final Thoughts On A Christian Getting Demon Possessed
In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus talked about an unclean spirit finding a place that is empty, swept and well-kept. And what that spirit does is to go back to invite even more wicked spirits than itself to come occupy that space. With this analogy, our Lord Jesus was describing the state of a person who lives in sin and is not filled with the Holy Spirit.
So at this juncture, I'll throw back the question at you. Can a Christian be demon possessed? Feel free to leave your answer or thoughts in the comment section below.
God bless you.
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