While the Bible does not
explicitly state whether a Christian can be possessed by a demon, related
biblical truths make it abundantly clear that Christians cannot be demon
possessed. There is a distinct difference between being possessed by a demon
and being oppressed or influenced by a demon. Demon possession involves a demon
having direct/complete control over the thoughts and/or actions of a person
(Matthew 17:14-18; Luke 4:33-35; 8:27-33). Demon oppression or influence
involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and/or encouraging
him/her into sinful behavior. Notice that in all the New Testament passages
dealing with spiritual warfare, there are no instructions to cast a demon out
of a believer (Ephesians 6:10-18). Believers are told to resist the devil
(James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9), not to cast him out.
Christians are indwelt by the
Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9-11; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19). Surely the Holy Spirit
would not allow a demon to possess the same person He is indwelling. It is unthinkable
that God would allow one of His children, whom He purchased with the blood of
Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19) and made into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), to
be possessed and controlled by a demon. Yes, as believers, we wage war with
Satan and his demons, but not from within ourselves. The apostle John declares,
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who
is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Who is the
One in us? The Holy Spirit. Who is the one in the world? Satan and his demons.
Therefore, the believer has overcome the world of demons, and the case for
demon possession of a believer cannot be made scripturally.
With the strong biblical evidence
that a Christian cannot be demon possessed in view, some Bible teachers use the
term “demonization” to refer to a demon having control over a Christian. Some
argue that while a Christian cannot be demon possessed, a Christian can be
demonized. Typically, the description of demonization is virtually identical to
the description of demon possession. So, the same issue results. Changing the
terminology does not change the fact that a demon cannot inhabit or take full
control of a Christian. Demonic influence and oppression are realities for Christians,
no doubt, but it is simply not biblical to say that a Christian can be
possessed by a demon or demonized.
Much of the reasoning behind the
demonization concept is the personal experience of seeing someone who was
“definitely” a Christian exhibiting evidence of being controlled by a demon. It
is crucially important, though, that we do not allow personal experience to
influence our interpretation of Scripture. Rather, we must filter our personal
experiences through the truth of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Seeing someone
whom we thought to be a Christian exhibiting the behavior of being demonized
should cause us to question the genuineness of his/her faith. It should not
cause us alter our viewpoint on whether a Christian can be demon possessed / demonized.
Perhaps the person truly is a Christian but is severely demon oppressed and/or
suffering from severe psychological problems. But again, our experiences must
meet the test of Scripture, not the other way around.
Recommended Resource: The Invisible War: What Every Believer Needs to
Know about Satan, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare by Chip Ingram
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