Is there any scripture stating that a born-again believer can be indwelled with a demon?
Read it in Acts5v
1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
Take note, (or as Paul frequently says, 'I would not have you ignorant) Peter states quite categorically that
Satan had filled Ananias's heart..
ie, Ananias was indwelt by the biggest of demons!
4While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”
Again take note, Ananias had conceived in his heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and that opened the door for Satan to enter.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira resembles that Adam in the Garden of Eden, also of Judas Iscariot. It invariably starts with Satan or demons whispering thoughts into a man's heart, and that man foolishly agreeing. The rest, as they say, is history! -
Look at the parallel to Ananias in the Passover story-
Jn13v2And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him,
So the idea of betrayal is now floating around Judas's heart, but rather like Pharaoh confronted by Moses, a decision is still to be made.
When Jesus informs the disciples he is about to be betrayed, they ask him who it will be.
Jn13v26Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And having dipped the bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27Now after the piece of bread, Satan entered him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”
Jesus didn't make the decision for Judas, he merely triggered the timing.
But in that wicked decision of treachery, Judas surrendered completely to Satan who walked straight through that open door.
Back to Ananias.-
5Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things. 6And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
Ananias and his wife had no excuse. They were right at the start of the mightiest move of God since the miracles around the Exodus and Jericho. God dealt with them like he did Achan.
Now I know people will be scrabbling around trying to prove that Ananias was not a believer, but that's shear nonsense.
1). If Ananias was not a believer, then this is a complete non story. Non believers blaspheme God every day by rejecting the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. And that blasphemy is unforgivable till they repent and turn to God. The issue of lying about a property value is utterly irrelevant when compared to eternal life.
2). The previous chapter sets the context of what Ananias did. (Don't forget, chapters and verses are a modern addition to your bibles.)
Thus Ananias and Sapphira are included in the activity of the saints described below.-
Acts4v32Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul;
The multitude of saints included these two foolish believers.
neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
33And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
36And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
And as part of this movement of the saints Ananias did the same, only he was not whole hearted!
There is absolutely no evidence to say he was not a born again believer when he submitted to Satan's whispers!
In contrast Judas was godless and unregenerate. He had all the chances in the world to repent, but never did.
Jesus included Judas to fulfill a certain role, just as God chose Pharaoh for a certain role. In both cases God knew what they would do without forcing them to do it.
For reference, I have been involved in the deliverance ministry for 40 years, and have cast demons out countless times.
In all cases, I cast them out of born again, spirit filled Christians.
Christians who are not Spirit filled generally don't believe in demons, so they never ask for help and remain bound.
Non believers likewise, never seek help for deliverance. Why would they?
