Can a Christian have a demon?

[hal weeks]

I would like to get a concensus of what other spirit-filled Christians think.

 

[InnerPhyre]

Tormented? Influenced? Tempted? Yes. Possessed? No. How can a demon be inside of you while the Holy Spirit is there too?

 

[BBAS 64]

Tormented? Influenced? Tempted? Yes. Possessed? No. How can a demon be inside of you while the Holy Spirit is there too?

Good Day, InnerPhyre

I agree, to inhabit a house you must first bind the strong man, the demon binds the Spirt of God.. impossible IMHO.

Peace to u,

Bill

 

[Lutherrunner]

My girlfriend has a cat that I swear is demon possessed.....so I guess you could say she has a demon.....

 

[VickiY]

Yes. Most definitely. It is possible for a Christian to invite the demon in. Whether this is done in foolish pride, or through communicating with the dead, etc, it is still possible. In the Orthodox Church, when people are baptised, they are first exorcised, then, into the clean body, the seal of the Holy Spirit is added.

Just because a person is Christian, is no reason for them to think that they are free of evil influences. History is full of Christians who became possessed, and who later had their demons cast out.

Just my two cents.

Vicki

 

[Robbie_James_Francis]

I do not believe that baptised Christians can be possessed, though they can be influenced by Satan and his angels. Rob

 

[BBAS 64]

Yes. Most definitely. It is possible for a Christian to invite the demon in. Whether this is done in foolish pride, or through communicating with the dead, etc, it is still possible. In the Orthodox Church, when people are baptised, they are first exorcised, then, into the clean body, the seal of the Holy Spirit is added.

Good Day, VickiY

I would say that a Christian would not "desire" on any level to invite a demon in. If they did I would question there understanding of a Christian.

Just because a person is Christian, is no reason for them to think that they are free of evil influences. History is full of Christians who became possessed, and who later had their demons cast out.

Just my two cents.

Vicki

Infulence is quite a differnet thing than possesion.

Peace to u,

Bill

 

[linden]

I would like to get a concensus of what other spirit-filled Christians think.

No No and No! Does any Christian really think that the Holy Spirit, which indwells you forever (see verse below) is going to share part of the soul with a demon?

John 14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--

Having written the above. A Christian can be demon influenced only. False doctrine can be taken in pretty quickly if we do not watch it.

Linden

 

[SOTK]

Tormented? Influenced? Tempted? Yes. Possessed? No. How can a demon be inside of you while the Holy Spirit is there too?

Couldn't have said it better!

 

[I'ddie4him]

Tormented? Influenced? Tempted? Yes. Possessed? No. How can a demon be inside of you while the Holy Spirit is there too?

I have to agree with this statement. This reminds me of the house divided against itself. It won't stand. Neither could both evil and goodness dwell in the same person.

 

[talitha]

Yes. Most definitely. It is possible for a Christian to invite the demon in. Whether this is done in foolish pride, or through communicating with the dead, etc, it is still possible. In the Orthodox Church, when people are baptised, they are first exorcised, then, into the clean body, the seal of the Holy Spirit is added.

Just because a person is Christian, is no reason for them to think that they are free of evil influences. History is full of Christians who became possessed, and who later had their demons cast out.

Just my two cents.

Vicki

Very well said, Vicki. *finding the rep button*

blessings
tal

 

[Entertaining_Angels]

No way. That said, I was torn up inside over the generational sin lie. I bought into it hook, line and sinker. I've learned much since I've gotten away from those teachings and now believe they are demonic because they keep people away from a true relationship with the Father.

God's not sharing occupancy with demons. If you're in a church that teaches this or the generational sin thing, run...don't walk...to your nearest exit and don't go back.

 

[OrthodoxyUSA]

Yes. Most definitely. It is possible for a Christian to invite the demon in. Whether this is done in foolish pride, or through communicating with the dead, etc, it is still possible. In the Orthodox Church, when people are baptised, they are first exorcised, then, into the clean body, the seal of the Holy Spirit is added.

Just because a person is Christian, is no reason for them to think that they are free of evil influences. History is full of Christians who became possessed, and who later had their demons cast out.

Just my two cents.

Vicki

 

[Joy]

The pharse demon possession which was used in the 17th century Authorised Version of Bible carried a much less extreme meaning ie imbued, inspied by or inhabited by. Whereas the modern meaning of 'demon possession' means ownership and total control, so this term is no longer used.

I believe we can be influenced or oppressed by evil spirits and at times prayer is needed to bring release from someone who is experienced in this area of ministry. I am very careful because there are those who cause more damage and i would not attend just any deliverance ministry but I personally know there are genuine individuals who are used by the Lord to bring deliverance to the captives.

 

[Entertaining_Angels]

Yes, I believe we can be oppressed by demons but if you're a Christian and somebody is telling you you are possessed then something is wrong. Could be you like the victim mentality and it is much easier to blame your sinful nature on anything other than you, or, in my case, it could be used to control. Unfortunately too many pastors and 'christians' use this as something to control.

I know I've shared what happened to me with the generational sin thing and how much damage that did in my life and I see in happening in other lives.

Demons exist, no doubt, but once you accept Jesus as your Lord, they have no hold on you. You don't need to chant prayers or take part in voodoo-esque ceremonies. Any belief otherwise is not found in scriptures, extraBiblical and damaging.

 

[Dmckay]

Many have gone with the normally accepted answer in Western Christiandom that no, a believer can't be demon possessed. Food for thought. This is the sanctioned teaching in most US Bible Colleges and Seminaries where many of the academics have not been involved in ministry other than in the States. If you talk about this subject with Missionaries, especially those who have served in very pagan and occultic countries, they have a completely different view.

A passage to consider, 1 Corinthians, Paul talks about a member of the Corinthians church who is involved in adultery with his father's wife. Paul exhorts them to turn such a one over to Satan, (WHY) for the destruction of his body, BUT the salvation of his soul. There is no doubt in Paul's mind that this individual in a true believer. However, the rejection of the teaching of the elders, and the nature of his willful sin despite instruction to the contrary, leads Paul to say, Turne him over to Satan for the destruction of his physical form. Sounds like possession of a believer to me.

 

[Ainesis]

I would like to get a concensus of what other spirit-filled Christians think.

Yes. Christians can have demons.

People's understanding of this may however depend on how they are defining "Christian."

It is after we have believed that Jesus tells us to take possession of our souls. (Luke 21:19) Why is that? What is contending for possession of our souls?

Deliverance is stated by Jesus to be the children's bread. Matthew 15:26

Further, we are told that unclean spirits look to come back to their "houses" when they have been cast out. Should they find these houses empty, the man is made worse than he was before. Matthew 12:43-45 As such, why would anyone bother to cast demons out of someone who did not know the Lord? Who could not have that "emptiness" filled by God's Holy Spirit? We would just be making those who are not saved worse.

Either way, without going into a long diatribe, the short answer to your question is yes.

 

[Ainesis]

Demons exist, no doubt, but once you accept Jesus as your Lord, they have no hold on you.

I would just offer this, it is the same for sin. Once we accept Jesus as our Lord, sin no longer has any power over us.

"Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Romans 6:6

So then, why do people continue to sin? Becuase they choose to give themselves over to sin.

"But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:14-15

Does the fact that sin no longer has a hold on us prevent it from ensnaring us? No, not if we choose to let sin have its way instead of God.

I am not trying to start a debate here, but simply trying to point out that Christ giving us vistory over elements of darkness does not automatically mean that this victory is empowered in our lives.

Sin is not passive. Sin contaminates. Which is why Jesus is faithful not only to "forgive" us when we confess our sins but also to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If there is unrighteousness in us as a result of our sin that needs to be cleansed, then how did that unrighteousness get in and what needs cleaning?

Again, not setting up doctrine here, only offering something to think about.

 

[Gospel Trafficker]

I believe yes they can. I have seen it personally. There was this woamn that I knew was saved. She was all about Jesus. My spirit bore witness to it. The fruit was evident, etc. She walks in the church and starts saying some very nasty things. She pukes over and over, she hits the floor, banging her head over and over on the floor, all the while clawing her way down the aisle AWAY from the alter. She tries to bit a very good friend of hers, spews some insane things about Jesus. As the woman tries to speak in tongues, the Demon took over and twisted them. Then the grand fanaly, (most of you prob wont believe this) She arches her back so her hands and feet are off the floor and spins in a complete circle. After a few Hours of this she comes to.. She has been deliviered just to inform you. NOW SHE WAS AND IS SAVED.

 

[Diane_Windsor]

Tormented? Influenced? Tempted? Yes. Possessed? No. How can a demon be inside of you while the Holy Spirit is there too?

Then why does the Vatican have exorcists?

Diane