Can a Christian have a demon?

Aussie Pete · Feb 7, 2022

A lot of Christians think that demons cannot dwell in a Christian. I avoid the word "possess" as it conjures up ideas of people totally out of control and fit only for the funny farm. Horror movies are not the best source of information with respect to how demons function.

I use the word "demon" to include evil spirits. It's easier and the same principles apply.

As evidence that Christians can be infested with a demon, I present this video of the launch of the so-called Toronto Blessing. It's an abomination and way too many Christians fail to see the truth about it. Ignorance is not bliss, it is dangerous.

Demons need an opening to enter a person. Unbelievers provide this opening very readily, not knowing what they are doing. People watch horror movies, not realising that they may well pick up a spirit of fear in the process. People look at porn, not realising that they take on a demon of lust in the process. The world calls it addiction. Yes, partly true. But it is fed by the demon that drives the person deeper and deeper into bondage until they are helpless.

Many Christians labour under the illusion that Christians cannot have a demon. It's not true. Demons do not leave just because someone gets born again. They may hide for a while to lull the person into a false sense of freedom. Demons must be driven out. Lord Jesus gave us the authority and power. He gave us the gifts of the Spirit that includes the gift of discernment of spirits. He stated that believers would drive out demons.

One of the problems is that demons pretend to be us. The flesh conspires with the enemy to bind Christians. We should be careful not to indulge the flesh because that affords demons the opportunity to attack. If we are in bondage, it does no good to try and die to the flesh or to resist the flesh. At the same time, you cannot cast out the works of the flesh.

Satan is a liar and a deceiver. He is also the accuser of the brethren. One of his tricks is to get Christians who are bound by a demon to focus on the flesh. Another is to get those who are indulging the flesh to chase demons.

If an individual is bound by a demon, it is a straightforward matter to set them free. Demons have no choice but to obey when commanded in the mighty name of Jesus. Some might say that there are those demons that won't come out but by prayer and fasting. True, but Lord Jesus has already prayed and already fasted!

Satan's defeat is total and absolute. His evil host is likewise defeated. However, the victory of Christ must be enforced. That's our job.

Friedrich Rubinstein · Feb 7, 2022

I am a bit hesitant to believe that God's Spirit (which is God himself) would "share" a body with an evil spirit/demon. Without scriptural support. I just find that unlikely to be the case, knowing God's holiness.

ozso · Feb 7, 2022

The main consensus is that Christians are already possessed by the Holy Spirit. Therefore no demon could enter into a Christian. It's more readily believed that demons can surround and even cling onto a Christian to deceive and oppress them. Paul addresses this in Ephesians 6

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17

tturt · Feb 7, 2022

Scriptures such as "And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give." Matt 10

"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
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.
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." Matt 12:43-45

See these Scripture as applying to believers

So one way to overcome is putting on God's armor:
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" Eph 6

topher694 · Feb 7, 2022

Aussie Pete said:
A lot of Christians think that demons cannot dwell in a Christian. I avoid the word "possess" as it conjures up ideas of people totally out of control and fit only for the funny farm. Horror movies are not the best source of information with respect to how demons function.

I use the word "demon" to include evil spirits. It's easier and the same principles apply.

As evidence that Christians can be infested with a demon, I present this video of the launch of the so-called Toronto Blessing. It's an abomination and way too many Christians fail to see the truth about it. Ignorance is not bliss, it is dangerous.

Demons need an opening to enter a person. Unbelievers provide this opening very readily, not knowing what they are doing. People watch horror movies, not realising that they may well pick up a spirit of fear in the process. People look at porn, not realising that they take on a demon of lust in the process. The world calls it addiction. Yes, partly true. But it is fed by the demon that drives the person deeper and deeper into bondage until they are helpless.

Many Christians labour under the illusion that Christians cannot have a demon. It's not true. Demons do not leave just because someone gets born again. They may hide for a while to lull the person into a false sense of freedom. Demons must be driven out. Lord Jesus gave us the authority and power. He gave us the gifts of the Spirit that includes the gift of discernment of spirits. He stated that believers would drive out demons.

One of the problems is that demons pretend to be us. The flesh conspires with the enemy to bind Christians. We should be careful not to indulge the flesh because that affords demons the opportunity to attack. If we are in bondage, it does no good to try and die to the flesh or to resist the flesh. At the same time, you cannot cast out the works of the flesh.

Satan is a liar and a deceiver. He is also the accuser of the brethren. One of his tricks is to get Christians who are bound by a demon to focus on the flesh. Another is to get those who are indulging the flesh to chase demons.

If an individual is bound by a demon, it is a straightforward matter to set them free. Demons have no choice but to obey when commanded in the mighty name of Jesus. Some might say that there are those demons that won't come out but by prayer and fasting. True, but Lord Jesus has already prayed and already fasted!

Satan's defeat is total and absolute. His evil host is likewise defeated. However, the victory of Christ must be enforced. That's our job.

Yes Christians can have demons.

There is also a thing I call a fleshly manifestation that doesn't involve a demon. Sometimes people are too quick to blame the devil or too quick to credit God for manifestations. Although they can be genuine as well. Discernment is key.

The authority to cast out a demon is straight forward, but you can't cast out something someone is in agreement with. It will just come back worse. So, it practice it can be more tricky than it seems. Again discernment is key.

topher694 · Feb 7, 2022

Friedrich Rubinstein said:
I am a bit hesitant to believe that God's Spirit (which is God himself) would "share" a body with an evil spirit/demon. Without scriptural support. I just find that unlikely to be the case, knowing God's holiness.

That's not how it works. Possession is an unfortunate modern translation. The Biblical word means something more like demonized. Christians can be demonized... that doesn't mean the demons are "sharing space" with the Holy Spirit.

Aussie Pete · Feb 8, 2022

topher694 said:
Yes Christians can have demons.

There is also a thing I call a fleshly manifestation that doesn't involve a demon. Sometimes people are too quick to blame the devil or too quick to credit God for manifestations. Although they can be genuine as well. Discernment is key.

The authority to cast out a demon is straight forward, but you can't cast out something someone is in agreement with. It will just come back worse. So, it practice it can be more tricky than it seems. Again discernment is key.

Agree.

Aussie Pete · Feb 8, 2022

Friedrich Rubinstein said:
I am a bit hesitant to believe that God's Spirit (which is God himself) would "share" a body with an evil spirit/demon. Without scriptural support. I just find that unlikely to be the case, knowing God's holiness.

The Holy Spirit does not dwell in the body, He lives in the born again spirit. Demons inhabit the soul. Their intent is to gain control of the will so as to manipulate the person into doing their evil deeds. If you watch the video you will see that happen before your eyes.

The epistles say little about demons. However, there are references in Acts- 5:3, Ananias not just a demon but Satan.

Acts 5:12-16
12The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them. 14Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women. 15As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.

Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues........

Demons do not automatically leave when a person gets born again. They have to be driven out.

SkyWriting · Feb 8, 2022

The Holy Spirit does not dwell in the body, He lives in the born again spirit. Demons inhabit the soul. Their intent is to gain control of the will so as to manipulate the person into doing their evil deeds. If you watch the video you will see that happen before your eyes.

The epistles say little about demons. However, there are references in Acts- 5:3, Ananias not just a demon but Satan.

Acts 5:12-16
12The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord the believers gathered together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13Although the people regarded them highly, no one else dared to join them. 14Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women. 15As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed.

Mark 16:17
And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues........

Demons do not automatically leave when a person gets born again. They have to be driven out.

See also:

1 Corinthians 3:16
1 Corinthians 6:19
2 Corinthians 6:16
1 Peter 2:5

SkyWriting · Feb 8, 2022

See Also:

James 2:19
Luke 8:2
Luke 8:30
1 Timothy 4:1
Mark 16:9
1 Corinthians 10:21
Leviticus 17:7
1 Corinthians 10:20
Revelation 16:14
Matthew 8:28-34
Matthew 8:16
Matthew 12:22
Matthew 9:32-33

Saint Steven · Feb 8, 2022

Aussie Pete said:
One of the problems is that demons pretend to be us.

Great topic, thanks.
We should explain how demons do this. By speaking in the first person as if they are us. "I'll never..."; "I'm always..."; "I can't ever..."
This Christian therapist has a good understanding of these things. He talks about how lies are implanted in our formative years.

Saint Steven · Feb 8, 2022

MMXX said:
The main consensus is that Christians are already possessed by the Holy Spirit. Therefore no demon could enter into a Christian. It's more readily believed that demons can surround and even cling onto a Christian to deceive and oppress them.

I was delivered of a demon. Hard to say where it was exactly to begin with.

But seemed to have been inside me. I was seated in a chair. I felt something coming out that then was on top of me. (as if its knees were putting weight on my thighs) Clinging to me. Invisible to me but in a face-to-face position. It seemed to be a last ditch effort to prevent me from repeating the words of the counselor. As if it was trying to scream at me but had been gagged. Once I repeated what the counselor wanted me to say, it departed. I felt a weight lifted.

This counselor uses an interesting method. Identify the lie, renounce the lie, be set free from the lie. This includes identifying the time when the lie was first introduced. (Jesus remembers and can show us)

Once a lie was identified, the counteracting truth was identified. The lie was then replaced with that truth. Simple really.

Monitor your own self-talk today and you can identify these demonic self-defeating lies. Counter with the truth.

James 4:7 NIV
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Saint Steven · Feb 8, 2022

topher694 said:
That's not how it works. Possession is an unfortunate modern translation. The Biblical word means something more like demonized. Christians can be demonized... that doesn't mean the demons are "sharing space" with the Holy Spirit.

Good points.
The domain of demons seems to be the thought-life, in our mind.
This is why we need to transform our minds.

What happened in the Garden at the Fall is a good example of this. By eating the forbidden fruit the enemy was given access to the human mind. Adam and Eve behaved like crazy persons. Scurrying around trying to cover their nakedness. The unanswered question that God asks is most interesting. "Who told you that you were naked...?" Who indeed. At the end of the previous chapter they were naked and unashamed. What happened?

com7fy8 · Feb 8, 2022

Aussie Pete said:
Demons must be driven out.

Aussie Pete said:
If an individual is bound by a demon, it is a straightforward matter to set them free. Demons have no choice but to obey when commanded in the mighty name of Jesus.

And then what? Is it not true how Satan is allowed to test God's people? So, even if a devil is driven out, it might get permission to come back to test.

And then is when . . . if the person still has the same character which gave in to Satan in the first place, then that character might let Satan again effect the person. Or - - the person with unchanging character just acted different so ones supposed a devil got out. But . . . later . . . Jesus knows what's really going on.

Ones can get a lot of attention, claiming demons are coming out. But do they give much attention to how we become in our character because of being in the kingdom of heaven?

So, then, we need how our Heavenly Father alone is able to correct our character > Hebrews 12:4-14.

Aussie Pete said:
Satan's defeat is total and absolute. His evil host is likewise defeated. However, the victory of Christ must be enforced. That's our job.

I would say real character correction is what only our Heavenly Father is able to do. And then He is in our character to keep us safe. So, maybe we could say our job is to actively seek our Father to do His job that only He can do in each of us.

Aussie Pete said:
Demons do not automatically leave when a person gets born again. They have to be driven out.

Well, if a person trusts in Jesus to do what Jesus does . . . I would say Jesus will get rid of a demon when someone is born again so that all things are new. A devil in someone is not exactly new, I would say.

But ones can pass themselves off as being saved, so we make what happens with them part of our statistics, right?

Hazelelponi · Feb 8, 2022

Aussie Pete said:
A lot of Christians think that demons cannot dwell in a Christian. I avoid the word "possess" as it conjures up ideas of people totally out of control and fit only for the funny farm. Horror movies are not the best source of information with respect to how demons function.

I use the word "demon" to include evil spirits. It's easier and the same principles apply.

As evidence that Christians can be infested with a demon, I present this video of the launch of the so-called Toronto Blessing. It's an abomination and way too many Christians fail to see the truth about it. Ignorance is not bliss, it is dangerous.

Demons need an opening to enter a person. Unbelievers provide this opening very readily, not knowing what they are doing. People watch horror movies, not realising that they may well pick up a spirit of fear in the process. People look at porn, not realising that they take on a demon of lust in the process. The world calls it addiction. Yes, partly true. But it is fed by the demon that drives the person deeper and deeper into bondage until they are helpless.

Many Christians labour under the illusion that Christians cannot have a demon. It's not true. Demons do not leave just because someone gets born again. They may hide for a while to lull the person into a false sense of freedom. Demons must be driven out. Lord Jesus gave us the authority and power. He gave us the gifts of the Spirit that includes the gift of discernment of spirits. He stated that believers would drive out demons.

One of the problems is that demons pretend to be us. The flesh conspires with the enemy to bind Christians. We should be careful not to indulge the flesh because that affords demons the opportunity to attack. If we are in bondage, it does no good to try and die to the flesh or to resist the flesh. At the same time, you cannot cast out the works of the flesh.

Satan is a liar and a deceiver. He is also the accuser of the brethren. One of his tricks is to get Christians who are bound by a demon to focus on the flesh. Another is to get those who are indulging the flesh to chase demons.

If an individual is bound by a demon, it is a straightforward matter to set them free. Demons have no choice but to obey when commanded in the mighty name of Jesus. Some might say that there are those demons that won't come out but by prayer and fasting. True, but Lord Jesus has already prayed and already fasted!

Satan's defeat is total and absolute. His evil host is likewise defeated. However, the victory of Christ must be enforced. That's our job.

Just because someone says they are Christian doesn't make it true. Just because someone says they had an experience with God or the Messiah doesn't make it true.

The fruit will bear out the real truth, for a good tree does not bear bad fruit.

That's all I'm allowed to say here.

I do not believe Christians can be possessed by an evil spirit. End of. They are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Marumorose · Feb 8, 2022

Aussie Pete said:
A lot of Christians think that demons cannot dwell in a Christian. I avoid the word "possess" as it conjures up ideas of people totally out of control and fit only for the funny farm. Horror movies are not the best source of information with respect to how demons function.

I use the word "demon" to include evil spirits. It's easier and the same principles apply.

As evidence that Christians can be infested with a demon, I present this video of the launch of the so-called Toronto Blessing. It's an abomination and way too many Christians fail to see the truth about it. Ignorance is not bliss, it is dangerous.

Demons need an opening to enter a person. Unbelievers provide this opening very readily, not knowing what they are doing. People watch horror movies, not realising that they may well pick up a spirit of fear in the process. People look at porn, not realising that they take on a demon of lust in the process. The world calls it addiction. Yes, partly true. But it is fed by the demon that drives the person deeper and deeper into bondage until they are helpless.

Many Christians labour under the illusion that Christians cannot have a demon. It's not true. Demons do not leave just because someone gets born again. They may hide for a while to lull the person into a false sense of freedom. Demons must be driven out. Lord Jesus gave us the authority and power. He gave us the gifts of the Spirit that includes the gift of discernment of spirits. He stated that believers would drive out demons.

One of the problems is that demons pretend to be us. The flesh conspires with the enemy to bind Christians. We should be careful not to indulge the flesh because that affords demons the opportunity to attack. If we are in bondage, it does no good to try and die to the flesh or to resist the flesh. At the same time, you cannot cast out the works of the flesh.

Satan is a liar and a deceiver. He is also the accuser of the brethren. One of his tricks is to get Christians who are bound by a demon to focus on the flesh. Another is to get those who are indulging the flesh to chase demons.

If an individual is bound by a demon, it is a straightforward matter to set them free. Demons have no choice but to obey when commanded in the mighty name of Jesus. Some might say that there are those demons that won't come out but by prayer and fasting. True, but Lord Jesus has already prayed and already fasted!

Satan's defeat is total and absolute. His evil host is likewise defeated. However, the victory of Christ must be enforced. That's our job.

Christians do have evil spirits and we cannot completely get rid of ALL of them as long as we live in this world of temptation. The evil spirits can be completely removed after the soul has separated from the body.
They are bound or imprisoned or kept under control when we repent and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior. We were created from the light and darkness. We all have the angel of light and the angel darkness in us. Everything good that we do is influenced by the good angel and everything bad/evil that we do comes from the angel of darkness. The reason why we have good and evil angels in us is because God gave us freedom of choice. You can choose to be good or evil. Remember the Tree of knowledge of good and evil that Adam and Eve ate from?
Revelation 20:1-3 says "And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.
The evil in us that we inherited from birth/conception can only be locked up inside of us by the good angel or the holy spirit. But the evil that we receive from the world, the ones that we summon, the ones that enter our bodies can be chased away like Jesus Christ did.
May God Bless You

tturt · Feb 8, 2022

Agree with Topher694. The Holy Spirit needs to be our guide.

Blade · Feb 8, 2022

Be nice if we remember the weak in the faith. This kind of talk can bring fear which is not of God. Then we need to back up what we say with the word of God. Christ is in the Father the Father in Christ and Christ is in me/us. Then luke 11 13 filled with the sweet sweet holy Spirit. I can not find one verse stating in Gods word where a believer in Jesus Christ a follower of Jesus Christ can have a demon. Making a simple statement that a believer can is not truth. Did you know Jesus is the only way to God? We can then say... its written "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"

What I personally believe there is no way Christ shares His home in me. See I am born from above a new creation created in righteousness and true holiness. Now can they attach so to speak to us? Yes but for me there its impossible to have Jesus and a demon in the same house. To be delivered is so easy is it not written OT anyone that calls on the name of the lord shall be delivered? It really is that easy. Forgive me I am not moved by what I see as in some experience in others that again cannot be held higher then Gods word. See if its not backed up by the word then we can say anything.

So before Christ died and rose.. to that I always want to say YES PRAISE GOD GLORY TO JESUS! I SO want to get lost in thinking about that.. but before He died and rose told them to cast out demons.. never once was there a warning a demon might leap into you and you could have one now. Anyway..

So can a believer a Christian with GOD in them have a demon? I can not find one verse backing that up. And like I always try to do incase I forgot I went and searched again. Can they like a tic attach on yes I believe.. but that could be wrong since I can not back that up. But what I know.. it has to fee just from me resisting the devil.. and speaking that name above ever name!

topher694 · Feb 8, 2022

Blade said:
Be nice if we remember the weak in the faith. This kind of talk can bring fear which is not of God. Then we need to back up what we say with the word of God. Christ is in the Father the Father in Christ and Christ is in me/us. Then luke 11 13 filled with the sweet sweet holy Spirit. I can not find one verse stating in Gods word where a believer in Jesus Christ a follower of Jesus Christ can have a demon. Making a simple statement that a believer can is not truth. Did you know Jesus is the only way to God? We can then say... its written "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me"

What I personally believe there is no way Christ shares His home in me. See I am born from above a new creation created in righteousness and true holiness. Now can they attach so to speak to us? Yes but for me there its impossible to have Jesus and a demon in the same house. To be delivered is so easy is it not written OT anyone that calls on the name of the lord shall be delivered? It really is that easy. Forgive me I am not moved by what I see as in some experience in others that again cannot be held higher then Gods word. See if its not backed up by the word then we can say anything.

So before Christ died and rose.. to that I always want to say YES PRAISE GOD GLORY TO JESUS! I SO want to get lost in thinking about that.. but before He died and rose told them to cast out demons.. never once was there a warning a demon might leap into you and you could have one now. Anyway..

So can a believer a Christian with GOD in them have a demon? I can not find one verse backing that up. And like I always try to do incase I forgot I went and searched again. Can they like a tic attach on yes I believe.. but that could be wrong since I can not back that up. But what I know.. it has to fee just from me resisting the devil.. and speaking that name above ever name!

Define "have a demon".

NBB · Feb 8, 2022

Yes christians can have evil spìrits, you don't even need to be a 'evil' person to have those, some may have tricked you when you were a kid, or a scare, or just outright bully their way in with deceit, some may come from family that was not christian, a big problem i see is that is assumed a person must be evil or have done something wrong to have evil spirits, no, most of the time i say people are victims of them, they can enter for a lot of reasons when you are not a christian or when you are weak in the faith and not keeping up. Lets just say evil spirits you had when not born again just don't vanish when you believe, some may need 'help' getting out.

Another thing i learned, i thought witches i mean sorcery and witchcraft etc, had no power, i thought witches were deceived thinking they had any power like idolatry thinking your idol is a god or soemthing but no, they do have power and can do a lot of damage to people or christians that are loose in their faith. Ocultism is a very bad and dangerous thing.

Can a Christian have a demon?

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