Can a Christian be Demon Possessed? | Can a Christian be Demonized | GotQuestions.org

Demon Possession Versus Demonization

Today's question is, can a Christian be demon-possessed? Can a Christian be demonized? In this video I'll answer that question from a biblical perspective. Afterwards, as always, I'll share some helpful resources, so stick around until the end.

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 or complete control over the thoughts and or actions of a person, Luke 4, verses 33 -35. Demon oppression or influence involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and or encouraging him or her into sinful behavior.

Spiritual Warfare and the Believer’s Resistance

Notice that in all the New Testament passages dealing with spiritual warfare, there are no instructions to cast out a demon out of a believer, Ephesians 6, verses 10 -18. Believers are told to resist the devil, James 4, verse 7, not cast him out.

Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, Romans 8, verses 9 -11. 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 and made into a new creation, 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, verse 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 scriptural.

Why “Demonization” Does Not Change the Issue

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.

Scripture Over Personal Experience

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, verses 16 -17. Seeing someone whom we thought to be a Christian exhibiting the behavior of being demonized should not cause us to question the genuineness of his or her faith.

It should not cause us to alter our viewpoint on whether a Christian can be demon-possessed or 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. Want to learn more? Subscribe so you don't miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions .org for more great content. And check out the details section below this video, there is one book I recommend, along with several related articles.

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