Is it possible for a demon to take possession of a believer in Christ? Who can be possessed by demons? Has demon possession happened in the past? Does demon possession still happen today?
Is it Possible For a Demon to Take Possession of a Believer in Christ?
Can a believer in Jesus Christ, who has been born-again and saved be possessed by the devil or by a demon or fallen angel? The short answer is no. The Bible seems very clear about who is in control of the spiritual world. In 1 John 4:5 it says, “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.” Christians are called children of God and the Holy Spirit dwells within each and every believer. Demons can not occupy the same space that is occupied by God the Holy Spirit because God is greater than any evil spirit since God is the Creator of everything, including angels. This supremacy of God includes even the fallen angels or demons. We can know and recognize false spirits and by God’s Spirit we can discern them and resist them since God lives inside every believer (1 John 4:15).
Who can be Possessed by Demons?
Every time we see Jesus or the apostles casting out demons, they are people who don’t know Jesus yet and those who are not saved. We can read the many stories of demons or wicked spirits being caste out by the power of Jesus’ name or by Jesus Himself and then and only then can they come to faith in Christ. Mary Magdalene was demon possessed when she came to Jesus for help. Luke 8:1-3 says, “After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases [including] Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out…”.
Again, every time you read of someone being possessed by demons or wicked spirits, they are always unbelievers. Another example is in Matthew 8:28-33, “When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way. “What do you want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” He said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water. Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.”
Has Demon Possession Happened in the Past?
In Mark5:15-20, Jesus exorcised a demon possessed man and so we know that this happened many times in the past from reading the New Testament. In the case of the man that had the demons cast out, he became a believer in Christ. This clearly indicates that if you are not a believer, it is possible to be possessed by demons, however once you come to faith in Christ, it is impossible since God dwells within the believer. Mark 15:20 shows that those who lived in the area knew a certain man who was possessed and were afraid to go near him: “When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. Those who had seen it told the people what had happened to the demon-possessed man—and told about the pigs as well. Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region. As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon-possessed begged to go with him. Jesus did not let him, but said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.” Here the man that was freed from a legion of demons. This is incredible since a legion in Roman occupied Palestine was 6,000. This formerly demon possession man then began to tell others about Jesus Christ. From that day forward, this man would never have to worry about being demon possessed again.
Does Demon Possession Still Happen Today?
Since demon possession has happened in the past then it most certainly can be happening today. There are numerous stories of people being possessed in modern times. Many times they are dabbling in the occult, trying to contact spirits, and some even openly worship the Devil. This is truly asking for trouble. The first king of Israel, king Saul, was troubled by an evil spirit but it was only after the Spirit of God had departed him (1 Sam 16:14-23).
Jesus gives a clear warning about wicked spirits in Matthew 12:43-45 saying, “When an evilf spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”
Today there are so many stories of demon or wicked spirits possessing people that it is clear that it still happens today. There is truly only one way to avoid be possessed by a wicked spirit or demon; to accept Jesus Christ and believe in Him for no wicked spirit can dwell where the Spirit of God dwells. Demons can not occupy any place that God has conquered (1 John 4). You can know for sure that demons will never possess you because, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God” (I John 4:15). That is your true assurance that wicked spirits or demons will never possess you. If God lives in us, it is impossible (1 John 4:12b).
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What Does the Devil Look Like?
What Does The Bible Say Heaven Is Like?
What Do Christians Say About 2012?
Sources
The Holy Bible, New International Version
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Good point Jack … indeed a believer can not be “possessed” by a demon, however, they can be tempted by one. This happens when they walk in the flesh and quench the Spirit that is within telling them to do right.
It is so good to know that “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 KJV)
I love reading what you write Jack, you are a blessing to me!
I have to say thank you for this article it verified what another person I know of said and it’s info I need. I also would like to thank Pam for the verse. It’s been a while since I read 1 John and it’s more than time for me to reread it.
Recently i believe my friend was possessed by a demon. She had not fully brought Christ into her life. She would always act strange and would freak out anytime i talked about God. She sometimes ate coal,and threatened to shoot her little brother. I knew that was not her. One day i cam back from church. The preacher said if you tell an evil spirit it can not harm you because you are Saved, or if you say it needs to leave and you are a true believer then tell it to leave. Next time i was over and she started acting wierd, i said “Leave for the strength of God is greater than yours” and it all ended. I was never troubled by a demon again.
God bless everyone and have a nice holiday
Adaline, there is such power in the name of God that I am never cease to be amazed. I want to thank you for your comment and for also visiting the website. You to have a wonderful holiday and God bless you in your walk with Christ Adaline.
Can you explain Luke 22:3? The verse says “Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.” Can you explain whether Judas was possessed? Wasn’t he a believer in Christ? Though I agree the born-again Believers cannot be possessed, this passage has always troubled me.
Thank you.
Jackie
Jackie, thank you for visiting our website. Great question indeed. A believer in Christ can not ever be demon possessed. In every Scripture which refers to spiritual attacks, Paul, nor any of the New Testament writers ever mention this happening nor warning us that it could happen. There is zero record of it happening in the New Testament church. The Scripture that says, “every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you (the Holy Spirit) is greater than the one who is in the world (the devil) [1 John 4:3-4].
Judas was never a true follower of Jesus. His only god was money. In fact, the only other time the phrase “son of perdition” is used to refer to anyone other than Judas is in reference to the Antichrist, the sworn enemy of every believer in the end times.
Judas was chosen by Jesus. Jesus knew what Judas would do. He had every chance, like the other disciples, to be saved. If had been, Jesus still would have found a way to accomplish His sacrifice. But, Jesus knew from the beginning that Judas would be against him.
Also, the Bible says that after the Last Supper, the devil entered Judas. Believers can be oppressed by the devil, but they can’t be possessed by him. That’s because, God, in the form of the Holy Spirit, resides in each believer. “‘Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?’ Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him” (John 6:70-71).
I hope this helps in answering your question Jackie. Thank you for visiting us and for your great question.
I believe all “true believers in Christ” are free of demonic possession or oppression, though the devil/satan/deceiver/liar uses all tactics to snatch away a believer from Christ.
A believer’s actions or reactions like demonic behavior, must definitely be connected to the level of spirituality of that person.So I believe “SPIRITUAL ADMONITION” is what is needed in a believer who behaves like a Demon. Little devils are like lack of nutrients which prevents a healthy spiritual growth, and “spiritual immaturity” is the right word.
All believers need “spiritual nutrients” like vitamin supplements & spiritual admonition like detoxification of your system to become a healthy spiritual person.
Amen Sue. I am so glad that we have victory in Christ who defeated the Devil at Calvary. So true about “spiritual nutrients.” I love that analogy. That’s awesome and so is your comment. I thank God for you my friend. Many are babes but we can grow up feeding on the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ and the Word of God, the Bible. Please come back and visit us again.
All demons will tremble at His presence!!!A well fed, well nourished believer will reflect God’s Glory!!.
The true essence of a true believer is reflecting God’s glory.
( when we change into his likeness..we would reflect God’s glory )
God’s ultimate purpose for creating man is for His own glory..but how could fallen man reflect God’s glory?
How could God’s people reflect His glory?
When would the message of Habakkuk,God’s original plan of creation be accomplished?
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.(HAB.2:14)
God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth(HAB.3:3)
THEME OF GENESIS TO REVELATION & BACK TO GENESIS 1:26,27
GEN 1:26Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness,
2 COR.3:18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
REV.22:11The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
REFLECTIONS
1)WHAT IS GOD’S MESSAGE TO HIS PEOPLE FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION?(we should reflect God’s Glory & His likeness?)
2)WHAT GOD EXPECTS FROM MAN ?(we should be transformed into His likeness?)
3) WHY GOD SENT CHRIST TO DIE FOR MAN?(to give man the free gift of Salvation & Grace to His people to reflect His Son so that we would be transformed into His likeness?)
1)God created man in His image, in His likeness (GEN.1:26,27)
2) We…are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory(2 COR.3:18)
3) God’s people are blessed with the grace of the Lord Jesus (REV.22:11)