Page updated 18 Dec 2015
Page Suggestions: Bible Facts, Hell is Real, Satan, Spiritual Warfare
What does the BIBLE say about Demons
Can a Christian Have a Demon
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To whom ye forgive any thing, I [forgive] also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave [it], for your sakes [forgave I it] in the person of Christ; Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Satan can "get an advantage" over a believer. This statement was made to believers, not non-believers.
But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. How can our minds be lead astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ? For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4
Our minds can be lead astray by listening to false teachers preaching false doctrines. Paul rebukes believers for receiving a "different spirit." How can believers have a different spirit than the Holy Spirit? By "receiving" it without testing the spirits. This is what is being done in the current "counterfeit" revivals.
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 2 Corinthians 12:7
Even Paul was tormented by a "messenger from Satan". What this was we do not know. Some think it was a disease or sore on his body. Some think it was a person. Some think it might have been a temptation to keep him humble. In any case, Paul was tormented by a demon from Satan. If Paul can be tormented, you can be too, fellow Christian!
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? Galatians 3:1
Paul rebukes believers for being "bewitched". In the mildest sense of this word we could say they have been fooled or blinded. In the strongest sense we can take it literally and say that the Galations were being tempted by demons, demonized into believing that they were saved by the law and not by Jesus Christ. A mark of the current "counterfeit" revivals is legalism. If you have received the "anointing" and exhibit some weird manifestations, you are officially an "intercessor" and a part of the "in" crowd. This is legalism. Our salvation has nothing to do with unusual manifestations. It has everything to do with what Jesus did on the cross for us. He who is first shall be last, and the last shall be first.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body. "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Ephesians 4:25-27
Lying and anger can "give the devil a foothold" in a believer's life. Again, this is spoken to believers!
Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. 1 Thessalonians 2:18
Though this is probably not speaking of demonization from inside a Christian, it is certainly evidence the demons can stand in the way of Christians trying to do the Lord's work. Demonization can happen from outside or inside a believer, in the mind, in the body, in circumstances.
Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Timothy 1:19-20
Paul speaks of two believers who he delivered over to Satan for blasphemy. This was to teach them not to blaspheme, not to send them to hell. Satan can be used by God to teach us valuable lessons as Christians. Do not underestimate the power of God to deliver us, even from the clutches of Satan himself. With regards to church discipline for the unrepentant, the last step in the process is to hand them over to Satan for the destruction of their flesh and, hopefully, the redemption of their spirit. This proves that even when an unrepentant believer is handed over to Satan, he is still under the plans of God -- plans to redeem, not destroy.
(Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.Jeremiah 29 verse 11,
Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.Revelation 3 verse 19)
Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 1 Timothy 3:6-7
Christians, even potential Christian leaders, can fall into the devil's trap.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron. 1 Timothy 4:1-2
In latter times believers will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons. I believe that the latter times are already here and this is exactly what is happening. Christians are listening to doctrines that come right out of the mouth of Satan such as "you are little gods," the same old lie the serpent told Eve.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And [that] they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26
Believers can be snared and taken captive by the devil.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:8-9
Christians need to stand firm in the faith because the devil is waiting to devour those who lose their faith. All Christians everywhere are waging the same battle against the enemy. It is one of losing our faith through believing in false doctrines, putting our faith in something or someone else other and Jesus Christ, or by abandoning our faith altogether. The loss of faith is the goal of the enemy, and losing faith is giving in to his temptations. Losing our faith can also happen by trading it in for faith in power, experiential thrills, and signs and wonders that are not from God but from the enemy prowling around and in the lives of professing believers, taking the footholds afforded him through sin.