The question of whether a Christian can be demonized is a complex and often divisive topic within the church. It’s a discussion that touches on our understanding of salvation, spiritual warfare, and the very nature of the Christian life. While we firmly believe in the security of the believer, sealed by the Holy Spirit, we also recognize the very real struggle against the forces of darkness described in Scripture. So, can a Christian, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, experience demonic influence? We believe the answer is yes, and here’s why it matters.

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First, it’s crucial to define what we mean by “demonization.” We’re not talking about demonic “possession” in the Hollywood sense, where a believer is completely owned and controlled by a demon, devoid of free will. We understand that the Holy Spirit seals and protects believers, preventing total demonic ownership. As 1 John 4:4 states, “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” However, the Bible suggests that demonic forces can still exert influence in various ways, leading to oppression, infirmity, mental and emotional torment, or specific areas of bondage.

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Consider the woman with the spirit of infirmity in Luke 13. Jesus identifies her as a “daughter of Abraham,” a member of the covenant community, yet she was bound by a spirit that caused her physical ailment for eighteen years. Jesus, recognizing the demonic influence, set her free. Was she not a believer? Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:7, speaks of a “thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan,” sent to buffet him. While interpretations vary, many believe this refers to a demonic influence hindering Paul’s ministry. Does this diminish Paul’s standing as an Apostle, filled with the Holy Spirit? We would say absolutely not.

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Some argue that because believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they are immune to demonic influence. However, we see scriptures like Ephesians 4:27, which warns, “Do not give the devil a foothold,” as evidence that believers can, through their choices and actions, create openings for demonic influence. It implies some level of co-operation. Just as indwelling sin can coexist with the Holy Spirit, creating internal conflict as Paul describes in Romans 7, demonic forces can seek to exploit vulnerabilities. As Galatians 5:17 states, “For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other.”

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The apostle Paul warns in Ephesians 6:12, “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.” This underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be vigilant.

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The question of whether Christians should be involved in deliverance ministry is also a discussion in the church. We believe in active combat, not just passive endurance. James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” This calls for actively opposing and fighting against the works of the devil. The Kingdom of God does not advance passively. That said, we are assuming an orderly and biblical approach to deliverance ministry that relies on prayer, fasting, and the work of the Holy Spirit and is devoid of human performance or hype.

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Ultimately, this isn’t just an academic debate. It has real-world implications. If we deny the possibility of demonization in believers, we risk leaving a significant number of people without the help they desperately need. We want to see people set free, walking in greater holiness, and experiencing the fullness of life that Jesus promised. We believe that the church has been given authority, seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), to cast out demons in Jesus’ name (Mark 16:17) and to help in this process. This authority is not based on our own power, but on the power of Christ dwelling within us.

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