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QUESTION 35:
Can a born again Christian be possessed by demons?

ANSWER:
This question is often asked and seems to be in the minds of people much in our day. This is likely because of the rise in occult activity in these last days. This was foretold in 1 Timothy 4:1, "giving heed to seducing spirits (evil) and doctrines of devils (demons)." There is no case in the history of the bible that a born-again child of God was ever possessed by demons. Some have mentioned Judas and are sure he was possessed by a devil. Jesus made this clear in John 6:70 where He said, "Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?" John 6:71 says He spake this of Judas. But Judas was never a true believer from the beginning for we read in John 6:64 that Jesus knew who would betray Him and who believed not from the beginning.

A true child of God has the Holy Spirit dwelling within. He is the tenant of the house and you will not find the Spirit of God and a demon spirit in the same house. "Greater is he (Holy Spirit) that is in you, than he that is in the world (spirit of Satan)." 1 John 4:4. Though a true believer cannot be possessed of a demon he or she can be oppressed by demons. That is why Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8-9. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour whom resist steadfast in the faith," James says "resist" the devil, you put out those who are in but you resist those who are seeking to come in.

Thank God, that a real born again believer has Christ within and is sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13), and need not fear Satan and demons entering or overcoming them. Are you a true born-again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death for you?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen