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Listed below are the various expressions of demon possession in Scripture. We should not jump to the conclusion that isolated symptoms equate to demon possession. Characteristics of Demon Possession in Scripture are:
(1) Convulsions (Mar 1:26; 5:4; 9:20-26; Luk 4:35; 9:42)
(2) Falling (Mat 17:15)
(3) Stretched and disjointed body movements (Mar 9:18)
(4) Deformity (Luk 13:11)
(5) Foaming at the mouth (Mar 9:18, 20; Luk 9:39)
(6) Shrieking and screaming (Mar 1:26; 5:5; 9:26; Act 8:7)
(7) Demons speaking (Mar 1:34; 3:11; 8:31; Luk 4:41; 8:28; Act 16:17; 19:15)
(8) Deaf (Mar 9:25-26; Luk 11:14)
(9) Mute (Mar 9:25, 32-33; Luk 11:14)
(10) Blindness (Mat 12:22)
(11) Super-human strength (Mar 5:4; Luk 8:29; Act 19:16)
(12) Self-destruction (Mar 5:4, 5; Luk 9:39)
(13) Violence (Mat 8:28; Mar 5:4; Act 19:16)
(14) Isolation (Luk 8:29)
(15) Lunacy (Mat 17:15; Mar 5:15; Luk 8:35; Joh 10:20)
(16) Nakedness (Mar 5:15; Luk 8:27; Act 19:16)
(17) Divination (Act 16:16)
(18) Leave and return (Mat 12:45)
(19) Reluctance to leave (Mat 17:16)
(20) Multiple demons (Mat 12:45; Mar 5:15; Luk 8:30)
(1) Perhaps one of the most hotly debated topics centers around the question, “Can a Christian be demon-possessed?”
(2) Merrill F. Unger unequivocally wrote in 1952 in his classic book, “Biblical Demonology,”
The very nature of the believer’s salvation, as embracing the regenerating, sealing, indwelling, and filling ministry of the Holy Spirit, placing him “in Christ,” eternally and unforfeitably, is sufficient explanation why he is not liable to demon inhabitation. (pg. 100).
(3) Yet in 1977, three years before his death, Dr. Unger wrote,
Who dares assert that a demon spirit will not invade the life of a believer in which the Holy Spirit has been grieved by serious and persistent sin and quenched by flagrant disobedience? . . . A demon . . . enters as a squatter and an intruder, and is subject to momentary eviction. . . . Only as the believer fails to walk by faith does he fall into sin, which if it is not confessed and curbed, may ultimately result in the forfeiture of the Spirit’s power to shield him from demonic invasion. (Merrill Unger, What Demons Can Do to Saints [Chicago: Moody, 1977], pp. 51–52).
(4) There was obviously a change in Dr. Unger’s position. Why?
For many years the late chancellor of Wheaton College, Dr. V. Raymond Edman, taught that a Christian under certain circumstances could be invaded by demon powers. His first-hand experience with crude demonism, as a result of missionary labors in Ecuador in his earlier years, gave Dr. Edman an understanding of the subject of demonism not possessed by purely theoretical Bible interpreters. In 1955, three years after the appearance of Biblical Demonology, Dr. Edman wrote me a letter in which he stated his convictions on the subject. At the time, I espoused the purely theoretical position which did not square with the authenticated facts of experience. (ibid. pg. 61).
(5) In addition, Dr. Unger was influenced by various teachers, who taught that believers could be demon-possessed, like Hobart Freeman, Kurt Koch, C.S. Lovett, J.A.McMillen, T.J. McCrossan, J. L. Nevius, J. Penn-Lewis, A.B. Simpson, and CharlesUssher.
A genuine Christian may become possessed at least to some degree, even to the point where they speak with strange voices or in foreign languages. (pg. 191).
Thus we are left to look for other types of evidence that may contribute to answering our question: Can genuine believers be demonized?
I have encountered, from 1974 to 1987, at least 400 cases of those who were genuine Christians who were also demonized. . . I would not claim infallible judgment, but I know the marks of a Christian and the marks of a demonized person. I might have been wrong in a case or so, but I cannot conceive that I would be wrong in more than 400 cases. The burden of proof lies with those who deny that Christians can be demonized. We must deduce that those who deny that Christians can be demonized generally are those who have not had counseling experience with the demonized. Their stance is largely theoretical. (ibid. pg. 175)
These case studies taken from my personal written and taped records demonstrate that genuine believers can and indeed were inhabited by demons. (ibid. pg. 213)
Clinical evidence abounds that a Christian can be demon-controlled as a carry-over from pre-conversion days or can fall under Satan’s power after conversion and become progressively demonized, even seriously.(Merrill F. Unger, What Demons Can Do to Saints, rev. ed. pg. 150.)
Varnel Watson
But this is complicated by the biblical teaching that God is eternal (in that He existed before all things)
and that angels are created beings. The explicit parallel of “God” and “Angel,” thus, does not imply that
God is an angel. Rather, it affirms that this Angel is God. The verb “bless,” moreover, is grammatically
singular; a plural verb would indicate that Jacob is asking two different persons to bless the boys—the
singular thus denotes a tight fusion of the two divine beings—one eternal and one not.
Varnel Watson
Michael Ellis Carter Jr. this was a great topic for October to be carried over into November planning for Deliverance December
Michael Ellis Carter Jr.
I think we need more sermons and bible studies on this subject.
Varnel Watson
hence our encyclopedia in 6 parts http://www.pentecostaltheology.com/spiritual-warfare-online-encyclopedia-and-demonic-deliverance-self-study-guide-part-6-prophetic-signs-and-warnings-of-spiritual-warfare/
Steve Losee
“Demon possessed” is a mistranslation. I don’t believe there’s any such thing. Ppl can “have” a demon, like having a cold.
Varnel Watson
Hope you have time for this this month. The Biblical term is demonized. UNGER’s article explains the Biblical references Can a person possess a demon?
Wesley Surber
That’s a great book!
Varnel Watson
have you read it? what do you think about the claim
Wesley Surber
Troy Day Yep. Read it in Seminary a few years ago. The book itself talks about demon possession and demonic influence as connected, but somewhat separate events in Christian life. I lean more toward the idea that Christians are more often influenced by demons than possessed by them. However, I do believe that possession is possible because the body is still a weak vehicle regardless of the soul’s condition. I think that the fleshly desires that make up the core of the human experience keeps us vulnerable to these invasions. Just my $0.02. ?
Varnel Watson
Wesley Surber what about demonized Christians?
RichardAnna Boyce
NO because a believer is sealed with Holy Spirit, so no demon can exist inside the same spirit as Holy Spirit. A believer’s flesh/ soul can be demonised, but never demon possessed.
Varnel Watson
So now you know better than Unger? Sealed for what – read us the whole verse or are you now claiming eternal security?
Varnel Watson
Isara Mo Joe Absher Nelson Banuchi the first 5 were ALL observed in out case study
(1) Convulsions (Mar 1:26; 5:4; 9:20-26; Luk 4:35; 9:42)
(2) Falling (Mat 17:15)
(3) Stretched and disjointed body movements (Mar 9:18)
(4) Deformity (Luk 13:11)
(5) Foaming at the mouth (Mar 9:18, 20; Luk 9:39)
(1) Perhaps one of the most hotly debated topics centers around the question, “Can a Christian be demon-possessed?”
(2) Merrill F. Unger unequivocally wrote in 1952 in his classic book, “Biblical Demonology,”
The very nature of the believer’s salvation, as embracing the regenerating, sealing, indwelling, and filling ministry of the Holy Spirit, placing him “in Christ,” eternally and unforfeitably, is sufficient explanation why he is not liable to demon inhabitation. (pg. 100).
(3) Yet in 1977, three years before his death, Dr. Unger wrote,
Who dares assert that a demon spirit will not invade the life of a believer in which the Holy Spirit has been grieved by serious and persistent sin and quenched by flagrant disobedience? . . . A demon . . . enters as a squatter and an intruder, and is subject to momentary eviction. . . . Only as the believer fails to walk by faith does he fall into sin, which if it is not confessed and curbed, may ultimately result in the forfeiture of the Spirit’s power to shield him from demonic invasion. (Merrill Unger, What Demons Can Do to Saints [Chicago: Moody, 1977], pp. 51–52).
(4) There was obviously a change in Dr. Unger’s position. Why?
For many years the late chancellor of Wheaton College, Dr. V. Raymond Edman, taught that a Christian under certain circumstances could be invaded by demon powers. His first-hand experience with crude demonism, as a result of missionary labors in Ecuador in his earlier years, gave Dr. Edman an understanding of the subject of demonism not possessed by purely theoretical Bible interpreters. In 1955, three years after the appearance of Biblical Demonology, Dr. Edman wrote me a letter in which he stated his convictions on the subject. At the time, I espoused the purely theoretical position which did not square with the authenticated facts of experience. (ibid. pg. 61).
Nelson Banuchi
In my personal experience I experienced none of the 5 things listed, nevertheless, I can only ascribe my condition as a believer to demon possession to one degree or another.
In my own exorcising of the demon I believed held me, I laid a hand on my forehead and said a simple prayer and then went to bed. The next morning everything changed and there were no indications at all as in the years before that morning (e.g. the smell of sin in the air or the forceful pull towards sin that was in many respects irresistible) of a demon in control of my person.
Varnel Watson
Nelson Banuchi Isara Mo I wondered WHY the case study subject came and went at times gone for weeks Guess was gathering more to join for the come back fight? It will be noted in our strategic prayers Joe Absher noted the spiritual dog 🙂
Dr. Howard E. Nelson
We should never base our experience as a matter of fact without the evidence/proof of Scripture. What does the Word of God say rather interjecting our assumptions or presume this or that. Every encounter with demonic spirits are different but their agenda is the same.
Anonymous
hey look Link Hudson it is 60min before church now Justin Miller Isara Mo NOW Michael Chauncey stated :
Demon Possessed does NOT mean owned by the devil. All souls belong to God. Ezekiel 18:4. “All souls are mine, says the Lord.” The Greek word for demon possessed is demonized. Can a Christian become demonized? Paul warned Christians, “Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:27 Clealy Paul taught that a Christian can open the door to the enemy and make room for him to invade his life through fleshly compromise. No, the devil cannot own you. You cannot sell your soul to the devil because you can’t sell what you don’t own but watch out that you don’t make room for demons by flirting with sin. He will sneak in through any crack in the door.
whatS wrong with this picture here now?
Anonymous
Troy Day it’s okay if it is 60 min bwforr your awevice starts but not ours? 🙂
Anonymous
Link Hudson not 2sure what uJust typed in tongues here
Anonymous
No.
Anonymous
and YET we see so many are
Philip Williams may have seen some with calvinistic spirits too
Anonymous
Troy Day No you do not Troy. That is in COMPLETE defiance of Scripture.
I have watched the development of this spiritual warfare theological crap for forty years.
That’s why it is said that the Pentecostal movement is an aberration. And the Charismatic movement it tossed to and fro by every word of doctrine.
You are deceiving and being deceived.
Anonymous
Duane L Burgess Why cast them out then if they leave on their own after the person gets saved?
Anonymous
Duane L Burgess when did you abandon the Pentecostal persuasion?
Anonymous
many are many are Philip Williams
Anonymous
North American Christians have become increasingly aware of their battle with demonic forces. Teaching on spiritual warfare is in great demand today. And the doctrine that Christians can be inhabited by demons is popularly taught by respected teachers across divergent theological lines, from charismatic to anticharismatic dispensational. Entire ministries have been founded for the purpose of delivering Christians from demonic control. As a result, stories like those of “Carl” have become almost commonplace, causing concern to some.
Can a Christian have a demon? The question is not merely academic. The answer affects the type of pastoral care one can expect to provide or receive (e.g., can a point be reached in a counseling relationship where an exorcism becomes necessary?) and the way a believer perceives his or her battle with the world, the flesh, and the Devil.
In this article we will first examine the currently popular view that, while a Christian cannot be “demon possessed,” believers may be “demonized.” This means that (1) demons can reside within believers and exercise control over them, and (2) the appropriate method of dealing with this problem is to cast the demon out.
The second view to be considered (and, in this article, defended) states that a believer cannot be inhabited and therefore controlled by a demonic spirit since he or she is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This view does allow that believers may be externally “oppressed” by demonic forces, but maintains that resistance, not deliverance, is the proper method of dealing with this problem. Let’s look at the reasons given for these two opposing views.
BIBLICAL EVIDENCE
Etymological Considerations
View no.1 understands the Greek verb daimonizomai to be translated “demonized” rather than “demon possessed” because (1) possession implies ownership and Satan does not own anything; (2) the verb is passive and pictures a demon controlling a passive person; and (3) the verb’s root means a “demon-caused passivity.”1
It is obvious that “demonized” is a more attractive translation than “demon possessed” to those who believe a demon can invade and inhabit a believer’s body. This avoids the emotive connotations associated with demon possession. One might take this translation to mean demonic influence from without. But this would be misguided, since (1) this is the main term used in the New Testament to describe people inhabited by demons (along with variations of “have a demon”), and it is never used for anything less; and (2) those who teach that a believer can be demonized also teach that wicked spirits can actually reside within a Christian. These demons would then need to be cast out. Thus, the issue is not the translation of the verb, but the location of wicked spirits relative to the believer. In other words we may ask: Can demons control Christians from within or only oppress them from without?
View no. 2 understands the verb to mean “demon possessed” because (1) the Greek lexicons and theological dictionaries all translate daimonizomai as “to be possessed by a demon”;2 and (2) one of the English dictionary definitions for possess is “to gain or exert influence or control over; dominate” (American Heritage Dictionary, 3d ed.). Thus, demon possession can be understood as “possession to control.” W. E. Vine translates the verb this way: “To be possessed of a demon, to act under the control of a demon.”3
View no.2 better fits the etymological facts (i.e., the historical usage of the word) because: (1) the issue is not ownership (as in the popularized myth that one can “sell his soul to the Devil”) but the location of a demon relative to the believer, for only if the demon is within the believer is it truly in a position to control (and thus possess) him or her; (2) in Jesus’ parable of the strong man (Matt. 12.29; Luke 11:21-22), He compares His freeing the captives of demon invasion with someone first binding a strong man (i.e., Satan) and then plundering his possessions (Greek huparchõ, in Luke 11:21). Since the possessions in the parable represent the people Jesus delivers from demons, there is a biblical sense in which Satan can possess people; (3) in Greek the passive voice merely means that the subject is the recipient of the action, a fact perfectly consistent with the term demon possessed when properly defined as being inhabited, and thus controlled by, a demon.
Anonymous
Scriptures Cited to Support Invasion of Christians
The Case of King Saul. Two passages say that an evil spirit from God came upon Saul. Both times he tried to pin David to the wall with his javelin (1 Sam. 18:10-11; 19:9-10). The first question to be considered is whether Saul was a genuine believer. Although at the time of his anointing as king it appeared as though he were a man of God (1 Sam. 10, ff.), his subsequent behavior was not consistent with an authentic conversion (James 2:14). The fact that he was anointed and used by God proves he was a true believer
“The Hebrew text says that the evil spirit would come upon Saul or depart from upon him; it is never said to have entered into Saul, as would be expected if demon-possesion was the intended idea but certainly denotes demonization of the king
The Case of the Woman Bent Double. In Luke 13:10-17 we read of a “daughter of Abraham” who “had a spirit of infirmity” (KJV) which left her bent over, unable to straighten up. Satan is identified as the one who bound her for 18 years (v. 16). There is no question that this sickness was demonically instigated and this is enough evidence to suggest that the woman was a true believer indwelt by a demon ie demonized
In Demon Possession and the Christian, C. Fred Dickason, the dean of Moody Bible Institute’s theology department, affirms that the weight of the evidence points in the direction that she was a genuine believer. First, she worshiped at the synagogue. Second, she glorified God because of her healing (v. 13). Third, the phrase “daughter of Abraham” implies salvation when taken with the passage about Zacchaeus (Luke 19:9).5
That she was a regular synagogue attender, and that she praised God for her healing, are prime points here. One could not worship in synagogue without being a true worshiper of God — consider the scribes and Pharisees who were not. There is a mention of her coming in faith to Jesus. As a result she was delivered from demonization
It is prettyl clear that the woman bent double was demonized. Modern translations render the literal Greek phrase “spirit of infirmity” as “sickness caused by a spirit” (NAS), “crippled by a spirit” (NIV), and so forth. This would seem to be the intended sense of the phrase, as Jesus delivered her (as He consistently did in clear cases of demon possession) and pronounced her cured.
Anonymous
YESTERDAY after being away for a while Peter Vandever came by to ask the question
Can a Christian have a demon? Apart from the wrong premise of the question which does not involve the BIBLICAL definition of demonization he posted this:
We live in a battle that has angels, demons and the flesh. Paul makes it clear that no one can say Jesus is Lord with demons (1 Corinthians 12:3). John tells us that we are born of God demons can’t touch us. (1 John 5:18) Believers can’t have demons but boy than they act like the flesh and it look like demons! The good news is when we come to Jesus, the devil is defeated in our lives (Romans 8:31–39) as long as we continue in the faith. (Colossians 1:23)
There is NO demon that is going to let you love Jesus. If someone loves Jesus and lives committed to Him, they can’t have a demon. Demons can’t stand the presence of God and they flee in the name of Jesus. (James 4:7) A believer in Jesus is sealed unto redemption by the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) where light and darkness can not mix. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18)
There, as believers, we can’t have demons. We enjoy our sin (James 1:14-15) and continue to live in hatred toward holiness (John 3:20) but that is not a demon, that is willful rebellion to the nature of God. (1 Samuel 12:14-15) Willful is a decision of your freewill. (Hebrews 10:26) The devil doesn’t make you do it. You wanted to sin!
Paul writes to a church that tasted of the powers to come (Hebrews 6:5) and gives them a choice: the fruit of the flesh (not demons) or the fruit of the Spirit. It is an ultimatum. Galatians 5 is about choosing the flesh (Galatians 5:13-21) or the Holy Spirit. (verses 22-26)
Finally, there is NOT one mention in the New Testament of a believer having a demon, much less demonized. Not one. You would think they would record it somewhere it is was as common as people make it sound today. Not one time does any of the Apostles deal with a Christian having a demon. Only unbelievers.
Therefore, as a believer, you do not have a demon. You have a desire to sin and enjoy doing it. You need to repent, not deliverance.
Tim Gilman quickly answered
A better question is can anyone “have” a demon in the first place?, which may be NOT the smartest thing weVE read on the internets today
Philip Williams waited not another minute to spill his seed of wisdom when he posted ” just go to Haiti or India.”
THEN Duane L Burgess wrongly asserted with
NO. Absolutely not.
The so called “deliverance ministries” have been tossing to and fro by every wind of doctrine for decades.
Do not be deceived.
These “deliverance” ministries bring bondage to false teaching, not freedom.
to which Peter Vandever quickly responded in the lines of
Not a demon. Anger is sin, not a demon. Die to the flesh!
AND since ol Phil is not going to India or Haiti to minister there anytime soon we let ppl like Isara Mo William DeArteaga Neil Steven Lawrence who have actually DONE THIS to answer the above implications. Terry Wiles has also been in missions lately
Anonymous
and now my BIBLE verses with supporting Scriptures Cited to Support Invasion of Christians
The Case of King Saul. Two passages say that an evil spirit from God came upon Saul. Both times he tried to pin David to the wall with his javelin (1 Sam. 18:10-11; 19:9-10). The first question to be considered is whether Saul was a genuine believer. Although at the time of his anointing as king it appeared as though he were a man of God (1 Sam. 10, ff.), his subsequent behavior was not consistent with an authentic conversion (James 2:14). The fact that he was anointed and used by God proves he was a true believer
“The Hebrew text says that the evil spirit would come upon Saul or depart from upon him; it is never said to have entered into Saul, as would be expected if demon-possesion was the intended idea but certainly denotes demonization of the king
The Case of the Woman Bent Double. In Luke 13:10-17 we read of a “daughter of Abraham” who “had a spirit of infirmity” (KJV) which left her bent over, unable to straighten up. Satan is identified as the one who bound her for 18 years (v. 16). There is no question that this sickness was demonically instigated and this is enough evidence to suggest that the woman was a true believer indwelt by a demon ie demonized
In Demon Possession and the Christian, C. Fred Dickason, the dean of Moody Bible Institute’s theology department, affirms that the weight of the evidence points in the direction that she was a genuine believer. First, she worshiped at the synagogue. Second, she glorified God because of her healing (v. 13). Third, the phrase “daughter of Abraham” implies salvation when taken with the passage about Zacchaeus (Luke 19:9).5
That she was a regular synagogue attender, and that she praised God for her healing, are prime points here. One could not worship in synagogue without being a true worshiper of God — consider the scribes and Pharisees who were not. There is a mention of her coming in faith to Jesus. As a result she was delivered from demonization
It is prettyl clear that the woman bent double was demonized. Modern translations render the literal Greek phrase “spirit of infirmity” as “sickness caused by a spirit” (NAS), “crippled by a spirit” (NIV), and so forth. This would seem to be the intended sense of the phrase, as Jesus delivered her (as He consistently did in clear cases of demon possession) and pronounced her cured.
Anonymous
An old classic
Anonymous
1 of the best – UNGER changed his mind on demonization among believers
ONCE he actually went deep into the BIBLE and researched it all
Anonymous
William DeArteaga can you deliver Duane L Burgess from his religious spirit? I think he just needs Jesus to experience the joys of salvation.
Anonymous
Philip Williams I have had the joy of the Lord over forty years. You are seriously deceived.
There is no such thing as a “demon of anger.” Nowhere taught in Scripture at all.
This demonstrates that, at best, you are a naïve, gullible fool. Otherwise you’re simply lost, the natural man who does not receive the things of the spirit.
A true Christian is indwelt and taught by the Holy Spirit and has the mind of Christ.
The Holy Spirit does not teach things like “a demon of anger.” That’s a lie of the devil who clearly has you under his spell.
Anonymous
Duane L Burgess you have an excellent way of concealing your joy. Inside, you must be bubbling over with joy!
So you don’t see any of the fruits of the flesh being caused by demons? What kind of behavior do demons cause?
Anonymous
Well who said Christianity or salvation for that matter is a vaccination against demons..?
Anonymous
Isara Mo none
Anonymous
The heavenly sphere has always fascinated mankind. There are so many questions about supernatural beings that come from the divine realm. This course is presented in a seminar style. It assembles recorded discussions between several IBC faculty members and guests: Yeshaya Gruber, Nicholas Schaser, Pinchas Shir, Cindy Parker, Ashely Lyons, and Tupa Guerra. The professors engage some key ancient texts about the beings from the divine realm and even tackle questions that come during the live broadcast from the audience. Here are several fascinating topics they tackle: “The Divine Council of God”, “Angels and Demons”, “Satan, Lucifer, and Beelzebul”, and “God, Satan, and Unforgivable Sin”. Instead of a single lecturer, this course features a whole team of experts who bring their combined knowledge into these unique dialogues. You will not be disappointed!
Anonymous
There are rare chances due to some reason.
Anonymous
“demon-possessed” is a mistranslation that has caused a lot of confusion.