CAN A CHRISTIAN HAVE DEMONS?

The topic of demons seems to be quite controversial among Christians, which is very surprising considering that the Bible mentions demons many times. If you believe that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, then you should believe that demons and demonic oppression are very real and something that every Christian needs to learn about.

The Bible makes it clear that we have a very real enemy—Satan. He is out to get us, and he starts when we are young. He will not go easy on us because we are little; he will pull out all of the stops and do whatever it takes to destroy us, kill our relationship with God, and steal our hope and joy.

The Bible says:

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” — Ephesians 6:12

This is why every Christian needs to understand spiritual warfare and know the authority that we have through Jesus Christ.

CAN A CHRISTIAN HAVE DEMONS?

I have been told that it is impossible for a Christian to have demons. There is a school of thought out there that says if you have the Holy Spirit, you cannot possibly have demons.

The Holy Spirit cannot be near evil at all.

If that were true, then we would never sin again once we accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior.

If God Himself cannot stand to be anywhere near evil, then why is Satan allowed into His throne room?

If the Holy Spirit cannot be near demons, then why, when Jesus came upon people who were being tormented by demons, did the demons not immediately run away or leave the person at His presence?

Instead, the demons addressed Jesus and asked Him what He wanted with them.

“And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God?” — Matthew 8:29

Jesus demonstrated complete authority over demons.

WHY DOES THE BIBLE NOT SPECIFICALLY STATE THAT A CHRISTIAN CAN HAVE A DEMON?

The Bible is clear about this matter.

Jesus, His disciples, and the Apostles cast out demons time and time again in the New Testament.

These people were all children of God, exactly as we are, with the exception that they had yet to receive the Holy Spirit.

They were not called Christians because the term “Christian” was not coined until later in Antioch. The first Christians were actually Jews.

Christians experiencing demonic oppression are not limited to the New Testament either.

In the Old Testament, we read about King Saul, who was tormented by an evil spirit many times.

This evil spirit caused King Saul to try on several occasions to kill David and to wreak havoc around him.

“But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.” — 1 Samuel 16:14

THE BATTLE BETWEEN THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT

The Bible says:

“For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other.” — Galatians 5:17

There is a spiritual battle taking place, and Christians must understand that the enemy seeks opportunities to attack, deceive, discourage, and destroy.

This is why Scripture tells us:

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8

WHAT EXACTLY ARE DEMONS?

What exactly are demons? Are they the same as evil spirits?

There are different theories as to what demons are, but most likely they are the fallen angels Satan took with him when he fell to earth.

They are certainly his faithful servants who live to do his evil work and cause harm to human beings here on earth.

Demons and evil spirits are the same thing.

Demons have many disguises in which they try to deceive humans.

They come in the form of aliens, dead relatives who speak to us, ghosts, imaginary friends, and the dead who speak through Ouija boards or mediums.

The Bible makes it clear that once you die, you have no consciousness and no ability to communicate any longer.

If you have seen a ghost or talked to a dead relative, you are being tricked by a demon or familiar spirit.

You have allowed demons into your life, and this is dangerous.

You need to seek help from God in getting rid of them and cutting off the rights you have given them to your life.

The Bible warns:

“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them.” — Leviticus 19:31

HOW CAN YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE DEMONS?

I really hate to say this, but chances are pretty good that most Christians do have demons.

How does a person let a demon in?

There are several ways in which we let demons in:

1. Through sin—past or present.
2. Through generational and ancestral curses.
3. By inviting them in through movies, television, games, and music that are demonic.
4. Through abuse and/or trauma.
5. Through involvement with witchcraft of any kind, including the occult, New Age practices, and more.

These are some of the common ways that we let demons in.

Once you open up the door to the demonic and agree with it, you have given it rights to stay, which it will do until the rights get broken and it gets kicked out.

With generational and ancestral curses, you do not even have to give them rights yourself—someone else in your family line already has, and it can affect every generation under you.

DELIVERANCE AND HEALING

What most Christians do not know, and what is rarely talked about in the church, is that deliverance and healing are a must for every person who comes to Jesus Christ.

Whether you have been a Christian since childhood or came to Him as an adult, we all have wounds, trauma, and pain that need to be healed.

It could be something that seems small, like divorce or verbal abuse from a parent, or something bigger, like sexual abuse or drug use.

Demons love to ride on pain and trauma and the beliefs that we accept through these kinds of situations.

If you are verbally abused as a child and told that you are stupid, worthless, and never going to amount to anything, you begin to believe these lies, and demons use them to attach to you.

These lies cause deep roots in you as time goes on and bury themselves so deeply that the belief becomes so strong that you do not even remember the events that led to it.

You just know you are stupid and worthless.

The demons use this belief to wreak havoc in your life and relationships.

This is just one of the many ways that demons can use pain and trauma to cause you great harm.

Jesus came to set people free.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me... because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives.” — Luke 4:18

THE BOY WITH THE UNCLEAN SPIRIT

A man in the crowd called out:

“Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child.”

The spirit seized him and caused him to scream and experience violent convulsions.

The father said that he had begged Jesus' disciples to drive the spirit out, but they could not.

Jesus then rebuked the impure spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

“And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father.” — Luke 9:42

This is a powerful demonstration of the authority of Jesus Christ over demonic powers.

WHAT IS DELIVERANCE?

Deliverance is when you use the authority of Jesus Christ to remove or cast out demons from within your personal being.

Demons can attach themselves to you on the inside or the outside.

They cannot be where your spirit is if you are a Christian; that is where the Holy Spirit lives.

They can be just about everywhere else, though.

A Christian cannot be possessed because that means you are being controlled by the demon. That is not possible thanks to the power of the Holy Spirit.

Deliverance is for Christians, not for those who have not accepted Jesus as Savior.

If you do not have the Holy Spirit and try to remove demonic oppression, the demons will just come back in full force. There is nothing keeping them out.

If you have the Holy Spirit and break the rights and kick them out, they cannot come back.

That does not mean they will not try.

The Bible says:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” — James 4:7

COMMON SIGNS OF DEMONIC OPPRESSION

There are some common signs that may indicate the presence of demons inside of you.

These can include:

• Being stuck in sinful behavior that cannot be stopped no matter how hard you try.
• Chronic pain that has no relief, such as back pain or headaches.
• Chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia or cystic fibrosis.
• Eating disorders of different kinds.
• Suicidal tendencies or fascination with death.
• Any kind of addiction, including pornography, drugs, alcohol, and others.
• Uncontrollable moods that cannot be explained, such as always being angry, sad, or anxious.
• Inability to read the Bible or pray and feeling disconnected from God.
• Hearing or seeing strange entities, demons, dead relatives, animals that follow you, or voices in your head.
• Feeling tired all the time or being unable to stay awake, especially during church or Bible study.

These are some of the many ways that demons can affect your life.

This does not mean every one of these things is demonic.

There are no absolutes here.

This is simply to give you an idea and an understanding of the basics of demonic oppression and why deliverance is necessary and important for believers.

If you experience serious physical or psychological symptoms, seek appropriate professional help while continuing to pray and seek God.

DELIVERANCE IS THE FIRST STEP TO HEALING

Deliverance is the first step to healing.

Once you go through a deliverance session, then you can begin to heal inner pain and trauma that have been stored up during your life.

Without deliverance, healing does not come as easily or completely.

There are many types of deliverance.

As a new believer, I knew I had serious problems because I was always angry for no reason, began to feel disconnected from God, and then had an unexplainable sickness that I could not cure no matter what.

I had so many prayer sessions from many people whom I looked up to as prayer warriors or who had the gift of healing, and I never could get complete relief, if any at all.

I was tired of suffering and knew there was more to life as a Christian than being miserable.

Christ has promised us victory and freedom here and now.

I knew I should be able to experience it, but I could not.

Finally, I found a deliverance ministry that went for the head demon inside of a person.

Once you get to the head demon and break its rights, you can kick it out and all the minions underneath it as well.

Otherwise, you can keep kicking demons out, but the head demon can bring more minions in because it is still there.

WHEN AN UNCLEAN SPIRIT RETURNS

Jesus said:

“When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.” — Matthew 12:43

The passage continues:

“Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out.” — Matthew 12:44

And Jesus explains that the final condition of that person can become worse than the first.

This is why deliverance must be accompanied by a life surrendered to God.

After deliverance, continue in prayer, Scripture, worship, obedience, and fellowship with God.

“Be filled with the Spirit.” — Ephesians 5:18

JESUS HAS GIVEN BELIEVERS AUTHORITY

There is nothing to fear in the face of demonic oppression.

Jesus has defeated Satan and has him under His foot.

As believers, Jesus has given us power and authority over the devil and his dark forces as well.

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy.” — Luke 10:19

We just need to first accept that they are indeed working to destroy us, then we need to find out how they are doing it so we can stop it.

Any person can pray for deliverance themselves if they so desire.

If you pray earnestly and ask God to help you, the Holy Spirit can guide you through deliverance.

Some people will have very few and some will have many.

It does not matter how demonized you are, because no one is out of reach of the hand of God.

Truly, it is God Himself that does the deliverance, and it is only guided by humans.

It is only by His power and the name of Jesus that we are freed and released from demonic oppression.

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36

DO NOT GIVE UP

If you suspect demonic oppression in your life, then I say rejoice.

Yes, rejoice.

The first step to deliverance is knowing you have a problem.

So praise the Lord.

Many people cannot even believe they could have demons, mostly because the demons inside them are convincing them so they can continue to stay, so they cannot reach out for help.

Getting help is the second step.

You are not alone.

Whatever pain, ailment, or other problems you are experiencing right now, GOD HAS NOT ABANDONED YOU!

He knows your pain, and He is right there with you.

He has not relegated you to a life of suffering, but of freedom.

He has brought you here to this place right now so that He can begin to walk with you in freedom from this bondage.

This is the first step, and He is going to continue with you in this journey until He has given you full restoration.

Believe it!

Do not give up.

No matter how hopeless it may seem, or how hard or how many obstacles come in your way, do not give up.

God has not given up on you!

YOU HAVE A PURPOSE

And just know that whatever the devil has done in your life is for a good reason.

You have a calling on your life.

You have work to do for the Kingdom of God.

The devil knows this, and he will stop at nothing to keep you from doing God's work.

Take heart in this and know that the devil cannot stop you unless you allow him.

Stand up and fight, and if you are too weak, then ask God to fight for you.

He will hold you up with His mighty hand until you are strong enough to fight side by side with Him.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God.” — Isaiah 41:10

POWERFUL DELIVERANCE PRAYER

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come before You today.

I surrender my life completely to You.

Every power of darkness working against my relationship with God, be destroyed in the name of Jesus.

Every satanic oppression, bondage, manipulation, and affliction operating against my life, lose your power now, in the name of Jesus.

Every door that I have opened to darkness through sin, disobedience, occult involvement, ungodly relationships, or any other means, I renounce and close those doors by the power of the blood of Jesus.

Every evil influence attached to my life, be broken in the name of Jesus.

Every power feeding on pain, trauma, fear, rejection, bitterness, and past wounds, lose your hold over me, in the name of Jesus.

Every evil voice speaking into my mind, be silenced, in the name of Jesus.

Every satanic attack against my prayer life and relationship with God, be destroyed, in the name of Jesus.

I receive freedom through the power of Jesus Christ.

I receive healing for my wounded heart.

I receive strength for my spiritual life.

I receive grace to resist the devil.

I receive grace to walk in holiness and obedience.

I declare that Jesus Christ is Lord over my life.

No power of darkness will have the final word concerning me.

I belong to Jesus Christ.

I am covered by the blood of Jesus.

I am standing on the Word of God.

I will not give up.

I will not return to bondage.

I will walk in freedom.

I will walk in victory.

In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.

FAITH CONFESSION

I am a child of God.

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.

I belong to Christ.

I will not live in fear of demons.

I will not surrender my hope to the enemy.

The greater One lives in me.

The blood of Jesus speaks for me.

The Word of God is my weapon.

The Holy Spirit is my Helper.

I have authority through the name of Jesus.

Every chain of darkness shall be broken.

Every satanic oppression shall lose its power.

I shall walk in freedom.

I shall walk in victory.

I shall fulfill God's purpose for my life.

No matter what I have experienced in the past, God has not abandoned me.

My story will change.

My life will glorify Jesus.

POWERFUL BIBLE VERSES FOR DELIVERANCE

Luke 10:19

“Behold, I give unto you power... over all the power of the enemy.”

James 4:7

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

1 John 4:4

“Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Colossians 2:15

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

John 8:36

“If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.”

Isaiah 54:17

“No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper.”

Psalm 34:19

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.”

CLOSING PRAYER

Father, I thank You because You are the God of deliverance.

Thank You because no life is beyond Your reach.

Let every reader experiencing demonic oppression receive freedom through the power of Jesus Christ.

Break every chain.

Destroy every satanic stronghold.

Expose every hidden work of darkness.

Heal every wound.

Restore every broken place.

Strengthen every weak believer.

Let Your Holy Spirit fill every empty place.

Let the power of Jesus Christ prevail over every work of darkness.

Let every captive go free.

Let every oppressed person receive deliverance.

Let every troubled heart receive peace.

Let every person who has been walking in darkness come into the light of Christ.

May Your people walk in victory, freedom, holiness, and spiritual authority.

In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY

If God has delivered you from demonic oppression, bondage, occult involvement, spiritual attacks, or any other form of affliction, share your testimony.

Your testimony may encourage someone else who is believing God for freedom.

NEED PRAYER OR SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE?

Pastor Teddy Omozegbai

Call: +2348034051701 | +2348085989393
WhatsApp: +2348034051701

Follow Arena for Prayers for Bible-based prayers on deliverance, healing, restoration, breakthrough, protection, and spiritual warfare.

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