The answer is no.

Experts in spiritual warfare incorrectly assert that Christians can be demon possessed and that exorcising demons is part of sanctification (spiritual growth).

Such claims are based on subjective experiences rather than on God’s word. Neither does the Bible contain a clear example where a demon could ever invade or inhabit a true believer, nor does it contain any instance in which a true believer was rebuked, bound, or had a demon cast out of them.

Every demon-possessed person recorded in the Scriptures was an unbeliever.

Defining demon possession.

Understanding possession and influence is the first step to answering this question.

Demonic possession (ownership) occurs when a demon takes control of a person, sometimes even controlling their voice or body. Demonic influences are external and include temptations and deceptions.

Although true Christians can struggle with the influence of the evil one, they cannot be possessed because they have been delivered from darkness to light. Here are some facts from the scriptures concerning deliverance:

• Colossians 1:13-14 ~ We are transferred from the kingdom of darkness to His Son.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ~ We are the temples of the Holy Spirit.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-16 ~ The indwelling of the Holy Spirit could never cohabit with demons.
• 1 John 4:4 ~ He who is in you is greater.
• Ephesians 1:13-14 ~ We are sealed with the Holy Spirit.

These verses affirm that true believers are securely in Christ, protected by the indwelling Holy Spirit, and shielded from demonic possession. Through the power of God’s Spirit, believers are delivered from darkness, marked as His own, and guarded by His sovereign hand.

Additionally, how can some Christians who claim to be possessed explain their “experiences”? And if it is not demon possession then what is it?

There are several possible explanations for this phenomenon:

• There is a possibility that the acclaimed Christian is a false convert.
• There is the possibility that the person may be oppressed or under undue influence, but not possessed.
• This could simply be a distraction or a deception caused by Satan to draw attention away from God’s glory.

As Christians, we should refrain from being referred to as possessed because that word implies ownership, and we have already been purchased (1 Peter 1:18-19).

While demons are often out of sight, they can also wrestle hand-to-hand with us (Ephesians 6:12), but only if Christians allow them to.

The idea of chasing after demons relentlessly is a pointless exercise since we have no direct control over them. We learn in Acts 19 that the sons of Sceva tried to drive away the demons using the name of Jesus, but the demons said to them, “Jesus we know, Paul we know, but who are you?” So it is pretty evident that we don’t have power over demons and it isn’t our domain.

As Christians, we are responsible for proclaiming the truth of God in order to destroy all error.

Spiritual victory is not achieved by exorcism, but by obedience and confession of our sins. There is no difference between having a demon and being disobedient since the solution is the same. We are to repent of our sin, turn from it and walk in God’s will.

What about the spirits who came back with seven others?

Matthew 12:43-45 (NKJV)

43 “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 

44 Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.

45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.”

Often, this verse is quoted to emphasize that even if a demon spirit leaves, they can return. But what is the context of these verses?

After describing the demon’s return with “seven other spirits more wicked than himself,” Jesus concludes by stating, “So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” This implies that Jesus is not merely addressing individual possession but is using this as a metaphor for the spiritual state of the nation of Israel. Despite their temporary outward reformations, their rejection of Christ left them spiritually empty and vulnerable to even greater judgment.

In Mathew 12, Christ rebukes those who followed Him simply for the sake of witnessing signs and wonders. Jesus, instead of responding with spectacular signs and wonders, addresses their need for salvation.

Like the house in the parable, many people today appear to have their lives in order. However, in reality, they have not trusted in Christ as their Lord and Saviour. In other words, their souls are unoccupied by the Holy Spirit, which means they are still open to demonic invasion (as opposed to those whose bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit ~ 2 Cor. 6:16).

When Christ intervenes in a person’s life (1 Peter 1:5), he or she is kept by the power of God and as a result the evil one cannot touch them (1 John 5:18).

1 Peter 1:5 (NKJV)

who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1 John 5:18 (NKJV)

We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.