Demon Possession

Matthew 4:24 KJV 1900

24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Exorcism (from Ancient Greek ἐξορκισμός (exorkismós) 'binding by oath') is the religious or spiritual practice of evicting demons, jinns, or other malevolent spiritual entities from a person, or an area, that is believed to be possessed.[1] Depending on the spiritual beliefs of the exorcist, this may be done by causing the entity to swear an oath, performing an elaborate ritual, or simply by commanding it to depart in the name of a higher power. The practice is ancient and part of the belief system of many cultures and religions.

We know from Scripture that an individual can be possessed by a demon or demons (Matthew 4:24) but further questions abound within the church regarding this subject. What allows a person to be demon possessed? How do you know someone is demon possessed? Can a Christian be demon possessed? And what can you do about it?

What Causes Possession?

Despite the several examples in the New Testament of individuals that are said to be demon possessed, an explanation of what caused them to be possessed is not given in most cases.

We are not told what made the man in a Capernaum synagogue demon-possessed

Mark 1:25–27 KJV 1900

25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. 26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.

(Mark 1:25-27; Luke 4:51-56), the Gadarene demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34, Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39), the demoniac boy (Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29; Luke 9:37-42), or the slave girl at Phillippi (Acts 16:18).

However, scripture is not completely silent on this matter. John 12:1-11 tells us that even before Judas was offered money to turn over Jesus, he would help himself to what was put into the money bag. What started off small only grew. Judas had provided a foothold for Satan to enter his life by stealing and becoming full of greed. As a result, the Bible tells us that Satan entered Judas. It does not appear that Judas was aware of Satan entering him.

Gateway to Possession

From this, and from scriptures like Ephesians 4:27 that states, “do not give the devil a foothold,” we can ascertain that demons can possess a person with or without them knowing; however, the person in one way or another has opened themselves up so that the demons believe they have the legal right to possess the individual.

The term “foothold” or “gateway” is often used to describe this “opening up”. There are many possibilities of behaviors that can be a gateway or allow a foothold by the enemy. Some of these include being involved with new age, psychics, cults, drugs, the occult, witchcraft, spirit guides, rituals, passive meditation, sexual deviance, spells, oaths, “charged” teachings, and communicating with a spirit.

The bottom line is that demons will use any deception to have a person open that door. Any lie that is believed that is opposite the truth from God, whether conscious of it or not, can end up being a foothold. As with Judas, once the door is opened, it can grow into what is most often called a “stronghold” and this is where the enemy can begin to believe they have a right to enter and take up residence.

Possessed or Not?

This brings us to identify demon possession. How do we know we’re not dealing with a physical ailment or mental illness? Having experience is definitely helpful in determining the difference and so is the presence of the Holy Spirit in you. But there are certain manifestations that often indicate demon possession. Some of these are:

Having instant knowledge and fear of the presence of JesusBecoming sick or having a violent reaction to the presence of a ChristianMaking threats, weird noises, or utterances in counterfeit languagesYelling, cursing, or growling at othersDemonstrating superhuman strengthBeing thrown on the groundBeing stripped naked

Many Christians want to know whether a Christian can be possessed by a demon. There is no question that Christians can be oppressed by the enemy. However, since demons have no authority or right to possess that which Christ owns, it would not be possible for them to be possessed. Christians are called to stay alert, be sober, stand firm.

1 Peter 5:8 KJV 1900

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Colossians 4:2 KJV 1900

2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

to put on the whole armor of God

Ephesians 6:13 KJV 1900

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

and to test and stay away from evil (

1 Thessalonians 5:21–22 KJV 1900

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

To do otherwise will only end up enslaving a Christian and grieving the Holy Spirit who is within them.

Who Can Cast Out a Demon?

Despite many people’s belief that only priests with holy water can cast a demon out, the truth is that any believer in Jesus Christ can do the job. They are able to do so because of the authority they have in Christ:

Ephesians 1:21–22 KJV 1900

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

In Jesus’ day, the twelve disciples and the seventy cast out demons in Jesus’ name. In Luke 10:17 it says that when the seventy returned, the first thing they said was, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Jesus responded by stating that He had given them authority over all the power of the enemy.

How to Cast Out a Demon

When casting out a demon there is no need to unnecessarily engage in conversation with the evil spirits. Simply announce your authority: “I am a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ who is God forever and I trust in Jesus and the blood of Christ. Jesus is my Lord and He has given me the right and authority to deal with you.” Then command the demons to come out in the name of Jesus Christ.

Demons can attempt to distract and may cause a scene on the way out. Because of this you should be aware of who is around you. If children are present, they should be taken out of the room. Manifestations can be unusual, uncomfortable, bizarre, and intimidating. Despite this, it is critical to never fear a demon and never back down.

Remember to pray for protection before and after deliverance. This is spiritual warfare and the enemy seeks to devour whom he can, especially anyone setting captives free from his reign of terror.

Finally, don’t forget the ultimate goal of casting out a demon: the salvation of a soul. Invite that person to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and to trust him for a victorious spiritual life.