Question:

  What do you believe about "demon possession"?

  Answer:

  There is no doubt that Jesus did cast out demons during His earthly ministry. There is also no doubt that there was, at that time, tremendous demonic activity, as the forces of Satan attempted to thwart the plan of God and the Cross of Jesus.

  But, what about "casting out demons" today?

  First of all there is absolutely no instruction anywhere in the epistles of the New Testament as to how to "cast out a demon", or that we should be doing such things.

  Next, let's look at the truths concerning born again New Testament believers:

  Our bodies are God's Holy Temple "Naos", or "Holy of Holies" Strong's number <3485>: ("Heiron" is Greek word for the whole O. T. temple)

  1 Cor 3:16 KJV "Know ye not that ye are the temple <3485> of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?"

  God's people can never be separated from the love of God, Rom. 8:37-39.

  Personally, I do not believe that a born again child of God can be "demon possessed". The child of God is permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit of God, and our body is called God's Holy "temple".

  We are:

1. Born anew, 1 Pet 1:23.
2. Delivered from the kingdom of Satan, Col 1:13.
3. Transferred into the kingdom of God, Col 1:13.
4. Baptized into union with Christ by the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor 12:13.
5. Sealed (permanently) by the Holy Spirit into union with Christ, Eph 1:13 & 14.
6. Sanctified (perfectly cleaned up positionally), 1 Cor 6:11.

  I cannot believe that one of Satan's demon spirits can enter the Holy Temple, the "Naos" of one of God's born again children!

  There is an ABSENCE of teaching on demon possession in the New Testament Epistles to the Church Age saints (Romans to Revelation), and I believe for this very reason - a child of God cannot be demon possessed.

  When Jesus was on earth He had the power to call out a demon spirit AND make the person a child of God at the same time. We have no control of the New Birth and can only pray for some one to be saved.

  Jesus spoke of the futility of casting a demon spirit out of an unbeliever in Matthew 12:43-45: "43 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. (He has "cleaned up his life") 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first."

  The teaching of Jesus is clear. If a "spirit of infirmity", or "demon spirit" is "cast out" of an unbeliever, God's Word teaches that it is futile, and it just may make the condition WORSE.

  From my study of the Bible, I consider it impossible for the Church Age born again believer to be "indwelt", or "possessed" by a demonic spirit.

  I also do not find an occasion where Jesus "cast out a demon" from someone who is identified as a believer.

  The Word of God definitely teaches that we are involved in a "spiritual battle". 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, is a definitive passage concerning the spiritual warfare in which we are engaged:

  2 Cor 10:3-5 KJV "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ".

  This passage is key to our understanding earth's spiritual warfare. It is a war engaged between God's Truth and error, and God's Truth sets us free from error. Our personal goal is clear: "Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ". (Staying "in fellowship")

  To me, this leaves us with only one recourse, to do just what God's Word says, pray for the salvation of the unbeliever, and pray for the healing of God's children, both in the name of Jesus, and asking that His will should be done.

  I sincerely hope this answers your question, and, if not, please feel free to write again,

  May the Lord richly bless you and your loved ones in every way,

  Bob Jones