Christians Can Have Demons – Confronting the Question the Church Avoids
2 Timothy 2:25-26 – “In meekness instructing those who oppose themselves, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
The Question That Divides the Church
There’s a question that causes more controversy, more defensiveness, and more division in the body of Christ than almost any other:
Can a born-again Christian have a demon?
In many churches, the answer is swift and certain: “Absolutely not! The Holy Spirit and demons cannot coexist in the same body. Once you’re saved, you’re free. To suggest otherwise is heresy.”
But here’s what that teaching has produced:
Countless believers sitting in pews every Sunday, saved, Spirit-filled, serving in ministry who are secretly:
- Bound by addictions they can’t break
- Tormented by thoughts they can’t control
- Trapped in patterns of sin they desperately want to escape
- Plagued by fear, depression, anger, and hopelessness
- Living far below the abundant life Jesus promised
They’ve prayed. They’ve repented. They’ve claimed every promise. They’ve “surrendered more fully.” They’ve been counseled that their problem is “lack of faith” or “incomplete sanctification” or “the old Adamic nature.”
But nothing changes. The bondage remains.
And when they dare to suggest that maybe, just maybe there’s a demonic element to their struggle, they’re met with religious platitudes or outright rejection.
What if we’ve been wrong? What if the very teaching that says “Christians can’t have demons” is the very thing keeping Christians in demonic bondage?
What the Bible Actually Says
Let’s be clear from the start: Nowhere in the Bible does it explicitly say “a Christian cannot have a demon.”
What it does say repeatedly is that believers can be afflicted, oppressed, bound, and taken captive by demonic forces.
Biblical Evidence That Believers Can Have Demons
1. Matthew 15:22-28 – The Children’s Bread
When the Canaanite woman asked Jesus to deliver her demon-possessed daughter, the disciples wanted to send her away. But Jesus called deliverance “the children’s bread,” food for God’s household. If deliverance is the children’s bread, then God’s children must need it.
2. Mark 8:33 – Jesus Rebukes Satan in Peter
Peter, a disciple who had just received divine revelation, was immediately rebuked by Jesus: “Get behind Me, Satan!” One moment Peter spoke by the Spirit; the next, he was influenced by a demonic voice. Both realities coexisted in a follower of Christ.
3. Luke 13:11-17 – The Daughter of Abraham
Jesus encountered a woman in the synagogue called “a daughter of Abraham” (a believer) who had been bound by a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. She was in the house of God, a child of God, and demonically bound simultaneously.
4. Luke 22:3 – Satan Entered Judas
“Then Satan entered Judas.” Judas was a disciple, part of Jesus’s inner circle, entrusted with ministry. Yet Satan entered him. The language is clear this was internal, not just external influence.
5. Acts 5:3-4 – Ananias and Sapphira
Peter asked Ananias: “Why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?” These were believers in the early church, yet Satan had filled Ananias’s heart. Not just influenced, filled.
6. Acts 10:38 – Oppression by Satan
Peter describes Jesus’s ministry: “He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” Oppression is a form of demonic affliction that doesn’t distinguish between believer and unbeliever.
7. 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 – Satan Getting Advantage
Paul warns believers that Satan can “take advantage” of them. The Greek implies gaining ground, establishing a foothold, occupying territory.
8. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 – Receiving Another Spirit
Paul rebukes the Corinthian believers for “receiving a different spirit.” These were Christians who had received the Holy Spirit, yet they were also receiving demonic spirits.
9. 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 – Paul’s Messenger of Satan
Paul, the great apostle, describes having “a messenger of Satan” in his flesh, a demonic thorn that afflicted him physically.
10. Galatians 3:1 – Bewitched by Spirits
Paul asks the Galatian believers: “Who has bewitched you?” The word implies demonic spiritual deception affecting born-again Christians.
11. Ephesians 4:26-27 – Giving Place to the Devil
Paul warns believers: “Do not give place to the devil.” The Greek word for “place” (topos) means ground, territory, or opportunity. Christians can give demons legal ground to enter and remain.
12. 1 Peter 5:8-9 – Afflictions in the Brethren
Peter warns believers that the devil prowls around seeking whom he may devour, and affirms “the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood.” Believers are not immune.
13. Psalm 34:19 – Afflictions of the Righteous
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” The righteous face afflictions and need deliverance.
The Clear Pattern
Throughout Scripture, we see:
- Believers in synagogues who needed deliverance
- Disciples of Jesus who were demonically influenced
- Members of the early church who had demons
- Apostles who were afflicted by messengers of Satan
- Righteous people who needed to be set free
The evidence is overwhelming: Believers can, and do have demonic bondage that requires deliverance.
Understanding How This Is Possible
The Three-Part Nature of Man
Scripture teaches that man is a three-part being:
1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless.”
- Spirit – Where God dwells; the part that grasps divine things (1 Corinthians 2:14)
- Soul – Mind, will, emotions, intellect (the “psyche”)
- Body – Physical flesh
What Happens at Salvation
When you’re born again:
Your spirit is made alive – “Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:1-5)
Jesus enters your spirit – “He who has the Son has life” (1 John 5:11-12)
The Holy Spirit seals you – “You were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13-14)
You become a new creation – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Your spirit is delivered from Satan’s power – “He has delivered us from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:12-13)
What Doesn’t Happen Automatically at Salvation
Your soul is not instantly delivered.
Your mind still has:
- Thought patterns formed before salvation
- Strongholds built over years
- Wounds that have never healed
- Doors opened through past sins
Your emotions still carry:
- Bitterness and unforgiveness
- Fear and anxiety
- Anger and rage
- Depression and despair
Your will still struggle with:
- Addictive behaviors
- Sinful habits
- Rebellion against authority
- Self-centeredness
These areas remain contaminated until they are cleansed.
The Biblical Model
2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”
2 Timothy 2:21 – “If anyone cleanses himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master.”
Galatians 5:24 – “Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”
Notice the pattern: God saves your spirit. You must cleanse your soul.
Jesus has delivered your spirit from Satan’s power. Now He commands you to work out your own deliverance from the molestation of enemies in your soul (Philippians 2:12-13).
The Armor Analogy
Ephesians 6 describes spiritual armor for believers. But consider:
- Armor is for external threats, not internal enemies already inside
- Even armor has gaps and weak points where the enemy can strike
- Armor must be put on and maintained, it’s not automatic
When you give place to the devil through sin (Ephesians 4:27), you create openings in your armor. Demons don’t need to attack from the outside, they’re already inside, occupying territory you gave them.
The Devastating Cost of Denying This Truth
When the church teaches that Christians cannot have demons, the results are catastrophic:
1. Problems Are Misdiagnosed
Every spiritual issue becomes:
- “Lack of surrender”
- “Insufficient faith”
- “The old Adamic nature”
- “The struggle between flesh and spirit”
Believers are told to pray more, fast more, surrender more, while demons laugh and remain undisturbed.
2. People Are Left in Bondage
Thousands of believers suffer in silence:
- Addicted but ashamed to admit it
- Depressed but told it’s “just a lack of joy”
- Tormented by thoughts but told “take every thought captive” (without being taught how)
- Bound by fear but told “perfect love casts out fear” (while the spirit of fear remains)
They try harder. They fail again. They live in despair, believing something is fundamentally wrong with them.
3. Believers Leave the Church
Frustrated, disillusioned, and hopeless, many abandon church altogether. They were promised freedom but found only religious platitudes. Their needs were never met because the solution, deliverance was denied.
4. Demons Are Given Legal Ground
When teaching denies that Christians can have demons, demons gain legal right to stay. They hide behind false doctrine, undisturbed and unconfronted.
5. Spiritual Pride Is Reinforced
Leaders become unteachable, refusing to re-examine their theology even when confronted with biblical evidence and the testimonies of thousands who have been set free through deliverance.
6. The Church Becomes Powerless
Without deliverance, the church is anemic. We preach salvation but leave people in bondage. We baptize in the Spirit but don’t set captives free. We claim authority over demons but never exercise it for believers.
Luke 4:18 says Jesus came “to proclaim liberty to the captives… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
If we’re not doing deliverance, we’re not doing the full ministry of Jesus.
The Reality: Christians Have Thousands of Demons
This isn’t theory. This is the testimony of deliverance ministers worldwide who have cast demons out of:
- Small groups and congregations – Believers sitting in church every Sunday
- Pastors and their families – Leaders in bondage while leading others
- Five-fold ministry – Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers
- Deliverance ministers themselves – Even those casting out demons need deliverance
Derek Prince, Don Basham, Bob Larson, and countless others have documented casting thousands of demons out of born-again, Spirit-filled Christians.
This is not rare. This is normal.
Why So Many Demons?
Because demons enter through:
- Generational curses – Inherited from ancestors
- Childhood trauma – Abuse, neglect, fear
- Sinful behaviors – Before and after salvation
- Soul ties – Unhealthy relationships
- Occult involvement – Even “innocent” practices
- Unforgiveness and bitterness – Open doors that remain open
- Pride, rebellion, and disobedience – Legal ground for demons
Most Christians have never been taught about deliverance, never been through deliverance, and are living with demonic bondage they don’t even recognize.
Warning Signs You May Need Deliverance
Mental and Emotional Struggles
- Confusion or distorted thinking – Loss of touch with reality, delusions
- Obsessions – Absorption with subjects to the exclusion of others; uncontrollable urges
- Anxiety and worry – Phobias, feelings of persecution
- Depression and melancholy – Gloominess, mental dejection, hopelessness
- Extreme mood swings – Rage or exaggerated docility
Relational Difficulties
- Difficulty making or keeping friends – Poor social skills, isolation, withdrawal
- Excessive self-centeredness – Indifference to others’ feelings
- Inability to forgive – Holding grudges, bitterness
- Aggression or passivity – Either extreme combativeness or complete avoidance of conflict
Behavioral Patterns
- Addictions – Substances, pornography, food, shopping, technology
- Immaturity – Infantile behavior, over-dependence, failure to keep pace with peers
- Pattern of failure – At school, work, relationships, repeated across the board
- Frequent changes of plans – Inability to commit, stick with jobs, keep appointments
- Sleep disturbances – Too much or too little; not waking refreshed
Spiritual Issues
- Inability to pray or read Scripture – Constant distraction, weariness, sleepiness
- Blocked spiritual growth – Despite effort, no progress
- Religious pride – Spiritual superiority, judgmentalism
- False peace – Counterfeit gifts, superficial spirituality
- Doctrinal deception – Drawn to false teachings
- False burden bearing – Carrying weight God never assigned; chronic heaviness, responsibility for others’ outcomes
If you recognize yourself in these patterns, you likely need deliverance.
The Biblical Command: Cast Out Demons
Jesus didn’t just cast out demons, He commanded His followers to do the same.
Matthew 10:7-8 – “As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.”
Mark 16:15-17 – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel… And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons.”
Luke 4:18 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me… to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
Luke 10:19 – “I give you the authority… over all the power of the enemy.”
Where Jesus Cast Out Demons
Jesus cast out demons:
- In synagogues (houses of worship)
- In Galilee (everywhere He went)
- Outside and inside
- In multitudes and individuals
- In houses and at the seashore
- In cities and villages
- Everywhere He went
John 14:12 – “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also.”
We are commanded to follow His example. Deliverance is not optional, it’s essential to the ministry of Jesus.
Your Responsibility in Deliverance
Here’s a truth many don’t want to hear: God will not cast your demons out for you. That’s your responsibility.
Scriptures Showing Our Responsibility
- Luke 10:19 – “I give YOU authority… over all the power of the enemy”
- Luke 4:18 – “To set at liberty those who are oppressed” (a command to us)
- Philippians 2:12-13 – “Work out your own salvation” (deliverance from molestation of enemies)
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Let US cleanse ourselves”
- 2 Timothy 2:21 – “If anyone cleanses HIMSELF”
- Galatians 5:24 – “Those who are Christ’s HAVE crucified the flesh”
The Division of Responsibility
God’s part:
- Provided salvation through Jesus
- Gave you the Holy Spirit
- Gave you authority over demons
- Provided the tools and weapons
Your part:
- Recognize the bondage
- Renounce the sin
- Break the legal ground
- Command the demons to leave
- Close the doors
- Walk in freedom
God will help you, but He won’t do it for you. This is the agreement. This is your warfare. This is your deliverance.
How to Begin Your Deliverance
Step 1: Acknowledge the Truth
Stop denying that Christians can’t have demons. The Bible, experience, and the testimony of thousands prove otherwise.
Humble yourself and admit: “I need deliverance.”
Step 2: Ask God to Reveal Bondages
Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you:
- Sins you need to confess and renounce
- Doors you’ve opened to the enemy
- Generational curses affecting you
- Areas where demons have legal ground
Step 3: Confess and Renounce Sin
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Proverbs 28:13 – “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
Be specific. Name the sins. Renounce them verbally.
Step 4: Forgive Everyone
Matthew 6:14-15 – “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive… neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Unforgiveness is one of the biggest legal grounds demons use. Release everyone who has hurt you.
Step 5: Break Generational Curses
Exodus 20:5 speaks of iniquity passing to the third and fourth generation. You must break these curses over your life.
Declare: “I break every generational curse over my life in Jesus’ name. I renounce the sins of my ancestors and cancel every legal right demons have held through them.”
Step 6: Command Demons to Leave
In the authority of Jesus’ name, command specific demons to leave:
“In the name of Jesus Christ, I command every spirit of [fear, anger, lust, pride, addiction, depression, etc.] to leave me now. You have no legal right to stay. I close every door. I break your power. Leave now!”
Step 7: Fill the House
Matthew 12:43-45 warns that demons try to return to an empty house. Fill the space they occupied with:
- The Word of God
- Worship and praise
- Prayer and fellowship
- The fruit of the Spirit
Step 8: Walk in Freedom
Galatians 5:1 – “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
- Stay in the Word
- Maintain repentance
- Close doors quickly when sin occurs
- Continue deliverance as God reveals more areas
A Prayer for Deliverance
“Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus Christ, acknowledging that I need deliverance. I confess that I have believed the lie that Christians cannot have demons, and I renounce that false teaching now.
I ask You, Holy Spirit, to search my heart and reveal every area of bondage, every demon that has legal ground in my life.
I confess my sins: [Be specific: name them]. I renounce these sins and turn away from them completely. I receive Your forgiveness.
I forgive everyone who has hurt me: [Name them]. I release them and cancel every debt.
I break every generational curse over my life. I renounce the sins of my ancestors and cancel every legal right demons have held through them.
In the name and authority of Jesus Christ, I now command every demon to leave:
- Every spirit of confusion, doubt, and unbelief—leave now in Jesus name!
- Every spirit of fear, anxiety, and worry—leave now in Jesus name!
- Every spirit of anger, rage, and unforgiveness—leave now in Jesus name!
- Every spirit of lust, perversion, and sexual bondage—leave now in Jesus name!
- Every spirit of pride, rebellion, and stubbornness—leave now in Jesus name!
- Every spirit of depression, hopelessness, and suicide—leave now in Jesus name!
- Every spirit of addiction—leave now in Jesus name!
- Every spirit of infirmity and sickness—leave now in Jesus name!
- Every spirit of confusion, doubt, and unbelief—leave now in Jesus name!
Steps to cancel the legal rights of the enemy over your life
You have no legal right to stay. I close every door you entered through. I break your power. In Jesus’ name, LEAVE NOW!
Holy Spirit, fill every place these demons occupied. Take complete control of my spirit, soul, and body. Lead me into all truth. Sanctify me completely.
I declare that I am free in Christ. I will walk in this freedom. I will stand fast and not be entangled again.
In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.”
The Choice Before You
You can continue believing the lie that Christians can’t have demons and remain in bondage.
Or you can accept the biblical truth, humble yourself, and seek the deliverance God has provided.
The question isn’t whether Christians can have demons. The evidence is overwhelming they can and they do.
The question is: Will you do something about it?
Jeremiah 48:10 warns: “Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from blood.”
God has given you a sword, the authority to cast out demons. To withhold it from those in bondage including yourself is to work deceitfully.
The world will never be conquered for God unless deliverance is practiced worldwide.
The church will never be the militant, victorious body Christ intended unless we stop denying this truth and start setting captives free.
A Final Word
If this devotional has challenged your theology, good. Let it.
If it’s made you uncomfortable, even better. Examine the Scriptures for yourself.
If you’re angry, ask yourself why. Is it the Holy Spirit convicting you, or is it pride defending a position?
The truth will set you free but first, it will make you uncomfortable.
Thousands of believers have been set free through deliverance. Marriages restored. Addictions broken. Health regained. Depression lifted. Peace restored. Joy returned.
You can be next.
But only if you’re willing to:
- Humble yourself
- Admit the bondage
- Face the truth
- Take authority
- Command the demons to leave
- Walk in freedom
The choice is yours.
Today’s Memory Verses
2 Timothy 2:25-26 – “That they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
Luke 10:19 – “Behold, I give you the authority… over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Galatians 5:1 – “Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”May you walk in the complete freedom Christ purchased for you. May every bondage be broken. May every demon be cast out. May you live in the glorious liberty of the children of God. In Jesus’ name
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