[email protected] 

 

Brought to you by wellbuiltbody.com 

 

97X     PODBEAN   Apple Podcast 

 

These quotes show the differences in opinion among scholars. John MacArthur said this in teaching that believers cannot have demons:

The Bible convincingly reveals that true believers cannot be inhabited by Satan or demons. However, they can be tormented, oppressed, and harassed externally, even to a severe degree like Saul (or centuries later, like Paul, who was allowed to endure a satanic thorn in the flesh, 2 Cor. 12:7). Should demons actually be found to indwell a person, this would be evidence that he or she lacks genuine salvation, no matter how strongly that person or a counselor or a pastor or even a demon argues otherwise. If one encounters a truly demonized person, then he must recognize the strength of the enemy, appeal to God in prayer (see Jude 9), and use the power of Scripture (Rom. 1:16)—especially the gospel—to deal with the situation.

Wilmington shares about Dr. Merrill Unger whose view on the topic changed from believing Christians could not have demons to that they can. He says:

In 1969, well-known evangelical scholar Dr. Merrill F. Unger stated in his book titled Biblical Demonology that a believer could not be demon possessed, based on the assumption that an evil spirit could not indwell the redeemed body together with the Holy Spirit. However, in two subsequent books, Demons in the World Today (1971) and What Demons Can Do to Saints (1977), Dr. Unger reversed his original position, writing that, under certain conditions, carnal believers might indeed be subjected to this frightening experience. Unger came to this conclusion after listening to and visiting with various missionaries around the world who related many accounts where Christians displayed every evidence of having demons within!2

Ed Murphy takes a moderate view in saying that a believer cannot be possessed but he can be strongly demonized.

Perhaps the most controversial question to be raised is, “Can a true believer be demonized?” Note that I am speaking not of demon possession, but of demonization. Possession implies ownership and total control. Christians, even disobedient ones, belong to God, not to Satan. Thus, Satan cannot control them totally. Demonization is a different matter, however. By demonization I mean that Satan, through his demons, exercises direct, partial control over an area or areas of the life of a Christian or non-Christian.3

In considering this topic, Wayne Grudem argues that the translation “demon possessed” which is common in many modern versions does not actually reflect the Greek. The term really just means “to have demons.” He says:

The term demon possession is an unfortunate term that has found its way into some English translations of the Bible but is not really reflected in the Greek text. The Greek New Testament can speak of people who “have a demon” (Matt. 11:18; Luke 7:33; 8:27; John 7:20; 8:48, 49, 52; 10:20), or it can speak of people who are suffering from demonic influence (Gk. δαιμονίζομαι, G1227), but it never uses language that suggests that a demon actually “possesses” someone. 4

Therefore, it is probably best to not use the term “possessed” when referring to demonic control of people. Demons afflict both believers and nonbelievers, and in that affliction, they exert various levels of control and influence. Certainly, Satan and his demons can never “separate” true believers from the love of God as Romans 8:38-39 says.

 

Demonic spirits that can attach are related to

 

 

What I went through…

 

What my people experienced…

 

A more free prayer language, a clearer conscience and easier to see and know when you are entering attraction to sin. 

 

Are you interested in trying the deliverance ministry for yourselves?