My dear Brethren , I want to address a concern that sometimes causes fear and uncertainty within the community of believers— the notion of demonic possession. Let's examine this topic through the lens of scripture and theological understanding.
First, it is essential to remember that human beings are tripartite; we consist of body, soul, and spirit. As stated by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians, "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again."
Before one is saved, the human spirit is considered dead. However, through the acceptance of Christ, our spirits are reborn, and it is through our spirits that we connect and communicate with God. In this space, demons cannot dwell, for as stated in 2 Corinthians 3:17, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."
When one receives salvation, something miraculous occurs—our bodies become the sanctuary for the Holy Spirit. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 6:19, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" In such a temple, demons cannot coexist with the Holy Spirit.
The final component is the soul, which encompasses our mind, will, and emotions. Scripturally, demons seem to seek physical bodies, and the Bible doesn't discuss 'soul possession.' If demons were to possess souls, they would control a person's will, an authority not even God seizes from us. Thus, by theological reasoning and biblical evidence, it seems unlikely that demons can possess a believer's soul.
However, it's important to clarify that while demons can't possess believers, they can still influence us. They can incite fear, doubt, or worry and exploit the sins we hold on to. Some refer to this influence as 'demonic oppression,' but I caution against this term because it suggests a lesser form of possession. I prefer to call it 'demonic attack,' which can manifest as emotional or psychological struggles like depression or anxiety.
Sometimes, believers display behaviors resembling demonic possession—yelling, writhing, or speaking in unfamiliar tones. Such manifestations could be either the result of emotional states, like anxiety-induced panic attacks, or they could be misunderstood spiritual experiences. However, it's important to note that such behaviors do not imply demonic possession.
Ownership is central to the concept of possession. If we belong to Christ, how can we belong to another entity? Paul assures us, "And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s." The Bible leaves little room for debate; demons cannot possess those who have given their lives to Christ.
To sum up, while believers can certainly be affected by demonic influences, the notion of a demon possessing a believer seems both biblically and theologically implausible. Let us find solace and strength in this understanding, standing firm in our faith, knowing that we are secure in the Lord.
May God bless you all. Amen.
My name is Cesar and I’m A Voice In The Desert
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