How Demons Influence Professed Christians

Both believers and non-believers can experience demonic influence, though the nature and extent differ significantly. The critical distinction lies between possession and influence.

Demonic Influence vs. Possession

Demon possession and demon influence are related but distinct—influence describes the general work of demons against God and His people, while possession occurs when demons actually indwell their victims.[1] Both Christians and non-Christians can be influenced by demons, experiencing oppression, vexation, depression, hindrance, and bondage.[1]

Can Christians Be Possessed?

While the Bible does not explicitly state whether a Christian can be possessed by a demon, related biblical truths make it abundantly clear that Christians cannot be demon possessed.[2] Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and surely the Holy Spirit would not allow a demon to possess the same person He is indwelling.[2] However, Christians can be inhabited by demons if they provide the spirits space through protracted sin or by inviting their presence, and their behavior can be controlled by demons if they have yielded that control to the spirits.[3]

How Demons Influence Professed Christians

Scripture reveals that some professing Christians fall under demonic deception. The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. (1 Tim 4:1) Minds may be led astray from sincere devotion to Christ, and some receive a different spirit or different gospel than what was initially accepted. (2 Cor 11:3–4)

False apostles masquerade as apostles of Christ—Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light, and his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. (2 Cor 11:13–15) Demons seek to influence Christians through false doctrines and teachings as well as false miracles and wonders.[4]

The Path to Resistance

Believers must submit themselves to God and resist the devil, and he will flee from them. (James 4:7) Believers should not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1–4)

[1] Charles R. Swindoll and Roy B. Zuck, Understanding Christian Theology (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003), 609.
[2] Got Questions Ministries, Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2014–2021). [See here, here.]
[3] Clinton E. Arnold, 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare, ed. Grant R. Osborne and Richard J. Jones Jr., 3 Crucial Questions (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 1997), 138–139.
[4] A. Scott Moreau, “Demon,” in Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Baker Reference Library (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1996), 165.