Can a Christian be Demon Possessed?

The following is a response to a sister who had become concerned that her past tongues experiences might have been demonic. One question she asked concerned whether Christians can be possessed. Her question was occasioned by the article “Tongues Should Be Tested.”


I believe the issue of “possession” vs. “oppression” can be something of a “red herring.” We know that the devil can’t touch the salvation of one truly born again, sealed by God’s Spirit. However, the New Testament is full of warnings about the devil and his wiles. These warnings are not written to unbelievers but to Christians.

It is safe to say that the devil greatly hinders a lot of Christians through their ignorance of the word and his activities. Paul spoke in II Cor. 10:4 of “strong holds.” He warned in I Cor. 12:3 that “no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed.”

Spiritual gifts are exercised as we, moving in harmony with the Lord’s will and call, yield ourselves to the inspiration of His Spirit. The devil counterfeits God’s Spirit at every opportunity. The doctrine that every Christian should be filled with the Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues is a false doctrine. It has given the devil lots of opportunity to deceive. On the other hand, there IS a true gift of tongues. It is portrayed as one of the least gifts and not for everyone (I Cor. 12:30).

It is certainly possible for a genuine Christian to unwittingly yield to the inspiration of a religious spirit. That is one of the reasons why we need the gift of discernment in particular, and the protection of Christ in His Body in general.

I have no way to know whether your tongues were of God or not. Even IF they weren’t, I am confident that the Lord doesn’t want you to panic or be fearful. He loves you! He is not mad at you! All of us have more bondage in our lives than we dare realize. The Lord wants us to take His yoke and learn of Him that we might find rest unto our souls. That is a process, one that His sovereign grace upholds. He is both able and willing to finish what He has started in us! Phil. 1:6. In Christ we have perfect righteousness! The devil can’t touch that! Praise the Lord!

If you remain in doubt in the matter, you have every right to resist the devil with the blood, with all your heart and consciously put yourself in the Lord’s hands. Then stand on God’s promise in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Then thank God that the devil has fled!

We live in an hour of great lying signs and wonders and the sheep need to know that the devil is in the sign and wonder business and not just swallow up anything that comes along claiming to be of God. He will guide us safely through as we look to Him from our hearts.

As I said in my brief note yesterday, the Lord knows your heart and is aware of your desire for Him. Look to Him with confidence and rest and learn as He teaches you along the way.

Your brother in Christ!
Phil Enlow

Return to Question & Answers

Return to Midnight Cry Messenger