THE DEVIL INSIDE!

Can a Christian be possessed? We have a theological debate! While the Bible does not explicitly state whether a Christian can be possessed by a demon [https://www.gotquestions.org/demon-possession.html], related biblical truths make it abundantly clear that Christians cannot be demon-possessed. There is a distinct difference between being possessed by a demon and being oppressed or influenced by a demon. Demon possession involves a demon having direct/complete control over the thoughts and/or actions of a person (Matthew 17:14-18 [https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Matt%2017.14-18]; Luke 4:33-35 [https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%204.33-35]; 8:27-33 [https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Luke%208.27-33]). Demon oppression or influence involves a demon or demons attacking a person spiritually and/or encouraging him/her into sinful behavior. Notice that in all the New Testament passages dealing with spiritual warfare, there are no instructions to cast a demon out of a believer (Ephesians 6:10-18 [https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Eph%206.10-18]). Believers are told to resist the devil (James 4:7 [https://biblia.com/bible/esv/James%204.7]; 1 Peter 5:8-9 [https://biblia.com/bible/esv/1%20Pet%205.8-9]), not to cast him out.