Grace to You :: esp Unleashing God's Truth, One Verse at a Time

Can a demon be cast out by another person through the power of the Holy Spirit?
Scripture: Matthew 8:28–32; Matthew 12:22–29
Code: QASF138

Can a person be possessed by a demon? And can the demon be cast out by another person
through the power of the Holy Spirit?

Yes, a person can be possessed by a demon. In Scripture we see people being tormented and
controlled by demons, and Jesus recognized the reality of demonic activity (e.g. Matthew 8:28–32
and 12:22–29). Thus, we understand that demons are able to do the same today.

Many people also wonder whether Christians can be demon possessed. They can’t, because
genuine, born-again Christians have the Holy Spirit residing in them. If the Holy Spirit is present, a
demon cannot also dwell there (cf. Romans 8:9–11; 1 Corinthians 6:19). That truth, however, is
contrary to the teaching of those in charismatic circles. Many charismatics believe Christians can be
possessed by demons. But often what is erroneously identified as demon possession is simply
personal sin. The remedy for that problem is not the exorcism of a demon but confession of and
repentance from sin.

A child of God enjoys the indwelling Spirit, and his path of sanctification consists of putting off the
sins of the old man and putting on the righteousness of the new man (Colossians 3:8–11). There is
no demonic activity happening with him when he sins. Rather, it is the sin of the old man that he
must master and put to death, as Colossians 3:5–7 and Romans 6:19–22 teach.

Second, are believers called to cast out demons from other people? The Bible never directs
Christians to confront or cast out demons. Instead, we are taught that true spiritual warfare involves
confronting false teachings and philosophies that Satan has developed to keep men from the truth.
According to 2 Corinthians 10:3–6, Christians engage in spiritual warfare by bringing to light the truth
of the gospel and the biblical worldview. Those truths fight against the philosophical fortresses that
sinful men raise against the authority of God. Christians are instructed to renew their thinking
against the world (Romans 8:5; Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews 12:1-2), reckon themselves dead to sin
against the flesh (Romans 6:6-7, 11, 13) and, resist against the devil (Ephesians 6:13-17; 1 Peter
5:8-9; James 4:7).

For additional help, see John MacArthur’s studies on The Believer’s Armor (Ephesians 6:10–24) and
Spiritual Warfare (1 Timothy 1:18–20).

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