Can Christians Be Demon-Possessed?

A Christian Response to Deliverance Theology

By Dave Jenkins

Can Christians be demon possessed? This article offers a clear biblical answer to that question, exposing the confusion of modern deliverance theology and affirming the believer’s freedom in Christ.

Short Answer

No. While many today claim that Christians can be possessed by demons and require deliverance, Scripture clearly teaches that true believers are sealed (Ephesians 1:13), indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9), and delivered from the domain of darkness:

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” — Colossians 1:13–14

To be in Christ is to be under His lordship—not under demonic dominion. The rise of so-called “demon slayer” ministries reflects a low view of salvation, a denial of the sufficiency of Scripture, and a dangerous distortion of the gospel.

Introduction

From TikTok to conference stages, a new wave of “deliverance ministers” now claim that Christians can be demon-possessed and need ongoing exorcisms. These teachers often blend charismatic hype with shallow theology, offering sensational “freedom sessions” rather than the enduring hope found in Christ.

But behind the dramatic testimonies and social media theatrics lies a troubling question:

Can a person indwelt by the Holy Spirit also be inhabited by demons?

Scripture, church history, and sound doctrine give a clear answer. For a biblical example of how Jesus dealt with Satan see Matthew 4 and this article.

Evidence: What Deliverance Ministries Teach

Quick Evidence Summary

• Claims that believers can have indwelling demons that must be cast out
• Emphasis on “legal rights” or “open doors” demons use to inhabit Christians
• Repeated deliverance rituals for the same people
• Downplays regeneration, promotes emotional experience
• Ignores the sufficiency of Scripture in favor of subjective manifestations

But Scripture nowhere teaches that demons can maintain a “legal right” to indwell a believer due to past sin, generational curses, or trauma. Christ has canceled the record of debt and disarmed every power (Colossians 2:14–15).

The gospel is not a legal loophole demons can exploit. It is a divine covenant sealed in Christ’s blood, declaring freedom and ownership by God alone (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).

Modern Examples from Deliverance Circles

• In 2023, Isaiah Saldivar claimed during a livestream that born-again Christians could have a “spirit of anxiety” and that it must be cast out.
• Vlad Savchuk has led mass deliverance events where professing Christians manifest supposed demons and undergo repeated rituals for things like fear and forgetfulness.
• A 2022 Charisma News article recounted a woman who underwent over 30 deliverances before biblical counseling revealed she’d never grasped the gospel.
• A viral 2024 clip showed a minister claiming even forgetfulness was demonic. Follow-ups showed attendees were left confused and spiritually unstable.
• A former member of a deliverance church testified that their chronic pain was misdiagnosed as demonic, distracting them from true medical care and discipleship.

Many who are told they need deliverance may actually need healing from trauma, biblical counseling, and loving discipleship—not repeated rituals.

For more on this distinction, see oppressed—not possessed. 

What the Bible Says About Whether Christians Can Be Demon Possessed

Christians do face spiritual warfare. But the Bible gives clear instructions:

• Resist the devil (James 4:7)
• Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18)
• Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Stand firm in the truth (1 Peter 5:8–9)

Spiritual warfare is real—but it does not require deliverance rituals. It requires sound doctrine, prayer, repentance, and submission to God.

Listen or watch for more on Satan, Demons, and the Christian and this issue of Theology for Life on the dangers of the modern-day deliverance ministry.

A Word from Church History

• Justin Martyr: conversion brings full liberation from demons
• Tertullian: demons flee from Christians because of the Spirit
• Athanasius: Christ’s victory over the devil is final for the believer
• Augustine & Calvin: demonic indwelling is impossible for the regenerate

Throughout church history, orthodox Christians have rejected the idea that a believer can be indwelt by demons. This remains the historic, biblical position.

Final Encouragement

If you’ve been confused by popular teachings or fearful because of what you’ve seen online, rest in this:

If you are in Christ, you are free. You are sealed by the Spirit. You are not under the dominion of darkness.

Run to His Word.
Rest in His grace.
Let truth—not theatrics—shape your understanding of spiritual warfare.

Watch my Video Episode with Doreen Virtue on this topic.

If you’ve been harmed or misled by deliverance teachings, seek out biblical counsel from a trusted local church or a certified biblical counselor near you.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36

🛠️ FAQ: Can Christians Have Demons?

Q: Can demons hide in a Christian’s “soul” while the Holy Spirit lives in their “spirit”?
A: No. Scripture never divides the believer into “spiritual compartments.” The Holy Spirit fully indwells the believer (Romans 8:9), and no demon can share that space.

Q: What if I still feel “attacked”?
A: That’s oppression—not possession. The Bible tells us to resist the devil (James 4:7), not expel him from within.

The Christian is not a divided house—he is a new creation. Where the Spirit dwells, no demon dares abide.

To sum it up, can Christians be demon possessed? The biblical answer is no—because Christ’s Spirit indwells every true believer.