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Why Christians Cannot Be Cursed or Demon-Possessed
Series Theme: Discerning the Times – Answering Today’s Most Urgent Questions
❓ Question: Can a Christian Be Cursed or Demon-Possessed?
Some deliverance ministries and certain charismatic circles claim that Christians can be under
generational curses or even demon possession. These teachings often create fear,
confusion, and dependence on so-called spiritual “experts.” But the Bible gives a different message—one of spiritual
security and freedom in Christ. Scripture makes it clear: No—a true Christian cannot be demon-possessed or cursed.
This assurance rests on the believer’s union with Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the finished work of the cross.
Sealed and Indwelt by the Holy Spirit
From the moment of salvation, believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13–14).
Paul reminds us that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19),
and he states plainly that anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him
(Romans 8:9). This indwelling presence means the Spirit’s temple cannot be shared
with evil spirits. For the Christian, demon possession is impossible—God’s Spirit leaves no room for demonic inhabitation.
The Cross Breaks Every Curse
Some teach that Christians must undergo special rituals for curse breaking due to family sins or
occult involvement. Yet Scripture declares, “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us”
(Galatians 3:13). The true curse we faced was God’s judgment for sin—not someone’s
spoken hex. Jesus bore that curse at the cross. Colossians 2:14–15 shows that He
disarmed all spiritual rulers and authorities, and Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is
now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. For believers, generational curses have no power—freedom in Christ is complete.
Demon Possession Targets the Unregenerate
In the Gospels, demon possession is seen only in unbelievers—people who are violent, self-destructive, and spiritually
enslaved until Jesus delivers them. Salvation transfers the believer from the domain of darkness into Christ’s kingdom
(Colossians 1:13). While Christians can face demonic oppression through
accusation, temptation, and harassment, they cannot be inhabited or controlled by demons.
Spiritual Warfare Without Spiritual Bondage
Ephesians 6:10–18 outlines the armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace,
faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. We overcome not through modern “deliverance sessions” but through
discipleship, repentance, and growing maturity in Christ. This is the biblical view of spiritual warfare—rooted
in the sufficiency of Christ and His Word.
False Teaching Breeds Fear
Unbiblical teachings about curses and demon possession leave believers anxious and dependent on spiritual leaders rather
than on Christ. They often replace the freedom of the gospel with fear-based control. Biblical truth restores confidence:
in Christ, we are forgiven, cleansed, adopted, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and secure forever. No curse, demon, or scheme
of Satan can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39).
Conclusion: Freedom and Security in Christ
The Christian’s identity is defined by the gospel, not by fear of spiritual forces.
Generational curses and demon possession have no hold on believers. We are called
to resist the devil (James 4:7), renew our minds with truth
(Romans 12:2), and walk daily in the freedom Jesus purchased.
Check out Contending for the Word Q&A at Servants of Grace and Contending for the Word at YouTube.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.