Why Demons Don’t Have “Legal Rights” Over Christians

By Dave Jenkins
A Contending for the Word Feature

Short Answer:

The Bible does not teach that demons have “legal rights” over Christians. This idea, popularized in some deliverance and spiritual warfare circles—especially within the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR)—is foreign to biblical theology. Scripture teaches that Christ has disarmed the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15) and that believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13) and belong to Christ.

1. Where Does This Idea Come From?

The phrase “legal rights of demons” is not found anywhere in the Bible. It originates from extra-biblical teachings in modern charismatic and NAR circles, where it is claimed that demons can gain access or control over a believer’s life because of unconfessed sin, trauma, ancestral curses, or spoken words.

This concept is often used to promote elaborate rituals or deliverance ministries that seek to “break” these rights—sometimes with the help of a supposed prophet or apostle.

But the New Testament does not speak this way. Instead, Scripture emphasizes:

• The authority of Christ over all demonic powers (Matthew 28:18)
• The believer’s identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
• The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9)

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son.” — Colossians 1:13

2. What the Bible Actually Teaches About Spiritual Authority

a. Christ’s Victory Is Complete

Jesus declared on the cross, “It is finished” (John 19:30). His death and resurrection decisively defeated Satan (Hebrews 2:14), and those who are united to Christ share in that victory.

b. No Curse or Sin Overrides the Cross

• Galatians 3:13: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.”
• Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

There is no spiritual loophole or “legal right” by which demons can claim ownership over a child of God. That thinking cheapens the cross and adds burdens the Bible does not place on believers.

c. Sanctification, Not Deliverance Rituals

The biblical path to freedom is discipleship and sanctification, not repeated deliverance:

• Ephesians 6:10–18 speaks of the armor of God, calling believers to stand firm—not go demon hunting.
• James 4:7 says to resist the devil, and he will flee—not to search for his supposed legal contracts.

3. Why This Teaching Is Dangerous

a. It Undermines Assurance

Believers are told they are saved, sealed, and secure. The idea that demons can invade due to some hidden technicality causes fear, confusion, and doubt—all contrary to the gospel.

b. It Creates a Two-Tier Christianity

Often, only those with special “deliverance” knowledge or spiritual insight are seen as capable of helping others break free. This creates dependency on man rather than on Christ.

c. It Replaces Repentance With Rituals

Instead of calling for repentance and biblical obedience, people are led through formulas and verbal renunciations. But nowhere in the Bible do we see the apostles instructing believers to cast demons out of other believers. They call for faith, obedience, and trust in Christ.

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

4. The Real Battlefield: The Mind

2 Corinthians 10:4–5 says, “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” What kind of strongholds? Paul explains: “Arguments and lofty opinions raised against the knowledge of God.”

In other words, the real battleground is not a legal courtroom in the spiritual realm—it’s the mind and heart of the believer. That’s why:

• Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by the renewal of our mind.
• Philippians 4:8 calls us to dwell on what is true, honorable, and just.

✅ Practical Takeaway: Trust in the Finished Work of Christ

1. Know your identity in Christ—you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. Confess sin and walk in the light (1 John 1:9).
3. Submit to God and resist the devil (James 4:7).
4. Get discipled in sound doctrine—avoid sensationalism and cling to biblical truth.

📢 Call to Action

Reject fear-based teaching about “legal rights” that have no foundation in God’s Word. Cling to the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work and stand firm in your identity as a redeemed, Spirit-filled child of God.

🎙️ Explore related teaching on Contending for the Word.

📚 Read more at Servants of Grace and share this article to help others walk in the light of truth—not superstition.

“We are not ignorant of Satan’s schemes—but neither are we deceived by his lies.” — 2 Corinthians 2:11