Is it possible for a Christian to be demon-possessed?

from the old testament

• First Samuel 16:14-23 relates that God removed His favor from Saul and that “a harmful spirit from the LORD tormented him.” The LORD had either specifically sent or allowed an evil spirit to afflict Saul as an act of judgment. This happened at least twice (1 Samuel 18:10-11a). Whether Saul was possessed or just severely affected by demons is unclear, but persistent rebellion against God may result in Him using demons as part of His judgement.
• The Book of Job offers critical insight into demonic activity and its limits. To show Job’s righteousness, God allowed Satan to attack him. However, He limited Satan’s boundaries (Job 1:12).
• After Satan took everything from Job and killed his children, he was disappointed by the results. He returned to God and asked for more (Job 2:4b-6). Even Satan can only do what God explicitly allows. God’s sovereignty provides a protective boundary around His faithful servants.
• Zechariah 3:1-2 illustrates Satan accusing Joshua the high priest. God defends Joshua, rebuking Satan and providing cleansing and protection for his sin (Zechariah 3:3-5). God’s people may face demonic accusation or spiritual opposition. However, ultimate authority remains firmly in God’s hands.

from the new testament

• Jesus demonstrated absolute authority over demonic spirits. For example, Jesus encountered a severely demon possessed man who was so strong that the people had given up trying to restrain him (Luke 8:26-29). Jesus asked the demon its name, to which they replied, “Legion” (Luke 8:30), a word meaning there were likely thousands of demons in the man. They knew Jesus had full authority over them so, out of fear, “Legion” begged Jesus for permission to go into nearby swine rather than the abyss (Luke 8:31-33). Jesus granted them permission, demonstrating that, as God, He had full authority and that demons can do nothing except fearfully obey Him.
• Paul reminded the Christians that they were indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16). Because God considers believers His temple and the presence of demons would profane His temple, God won’t allow demons inside believers.
• John implies this same truth when he said, “he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). This implies that believers cannot be inhabited by Satan or demons because we’re already indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
• But Satan can still attack believers. However, because God’s Spirit dwells in them, Paul could say that nothing—not even angels or demons—can separate believers from God’s love (Romans 8:37-39). While Christians face spiritual battles, these battles do not endanger their eternal security or allow for possession.
• In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul vividly describes spiritual warfare, instructing Christians to resist and stand firm against demonic attacks. He never says that Christians can be inhabited or internally controlled by demons. Rather, the battle is depicted as external spiritual attacks which Christians need to resist through faith and spiritual armor.
• James 4:7 likewise instructs believers to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The call to resistance presumes attack, not possession. The devil’s power is limited to external influence, which believers can resist.
• Peter affirms the reality of spiritual warfare in 1 Peter 5:8, warning Christians to be alert. Much like Paul, Peter said, “Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world” (1 Peter 5:9). Once again, resistance implies external attack. Christians must remain vigilant, but their souls remain safe.
• Finally, John taught, “he who was born of God [Jesus] protects him, and the evil one does not touch him” ” (1 John 5:18b). To “not touch” the believer means that “the evil one” (Satan) is merely an external influence, being held back by Jesus’ authority.

implications for today

While there is an active, ongoing spiritual battle, once someone is saved, they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and incapable of being possessed. God protects the believer and keeps His temple pure.

This should comfort all believers. While Satan’s power is real, he can only do what God allows him to do. Therefore, believers must not be superstitious, imagining demons invading and controlling them. Believers belong wholly to Christ and are permanently indwelt by His Spirit.

However, this truth does not remove the reality of spiritual warfare. Believers are warned repeatedly to resist Satan, to stand firm, and to maintain spiritual vigilance. The enemy’s attacks such as temptation, discouragement, false teaching, and division can cause real damage. Spiritual warfare is an external battle believers must actively engage in.

Resisting demons, however, does not mean attacking them. Rather, Christians are called to resist through praying, reading the Bible, growing in faith, and trusting in the Holy Spirit’s power. Being secure in Christ encourages believers to boldly resist spiritual battles without fear of losing their salvation or becoming possessed.

Ultimately, confidence in the security provided by Christ and His Spirit brings peace and freedom to live boldly and obediently for God. Believers are not victims of spiritual forces—they are victorious warriors through Christ’s completed work.