Question: It is a strong, prevalent view across many denomincations that a true Christain cannot be possessed by a demon. However, is it possible that a Christian can be harrassed, dogged, or severely influenced by one or more demons in Spiritual warfare? Can a Christian be "demonized" as some put it, indicating harrassment, but not necessarily possession?

Answer: I believe that demons are different today than for the people of the Bible times. We have many demons, and sometimes it is within ourselves. Gal 5:16-18 describes the spiritual warfare that we suffer daily.

Jesus also warned in the beattitudes that for His names sake, we would be persecuted, mocked, harassed, dogged, and many other things.

The test put upon us is difficult, but not something that cannot be overcome. The best passage to give us comfort in this warfare is 1 Cor 10:13. God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear. God is on our side, He always has been and always will be. As long as we look to Him for strength, He will provide it. We have the strength to overcome.

Unfortunately, many do not make the effort, and they fail. When that happens, they want to blame something other than themselves. So they attribute their shortcomings to Satan or his demons. Remember Flip Wilson's "The devil made me do it"? No, we did it by choice.

Keep studying God's word. (Carey Scott, 7-6-2000, askme.com)

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